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i
MILWAUKEE
Under the Charter,
FROM 1854 TO 1860 INCLUSIVE.
VOLUME IV.
BY JAMES S. BUCK.
MILWAUKEE,
^^
?
rVl- L '■ ^■
Entered according to Act of Congress in the year 1886, by
JAMES S. BUCK.
In the Office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington.
• ^ ^ ^ m ^
•2 • • •••••••
• •" • • •••••«.
• ••• •••••• •••••••*••
TO
EX-MAYOR HORACE CHASE,
Milwaukee's present oldest pioneer, and first town clerk,
IS this volume most respectfully dedicated
BY
THE AUTHOR.
Down the endless vale of time
SwiAly npeed the fleeting yeani.
M1S0056
PREFACE TO VOLUME IV.
In coming before the public for the fourth time as a historian, the
author has a deep sense of the imperfections his work contains, but
as perfection is seldom attained in this world, and particularly in the
compilation of local histories, he can only say that what errors there
are (and there are several) are of the head and not of the heart, and
must be taken as such. The intention has been to do justice to all,
and show malice to none. To live in a community for half a century,
and not make some enemies, is oftener the exception than the rule,
and to have done this does not show any great degree of moral
force in the individual who can boast of having accomplished it.
That the author of these volumes has made enemies he is well aware,
but is willing to abide the verdict of his fellow- citizens who have been
his compeers during all these years as to the truthfulness of the polit-
ical events recorded therein, or of the biographical and reminiscial*
sketches, several of which are quite lengthy ; and feels very well
satisfied that when he shall have joined his brother pioneers in the
great beyond, that posterity will do him justice.
All errors that have been discovered in the previous volume (and
not corrected) will be corrected in this, and all in this that may be
discovered as the work progresses, will also be corrected.
Among the illustrations m this volume will be a cut of the old
Military Hall on Oneida street, Bilty's Tremont, corner of Huron
* There were some objections made by certain members of the press to the
author's use of this word, which appeared in the Preface to Volume III. But as
it best expresses what he means, and is far more euphonic than the more lengthy
word reminiscencial, he claims the right to use it in the same connection in this
Volume.
6 PREFACE.
and Cass, the old Kilbourn mansion, corner Spring and Fourth streets
and John Rugee's planing mill, southeast corner Oregon and Grove
streets.
In closing this Preface, the author wishes to return his heartfelt
thanks to all who have in any way aided or encouraged him in his
laborious undertaking. But particularly are they due Horace Chase,
Enoch Chase, Daniel Wells, Jr., Alex. Mitchell, John H. Tweedy,
William P. Merrill, John B. Merrill, William S. Trowbridge, Uriel B.
Smith, Elisha W. Edgerton, Harrison Ludington, Elisha Starr, John
P. McGregor and Chauncey Simonds, of the ^Pioneer Association ;
to Nathaniel Merrill for drawings, and to the editors and locals of
the Milwaukee Sefitinel and Evening Wisconsin, for valuable services
and courtesies rendered.
The Author.
TABLE OF C0NTP:NTS.
Pai^e.
INTRODUCTION ii
CHAPTER I.— 1854 13
Opening Address — Members of Legislature — ^Weather — McLeod Frozen — ^The
Business Status — Milwaukee Hydraulic Company Chartered — Bridges —
Attack on John Rugee — He Replies — Sketch of John Rugee — Booth vs.
Shaw — Issuing Bonds to Railroads — Searched the Wrong Man — ^The Glover
Rescue — ^The Bielfeld Poem — ^The Old Helfenstein Warehouse Falls —
Complaints — ^The Spring Election — Consequences Resulting to the City from
this Election — A Free Fight and its Results — A Military Company Formed —
The Vance Bros., Sketch — A Runaway and Its Results — Milwaukee & Mis-
sissippi Railroad Report — William E. Goodman, Sketch — Robert C. Spencer,
Sketch — Street Cleaning — Editor's Comments Thereon — Great Storm — ^The
New Lighthouse Ix)cated — A Dam Case — Milwaukee's Second Great Fire —
Rebuilding the Burnt District — A New Hotel Called for— John B. Edwards,
Sketch — L. B. Rock, Sketch — Brooke & Cannon's Store Robbed — The Cloven
Foot Appears — ^Judge H. N. Wells' Famous Cow Case — Improvements —
Hun & Crosby — ^"fhe Nazro Building — ^The Reliance Mill — Commercial
Statistics — Assessments — Vessel Tonnage.
CHAPTER II.— 1855 67
Opening Address — Legislature — Report of Jailor — Fire — The Ground Rebuilt
Upon — Business Status — Badger Iron Works — Cummings & Goodrich, Sketch
—Police Court — Municipal — Spring Elections — ^The Mayor's Proclamation —
General King's Comments — Mr. Kilbourn's Replies — Result of Election —
General Rums King, Sketch — Public Schools — A Know-Nothing on the
Jury — Uncle Sam's Jurors — ^Journeymen Carpenter's Meeting — The Hog
Nuisance — A Call for the Marshal — He Replies — Michael Bodden, Sketch —
William Grant Fitch, Sketch — Charles Ray, Sketch — ^John J. Eves — Jabez
Smith — Sebastopol Not Taken — Mentzel & Stone, Sketch — tavesdropping^-
Opening lAke Shore Railroad — Street Improvements — A Fatal Mistake—
Milvraukee Locomotive Works — Seaman « Wing Cabinet — Robert Eliot,
Sketch — J. M. Holmes, Sketch — C'hurch Going — A Tremendous Shower —
Mrs. Epps Saves the Sugar — Board of Fire Underwriters Formed — Soon
Dies — An Exciting Runaway — A Bit of a Shindy — Police Jottings — Census
of Milwaukee — Census of County — Bay State Foundry — ^John S. Harris,
Sketch—William Goodenough— William Walton — The Reliance Works, Sketch
— Edward P. Allis, Sketch — The Ice Bear — Arthur Bates, Sketch — E. D. Hol-
ton Struck with a Slungshot — Appointment of a Night Watch — Marine Dis-
asters — How Is This for High? — ^The Sag Nicht Organized — Its Results —
Herman C. Adams Shot — Organization of the Corn Exchange — Cremation —
First Snowfall —Death of the General — Uncle Wm. E. Cramer Gets Sarah-
naded — George Cogswell, Sketch — The Evistons — Bridge Superintendent Ap-
pointed — A Bad Boy — ^The Old Light- House Sold — Sam Shoyer Gels Left —
Improvements — The Messrs. Christian and Gustav Preusser, Sketch — Mayor
Cross' New Block — City Valuation — Statistics.
8 CONTENTS.
CHAPTER III.— 1856 124
Opening Address — Noyes & Flertzheim*s New Store, Sketch of — Legislature —
Weather — ^The Police First Wore Stars in Sight — ^The Business Directory —
Sketches of Ernst Conrad, Louis Salomon, the French Bros., Ogden's Car-
riage Factory, Warren, Hewitt & Tracy, Goodrich & Terry, Bradford Bros.,
Sinclair & Gunuison, and others — William Brown, of Albany, Dies — Public
Market— John Johnston, Sketch — Board ot 'I'rade Organized — Charter
Amendments — Railroad Meeting — Fire — ^The Star Mill, Sketch — Old Jones
Tried— New Bridge CaUed For— New Jail Called For— She Wouldn't Stay
Out — Divisions of^the Second, First and Fifth Wards — Council Proceedings
— Spring Election — Its Results — Schools — List of Teachers — ^The Old Mili-
tary Hall — Opening of Bilty's Tremont — Sketch of Bilty — South Side Gas
Company Formed — Great Military Parade — Major Nunnemacher Makes a
Speech — ^August Phillipp Exhibits His Horsemanship — ^The Golden Gate
Saloon — ^The Old Loomis Skhool House — Owen Goss, Sketch — A. V. H. Car-
penter, Sketch — Dwight W. Keyes, Sketch — Excursion to Beaver Dam —
Railroads — llie Dean Richmond Goes to Europe — Chas. J. Kershaw, Sketch
Political — ^The Democracy Organize — Council Proceedings — Railroad Vote —
Criminal — Cattle Market — Great Torchlight Procession — Fall Election — Mr.
Hadley Defeated — Bear vs. Bull — Weather — Funeral of S>olonion Juneau —
Improvements — Vessel Tonnage — Cold.
CHAIIER IV.— 1857 181
Opening Address— The Albany Block— New Year's Calls— The Weather— E. H.
Brodhead a Bigger Man 'I'han the Pope — A New Grocery, Sketch — ^Jeremiah
Quinn, Sketch — Great Rainstorm — Business Status — Legislative — Ninth
Ward Organized — River Opened — Mr. Evans Dies — Municipal — Politics
Red-hot — Officers Elected — Andrew Mitchell, Sketch — Public Schools — As-
sessment — Altering the Grades — April Fool's Day — Its Results — The New
Postmaster — John A. Bccher, Sketch — A Park Proposed-.-Caleb Wall
Scores the Common Council — The Messrs. Matthews Brothers, Furniture,
Sketch — Opening of the Newhall — Its Success and Final End — Nathan
Pereles, Sketch — Merrill's Cornet Band — A Sad Accident — The Detroit &
Milwaukee Railroad Meeting — Humorous — He Wouldn't Stand It Any
Longer — Political — A Puff for Mayor Cross — Martin B. Coombs — Municipal
Rasodity Unearthed — ^The City in Peril — The Meeting at Albany Hall — I'he
Wisconsin — E. L. H. Gardner's Manifesto — The Wisconsin Defends Him —
Charles F. Freeman, Sketch — Stephen A. Harrison, Sketch — Daniel L.
Wells, Sketch — Improvements — Disputed the Count — Weather — Census —
Vessel List — Egbert Herring Smith Outdone — ^The Old Forest Home Ceme-
tery.
CHAPTER v.— 1858 243
Opening Address — Legislative — Municipal — Report of Tax Payers' Committee at
Albany Hall — Tabular Statements — The Effect of the Report — The Fight
Between the People and the Council — Jackson Hadley, Sketch — Taxation —
Milwaukee vs. Detroit — The Harbor Question — Alderman George S. Mal-
lory's Speech — More Meetings at Albany Hall — Letters from Tax Payers —
The Spring Campaign — ^The Fur Flies — William A. Prentiss Nominated for
Mayor on a People's Ticket — Result of Election — Vilification — Council Pro-
ceedings — License — A Tidal Wave — High Water — The Cordes Block Falls —
July 4, and Its Results — ^The Council Takes a Tilt at the Common Schools —
Alderman J. A. Phelps, Sketch — ^J. P. Rundle, Sketch — Opening of the At-
lantic Cable — The Jail — ^Judge H. M. Wells Dies — Memorial Sketch —
Charter Revision — Attempt to Remove the Court House — Rufus P. Jennings
— Police Court — ^The Fall Campaign — A Bitter Contest — The Land Grant
Steal — ^Judge Hubbell Buys a New Milch Cow — Chamber of Commerce Or-
CONTENTS. y
ganized — List of Its Presidents to Date — Matthew Keenan Retires from the
Office of Clerk of Circuit Court — Political — Councillor Jackson Hadley Goes
for Mayor Prentiss — Ma^or Prentiss Replies— ^Comptroller Hatha way's Esti-
mate — ^The Election, November, 1858 — Hotel Wettstein Opened — ^The Young
Men's Christian Association vs. The Literary Club — ^The Weather — Early
Ship Building— Wolf & Davidson, Sketch— S. R. Smith, Sketch— Early She-
boygan Houses^— Improvements.
CHAPTER VI.— 1859 298
Opening Address — ^The Weather — Political Trickery — Reports of the County Offi-
cials — L^slative — The New Charter, and the Fight on Its Passage — ^The
Result — ^The Mayor's Report — Comments Thereon — A Call for a Mass Meet-
ing at Albany Hall— The Result— An Attempt to Divide the 'ITiird Ward—
St. Andrew's Society Formally Organized — Jas. Siddell — Grain in Store —
Horse Overboard — Swine I>itto — A Cow-Slip — ^The Spring Campaign — A
People's Convention — Candidates Nominated — ^l*he Democratic Convention —
The Result — Major Fut Wins the Prize — C'omments of the Sentinel Upon E.
L. H. Gardner's Nomination — New School Opened — School Census — Ought
to Be in School — And These Ought to Be Whipped — Report — Page vs. Pren-
tiss—Page Gets Leit— The Plot Thickens— J. T. Perkins Wants More Light
—J. C. Starkweather Gets a Fall— The M. S. Scott Goes to Europe— The Ger-
mans in America — ^July 4th Celebration — ^The Hog Nuisance — Mr. Pat Mc-
Ginnis Makes His Maiden Speech — Likewise Did Misther O'Conner — Edi-
torial Sparring — ^The Horse Railroad — Sam Piatt Gets a Bible — Father John
Rosebeck on the War- Path — The Arrival of the New Steamers, the Detroit
and Milwaukee — An Affiiir of Honor — ^The Old Blind Singer — How a Mil-
waukee Carpenter Got a Floor 'I'aken Up — ^The Eagle Mill, Sketch — ^The
Phoenix — ^The Brewing Interest — ^The Empire Brewery of Phillip Best & Co.
— Wm. P. Young's Blocic Burnt — The Sentinel Gets Spooney — Wouldn't
Call Him Judge — ^The Old Market House — An Attempt to. Divide the Coun-
ty — Political — ^The Republicans Win — P. Van Vechten Scores ihe News —
Winter Coming — Population — Improvements — The First Town Election —
The Semi-Centennial — Statistical.
CHAPTER VII.— 1860 366
Opening Address — Police Report — Legislative — Horse Railroad Project — A Park
Proposed — The New Municipal Court Room — ^Judge Foote's (7ourt Abolished
— Sid Rood's Game Cock — ^The Pleasant Street Bridge — A Costly Wind — Ice
Left the River — The Spring Election Brings Out More Political Rascality —
Gardner & Lynch Arrested — Result of Election — Jasper Vliet's Safe Seized
by the Sheriff — Base Ball Discovered — Milwaukee's Third Great Fire — At
which a Mecklenberger Makes a Discovery — Marshal Jehu M. Lewis Tried—
The Public Schools — Geo. G. Houghton Takes the Helm — Council Proceed-
ings — S. H. Martin Builds three New School Houses — Railroads — Jacob L.
Bean as a Prophet — ^The Third Ward Market House — Belden's Old Home
Saloon Removed — ^The Cow Question — Caleb Wall Speaks — The Horse Rail-
road Craze — The editor of the Sentinel Threatened with a Licking — Political
Ruffianism — More Skullduggery — The Herzer Resolutions — The Lockwood
Resolutions — ^Their Efiect — The Germans Protest — Meeting of the Union
Republican Club — Municipal Folly — Councillor Lockwood Brings the Mal-
contents to Time — Councillor Noyes Resi}>ns — After which Councillor Rose-
beck Takes the Floor — His Speech — The Fall Campaign — A Republican
County Organization Effected — Election — First Snow Fall — Highway Rob-
bery — Fred. Wardner Garroted — Burning of Nichols 8c Brilt's Mill — Burning
of Cross Block — Improvements — The Lady Elgin Goes Down— In Memoriam.
ERRATA.
On page 24, for " Rocraft," read " Rycraft."
On page 93, for " Welbb," read " Webb."
On page 191, for " J. H. Green," read " Greeves."
On page 241, for " B. Stem," read " B. Stirn."
On page 398, fifth line from top, for "John Lockwood," read
" John Plankinton."
INTRODUCTION.
The local historian who attempts the laborious task of placing
upon record the principal events — political, social and financial — con-
nected with the founding of a new city, and its progress (to use a
metaphor) from infancy to manhood, will, as stated in the introduc-
tion to Volume III., not get rich or perhaps win much fame, but will
if he chance (as was the fortune of the writer) to have been num-
bered among its early men, often find himself during the progress of
his work carried back in memory to the starting point, and journey-
ing o'er life's well marked trail again, during which the scenes he has
witnessed, both mirthfiil and pathetic, will pass in rapid review before
his mental vision with a vividness that is wonderful.
This journey the author of these volumes has often taken during
the progress of the work, when the face and form of many who were
once prominent in our city as politicians and business men, but who
have long since crossed the Styx, were often seen, some of whom
were good men and useful citizens, while others sought their own
aggrandizement alone, wholly regardless of the consequences to
themselves or to others. To write the history of this latter class truth-
fully is often an unpleasant task, and if it should be claimed that the
political characters of any of the men sketched have been too harshly
dealt with, posterity has only to refer to the public records of their
lives to be satisfied, not only of the truthfulness of these sketches, but
that in several instances the party mentioned would have stood a
second coat of red without overstepping the bounds of truth.
In closing this introduction to Volume IV., the author feels justified
in saying, that to be counted as worthy of belonging to that small
12 INTRODUCTION.
band, who under the name ot Pioneers have been permitted to live
to witness the almost marvelous growth of the city they helped to
found, is an honor few can boast of having enjoyed. And to be, in
however small a sense, its historian, is a much greater one. That the
coming anniversary on the 19th of September next (a full text of
which will be found in the Appendix), when the first half century
since the township organization (out of which the city had its birth)
shall have been complete^i, may be celebrated in a manner worthy
of the occasion, is certainly the wish of
The Author.
Milwaukee, August i6th, 1885.
CHAPTER I.
1854.
Opening Address — Members of Legislature — ^Weather — McLeod Frozen — ^The
Business Status — Milwaukee Hydraulic Company Chartered — Bridges —
Attack on John Rugee — He Replies — Sketch of John Rugee— Booth vs.
Shaw — Issuing Bonds to Railroads — Searched the Wrong Man — ^The Glover
Rescue— The Bielfeld Poem— The Old Helfenstein Warehouse Falls-
Complaints — ^The Spring Election — Consequences Resulting to the City from
this Election — A Free Fight and its Results — A Military Company Formed —
The Vance Bros., Sketch — A Runaway and Its Results — Milwaukee Sc Mis-
sissippi Railroad Report — William E. Goodman, Sketch — Robert C. Spencer,
Sketch — Street Cleaning — Editor's Comments Thereon — Great Storm — ^The
New Lighthouse Ixxsited — A Dam Case — Milwaukee's Second Great Fire —
Rebuilding the Burnt District — A New Hotel Called for— John B. Edwards,
Sketch — L. B. Rock, Sketch — Brooke & Cannon's Store Robbed — The Cloven
Foot Appears — Judge H. N. Wells* Famous Cow Case — Improvements —
Hun & Crosby — ^The Nazro Building — ^The Reliance Mill — Commercial
Statistics — Assessments — Vessel Tonnage.
Fifty years have come and gone —
At least that's what they say —
Since the bold Saxon race so grand
Made their first plant upon the land
Around Milwaukee Bay.*
The commencement of 1854 was unmarked, at least in Milwaukee,
by any unusual demonstration in politics, business, or religion. The
excitement attending the election the previous November, growing
out of the liquor question, in connection with the election of Franklin
Pierce to the Presidency, some account of which appeared in Vol. 3,
had in a great measure died out, and now that the batde was over,
the victory won, the new year in reality commenced, and the frost-
king in full control of the weather, those who were at swords' points
(politically) during that exciting campaign, were now ready to bury
the hatchet, shake hands over the bloody chasm, take a smilet to-
gether, and unite in the usual round of festivities that formed so
*The first title to the land, upon which now stands the beautiful city of Mil-
waukee, was obtained at the land sale held at Green Bay, August, 1835.
t A friendly glass of whisky.
• • • • % • ,
m A • A * H ' .
• ■
• .
• • • •
•••••• • •
• •
:\: :^:. ••;:.: •::.,:;.vy
14 MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER.
large a part of the winter life of the denizens of the Cream City, in
the " olden time." Which festivities were inaugurated by the Odd
Fellows with
A New Year's Ball,
At Gardner's Hall,
followed by the firemen and other organizations, civil and military,
while the politicians hied them to Madison, some for the purpose
of aiding in procuring honest legislation, while others, (and by far
the largest portion,) " The Lobby," for the sole purpose of bulldozing
the members into turning the public grindstone while they sharpened
their little hatchets with which to cut down the traditional cherry
tree.*
And thus the months rolled away until March loth, when " Old
Sol" again broke winter's icy fetters, although the river was not
entirely clear until the 15th, and April loth brought us the first boat
fi-om below — the brig Globe — upon whose arrival we could truly say
that spring had come.
The previous year had, as a whole, been a very prosperous one.
A large number of buildings — including the original gas works —
having been erected, at an aggregate cost of $450,000.
Our population had reached 30,000, and our manufactures
$2,000,000. Our railroads, also, the Milwaukee & Mississippi, and
the Milwaukee & La Crosse, were rapidly extending their lines to
the " Father of Waters," and the outlook for Milwaukee to soon
rival Chicago was encouraging. True, she, like other western cities,
had not reached her present prosperous condition without a number
of drawbacks, as besides the decimation her population had received
*It is a fact beyond all dispute that during the infancy of our State government
our legislators were, as a rule, more willing to grant any franchise asked for by
William B. Ogden, for the benefit of Chicago, than for their own State, until it
became proverbial that the Legislature of Illinois held its sessions in Madison,
Mr. Ogden, small blame to him — as the Hibernian would say — always succeed-
ing in buying up a sufficient number of those "limber-backed, spoils seeking"
members every year to accomplish his ends, until the ** l^a Crosse Land Grant"
steal came to the front, after which he threw up the sponge (as the sporting men
say) in disgust, and retired from the business, as in place of •* fifty dollars per
capita," which was about the average he had been paying for ** Badger skins,"
they had advanced in price to an average of $5,000 for common, $10,000 lor prime,
$25,000 for extra prime, $50,000 for full grown males, and, in one instance,
S>220,ooo was paid for a silver gray. (See price list in chapter 5.) Oh! politics!
The lust for gold engendered in the hearts of all who once enter fully within thy
courts surpasseth all other passions, even that for women.
MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. 15
in 1849, ^y ^^^^ fearful scourge the "Asiatic cholera," the wheat crop,
upon the success of which her prosperity more than any other one
source depended, had during that (and the two subsequent years)
been almost a total failure, all of which had been keenly felt. But
better days were in store for her, as the past three years — particularly
1853 — had been prosperous ones agriculturally, and now her
plank as well as her railroads were groaning beneath the burden of
the rich treasures of wheat and other grains that came pouring in
from the unrivalled farming region for which she was the only natural
commercial outlet. Immigration, another source of wealth to a new
country, had also been quite large, over 25,000 having landed here
during the season of navigation, one-fifth of whom, at least, had
settled within her then corporate limits. All of which tended to give
an impetus to real estate, which advanced rapidly, in proof of which
was the sale in January, 1854, of the south twenty feet of lot one,
and the north forty feet of lot two, in block (5), third ward, by Jas.
B. Martin to Henry J. Nazro, for $18,000, a large sale for those
days, upon which Mr. Nazro was to erect a fine store the coming
summer. This building, the present Nos. 319, 321 and 323 East
Water street, which will be more fully described in its proper place,
was the wonder of the day when built, and is a good store now.
The members from Milwaukee city and county, for 1853 and '54,
elected the previous November, were for the senate, Edward M.
Hunter and Edward McGarry, and to the house, John Crawford,
Jackson Hadley, Peter La vies, Henry Beecroft, Timothy Hagerty,
Edward O'Neill, John Tobin, William Reinhard, and William E.
Webster. Speaker of the house, F. W. Horn.
This legislature convened January 11, 1S54, and adjourned
April 3, 1854.
Weather.
The winter of 1853 and '54 was a cold one, particularly the early
part, a snowfall of twelve inches, the greatest at any one time during
the last six years, occurring on the 5th of January, while the ice in
the river (which closed December 19, 1853,) was twelve inches in
thickness, with the thermometer at twelve degrees below zero.
The following is the record for nine days in January: The ther-
16 MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER.
mometer standing at 6 p. Nf., on the 7th, 12 degrees below zero; 8th,
10 degrees below zero ; 9th, 12 degrees below zero; 10th, 14 degrees
below zero; nth, 16 degrees below zero; 12th, 16 degrees below
zero; 23d, 7 a. m., 20 degrees* below zero; 8 a. m., 19 degrees
below zero; 9 a. m., 16 degrees below zero.
This was cold enough to satisfy the most fastidious. The ground
was frozen to a great depth, and very little work could be done out
of doors during the month of January and a part of February, except
to cut ice.
The business status of the old Arms was practically the same as in
185 1, a few changes only having been made in location or partners.
Charles C. Dewey, saddlery, 376 East Water street, is now a
farmer in Wauwatosa.
Abraham FoUansbee, bakery, 107 Wisconsin street. This was the
nucleus of the present mammoth bakery of Theodore Riedel, on
Broadway, an establishment that has made for all of its different
owners a large amount of money.
Wm. E. Goodman, camphene and gas-fitiing, 83 Wisconsin street.
Mr. Goodman will be sketched further on.
Timothy W. Goodrich and Eli S. Hunter were in the old red
warehouse foot of East Water street ; commission.
Richardson Grange! and Thomas C. Cole, meat market, were at
322 East Water street.
Jackson Hadley and Joseph W. Haskins, commission, were in the
checkered warehouse on South Water street.
These are a few not previously mentioned.
Mr. Haskins subsequently went to California. He was a bad one.
The Milwaukee Hydraulic Company Chartered.
The first step looking towards the construction of water-works for
the city of Milwaukee was by an act of the Legislature of 1854, and
*A man named Daniel McLeod froze to death during this cold weather, in a
miserable shanty, standing at that time where Angus Smith's elevator C. (the old
Sweet elevator) now stands. I remember the circumstance perfectly. There
was a large amount of suffering that winter among the poor, on account of the
high price of fuel and the impossibility of obtaining work.
f Mr. Grange is yet in business and located at 265 South Water. Mr. Cole is a
resident of Kansas City.
MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. 17
approved April i, under the above tide. The corporators and first
directors were Charles E. Jenkins, James Ludington, Joseph W.
Haskins, William P. Young, Duncan C. Reed, Asahel Finch, Jr.,
and James H. Rogers. They were to take their supply of water
fi*om Lake Michigan. There was also an act, March ii, 1855,
authorizing the city to issue $100,000 in bonds to aid in their con-
struction. This last act was to be submitted to the people for ratifi-
I
cation. It is needless to say that no works were ever constructed by
this company.
Bridges.
The reader will doubtless remember that a contract had been
made in 1853 by the Common Council with John Rugee to erect a
new bridge at the foot of East Water street, and also at Spring street,
for $11,500 for the two. The one at Spring street to be completed
by January i, 1854. The severe cold, however, prevented the ful-
filment of this contract (as to time), and some "croaker," who
evidendy did not understand what he was writing about, had an
article in the Wisconsin of February 3, complaining of Mr. Rugee
for not removing the old bridge at Spring street in readiness for the
new one, and gets the following reply firom that gentleman's ver-
satile pen :
BRIDGES.
To the Editor of The Wiscoruin :
In repl^ to the article in your paper of the 3d, about removing Spring
street bridge, I would say, first, that the writer oi that article nas not
got mechanical bumps enough to know what has been done; second,
that he does not know how many men are required for a structure of
this kind ; third, that he is apt to catch at and publish what others say
without inquiring into the facts himself. If he nad come to me I could
have shown him the yard where all the materials are being prepared
and where as many men are employed as can work to advantajge. It
has been represented by men tnat I thought worthy of belief that I
have been paid a sum of money to leave Spring street bridge and go to
work on the one at Walker's Point. This is too ridiculous to speak
about, since they have a bridge at that place that is passable for teams
now. Had the man who started that report visited mv bridge-yard he
could have seen men at work on the Spring street bridge for three
weeks past. When I made the contract with the city I told the Bridge
Committee that I could not possibly complete the one at Spring street
in the time specified, but that I was willing to pay the penalty (flO per
day) if they could give me a reasonable extension, which they agreed
to do if I would hurry it up as fast as I could. This I have done, and I
can assure the Wisconsin that the men in my employ are not slaves,
who can be driven to work in such weather as we had last month.
And now a word for the public. It is as much for my interest as
18 MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER.
theirs to get the bridge completed. I can get all the labor I want now
much cheaper than I can a month hence, and if I could set thirty or
forty men at work I could save at least |400 by so doing. Spring street
bridge was not removed for four weeks after I gave notice that I was
ready. And some of the very men who are now "barking" at me
wished it kept there until January, 1854, although they knew that my
contract with the city calls for a new bridge b\' that time.
John Rugee, Contractor.
This was a good reply, although not severe enough upon the
"blatherskites" who were barking at him. For the article in the
Wisconsifiy in answer to which this was written, was a pretty rough
one, and accused Mr. Rugee of not intending to complete the new
bridge by January i, 1854, the time set, and of not commencing in
season to pull down the old one, when, as he says, they would not
let him. It was so far completed, however, as to be opened for the
passage of teams March 14, Gfeorge F. Oakley being the first to
cross it, which he did with his new 'bus drawn by six horses. It
was fully completed March 27, when the old float so clumsy, but
nevertheless so useful in its day, disappeared, at least from Spring
street, forever.
Upon the commencement to remove the old one, January 6, the
following appeared in the Sentinel:
Spring Street Bridge. — In the spring of 1846 this beautiful structure
was built by the Common Council. Yesterday its demolition com-
menced, to give place to another bridge, which it is to be hoped will
last more than seven years. It is said that one of the Council shed
tears in passing yesterday on witnessing its destruction. It is also said
the Bridge Committee intend saving fragments of the old structure, to
have canes, tobacco boxes, etc., made from them, as relics of antiquity
and their tenacity to the old pathway.*
John Rugee.
This gentleman, who ranks as one of our prominent and successful
master builders and architects, was bom at Lubec, a free city in
Germany, January 3, 1827, and from where he emigrated to this
country when a boy. He settled first at the village of Poughkeepsie,
N. Y., where he learned his trade (carpenter), and from there came to
Milwaukee, in 185 1, where he soon came to the front as a mechanic
*This bridge, erected in 18J4, stood thirteen years, when it was replaced by a
new one, erected by the late Daniel L. Wells, which stood until 1882, when it
was replaced by the present iron one. The demolition of this last (the Wells
bridge) was commenced January 24, 1882, the writer crossing it for the last time
at 8 A. M. that morning. Sic transit.
MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. 19
of more than ordinary ability. His first work of any importance
after his arrival in our city, was the erection of a bridge over the
Rock River, at Watertown, for the Milwaukee & Watertown Rail-
road Company. He also built the one at Janesville, over the same
stream, for the Milwaukee & Mississippi Railroad, both of which are
yet in use, and, as has just been seen, was then {1854) engaged in
the erection of the one at Spring street, over the Milwaukee River.
This was the first swing bridge (i. e.) to swing upon a center pier,
ever erected in the city. It was at this time that he improvised a
machine to cut off the few piles* (fenders) formerly driven as a pro-
tection to the old float bridge, there being at that time no " dredge "
in the city of sufficient power to pull them. The novelty, as well as
the simplicity of this invention, attracted no little attention, and its
operation was watched by the mechanical portion of the community
with great interest. It was subsequently put to similar use on the
Chippewa River. Mr. Rugee's inventive genius was something mar-
velous to the mechanics of that day — there being no obstruction but
disappeared before his fertile brain as rapidly as does the dew before
the sun. He also, in connection with Stoddard H. Martin, with
whom he had become associated as a partner, built the Newhall
house in 1856-7, since which time he has devoted himself, almost
exclusively, to the manufacture of building material, drafting plans,
making specifications for private dvvellings, and superintending their
erection, a large number of which, both in the city and country,
show the mark of his hand. From this, to him a pleasant employ-
ment, he has now retired m favor of his son John C. Rugee, and
engaged in the lumber trade with Emil Durr, under the tide of Durr
& Rugee, in which enterprise let us hope that his success, as well as
Mr. Durr's, may meet their most sanguine expectations. So much
for his business record.
In political faith, Mr. Rugee is a staunch republican, in which
party he has been one of the pillars for the last twenty years, few in
Milwaukee having exerted a greater influence than has he. He was
elected to the legislature in i860, from the Fifth ward (in which he
has always resided), has also served two terms in the common coun-
* four feel under water,
20 MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER.
cil, the last one being in 1857, where he was both active and efficient,
and was appointed by the governor to superintend the erection of
the present court-house, and also a trustee of our county insane
asylum, from both of which positions he was ejected by the demo-
crats, who wanted no one to inspect their work who was not in full
sympathy with their plans. He was also elected sheriff, over John
IJentley, in 1880. Such is a brief sketch of his political record.
In religious faith he is a liberal, cares nothing for creeds, but judges
a man by what he does, and not for what he may believe, or profess
— ^always a safe rule to follow . In person he is of medium height,
has a well proportioned and muscular frame, has dark hair and dark
eyes, and is the very picture of health. He has a strong voice, speaks
somewhat quick, with a slight German accent — his words coming out
with a rolling intonation. He is the soul of honor, very conscien-
tious, and always careful what he says, or what he does. He is also
a good judge of character, few better in the city. He disUkes noto-
riety, is very undemonstrative for a politician, which to quite an extent
he still is, and will make no promise to any one, political or other-
wise, that he does not intend to keep. He has good executive abilities,
and can handle a large force of men to good advantage. He has
become quite wealthy, the result of a close attention to business and
good management.
Such is John Rugee, one of Milwaukee's well-known and respected
representative business men, a useful citizen and one whom the people
have often delighted to honor.
Spicy — Booth vs. Shaw.
There was quite a large amount of what might properly be called
a windy correspondence, this year, by and between the Milwaukee
Daily News^ Daniel Shaw, editor, and the Daily Free Democrat^
Sherman M. Booth, editor. If these gentlemen were at all friendly,
they certainly took a curious way to show it. The News^ of Feb-
ruary 7, published what purported to be an invitation from the
*• cuUered " population to Mr. Booth to join them in a public dinner
at Prof. "Jesse Epps, His Saloon,"* and to which invitation it
* As our forefathers would have stated it.
MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. 21
makes Booth accept. The menu was not very elaborate, consisting
entirely of rani, lamb, mutton and sheep (no horse or dog). Booth
was in a fearful rage, and so was Cpps, who said this was the worst
insult he had ever received in his life, and that was certainly saying
a great deal. There was much sport made of the affair, many claim-
ing that the proposed dinner was fully equal to Mr. Booth's deserts,
and wickedly hoped he would have a good time. It is needless to
say that the dinner did not come oft".*
Issuing Bonds to Railroads.
There was an ordinance passed at the meeting of the common
council, held February ii, 1854, for the issue of $100,000 in city
bonds to the Lake Shore (now the Chicago & Northwestern), and
also one for the issue of $200,000 to the La Crosse & Milwaukee
Railroads. The first named company gave as security for their
$100,000; a company bond for $100,000, a first mortgage bond on
the road for $125,000, the personal bond of the directors and others
for $150,000, and full paid stock for $100,000 — in all $475,000.
The La Crosse gave a company bond for $400,000, a mortgage bond
and twUs for $250,000 — in all $650,000. And the city had them all
to pay in the end.
Searched the Wrong Man.
The constable from the country of Ozaukee brought a pri.soner
named Miller to the Milwaukee jail, in March, 1854, that county
being then destitute of such a luxury, and who (/. ^., the constable)
was so drunk that the jailor, S. S. Conover, went through his pockets,
thinking, from his fuddled condition, that he was the prisoner. It
appeared from the prisoner's statement, and the constable's condition
certainly confirmed it, that he (the constable) would stop at all the
saloons on the road to wood up^ leaving his prisoner sitting on the
wagon for fifteen minutes at a time, who, when asked why he did not
run, replied : " Veil, it vas vinter, und I pees yust so coot here as
nudder blace."
* The writer has failed to find the full text of this " Menu,*' as the files of the
News, for 1854, have been destroyed by fire. " But it was rich."
22 milwaukee under the charter.
The Glover Rescue.
We come now to an episode in the history of our city that, for the
time being, caused more excitement and came nearer terminating in
bloodshed than all the exciting things which had previously occurred
within it, political or otherwise (not excepting the attack on the
Methodist church, March 6, 185 1), since its foundations were laid,
even the news of the attack on Fort Sumter by the rebels, April 1 2,
1 86 1, not causing half as much. I mean the arrest of Joshua
Glover, March 10, 1854, as a " fugitive slave," by virtue of a warrant
issued by the United States District Court, Judge A. G. Miller, under
what was known as the " Fugitive Slave Law,"* and his subsequent
rescue by the people on February 11, which arrest and rescue, as
well as the subsequent arrest, trial, conviction and confinement of
Sherman M. Booth in the then government bastile — the present
cuFtom-house, coupled with the action taken by the slave-holders'
court at Washington,t in attempting to coerce our state court into
obeying this infamous law, finally awoke the semi-palsied North
to their real danger, and led them to resolve that this " sum of all
villainies " should be driven from the land and America become the
land of the free and the home of the brave in fact as well as in
name.
But I digress. '
The facts connected with this arrest and rescue are substantially
as follows: Glover, who was claimed as a fugitive slave by one
Ammi C. Garland, of Missouri, was at that time employed in a mill
at Racine, where he was arrested by the then United States Deputy
Marshal, the late Charles C. Cotton, and although he made no
resistance when arrested, was nevertheless brutally treated by being
^This infamous law has never had a parallel in any country claiming to be civil-
ized, and to (iur shame be it said that the attempt to convert her people into
" bloodhounds " was first made in •* Free America." No wonder it could not be
enforced, for the execution of it was so revolting to every sense of justice that
few men were found in- the North who could he induced to make the attempt.
Its paternity is not certainly known, but Mr. Mason, of Virginia, is credited with
begetting it. But at all events, let whomsoever it was have all the glory. It was
attached to the *' Omnibus Bill," as is the tail to the kite, and in that way became
a law. But like the tail of the asp, it contained a terrible sting, fatal to all it
pierced. God forbid that America should ever be cursed with the like again.
fThe United States Supreme Court as then organized.
MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. 23
first clubbed by Garland, who accompanied Marshal Cotton, after
which he was handcuffed, thrown into the bottom of the wagon and
brought to Milwaukee (getting a kick occasionally while on the
journey from Garland, as a foretaste of what awaited him when once
more safely back in Missouri), and thrown into jail, where he lay
wounded and bleeding until morning, when, by order of Samuel S.
Conover, the under-sheriff (and jailor), his wounds were partially
dressed, after which he was given into the custody of a special
deputy sent to the jail for that purpose by order of A. V. R. Able-
man, the then United States Marshal for the Eastern District, and
from whose custody (the deputy) he was finally rescued.
It is an old saying that evil deeds travel fast, and it was not long
before the knowledge that a fugitive slave was in the jail, who if not
protected would soon be on his way back to bondage, and steps
were at once taken by Booth and his co-workers in the cause of
human liberty, the late General James H. Paine, Doctor E. B.
Wolcott, Franklin J. Blair,* and others, to prevent it.
Their first move was to call upon Marshal Cotton, who denied all
knowledge of the affair, after which they called upon Judge Miller,
by whom they were informed that such a warrant had been issued,
but whether the arrest had been made, or if made the trial would
come before him, he could not tell.
Upon receiving this information all the lion in Booth was aroused,
and after placarding the streets with small hand-bills stating the facts,
he mounted his horse and rode through the principal streets, shout-
ing, " Freemen, to the rescue !"
The excitement among the anti-slavery portion of the community
upon hearing this was intense. The bells were rung and a vast
crowd were quickly gathered at the court-house. A meeting organ-
ized, with Doctor E. B. Wolcott, chairman, and A. H. Bielfeld, sec-
retary. Speeches were made, resolutions passed, and a committee
appointed to wait upon Judge Miller and ascertain if the writ of
habeas corpus would be obeyed \ and upon being informed that it
•This 'affair cost Mr. Blair $2,000 in the way of bail for Booth, and what he had
to pay in other ways. But he considers it one of the best investments be ever
made, as the fire started by that arrest was only extinguished by the Emancipation
Proclamation of President Lincoln, January i, 1863.
24 MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER.
would not, they at once returned to the jail and made the same
demand of the sheriff, who informed them that Glover was then out
of his control and in the direct charge of the United States Mar-
shal,* whereupon the excitement was increased tenfold, and a large
crowd at once surrounded the jail awaiting the arrival of the delega-
tion from Racine, who, they were informed, were on the way, and
upon whose arrival, at 5 p. m., the fun commenced by an attack
upon the " old bastile," the doors of which soon flew open before the
sturdy blows of the indignant sons of liberty, and Glover was free. He
was no sooner outside than he was taken in charge by John A. Mes-
senger, who conveyed him to the residence of Hon. VVinchell D.
Bacon, at Waukesha, where his wounds were properly dressed, after
which he was removed to the residence of Moses Tichenor and
secreted until the search for him was over and the excitement some-
what subsided, after which he was taken back to Racine by Chaun-
cey C. Olin, and from whence shortly after he escaped to Canada,
where the slaveholder was not permitted to follow him.
Such, in substance, is the history of this attempt to execute the
" sum of all villainies," the Fugitive Slave Law, in liberty-loving
Wisconsin. And as the suits at law growing out of it, with the
exception of the trial of Thomas Mason, Geo. B. Bingham and John
Roycroft, who were tried before Judge Hubbell for breaking the
jail (and acquitted), are more of a national than a local character
and have already passed into our state history, they will not be
commented upon here further than to say that the slaveholders'
party have never won any " laurels " in Wisconsin.
A. Henry Bielfeld.
The following is from the pen of Mr. Bielfeld, written on the
arrest and escape of Glover, and is given here as a memento of
him :
No more shall the slavist dare
To claim Milwaukee. Curse their power.
This territory, free and fair —
This Western continent — is ours.
*The writer will say, although he is not proud of it, that he was ihk deputy
then in the jail, to whom Under-sheriff Conover had delivered Glover, and trom
whose custody he was taken. Neither did he attempt to recognize any of the
mob (as they were styled) who did it.
MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. 26
The fiends of man have ran their race.
These bloodhounds, this infernal pack,
They shall not ride us, by the grace
Of God, with saddles on our oacks.
Mr. Bielfeld was a very prominent man among his countrymen
for many years. He was, as has been seen, the first city clerk under
the charter. He was a man of marked peculiarities of character —
had a sovereign contempt for all shams of every kind. Honest him-
self, he wished every one else to be. Peace to his memory. He
died November i6, 1882, and was interred at Forest Home.
The old Helfenstcin warehouse, on Erie street, bursted March 19,
letting about 8,000 bushels of wheat, together with the horse used
for hoisting, and which was in the upper loft, out on to the dock.
The old equine took it quietly, just as though it was a proper thing
for a warehouse to do.
Complaints.
There was great complaint made this year, just previous to the
spring election, about the fearful condition of East Water street, par-
ticularly on the want of uniformity in the grade of the sidewalks,
which varied up and down every twenty feet, same as they do on
Grand Avenue to-day. Every one erecting a building would set it
above or below his neighbor, just as the whim took him. A strong
effort was made to bring them to a common grade, but it was not
done, and probably will not be for the next twenty years, for the
reason that the grade in the Third, and all the lower part of the
Fourth wards, will ultimately have to be raised from two to four feet,
in order to get proper sewerage.
The Sentinel y in commenting upon this matter, stated that no man
ought to be voted for at the coming election for alderman, in either
the First or Third wards, who would not promise to act, and act at
once, in this matter, giving the whole board in fact a general scoring
for not paving East Water street, ending his peroration with the wish
that some one (he did not want to do it) would take the various can-
didates for aldermanic honors and walk them up and down the side-
walks, and then over the street, in order that they might contemplate
the scene, for if they could, he thought they would make up their
minds to fix that street or die.
26 MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER.
This sort of talk was all well enough for newspaper men, and in
fact it was their proper province, but if the aldermen had attempted
to have fixed that street, as called for, or as it ought to have been,
that same editor would have been among the first to howl about the
taxes, and blow up the common council for its extravagance.* Those
old time editors, like those of the present day, were always on the
" bull " side when it cost them nothing.
The municipal election in 1854, was a pretty hotly contested one,
there being a split between the two factions of the democracy. The
following was the result :
Mayor — Byron Kilbourn.
Comptroller — ^John B. Edwards.
Treasurer — Ferdinand Kuehn.
Attorney — Erastus Foote.
Police Justice — Clinton Walworth.
Surveyor — William S. Trowbridge.
Marshal — John Mitchell. t
Ward Officers.
Aldermen.
First ward — Jackson HadleVi Geo. S. Mallorv and Victor Schultee.
Second ward — Richardson Houghton, Charles E. Jenkins and Chas.
Geisburg.
Third ward — John Caughlin, John Hayden and Jas. Reed.
Fourth ward — Jaa. Lumngton, Alonzo L. Kane and Daniel Schultz.
Fifth ward — Andrew Mitchell, Ed. Wonderly and Jasper Humphrey.
President of Board — Jackson Hadley.
City Clerk— Robert Whitehead.
Commissioners of Surveys — First ward — Joshua Hathaway. Second
ward — I. A. Lapham. Third ward — Elisha Eldred. Fourth ward — I.
E. Goodall. Fifth ward — Martin Delany.
Assessors — First ward — H. TJpmann, Second ward — B. Church.
Third ward — Richard G. Owens. Fourth ward — J. S. Pardee. Fifth ward
— Martin Delaney.
Railroad Commissioners — First ward — A. Sawyer. Second ward — H.
Haertel. Third ward — Daniel Murphy. Fourth ward — S. C. West.
Fifth ward — Carlton Holland.
* There is no doubt that the depreciation of real estate on East Water street ,
more particularly below Huron, is largely due and chargeable to the miserable
condition in which in was kept during those years — to say that it was bad does not
express it. Its condition was simply abominable. But it had to be endured, and
we lived through it. The money to pay for improving it, as called for, was not to
be obtained without too much of a sacrifice, neither could any of the aldermen
elected be convinced that it was the proper thing for them to do, as those who
had the most votes would not permit it, and to do it without their consent was
equivalent to a defeat at the next election, a calamity which the average politician
always avoids, if possible.
f Mr. Mitchell was elected over Tim O'Brien by 1,378 majority. Tim's pres-
tige was gone, at least for a time.
MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. 27
Justices of the Peace— First ward— Albert Smith. Second ward — C.
F. Bode. Third ward— Wm. Holland. Fourth ward— Haven Powers.
Fifth ward— Oliver Parsons.
Constables— First ward— F. Kessler. Second ward— Geo. Fischer.
Third ward— John H. Ryan. Fourth ward- P. Maloy. Fifth ward—
Ohas. Meyer.
City Printers — W. E. Cramer, Daily Wisconsin. Frederick Fratney,
Daily Volksfreund .
Council met in Martin's block, 399 East Water screet.
School Commissioners.
First ward— J. Hadley, Kufus King and Thos. Duggan.
Second ward — Chas. E. Jenkins, Samuel Brown and Benj. Church.
Third ward — John Cummines, Edward McGarry and Hans Crocker.
Fourth ward — Priam B. Hill. Geo. E. H. Day and Haven Powers.
Fifth ward— Andrew Mitchell, Edwin DeWolf and Clark A. Place.
Chas. E. Jenkins, president.*
R. Whitehead, secretary.
Teachers for the Public Schools.
The following is a list of the teachers to be eniployed in the public
schools of our city, during the current year, as agreed upon by the
board of school commissioners at their meeting on Saturday last :
First Ward School.
Principal — A. A. Griffith. Miss Jane Stoddard, Assistant.
Intermediate Department — Mrs. Jiydia Palmer, Principal. Miss Emily
S. Palmer, Assistant.
Primary Department — Miss Mary C. Osgood, Principal. Miss S. C.
Stoddard]! Assistant.
Second Ward.
Principal— A. S. Darrow. Miss S. C. Church, Assistant.
Intermediate Department — Miss L. A. Ingraham, Principal. Miss
Hetty Fairbanks, Assistant.
Pnmary Department— Miss M. E. Stannard, Principal. Miss E. Green-
leaf. Assistant.
District No. 2— Miss E. II. Langdon, Principal.
Third Ward.
Principal — F. C. Pomeroy. Miss E. M. Ross, Assistant.
Intermediate Department — Geo. McWhorter, Principal. Miss Mary
J. Gilbert, Assistant.
Primary Department — Miss S. C. Bushman, Piincipal. Miss Anna E.
Mitchell, Assistant.
* The City Directory, for 1854, makes Rufus King, president, and the Sentinel
makes Chas. E. Jenkins. The name of A. R. R. Butler, also appears in the
Directory, upon the finance committee in the school board, which I think is not
correct, as his name does not appear m the "Roster" as having been a member
of the board for that year.
28 MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER.
Fourth Ward.
Principal — A. J. Craig. Miss Sarah Wells, Assistant.
Intermediate' Department — Miss Amanda Elmore, Principal.
Primary Department — Miss Augusta Richmond, Principal. Miss Mary
Selleck, Assistant.
Fifth Ward.
Principal — ^James Baker. Miss Mary Jane Wells, Assistant.
Intermediate Department — Mrs. Henrietta Baker, Principal. Miss
N. F. Trowbridge, Assistant.
Primary Department — Miss Laura M. Pratt, Principal. Miss Louisa
Ballard, Assistant.
There were six good substantial brick school buildings, the new one
(the sixth) being in district number two of the Second ward, north-
west comer of Fourth and Beaubian streets. The amount paid
teachers was $7,816.03; incidentals, $1,578.60. Total expenses for
the year, $9,394.63. The highest salary paid was $650, and the
lowest $200. The secretary's report was similar to those already
given in volume 3, and is therefore omitted. It was signed by Robert
Whitehead, secretary, and dated April 4, 1854.
Fire Department.
The election for officers of the fire department resulted as follows :
Chief Engineer — John S. Fillmore.
First Assistant — D. N. Neiman. Second Assistant — J. C. Goodrich.
Third Assistant— Linus N. Dewey.
President Board Trustees — S. S. Daggett. Secretary — William Allen.
Treasurer— Ed. P. Allis.
Fire Wardens — First ward: R. C. Jacks and Frank Devlin. Second
ward: Avery Hill and Nathan ]?ereles. Third ward: Morris Louis and
Theodore Bilty. Fourth ward: Chas. Bierbach and Charles Duval.
Fifth ward: S. H. Martin and Nathan B. Brooks.
Number of firemen in the city 523.
Supervisors.
This office was filled in the different wards by the senior aldermen,
ex-officio. The following were fi-om the towns :
Wauwatosa — Thos. Tobin. Granville — J. F. Brandt. Milwaukee —
Hennr Fowler. Lake — Andrew Doujflass. Greenfield — F. F. Ward.
Oak Creek — A. Koch. Franklin — J. Riordan.
Geo. S. Mallory, chairman. A. Bade, clerk.
County officers elected the previous November were :
Sheriff— Herman L. Page.
Under Sheriff— Samuel o. Conover.
Deputy Sheriffs— William Wedemieyer, John Mitchell, August Seifert,
William 'Beck.
MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. 29
District Attorney — A. R. R. Butler.
Register of Deeds — Ohas. J. Kern.
Connty Treasurer — Garrett M. Fitzgerald.
County Surveyor — John Gregory.
Coroner — ^Timothy O'Brien.
Superintendents of Poor — Edward VVeisner and Chas. James.
This election was the entering wedge which split the two factions
of the democratic party in Milwaukee in twain for a time, and bred
a " ruction " of no small dimensions, during which the republicans
looked on with the utmost complacency to see this happy family enjoy
themselves. It resulted, also, in placing a few men in office, who
were not long in inaugurating a system of expenditures — to call it by
no harsher name, the magnitude of which will appear further on —
«that came very near bankrupting the city for all time, and which
calamity was only averted by the readjustment act of 1862.
This election, as previously stated, was a hotly contested one
(something like the one just held, September 15, 1885, on the license
question), and culminated in a free fight between the Irish and Ger-
man wings of the democratic party in ihe First ward, during which
stones and bricks were flying in all directions, several were badly
hurt, and one man, a Mr. Johnson, who was coming down Oneida
street, and wholly unaware of the row, was nearly killed by being
struck in the face with a brick thrown by an Irishman. The battle
terminated in a victory for the Germans, who finally drove their
opponents from the field. This man, Johnston, who was the then
sexton of Plymouth church, got his revenge at the next Christmas,
in the following manner :
Just as the services were commencing on that eventful evening, it
chanced that a full fledged son of the " gem of the sea," filled with
benzine, " bologna sausage, Limburger cheese," and other luxuries
usually found in a beer-saloon, and smelling like a tan-yard,
came reeling into the church and took a seat in one of the pews,
where he remained for a short time (the whiskey fairly oozing from
his mouth the while), after which he pulled himself up by placing
his hands upon the top of the pew in his front, staggered out into
the aisle, got upon his knees, crossed himself very devoutly, and
started for the pulpit, thinking, no doubt, in his fuddled condition,
that he was in a catholic church, as the arrangement of the light
30 MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER.
around the pulpit were similar to those around the altar in one of
that denomination. But in this he was quickly undeceived, for no
sooner had he fairly started, than Johnson, who had been quietly
watching his movements from the vestibule door, and to whom, " in-
jun like," it made no difference whether it was the one who threw
the brick or not, so long as it was an Irishman, stepped in, took him
by the collar, walked him out to the front door, and gave him a
kick, the reverberation of which could be distinctly heard throughout
the church, and which sent him rolling down the steps (at that time
some twenty in number), after which he resumed his place at the vesti-
bule door, a bland smile illuminating his broad face, and looking as
innocent as a cat just returning from a milk-stealing expedition,
while, no doubt, poor Pat finished his devotions in the "watch-house. '•
It was an amusing scene, and often come to mind when passing
the church even now. Johnson subsequently removed to Kansas.
The following appeared in the Sentinel of March ii, 1854:
NEW MILITARY COMPANY.
The undersigned, desirous of forming an independent military com-
pany composed wholly of Americans, would invite such as are willing
to join such an organization, to meet at the House of Engine Company
No. 1, Monday evening next at 7} p. m.
A. J. Langwobthy, L. N. Dkwby,
AvjERY Hill, M. A. Kellogg,
A. D. Guy, M. F. Cross,
Wm. Gkippith, Loren Doney,
David House, C. A. Buttles,
E. R. INLAND, B. Throop,
Joel Hood, R. C. Jacks,
J. C. DowE, L. M. Tracy,
Herbert Reed, M. F. Riqgs.
The cause for this was the feeling of uneasiness among the native-
born Americans for their personal safety on " election days," growing
out of the attack made upon them by the German Democrats of the
Second Ward the previous November (mentioned in vol. Ill, page
456) ; and as an ofTset also to the two military companies already
organized, (viz.:) The Milwaukee City Rifles, Capt. Henry Miller
(German), and the Milwaukee City Guards (originally the Sarsfield),
Capt. John Jennings (Irish). The new organization was called the
" National Guard." The first officers were : Capt., Rufus King;
MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTEP. 81
First Lieut., Andrew J. Langworthy; Second Lieut., Joseph La-
throp; Third Lieut., J. P. Wheeler.*
The Vance Brothers.
Among those who came to our city in 1854, with the intention to
make it their hiture home, were Frank L., Charles, Wilson and Da-
vid Vance, from the village of Sackets, Jefferson County, N, Y.;
and who upon their arrival at once connected themselves with the
shipping interest, which in connection with insurance (fire and ma-
rine) they have followed to the present time with a persistency that
few have equalled ; and none have excelled, until they have become
a factor of no small dimension among our business men, a truth, that
whoever meets David or Frank as a competitor, will not be long in
finding out ; and that in crossing swords with them he has met two
foemen worthy of his steel, over whom to win a victory is something
to be proud of. In personal characteristics these two brothers are
very unlike. Frank L. has a nature almost feminine, is slow to
anger, and has the bump of caution largely developed. He goes at
his work with a nonchalance truly wonderful, particularly if a trade
is in progress ; at which time he approaches his point with a touch
so velvet-like as to be scarcely felt, while at the same time a bland
smile will so illuminate his otherwise usually mobile countenance, as
to win your confidence at once. Although naturally aggressive, he
never shows the first sign of it. And if he was after your * 'scalp"
(to use a metaphor), he would remove it so deftly, that in place of
giving pain, you would really feel the more comfortable for it. He
is a gentleman always, and one of the most tender-hearted and char-
itable to those in want, that the writer knows, and in the exercise
of which he is no Pharisee, never wanting his right hand to
know what his left doeth. David on the contrary is of an entirely
♦This company subsequently (under the name of the '* Light Guard '') made
a famous record, and upon the breaking out of the rebellion, in 1861, furnished
several of the officers for the first Wisconsin regiments sent to the front. Promi-
nent among them was Rufus King, who was made a Brigadier General, John C.
Starkweather, who was also commissioned as Colonel of the First Regiment, and
Geo. B. Bingham, who was made Captain of Company A. All of whom made
a splendid record. The breaking out of the war, however, virtually disbanded
them, as well as their congeners, the German and Irish companies mentioned
above, many of whom also went to the war, both as officers and privates. The
first public parade given by this well remembered company was Nov. 23, 1885.
82 MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER.
different temperament; he is openly aggressive and goes at his work
with a force not easily resisted, never using one- half the caution that
Frank L. will. He represents, in nautical language, the " right
bower " in the firm of Hibbard & Vance, and when he takes the
ground, the ship rides in safety. His place is on the" quarter deck,"
while Frank L., if left to choose for himself, would elect to be super-
cargo, and would make a good one. In political faith they are both
staunch republicans, and have always, David in particular, taken an
active part in the political issues of the day. They are for freedom
and good government always. In religious faith they are liberals.
Such are the Messrs. Frank L. and David Vance. They have
reached a high plane socially and commercially, and are fairly
entitled to be ranked among Milwaukee's most successful business
men and representative citizens.
Of Charles Vance the writer can say very little, as his acquaint-
ance with him was too slight. Physically he was a son of Anak.
He was over six feet in height and one of the most muscular men
who ever lived here, and with the exception of Charles Freeman, a
sailor, known in the olden time as the Michigan giant, I have
never seen his superior in strength. He was one whom no stranger
would ever be likely to take any liberties with. He, like Frank L.,
was gentle in manner, but if once aroused, look out for trouble.
He died at 348 Rorida street, Oct. 10, 1858, and was buried by the
Odd Fellows, of which organization he was a prominent member.
Wilson Vance (who never lived here permanently) died at Denver,
Colorado, where he had gone on account of his health in August,
1875-
A Runaway and Its Result.
A team belonging to P. C. Hale ran away, April 4, and one of the
horses, after getting separated from his male, ran up East Water
street to Wisconsin, and up Wisconsin street until opposite Edward
Weisner's store, 86 Wisconsin, where he ran against an old French-
man named John Nowel, a servant of the late George D. Dous-
man,* knocking him down an outside stairway into the basement,
♦Mentioned in Vol. i, p. 121.
MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. 33
after which he plunged down himself, where he remained over an
hour before he was extricated. That accident was the cause of No-
wePs death a few weeks later.*
Milwaukee and Mississippi Railroad Report.
The Milwaukee Sentinel for June, 1854, contains a lengthy as well
as an elaborate report of this railroad, from the pen of the then
superintendent, Edward H. Brodhead, a synopsis of which is here
given as being a part of the city's history. The report commences
with a description of the founding, growth and progress of the city,
historical, topographical and commercial, from the settlement of
Solomon Juneau in 18 18 to date, after which he proceeds to the
report proper, as follows :
The Milwaukee and Mississippi Railroad now completed and in
full operation to Madison, ninety miles, with a branch to Janesville^ is
the first Wisconsin railroad to make a showing of earnings as claiming
our attention. Its general direction is westerly from Milwaukee, and its
terminus is Prairie du Chien, on the Mississippi, 200 miles distant. We
present below various statistics, showing the times of opening the dif-
ferent sections, as well as the amount of gross and net earmngs from
year to year since the first rail was laid to the present time.
The road was first opened to Waukesha, twenty miles, February 25,
1851, from which to December 81 following the
Gross earnings were $22,111 60
Expense of operating 7,596 82
Net earnings $14,514 78
Meantime, the work of extension was being carried forward and the
road opened to Eagle, thirty-six miles, January 22, 1852; to Palmyra,
fortv-two miles, August 2, and to Milton, sixty -two miles, December 1,
1852.
The Southern Wisconsin has been extended to run from Milton through
Janesville to the Mississippi, of which the first eight miles has been
built by the Milwaukee and Mississippi, and opened to Janesville,
seventy miles from Milwaukee, January 6, 1853.
The annual report of this company shows the gross earnings for the
year ending December 31, 1852, to amount to $75,340 90
Expenses 26,658 63
Net earnings $48,682 27
The cost of completing and e(iuipping the road from Milwaukee to
Janesville, seventy miles, was $1,364,570, an average of $19,494 per mile.
During 1853 the work was extended from Milton to and beyond Madi-
son, but no section was opened durinj^ this year. The opening of the
road to Stoughton, eighteen miles, takmj; place January 2, 1854, so that
*This old man had been an attache of the Dousman family for nearly half a
century. I remember him well. George D. took the kindest care of him after
he was past labor until he died. He was a regular "courier du hois" of the
olden time.
34 MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER.
the statement of earnings for 1851^ is for the seventy miles only for that
entire year, with the exception of two days.
The annual report for January, 1854, shows that the total earnings for
1853 were ^226,918 48
Expenses 87,115 48
Net earnings $139,803 00
We doubt if another road in the country can show a larger rate of in-
crease of receipts or of operations carried forward than tiiis. The ex-
penses of operating the road last year were equal to 33J per cent, of the
gross earnings.*
The equipment of the road represented on the 31st of December,
1853, was as follows : Six passenger cars (coaches), two more build-
ing; two baggage, two building; 171 freight, forty gravel, thirteen
hand, eleven locomotives, seven of which were built at the Menomi-
nee works in this city. Of these (the cars) all the passenger and
baggage, and nearly all the freight, have been built at the company's
shops at Waukesha.t
The road was opened to Madison, ninety-six miles from Milwau-
kee, May 22, 1854. The earnings for the months of January, Feb-
ruary and March were $70,115.29, against $27,875.44 in the corre-
sponding months of 1853, which is a sufficient guaranty, says Mr.
Brodhead to the stockholders, that their stock will pay 10 per cent,
under all circumstances and in all times.J
*The annexed, taken from the Sentinel of February, 1853, is inserted here as a
historic item. It is from the pen of the then station agent, our present weli-
known fellow-citizen and prominent real estate broker, Ed. Barber. Some
difference between the monthly receipts then and now:
PRODUCE FROM WHITEWATER.
Whitewater, February 5, 1853.
Mr. Editor : — Below you will find a statement of produce, &c., forwarded from
this depot, by the M. & M. Railroad, during the week ending the 5th inst., the
freight amounting in the aggregate to $359 27-iooths:
3,864 bush wheat. 14 bush flax seed.
200 bush oats. 3»2i8 lbs pork.
49 bush rye. 182 bbls highwines, weight 60,060 lbs.,
17 bbls flour. and sundry other articles
5 bbls lard, 1,400 lbs.
Yours, &c., Edward Barber, Freight Agent.
fThe above statement furnished by Benjamin H. Lennox, the very popular and
efficient secretary to General Manager Miller, shows some difference between the
equipment and earnings of this then pioneer road and its present aggregate lines.
Now the number of locomotives is 654, there are 8 palace cars, 9 dining, 40
sleepers, 265 passenger coaches, 191 mail, baggage and express cars, 15,113 L>ox,
stock and freight, 4,321 flats and 416 cabooses; earnings, $2,000,000 per month.
JBut it didn't though, it soon got a "list to port," to use a nautical phrase, and
ran down to 'j\ cents on the dollar, and ultimately went on the "brokers' reef."
As Mr. Brodhead once said, it was built oujaith. But then it was not faith with-
out works.
MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. 86
The number of passengers carried in 1853, on the 70 miles in op-
eration, was 75,975. 67,000 tons of freight were also transported.
Two passenger and two freight trains having been run daily (Sundays
excepted), during most of the year. The sum of $20,975 was ex-
pended for a brick round house at Milwaukee,* and a frame freight
shed.t
There was also 14 850 rods of fence put up along the line, at a cost
of $13,396. And the freight and passenger stations at Fulton, S'tough-
ton and Madison, costing in all $11,726, were all erected this year.
The machine and car shops at Waukesha, built in 185 1 (See. Vol.
3, page 332,), have been sold for $i2,ooo.J
The following is inserted as a matter of history connected with the
infancy of this rOad ;
TiiE Cabs.
A freight tram came in yesterday afternoon, towards evening, com-
posed of eight cars. This was the first train of freight cars that had
arrived since Thursday last, owing as we before noticed to the heavy
drifts of snow on the track. On Sunday morning, Mr. Olin started for
Janesville, with three engines, and on yesterday morning, Mr. Brod-
head, the Superintendent, accompanied by Mr. Merrill, started with two
more engines, one of these brought back the eight cars from the Forest
House. This leaves us without an Eastern mail since Friday, and solely
depending on the wires for our news. This is the first Railroad and the
first time the cars (we believe) have been stopped for any length of time
in Wisconsin.
P. S. — A train of fifteen freight cars arrived last evening, and an
Eastom mail is probably here this morning, as it left Janesville at 6
p. M. yesterday.
The following statement from the then Secretary, the late Wm.
Taintor, shows the amount of capital stock subscribed up to December
31, 1853, to have been 15,422 shares, representing $1,542,200, and
on which there reuiained unpaid at that date, $511,319.24, almost
30 per cent. I'he election of officers which occurred on the loth of
January, resulted in the re-election of the old Board. Those who
voted at thic election, were : John Catlin, E. B. Wolcott, Adam E.
Ray, William H. Barstow, J. Cobb, S. C. Hall, Geo. H. Walker,
*Pulled down in 1882 to make room for the present mammoth in freight house.
fThis stood where freight No. 4, the present Western Transportation Company's
shed, now stands.
JThe first Machine and Car Shops were erected at Waukesha, and were sold to
John Nazro, who sold it to the late K. N. Kimball, who converted it into an elevator.
It was a useless piece of property, and finally burned uninsured.
86 MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER.
Hercules L. Dousman, John Goodrich, S. H. Alden, A. Finch, Jr.,
Eliphalet Cramer, Alex. Mitchell, Hans. Crocker and Edward D.
Holton. The highest number of votes cast by any one, being
9863, and the lowest, 7197.
A dividend of 10 per cent., $160,800, payable in stock, was de-
clared on the loth of January, leaving a surplus in the Treasury oi
$6,260.14, which was deemed by the then stockholders, as highly
satisfactory. The exact earnings in 1854 were $464,237.73, an in-
crease of 104 per cent, over the previous year.
WiiLLAM E. Goodman.
This gentleman came to Milwaukee from Oconomowoc in 1854,
and opened a shop for the sale and putting in of gas fixtures in a
frame building then standing where Martin's Iron Block now does,
south-east corner of East Water and Wisconsin streets, where he re-
mained until March 20, i860, when he with others was driven out
by the great fire which consumed all that row and the comer on
Broadway. His loss by this fire was set down at $1,000. From
this location he removed to 1 1 1 Wisconsin street, where he was again
driven out by fire the same year, after which he removed to 117
W^isconsin street, where he remained until 1875, when he removed
to his present quarters, 442 and 444 East Water street, the Pruesser
Block, where he is to be found to-day. Coming into the city in the
infancy of gas-fitting gave Mr. Goodman an advantage over those who
came later, which he was quick to see, and consequently while he
was at 1 1 7 Wisconsin street, had built a large business, and was for
a long time without a competitor of any note. His fair and honor-
able way of dealing won the confidence and friendship of all the
community who were in need of his wares, and this post he holds
to-day.
In person Mr. Goodman is of medium size, has dark hair and
eyes, and dark complexion with a slight florid tinge. He has a
pleasant voice, a pleasing address, gentle manners, has an unusually
kind disposition, is very confiding (too much so at times), is a true
friend, and if an enemy, is a very undemonstrative one. In political
faith he is a republican, and in religious, a liberal. He is stricdy
honest, very conscientious, a good citizen, and as a business man
stands well in the community.
milwaukee under the charter. 87
Robert C. Spencer.
This gentleman, so well and favorably known in Milwaukee as a
business educator, was bom at Ashtabula, O., June 22, 1829, and is
the son of Piatt R. Spencer, noted as the author of the Spencerian
system of penmanship, now so extensively taught in this country,
particularly in the West, and who assisted in starting many of the
early business colleges, in the conducting of which the subject of
this sketch has made such a famous record. Mr. Spencer's first
move after the completion of his education was as teacher in the
commercial college at Buftalo, N. Y., in 185 1, shortly after which he
was associated with Messrs. Bryant and Stratton in establishing what
was known as the international chain of business colleges, which
these gentlemen opened in some forty principal cities in the United
States and Canada. This undertaking not proving to be all that its
projectors anticipated, the association (mainly through the efforts of
Mr. Spencer) was dissolved, and Messrs. Bryant and Stratton's con-
trol over the colleges came to an end. A new organization was then
formed, under the name of the International Business College Asso-
ciation, of which Mr. Spencer was president one term, and subse-
quently the Business Educators' Association of America was formed,
of which he was president one term.
The Milwaukee Spencerian Business College, a link of the Bryant
and Stratton chain, was established September, 1863, R. C. Spencer,
manager, who, seeing that this was a grand opening for a young
man, concluded to go it alone. This was a phase in the business
which led to quite a warfare, ending in 1865, in a dissolution with
Messrs. Bryant and Stratton, who, in order to checkmate their former
partner and control the business, purchased the Lionel Lincoln Col-
lege, which they enlarged and fitted up at a great expense,* and the
battle raged for a short time. But in the end Messrs. Bryant and
Stratton were forced to strike their flag and surrender to Mr. Spen-
cer, who at once merged it in the new Spencerian College. The
capitulation of Professor Larigo soon followed, since which time he
has held the fort and is destined to for years to come.
*This was in the old J. B. Martin block, southwest corner of East Water and
Wisconsin streets.
38 MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER.
Mr. Spencer has been a very active as well as a very useful man
in Milwaukee, always first and foremost in every good work. He is
aggressive, and whoever thinks to drive him from his position with
tufts of grass alone is not wise. He has an iron will, and in the
discussion of all questions of the day in which he may become a
participant wields a ready pen. He is an able writer, and never lets
up on anything he undertakes that he believes to be right (and he is
not likely to undertake anything that is not right), until he has ac-
complished his end, or its accomplishment found to be an impossi-
bility. He is quick to see, prompt to act when action is required,
loves justice, and is perfectly fearless in carrying out his views. He
has served six years on the board of school commissioners, where
he was very useful, as he has good executive abilities. He has taken
a great interest in the phonological society for the improved educa-
tion of deaf mutes, of which he is the president. He has a fine
physique, a pleasing address, is not nervous and is always self- poised.
In religious faith he is a liberal, and in politics a Republican. Such
is Robert C. Spencer, one of Milwaukee's most active and useful
cilizens, and one who has the respect of all who know him.
The editor of the 5<f«//«^/ asks questions and gets answered.
Cleaning the Streets. — In some places the cleaning of the streets
has commenced. In East Water street it is progressing with alderman'
like rapidity, and if followed up in like manner the street will be
cleaned to Walker's Point bridge by this time next year^ certainly not
before. By-the-by, what has become of the paving committee? Where
are they, and what are they doing? Is the street to be paved or not?
Teamsters and farmers from all parts of our state are anxious to have
this question answered, and are anxious to have the council establish a
"ferry" across the "straight cut" at the foot of Wisconsin street,
crossing East Water street, to prevent their teams having to leap it.*
In answer to his inquiries he was informed (at least he so states on
the following day) by Alderman Hadley that the contract for paving
East Water street, from Wisconsin to Division, had just been let,
which settled that point, after which he (the editor) gives the whole
board a scoring for not cleaning lower East Water street, winding up
his screed as follows :
But what do the aldermen care ? They can go on with the work of
grading down the bluflf in the Seventh ward (meaning between Wiscon-
*What this has reference to I cannot tell, unless it was some ditch for gas or
sewer pipe.
MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. 89
sin and Huron Btreets), where no one lives, and filling up the streets in
the marsh, where no one will travel for years to come (he was mistaken
in that), but have no eyes to see, no ears to hear, no noses to smell, and
no money w^herewith to pay for attending to the wants of the most
populous thoroughfare in the city. What shall be done with them?*
The worst we can wish them is that they might be coinpelled to sit one
day on a dry goods box on the sidewalk between Bufialo and Chicago
streets, which pastime would, I think, make them eo to work and hx
that street. For with the heaps of manure, hundreds of dogs running
at large, ho^ on the sidewalk, swill carts crowding the ladies into the
street, our city is certainly a credit to the aldermen, or the aldermen a
credit to the city. Which is it ?
The council took all this abuse mildly. They didn't care a .
Large Glass.
The first large pane of glass in the city was placed in the old Van
Cott corner this year. Here is what the Sentind said about it :
A Pane. — ^That laijge pane of glass, measuring nine feet eight inches
by six feet, is now pEiced in Van Cott's wandow permanentlv. This will
niake it ahead of any window in town for showing goods. There is
some talk of repairing the clock on the top of the building for the
accommodation of the public.
Great Storm.
There was a terrible storm this year on the 8th of June, which
caused a large amount of damage to the shipping. Among the vessels
driven ashore and otherwise damaged were the schooners Andes,
Bamum, and Empire, the latter being aground between the piers.
The steamer Lady Elgin lost her smoke stack. East Water street
was nearly all under water below Detroit street, and taken as a whole
it might be considered as a very damp time.
A Crack Store,
By Messrs. Jackson & Luxton, at what is now 344 East Water
street. This store was to 1855, what T. A. Chapman's is to 1885,
or nearly so. They made a great noise at least, and sold a large
amount of goods. They were short hved, however, and finally sold
out and left. I remember these gentlemen well. I thnik Mr. Luxton
was an Englishman, but am not certain. Their sign was an immense
" Bee Hive," and their advertisements would beat those of any of our
present merchants.
* If this question had been propounded to the late Col. Anius Sawyer, he would
probably have suggested the same remedy that he did for the backsliders in the
churches, to-wit: "Chalk 'em.*'
40 milwaukee under the charter.
Cheap People's Store.
This was the way the sign read on the store of Adler & New-
bo uer (Solomon Adler and Goodman Newbouer), No. 19 Spring
street, now 117 Grand Avenue.
Query, — ^Which was correct — a cheap people's store, or a people's
cheap store? Will Messrs. Adler & Newbouer please rise and
explain.
[For the Daily SentineL
TEAMS LEFT UNHITCHED.
Messrs. Editors :
In the Sentinel of thiw morning ^ou say that since Sunday noon you
have seen four runaways, and think no other city in the Union can
boast of so many runaways as Milwaukee. Do you think there is an-
other city in the Union where so many horses are allowed to stand in
the streets without being fastened as in Milwaukee? Do you believe
there would be one-fourth the number of runaways if the* ordinance
upon that subject should be enforced? Have vou ever reported a case
wnere a person has been brought before the rolice Court for violating:
that portion of the street ordinance requiring horses to be fastened
when left in the street*?
If it is not convenient for you to answer the above questions perhaps
the City Marshal will. Cor-us.
Milwaukee, August 30.
[Immediately upon receiving the above communication, we looked
out of our window and counted no less than six violations of the ordi-
nance referred to in a sinele block. Our city authorities must see to it
that this ordinance is rigidly and impartially enforced.
Editor Sentinel.]
The Jail Full.
Forty criminals were confined in the Milwaukee jail in the month
of September, 1854, while quite a crowd of applicants for a berth
were waiting their turn, and it was not a very good month for jails
either.
Light House.
The new light house (the present North Point light) was located
this year, July 22.
A Dam Case.
Among the cases tried before Justice Walworth this year (and their
name was legion), was one, July 28, brought against John Fertig,
ostensibly for gambling, the real animus of which, however, was on
account of the erection of a dam, by the defendant Fertig, across a
gutter in the Second ward, by which the water was made to flow into
MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. 41
complainant's cellar. Some thirty witnesses were called, who spoke
five different languages, requiring the attendance of as many different
interpreters. The trial occupied the better part of two days, during
which the idiosyncracies of the witnesses, aided by their counsel, the
late Judge Foote, or " old Phut," as the Irish called him, and John
L. Doran (who for deviltry and cunning could discount Foote and
give him fifty points), nearly drove Mr. Walworth crazy.
The first day the defendant's wife got a continuation on account
of the absence of her husband, and on the second, asked one on
account of being sick herself, in proof of which she produced the
certificate of Doctor Hambitzer, who turned out to be a sausage
maker — M. D. meaning meat dealer. The verdict was not guilty.
Some of the reporters present got off the following stanza upon
this trial :
There's many a tiresome case, I ween,
As well as many a sham case ;
But of all the cases I have seen,
The d dest is a dam case.
Milwaukee's Second Great Fire.
The 24th day of August, 1854, was a day long remembered by
the citizens of the Cream City. It was an extremely hot day, the
thermometer indicating 93^ in the shade, when at 12 m. the old
Court House bell pealed forth the startling intelligence, that a disas-
trous fire was raging ; and which proved before it was fully under
control, to be the most disastrous fire which had ever occurred in
the city up to that time. It put the great fire of April, 1845 {^^ ^^^
same locality), as far in the shade, when we consider the difference
in the value of the property destroyed, as that exceeded the burning
of a single dwelling. It commenced, or rather it was set, in the
hay -loft of the livery barn of S. B. and J. Davis, a frame structure,
then standing on the north-west corner of Broadway and Huron
street (now 329 Broadway) ; and such was the rapidity with which
it spread, that in less than two hours the entire square bounded by
East Water, Broadway, Michigan and Huron Streets, was in ashes.
The buildings fi'onting on East Water Street were with one exception,
all brick, no veneered building having up to that date been erected,
notwithstanding which they melted before the surging billows of
42 MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER.
flame, like so many stacks of hay. Taken by numbers the buildings
destroyed would stand as follows :
Commencing with the United States Hotel,* the oflfice to which
then occupied 130 (old numbering+), we came next to 132, then
vacant ; then 134, Williams Lee's old place, occupied at that time by
C. SchorstJ as a hat and cap store; then 136, Jacob Steinhart, cloth-
ing; 138, by Russell H. Benton, boots and shoes; 140, by Peck &
Baker (Henry P. Peck and Theophilus L. Baker), dry goods; 142,
by Rood & Goodrich, jewelry ; 144, by Edward M. Hurd, crockery;
146, Ly Emanuel M. Shoyer, clothing; 148, by Caleb Wall, auction
and commission; 150, by Irving D. Hull, as a bookstore; 152, by
John H. Silkman, hats and caps. (These three last-mentioned were
frames.) We come now to the E. B. Dickerman block, containing
three stores, in the first of which we find Samuel Shoyer (clothing),
David G. Power§ (land office), and Philetus W. Yale (merchant
tailor), below, and in the second s'ory (the old Odd Fellows' hall) by
the offices of the Merchants' Mutual Insurance Company, the musi-
cal society, the law office of George E. H. Day, and others; 160
was occupied by Wm. S. Welles, clothing, 162 by J. P. Barker, hats
and caps, and 164 biings us to the corner, in the second story of
which was the office of the Wisconsin Marine and Fire Insurance
Company (Alex. Mitchell ||), above which, on the third floor, was the
office of the Daily Evening Wisconsin^ which brings us to Michigan
street.
Turning east on Michigan, we come first to the Exchange block,
a two-story brick, occupied at that time for offices, among whom was
that of Jas. Mallory, attorney, Geo. W. Mygatt, architect. Doctor
Jas. Garner** and others, which brings us to the alley, across which
stood the old Tremont, a two-story fi'ame, see volume II, page 242,
kept at that time by Dixon S. Pollett, which brings us to Main street
*For description of this hotel, See Vol. II, page 237.
fThe present numbering is 330, 332 and so on.
^I think this name is incorrectly given, as no such name appears in any of the
old directories.
J Burned at the Newhall, January 10, 1883.
||This building had a very high basement story, there being some seven or eight
steps to ascend in order to reach the bank entrance.
** Shot by Mrs. Wilner, March 2, 1876.
MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. 43
(Broadway), where, upon turning south, we come first to the Tre-
mont stables, then to the livery bams of Messrs. Butler & Bowers, of
J. Weatherby, and of the United States Hotel barns, which brings us
to the point where the fire started, where, upon turning west, we
corae first to the meat market of Matthew Broome, and of J. Galla-
gher, then to the grocery and boarding house of Jas. Dixon, which
brings us to the alley in rear of the United States Hotel, and then to
East Water street, crossing which we come to the northwest corner
of East Water and Huron streets, upon the corner of which was a
small frame building, erected by G. My rose, at what is now 329, then
131 and 133, occupied by Lawrence Herscherde and Frederick
Schendt, as a confectionery at 131, and by Joseph Carey, at 133, as
a clothing store, next to which, on the north, was the Jas. H. Rogers'
block, standing at what is now 3-53, 335 and 337,* occupied at that
time by Messrs. H. Bosworth & Sons, druggists, at 333, John D.
Gardner & Co., dry goods, at 335, and Messrs. Haney & De Bow,
hardware, at 337, all of which were consumed. The hardware stock
of Henry J. Nazro, at 341, the dry goods of Sexton Bros. & Co., at
347, and the leather stock of G. Pfister, at 349, were also more or less
damaged by water.
The books of the Wisconsin Fire and Marine (Alex. Mitchell),
together with those of the State bank (now the Milwaukee National),
located at that time at what is now 361 East Water street, which
building it was thought at one time would burn (as well as most of
the money), were placed upon the tug Tift, in charge of John B.
Merrill, and taken down the river to a place of safety, until the fire
was subdued. A second alarm was sounded during the night, on
account of the breaking out of the flames among the debris of Bos-
worth & Son's store, which brought the worn out firemen once more
to the spot, where they were compelled to work several hours before
it was finally extinguished.
Among those who by their coolness and good management saved
their stock from destruction upon this occasion, was our well known
pioneer crockery dealer, Franklin J Blair, who at that time occupied
what is now 359 East Water street, whose stock, on account of its
* TTie Jas. H. Rogers building, a cut of which was given in vol. II, page 220.
44 MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER.
frailness, could not be removed, which he did by closing all the doors
and windows, and fighting it from the inside by keeping the windows
wet down with water brought from the river in pails, a very laborious
as well as dangerous task, as had the fire once got inside nothing
could have saved them ft"om certain death ; such was the intensity of
the heat as to crack the glass in several of the windows, but it did not
fall out.
For the next three days subsequent to this fire, the city papers
were filled with the suits against those arrested (ninety-one in all) for
stealing, as well as the complaints of the lookers on, and who, as
usual, were profuse in their suggestions as to how it should have been
handled, as well as in their criticisms as to how it was handled, which
at last drew a sharp reply from that old veteran fireman, Andrew J.
Langworthy, after which they were silent.
The number of buildings destroyed at this fire was thirty-six taken
as numbers, but as separate buildings there would be twenty-five,
several of them — the Dickerman, James H. Roger's, the Exchange
block, and perhaps one or two others — having three numbers each.
This fire revealed one fact, that most merchants are greatly over-
estimated as to wealth, the largest stock being that of Messrs. Sexton
Bros. & Co., $80,000 ; Haney & De Bow, $50,000, and Bosworth
& Sons, $25,000; William S. Wells, $35,000. The balance were
comparatively small. A flaming advertisement does not by any
means establish the fact that the advertiser has got one- half he claims
to have.
The total loss was estimated at $500,000, a large amount for those
days. It footed up at $381,900, and the total insurance to $233,101,
divided in the following agencies :
Ellis Worthington, $45,550 ; Allen Wheeler, $50,900; William J.
Whaling, $83,451; Charles J. Cary, $8,800; Leonard Kennedy,
$37,400; J. C. Boise, $6,000.
Rebuilding the Burnt District.
The smoke of this disastrous conflagration had not fully disap-
peared before contracts were entered into for the erection of new
and more substantial ones. Eleven were let within eight days, viz.:
•Three by Messrs. Shepardson and Cross and two by Eliphalet Cram-
MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. 45
er, upon the United States hotel site ; and adjoining these, on the
north, were two for Thomas H. Roddis, and one for Mrs. William
Pierce, all to be fire proof on the outside. There was also one for
Lester Sexton* and one for Messrs. Bosworth & Sons, upon their old
sites.
The architect for these buildings, with the exception of the one
for Mrs. Pierce, for which James Douglass was both architect and
builder, was George W. Mygatt. The contracting mason for the
Cramer, Roddis and Bosworth buildings was Hiram R. Bond. The
carpenter for Mr. Cramer was Frederick Y. Horning, for Mr. Rod-
dis, Walter S. Babcock, and for Messrs. Bosworth & Sons, George
Southwell.t
The iron columns for Messrs. Cramer and Roddis were furnished
by Decker & Saville, and for Bosworth & Sons by James Sheriff.
The total cost of these eight stores was $50,000.
In addition to this Mr. Silkman and £. M. Shoyer, both rebuilt.
The mason for both was John Rycraft, and the carpenters Messrs.
Spaulding and Foote. The architect was G. W. Mygatt.
A New Hotel.
There was an attempt made at this time by a few of our business
men to erect a mammoth hotel. (See annexed.)
The New Hotel. — ^The Wiscontin has the following notice of the new
hotel which we alluded to the other day:
" We were yesterday shown, at the room of Mr. Mvgatt, architect, a
draft of the proposed new hotel, to be located on the corner of East
Water and Michigan streets. It is to be 60 feet on East Water street,
254 on Michigan, and 120 on Main — extending from Water to Main
street, and forming an L — to be built of brick, with iron (3aps and sills,
six stories high, besides the basement^ which will reach about five feet
' above the sidewalk. The lower story is intended for stores, banks, Ac.
The State Bank is to occupy the room on the corner of Water and
Michigan streets. The plan is certainly a good one, and neatly exe-
cuted. It is to be christened the Shepardson House. We learn that
there is now about $60,000 subscribed towards defraying the expense of
its erection. It will require a subscription of only ^,000 more."
This project all fell through for want of money, and there are
not probably one hundred persons in the city to-day who remember
*Built by James Ludington, now Nos. 341 and 343 East Water street — the
Robert Haney store.
fWent afterwards to California,
46 MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER.
anything about it. The leading spirits in this enterprise were John
Lockwood, James Ludington, Thos. P. Williams, James B. Cross, C.
Shepardson, and a few others now forgotten.
Taxation.
The foUowing is inserted here as an important comparative item of
the past with the present :
To the Mayor and Common Council of the City of MUivaukee :
In compliance with the provipion of the charter, I hereby submit the
following estimate of the expenditures df the city for the fiscal year
ending April 1, 1855, as well as the amount necessary to be raised the
current year, to defray the expenses and pay the interest coming due
in 1855 on the city debt, also the amount required for ward purposes:
For City Purposes, $5,500; Bridcjes, $1,200; Tending same, $900;
Printing, $1,200: Stationery, $250; Police, $600; Elections, $^0; Salary
of City Clerk, $1,500; Comptroller, $2,000; Marshal, $800; Attorney,
$600; Treasurer. $1,500; Assessor, $600; Surveyor and assistants, $1,500.
Police Justice, $700; Contingent, $1,500. Total, $21,250.
The increase in the fire department is for a new enjrine house, new
hose, and to pay salaries of the foremen of the nine companies, $300
each. $2,700, in accordance with an ordinance passed April 6, last, and
to take efiect December 31, 1854, which, with the $2,128.27 wanted for
repairs, form the basis of the $5,500 asked for. The estimate for
bridges, to become hereafter a general citv charge,* has been raised
from 600 to 1,200, making in all $24,224, which will require a levy of 2
mills on the taxable property in the city, provided the amount of real
estate exhibits no increase over last vear.
The special tax levied for 1854 was, for the First Ward, $11,162.11;
Second, $8,305.18; Third, $12,560.38; Fourth, $12,113.21; Fifth, $10 305.15,
and for the Racine street extension, $1,450; land taken for new harbor,
$3,914, and for opening streets in Third, Fourth and Fifth Wards, $2,987;
total, $52,792.03.
John B. Edwards, City Comptroller.
August 31, 1854.
Biographical.
John B. Edwards, who signed this report, was for many years a
prominent Democratic politician and office-holder in Milwaukee.
He was naturally a smart man and competent to fill any position in
the official corps of the city. But he could not bear prosperity, and
whisky got the upper hand with him, as it has with thousands of
other good men who mix in political life, and he fell. He was a
generous fellow, full of ambition. He also unfortunately married a
woman who helped drag him down — a "stately dame," fi-om New
York — a Mrs. Vrons. She was one of those women whom it is well
*Up to this time the Cherry, Chestnut and Oneida street bridges had been kept
in repair by the First and Third Wards respectively.
• -
• •••
• • • • • ••
••• ••(
• •• • •
V.
• • • •
• «•
• •
••
•
• •• •
• • ••
• •• •
•
• •••
•
• • • •
••.
• •• •
V-.
• • • •
• ••
•
• •
•
• •••
• •
• •
••••
^^^^
- MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. 47
to let alone. That was what was the matter with John B. Edwards.
He started fair, but fell by the wayside.
Lewis B. Rock.
This well known and popular railroad official is a native of
Canada East, having been born at Drummondsville, in that province,
on the 13th day of August, 1825, where he remained on a farm until
nineteen years of age, when, like many others who disliked the
drudgery as well as the monotony of a granger's life, he struck out
for himself, his first " plant " being at Bristol, N. H., 200 miles from
the paternal roof (the whole of which had been traversed on foot),
under the late Sherburne S. MerriU, as an employee in a hotel.
Here he remained for four years, when, wishing to see more of the
world than could be learned in a " one-horse " country village, he
went to Lowell, Mass., where he remained one year, when the gold
fever took him to California. This was in 1850. He remained in
California until i854,wlien, tiring of the excitement incidental to the life
of a gold miner, and learning that his old employer at Bristol was in
Milwaukee, he started for that city, which he reached on the 20th of
July, 1854, where he was at once given a position as baggageman by
Mr. Merrill on the Prairie du Chicn division of the present Chicago,
Milwaukee and St. Paul Railroad, which he filled for a little over
one year, when he was appointed conductor first of a mixed, then of
a regular passenger train, in which capacity he remained until 1866,
when he was promoted to the position of assistant superintendent,
and in 1867 to division superintendent of the Northern division (the
old La Crosse), which position he holds to-day, having reached a
plane which not one in five hundred of his fellow-craftsmen ever
reach.
Mr. Rock belongs to that class of men who always aim to do
their whole duty, and who never indulge in any such word as can't ;
but if beaten at one point, always tries it again, and who always
wins. Starting at the foot of the ladder, he has climbed steadily up
until the topmost round is in sight, and stands high among his
brethren who hold similar positions. He, too, possesses to a goodly
extent the same quahties necessary to make a good railroad man
as did his late chief, viz., quickness of decision, executive ability and
48 MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER.
discipline. He also has the push, and when the stomis come (as
they surely will in the life of every railroad superintendent), he goes
steadily and systematically at work to clear the track, and never fails
to accomplish it.
In person Mr. Rock is rather below the medium, has dark hair,
dark eyes and dark complexion. He is very nervous, very quick
motioned, speaks short and quick, is always pleasant, and with old
acquaintances very social; but when talking business always has the
necessary amount of dignity requisite for the position he occupies,
and holds a warm place in the hearts of the employees under his
control.
He is now suffering from the effects of overwork, from which let
us hope that he may speedily recover and fill his present position for
many years to come.
The following, taken from the Sentinel of the 14th of August,
1885, is inserted here as an evidence of the esteem in which Mr.
Rock is held by his old associates :
Superintendent Rock's Birthday.
The Milwaukee and Hartford friends and employees of Mr. L. B.
Rock planned a very pleasant surprise for him in honor of his sixtieth
birthday, at Hartford yesterday. After taking dinner at the Alton
house the suests from Milwaukee were joined by many prominent citi-
zens, and the party took carriages for Pike lake, the pleasant summer
resiaence of Mr. Rock. They were greeted with generous hospitality
by their host. Mayor Sawyer, of Hartford, delivered an address,
dwelling upon the enterprise and thrift which has characterized Mr.
Rock's life. He presented him, on behalf of the employees of the
Northern division and friends, a beautiful two- seated carriage. In re-
sponse to Mr. Sawyer's address and in behalf of Mr. Rock, United
States District Attorney A. K. Delaney thanked the donors and gave
several pleasing reminiscences in Mr. Kock's life. He stated that L. B.
Rock began his career as a railroad man as baggageman on the Prairie
du Chien road in 1854. In 1856 he became a passenger conductor, and
in 1865 assistant superintendent of the Northern division. Two years
later he was made superintendent, which office be has continued to
hold with profit to the company ana honor to himself. His energy and
sterling integrity have botn materially advanced the interests of the
road and endeared him to his employees and friends. He said Mr. Rock
would long be remembered as one of that splendid trio — S. S. Merrill,
H. C. Atkins and L. B. Rock.
Remarks were made by Dr. Rogers, after which the party spent some
time in inspecting the premises. At about half-past 2 o'clock a bounti-
ful lunch was served at the cottage. Soon after the party returned to
the station, bearing away happy memories of a pleasant day.
Amon^ those present were Assistant Superintendent C.P. Utley , Master
Mechanic J. M. Lowry, Master Car-builder E. W. Kittredge,' Mr. and
Mrs. L. M. Sherman, A. K, Delaney, all of Milwaukee; Mr. and Mrs.
MILWAUKEE UKDER THE CHARTER. 49
E. Mansen, Markesan. Amone those from Hartford were Mayor Saw-
yer, Dr. Rogers, Mr. and Mrs. F. W. Sanborn, Mr. and Mrs. J. S. San-
born, Messrs. J. Liver, D. Jackson and W. Le Count.
Mr. Rock is ably seconded in the management of his division by
his lieutenant, Charles P. Utley, who fills the responsible position of
assistant, and who is in every way qualified to fiU it. Mr. Utley has
a clear head, runs his trains on time, and seldom makes a mistake.
Brooice & Cannon's Store Robbed.
The clothing store of Messrs. Brooke & Cannon, 423 East Water
street, was robbed of all its contents by a man named Wm. H.
Thompson. The goods were all recovered by Sheriff Page and Mr.
Beck, at Thompson's house, 461 Milwaukee street, and Thompson
sent to the penitentiary. This will be referred to again further on.
The Cloven Foot Appears.
As the time for the fall election drew nigh, in 1854, the political
atmosphere became obscured by clouds. The calling of a republican
county convention at the court-house, October 21, and the nomina-
tion of a full county ticket, with Daniel N. Neiman for sheriff, Lewis
M. Gates for register of deeds, Robert P. Cady for clerk of court,
Clark A. Place for county treasurer, William R. Perry, for clerk
board of supervisors, Jonathan Crounce for county surveyor, and
Owen Aldrich for coroner, supplemented by the nomination of that
veteran legislator William A. Prentiss for the Assembly, against Jas.
B. Cross, the democratic nominee, roused the ire of the leaders of
the dominant party, and resulted in the publication in the Daily
Wisconsiriy of October 30, of the following singular correspondence,
which fully showed the desperate straits to which they were compelled
to resort in order to retain their grip on the city treasury :
To William A. Prentiss, and James B. Cross * nominees for the Assembly from
the First ward of the city of Milwaukee:
SiBS : As it has been rumored that you belong to the order of " Know
* It was supposed at the time, and as the reader will see further on, proved to
be true, that both of the letters containing the interrogatories, as well as the
answer to the one addressed to Mr. Cross, were written by himself, as the idea
of his joining the ** Know Nothings*' was too utterly awful for anything, and that
their being s^dressed to both was done simply to cover his track, but it was too
bunglingly done to pass unobserved.
50 MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER.
Nothings,"* recently establiBhed in this city, we desire to know the
truth of the matter, and for that purpose respectfully request your
respective answers to the following interrogatories:
Ist. Have you, within the last six months, ioined or become a mem-
ber, partiallv or fully, of the order commonly known as the "Know
NothWs?"'
2d. Have you, within the last six months, sworn or taken upon your-
selves the obligation of an oath to never vote for any Roman Catholic,
or foreign bom citizen, or anything in substance to that effect ?
3d. Have j'ou ever sworii or taken an oath, in substance or effect,
that in case you were elected to any oflBce which empowered you with
authority to appoint any one to office, that in sucn case you will not
appoint any Roman Catholic or foreign Dorn citizen ?
Your rej^pective answers to the above are required, as soon as conve-
nient. And in order to give satisfaction, you will please subscribe and
swear to the same, before some officer of this State, legally qualified to
administer an oath.
In case of your refusal to comply with the above requisite, we shall
be constrained to believe you are a member of the said order and shall
act accordingly.
Milwaukee, October 30, 1854.
F. A. LuENiNG. Geo. Bremer.
H. C. HiEDIE. H. SCHWARTINQ.
F. Trengamp. Titus Ferno.
GusTAVE Pfeil. Carl Rattinger.
F. Neikerk. Simon Levy.
Milwaukee News will please copy.
Mr. Cross Replies.
To Messrs. Luening, H. C. Heidie, Bremer y Schwarting and others:
Gentlemen: I perceive in the Wiscormn of last evening, a communi-
cation addressed by you to William A. Prentiss and my sel^ propounding
certain interrogatories for us to answer, and in reply to which I will
answer as follows:
To the first I would say, that I have not within the last six months, or
at any time previous, joined or become a member, partially or fiilly, of
an order commonly known as " Know Nothings."
2. I have not within the last six months, or at any time previous,
solemnly sworn, or taken upon myself, an obligation, or oath, to never
vote for any Roman Catholic or foreign born citizen, or anything in sub-
stance to that effect.
3. I have never sworn, or taken an oath, in substance or effect, that
if elected to any office which empowered me to appoint any one to
office, that in such case I would not appoint a Roman Catholic, or foreign
born citizen.
In conclusion, permit me to state, that I stand now, where I ever
have stood, ready and willing to grant to every citizen, whether foreign
♦This organization, which sprung up simultaneously all through the North in
1854, was gotten up expressly for the purpose of protecting the rights of the
native-born Americans against the encroachments of their foreign born fellow
citizens, who, led on by the unscrupulous and mercenary leaders of the democratic
party, who were to the "manor born,'* and who seeing the handwriting upon the
wall foretelling the wrath to come, were attempting to keep possession of the
government by the help of the foreign vote. Their efforts filled the air with music
for a while. The " Know Nothines'* were to them what " Peaceful Nathan'/ was
to the Shawnee Indians. It was their ** Jibbinenosey."
MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. 51
born or native, the same political rights and privile^s that I claim for
myself. I proscribe no man on account of his religion, or hie want of
religion, or the circuinstances of his birth. And I make no distinction
in men, except in real merit, believing, as I do, that one man is just as
good as another, if he demean himself as well in all his relations to his
fellow men, to society, and to his country.
Jas. B. Cross.
To Messrs. Luening, Heidie, Bremer, Schwarting and others.
Milwaukee, October 31, 18.>4.
State of Wisconsin, Milwaukee County, ss.
On this thirty-first day of October, 1854, personally came before me,
the above named Jas. B. Cross, and made oath to the above statements
by him subscribed, as true in substance and in feet.
Clinton Walworth, Police Justice,
Mr. Prentiss replied as follows :
To ike Electors of the First Ward of Milwaukee:
The Wisconsin of Monday evening contains a letter addressed to my-
self and James B. Cross, nominees, purporting to come from Doctor
Luening and several other respectable gentlemen, asking our views on
Know-Nothingism, the Catholic religion, etc.. the answers to which are
required to be made under the solemnities oi an oath.
The authorship of the letter has been traced to James B. Cross him-
self, one of the persons to whom it was addressed, and the signatures
thereto were all procured through his instrumentality, all of which can
be shown by the most in<lubitable proof.*
Now, I have no objection to be catechised in relation to my views on
all matters of public interest, if it is done in decent language and for a
proper purpose. But I shall never submit to the degradation of verify-
ing my answers under oath for the sake of obtaining votes for any office
whatever. And any man who will do so is not, in my judgment, fit to
represent a free people. If my declarations are not to be taken with-
out an oath in a case like this, they are not fit to be received with one.
Lest, however, any person may cavil in the matter, I take this occasion
to state to you what I now am, together with my antecedents^ and you
may give the statement such credit as my past life will authorize:
first — I am an American citizen, born in the good old state of Massa-
chusetts, and my father was a surgeon and my grandfather a colonel in
the army of the Revolution, through which they passed without a stain
of dishonor.
Second — I have been a resident of this city for the past eighteen
years, and mv politics have ever been of the lioeral Whig kind.
Third — I have ever been opposed to the Furtive Slave Law, conceiv-
ing it to be unjust as well as inconsistent with the rights and safety
of the American people.
Fourth — I am now, and from the beginning have been, opposed to
the repeal of the Missouri Compromise, and that if repealed it ab-
solves the North from all obligations to any compromise heretofore
made.
Fifth — I have ever been willing to give to persons of foreign birth all
*That the letter in question, as well as the interrogatories, were written by
Mr. Cross is undoubtedly true, from the fact that it was published in the IViscon-
sin in the evening and answered in the Sentinel of the following morning, show-
ing most conclusively that both must have been written at the same time and by
the .<:ame person.
52 MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER.
the rights of an American citizen whenever they comply with the Con-
stitution and laws.
I am in favor of toleration of all denominatdons of religion, holding
that man is accountahle to God only for the views he may entertain
upon that subject.
These are my views on the several subjects referred to. and during
the coming canvass I shall neither beg nor buy votes, nor demean my-
self by getting up categorical letters, or by doing any other mean thing
to get them. And if you have not sufficient confidence in my integrity
or ability to represent you in the legislature, give your votes for some
one else and I shall be satisfied.
William A. Prentiss.
Milwaukee, November 1, 1884.
Comment upon these two letters is unnecessary. One, the last, is
a clear, dignified and manly answer, while that of Mr. Cross shows
the demagogue all through.
But the matter was not suffered to rest here, the interrogators
themselves being called upon to answer a similar series (under oath)
as to their religious belief, and whether they were or were not mem-
bers of the order of infidels. This correspondence, of which only
a small part has been given, closed with the inquiry firom some one
who wanted to know if this James B. Cross, the Democratic nomi-
nee for the Assembly firom the First Ward, was the same person
who, in 1843, helped arrest a fugitive slave and carry him back to
bondage.* " I have been so informed," he says, " by an old settler
who was here at the time (and saw it done). Can anybody furnish
all the particulars, or will Mr. Cross ftirnish them himself under
oath /"
The toils were beginning to thicken around James, but he did the
best thing he could do under the circumstances, /. ^., he kept mum.
Notwithstanding all this farce and political knavery, so perfectly
apparent to all who would see, such was the strength of the leaders
as to elect their ticket and Mr. Cross went to Madison, thus giving
to the country another illustration, and a forcible one, of the injus-
tice, as well as the folly of universal suffrage, and the end is not yet.
Judge H. N. Wells's Famous Durham Cow Case.
Judge Horatio N. Wells, as the reader has already seen in the
previous volume, was a man who possessed a large vein of humor,
and could do things when on the bench that, if attempted by atiy
*'iTiis was Sunday, April 23. See Vol. II., page 171.
MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. 68
Other person who ever wore the judicial ermine in Milwaukee, would
have culminated in an impeachment. He was just the man to give
the following decision :
[Milwaukee Sentinel^ November 7, 1854.]
Intbrksting Law Case — Fair Price for Milk.
The scenes in some of our Western courts afford frequently abundant
amusement, and often find th^r way into the public print. " A charac-
teristic case occurred not long since in a county court in Wisconsin.
Judge W. was a man of great numor, strong common sense, a little ex-
citable, and when aroused expressed his opinion or »ftve a decision as
he only could do it. He was a man after his own kind, and cared little
for form or precedent.
The case before him was this:
A suit had been commenced before a justice of the peace, by one
man a^nst another^ "For that the defendant with force and arms,
&c., without leave of the plaintiff, milked the plaintiff's cow, and took
from her a large quantity of milk, to-wit: about four quarts, to the dam*
age of plaintiff of fifty dollars^ &c." Both parties put themselves
**upon the country." The plaintiff proved his case, and the defend-
ant, in mitigation of damages, proved that milk was worth only four
cents per quart. The case as usual took a whole day and crowdea hard
upon the night, but it was finally submitted, and tlie jury after retiring
and deliberating, returned into court with a verdict for the plaintiff of
ten dollars damages, for which sum, together with cx)sts, the justice
rendered judgment. The defendant, dissatisfied with the excessive
damages, took the case up to the county court, where it must be passed
upon bv Judge W. The case was called in its order and ably argued by
learned counsel for two long hours. Judge W. grew uneasy and fidgety,
and finally interrupted the plaintiff's counsel oy the information that
he was ready to give his decision. This, of course, closed all further
argument, and the decision was rendered.
Bv the Court:
Tliis case comes up on certiorari. It is a small case, but I think it in-
volves a great principle. The plaintiff sued the defendant for a great
wrong done in milking his cow and carrying off the milk. There is no
dispute about the fact«, but the defendant claims to reverse the judg-
ment below, on the ground of excessive damages; that it was proved
that there were about four quartw of milk taken, and that milk was
worth onlv four cents a quart. I shan't reverse the judgment in this
ease. If tne statute only gave me power I would increase it. But I
don't think the statute does. I think the legislature was a pack of
fools to make the restrii^tion, but I can't remedy that. We must make
the best we can out of the statute, until our legislature passes an act to
increase its own capacity. The plaintiff says this is his only cow and
that he is a poor man. If he is a poor man, of course he has a great
many children, and he wants all the milk he can get for his family. I
look upon it as a great outrage, and no better than stealing to have
taken this milk. The plea of the defendant that the judgment should
be reversed because the damages are excessive is a humbug. The
price of common milk, such as we buy for our tea and coffee of these
milk peddlers, probably isn't worth over four cents a quart. It is as
blue as a whetstone. But such milk as the defendant probably got in
this case, right fresh from the cow, and no water near, was worth a good
deal more, particularly if she was a Durham.
Court — How was that plaintiff, was she a Durham ?
Plaintiff— She was, your Honor.
54 MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER.
Court — Just as I expected. Now I want it understood that you can't
fool me on milk, and if this defendant or any other man expects to get
good fresh milk, Durham cow's milk, out of this court at lour cents a
quart, he's sucked, that's all. The judgment below is affirmed with
costs- The court will take a recess for ten minutes.
Improvements.
Among the street improvements this year was the paving of East
Water street, below Wisconsin, with cobble stones, and they are on
the street yet, it being considered that to take them up when the
street was raised (i. e.), below Huron street, would cost more than
they were worth, besides they formed a solid bed for the new filling.
The same is true of Broadway, a cobble stone pavement underlies
the present grade some eight feet ^ put down there in 1857.
Building Improvements.
An addition was made to the store on southwest corner of East
Water and Mason streets this year, by Cyrus D. Davis, to be occu-
pied by Hunn & Crosby (Walter S. Hunn and Frank J. Crosby),
grocers. See annexed advertisement, given as a specimen of the
way they did it in those times :
There is one Grocery Store in town!
What! only one?
Don't go off before we get through. We meant to say there is only
one Grocery Store in town at which we trade when we want to steal —
When you — what?
There you go, half-cocked again. When we want to steal a march on
our neighbors, and get our Groceries a little better than usual, and that
store is known as Hunn and Crosby's; did you ever hear of Hunn and
Crosby ?
Oh, frequently; associated with golden butter, and sugar cured hams,
and farina crackers. They are public benefactors; and now I think of
it, its singular they are not nominated respectively for Mayor and Comp-
troller!
Ah, there is only one reason, and that is everybody knows the city
can't offer them any better office than is that old corner store, forninst
the Walker House, and where they do more for the city in the way of
distributing such public documents as good cheap Groceries, than can
forty Aldermen.
By-the-by, it would be an excellent idea to read their advertisement,
which you will find in this morning's Sentinel.
The firm of Hunn & Crosby was a very popular one for many
years. Mr. Crosby finally retired, and is at present in the general
ticket oflSce of the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railroad. Mr.
Hunn went into the milling business at Humboldt, which he sup-
posed would make him a millionaire in a few days, getting his wheat
MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. 55
from the city by transporting it up the river, via the canal, in a small
steam barge, and the old shed warehouse used by him for that pur-
pose is yet standing (or was two years ago) on the canal a short
distance above Cherry street bridge. This business, however, proved
a failure, and Mr. Hunn went to Manistee, Michigan, where he died
a few years ago. In person Mr. Hunn was tall and slim. He had
a nose as was a nose, a powerful voice, was always busy, but not one
of the kind who get rich, or acquire fame.
The double brick dwelling, Nos. 530 and 532 Milwaukee street,
was also erected this year. This was the building spoken of in Vol.
I, page 45, as having been erected upon the site of the old " cabbage
hollow" house. This was a fine house when built, and in fact it is
to-day. The master mason was John Rycraft. The master car-
penters were Simeon and Walter Babcock.
The Second Presbyterian church, standing upon the northwest
corner of Milwaukee and Martin streets, was erected this year.
An additional tenement was added to J. Ry craft's block, south-
west comer of Milwaukee and Martin streets, yet standing.
A brick dwelling, now 493 Milwaukee street, was also erected this
year by John Shadbolt. This dwelling was subsequently the resi-
dence of Levi H. Kellogg, who sold it to Mrs. Elisha Eldred, from
whom it passed to Mrs. Geo. Towle. This house is to-day one of
the best on the street. There are others more ornate, but no better
built or more convenient than this.*
The present brick residence of Doctor McNamara, southeast cor-
ner of Main and Johnson streets, was also built this year by the late
Francis Charnley.
Also the house in Ludwig's garden, head of Milwaukee street.
This last named house was a great resort for the Germans on Sunday
for many years.
Joseph Gary rebuilt his homestead, northwest corner of Oneida
and Jefferson streets, D. D. Sibley was the architect and contractor.
The residence of Hon. W. P. Lyude, northeast corner of Mason
* This property, with the vacant lot adjoining on the south, was purchased the
present year (1884) by James Conroy, Milwaukee's well known and popular con-
tectiuner, who has remorleled 493, and erected a handsome block on the adjoining
lot, which will add much to the beauty of that already beautiful and popular street.
May his success in this enterprise, as well as in business, be all that he can desire.
66 MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER.
and Jackson, was rebuilt and enlarged this year, by the Messrs.
Shadbolt & Spaulding. This property is now owned by Michael
Engelmann.
The old Riverious P. Elmore residence, on Jackson street, was also
rebuilt this year. This property has finally passed into the hands of
Emil Wieskirk, who has removed it to the lot adjoining on the south
and rebuilt or remodeled it, and erected a handsome double brick
upon its former site. This property is now known as No. 586, and
the new as 588 and 590 Jackson street.
The present Protestant Orphan Asylum, head of Division street
(brick), was erected this year by the late David P. Hull.*
The present residence of Wm. H. Metcalf, northwest corner of
Van Buren and Division streets, considered at the time as the best
finished house in the city (and is among the finest to-day), was built
this year. This house was built by the day. The master builder
being the late Abel Sperry, one of the finest mechanics who ever
came to the city, and who often comes to mind in memory's eye.
The present residence of Judson A. Roundy, Esq., southwest corner
of Marshall and Biddle streets, was commenced this year by William
P. Young, who spent about $20,000 on it. He sold it to Carlise D.
Cook, of the firm of Cook & Sherwin (Rodney Sherwin), railroad
contractors, who invested $20,000 more upon it, after which it went
into the hands of Edwin Roddis, who spent about $30,000 more,
after which it went to a Mr. Wallace, of New York city, on a mort-
gage, and who sold it to Mr. Roundy for $23,000, and who has
expended about $20,000 more in completing it. It is an elegant
house, and one of the most elaborately finished in the West.
Th<j old Ralph Johnson warehouse (burnt a few years ago) was
built this year.
* This building was erected with the avowed purpose of preventing the farther
extension of a street along the Bluff, as talked of at the time, and stood in a half
finished condition for several years, after which it was purchased by Mr. Chas. L.
Rice, the then master mechanic at the North Milwaukee shops, who finished and
sold it to Wallace H. Pratt, by whom it was occupied for a few years, when it was
purchased by the Trustees of the Protestant Orphan Asylum, bv whom it is owned
to-day. Mr. Pratt also fixed the face of the Bluff, in front of*^ it, into a park, by
"tile draining," and planting it with trees. And it was his success with this
experiment that gave the key and led to the construction of the present Juneau
Park.
MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. 67
Geo. Bumham also built a store on the northwest comer of East
Water and Buffalo streets, pulled down in 1882 to make room for the
new block erected by Messrs. GoU & Frank. Mr. Bumham's store
was 54 by 95 feet. Master carpenter, R. C. Jacks. Mason, Thos.
Lee.' Painter, Jas. Murray. Architect, G. W. Mygatt.
The old J. N. Bonesteel residence, now the homestead of Hon.
John H. Van Dyke, on the southeast corner of Marshall and Biddle
streets, was erected this year at a cost of $8,000. He sold it to the
late Doctor Lemuel W. Weeks for $20,000, and he to Mr. Van
Dyke. This house has been remodeled during the past year.
The Timothy H. Goodrich residence, southeast comer of Martin
and Astor streets, was also erected at a cost of $8,000.
A frame by Charles Alfter on Prospect avenue, exact locality for-
gotten.
The Messrs. Mack Bros., also erected the present No. 397 East
Water street, this year, and in order to show what was considered a
fine store in those days, I will insert the following sketch of it taken
from the Sentinel, and is from the pen of Rufus King :
The building is loo feet deep, 20 feet wide, and 55 feet high ; it
consists of a basement, store and three upper stories. The basement
is finished with vaults for receiving and storing coal, wood, etc., and
is lighted with Hyatt's illuminating tiles. It is thoroughly finished for
wholesaling domestic goods. The first floor is to be occupied as a
retail dry goods store, and is finished, not only in a beautiful, but
substantial manner. The ceiling is plastered with stucco work ; the
shelves painted rosewood, and the counters mahogany, with circu-
lating silk velvet cushion stools. The entrance door has two show
windows of French plate glass, of the largest and costliest size. The
glass of the first story alone costing $800, and patent rolling iron
shutters, which are rolled up like lattice work by a crank in the wall,
which makes it very convenient for those having to close or open the
establishment. They were manufactured by D. D. Badger & Co., of
New York. The room is lighted with gas burners of a most elegant
design from the manufactory of Messrs. Archer & Warner of Phila-
delphia. The upper story is to be used for a carpet and shawl room,
and the stories above are to be used for wholesaling dry goods.
The house is heated by one of Walker's hot-air furnaces, which
58 MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER.
gives a pleasant temperature to all of the rooms, there being no
change from heat to cold as you pass from one department of trade
to another. There is a skylight, which gives every room an airy,
light and pleasant appearance. The skylight is surrounded with
beautiful iron railings made for the purpose, of the manufacture of
Wilson & Co. The windows are French, with French fastenings.
The stairs leading from one story to the other are of a high finish,
with handsome black walnut railings leading from basement to attic.
The roof is one of Warren's composition, of fire-proof character,
calculated to hold out against fire or water, and very enduring.
Mr. Schwartz drew the plan of the building, and since his death
Mr. Mygatt has superintended the work. Mr. Rheude, a German
mechanic well skilled in his art, does the carpenter work, Mr. Col-
lingbourne done the painting, Mr. Ryecraft the mason work, and
Messrs. Decker & Seville the iron castings. The whole cost of the
building is $14,000.
New Warehouse.
A new warehouse (the present brick veneered one on the northwest
comer of South Water and Clinton streets) was built this year by
Daniel Newhall. The contractors were Messrs. Martin & Rugee.
Cost, $17,000.
The first wheat was put into it October 10; its capacity was 160,-
000 bushels. It is now the property of Exi. D. Holton, and used for
purposes of merchandise only.
But the best store was the Nazro building, now known as Nos.
319, 321 and 323 East Water street; George W. Mygatt, architect.
The contracting mason was H. R. Bond; the master carpenter was
Edwin Palmer.. The whole cost, including the lots, was $85,000.
It had a frontage of 60 feet on East Water street, a depth of 1 20,
and a height of four stories. The cornice, columns and capitals
were of the Corinthian order, the sills of windows and doors of cast
iron ; the second story windows have iron pedestals ; anties and
capitals, with key stone and circular heads, all of iron. The top of
the front walls have massive cast iron cornices, with three feet pro-
jection, supported by ten heavy carved trusses. The windows (the
frames of which were of iron), all have patent roller shutters. The
MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. 69
foundation consisted of i ,000 piles, upon which were no cords of stone.
The girders were of iron, resting upon iron pillars. Seven hundred
thousand brick were used in its construction, 300,000 feet of oak
and pine lumber; the gross weight of the iron used was 400,000
pounds, the windows (including skylights) contained 4,000 super-
ficial feet of glass. Such is a brief sketch of this famous building.
This store in which so much money has been made (and lost) was
purchased in 1882 b> Frederick Lay ton for $32,000, less than one-
half its original cost, who has remodeled it at a cost of $10,000,
making it nearly as strong as when first built.
Mill Built.
The present Reliance mill, on West Water, corner of Fowler, now
the property of the Messrs. Manegold, was built this year by George
Burnham. This mill has had a varied history. It was operated by
Miles & Chapin — Fred. B. Miles and Emery D. Chapin — who lost
a large amount of money in it. It was subsequently purchased by
Jas. B. Martin, who ran it himself for a number of years, and from
whose heirs it was purchased by its present owners. It has been
remodeled.
Commercial Statistics.
There was a notable increase in business, both in imports and ex-
ports, in 1854 over 1853. The number of steamers and sail vessels
landing here during the season of navigation was 2,680 ; number of
passengers landed, 40,030. Our imports were $3,979,296, an in-
crease of $1,612,296 over 1853, and of vessel arrivals of 1,197, and
but (or the early setting in of winter, in consequence of which a
large number of coal and iron (railroad) laden vessels were detained
in the ice, the receipts would have been much larger. The cash
value of our exports was $5,000,000.
The comparative increase in the shipments of leading articles, /. ^.,
wheat, barley, oats, corn and rye, were, from 1850 to and including
1854, as follows:
Bush.
1860 320,540
1861 312,245
1862 1,071,786
1853 1,691,231
1854 3,2:30,077
60 MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER.
It will be seen the increase from 1851 to 1852 was extremely
rapid.
First snow fell November 4.
River partially closed December 5, and fully December 9, but
opened again. (See next chapter.)
The number of- vessels owned in iMilwaukee in 1854 was 43 ; ton-
nage, 6,942. One, the bark Badger State, was of 491 tons; four,
the D. Ferguson, Helfenstein, Robert Burns and brig Hutchinson,
were over 300 ; eight were over 200, sixteen were over 100, and the
balance under.
Corrections.
In Vol. I., pages 20 and 42, it is stated that the office of Albert
Fowler — a cut of which is given in Vol. III., page 38 — was erected
in the summer of 1834. It is also mentioned in Vol. II., page 307,
as having been used for school purposes in 1834 by Doctor James
Heth. This date has been considered as the correct one until recent
investigations have placed its erection in May, 1835. It is proper
to say that the latter date is given by Hon. Horace Chase, and this
correction is made at his request.
In Vol. II., page 238, it was stated, when speaking of the old
United States Hotel, that the J. B. Cross block erected upon its site
was burned in 1861. This date should be December 31, 1859.
On page 42, Vol. I., in foot-note, the writer, when speaking of the
erection of the old Juneau store, northwest corner of East Water
and Wisconsin streets (now known as No. 401 East Water), omitted
to state that it was erected in 1835.
This subject was referred to again in Vol. III., page 333, where
correct date was given. The contractor for this building was the
late Deacon Samuel Brown. And as there has always been some
dispute as to the exact location of Mr. Juneau's log dwelling and
storehouse for furs and supplies, I will say that during a conversation
held February 26, 1886, with Mr. Charles James, of Wauwatosa, who
worked upon this store, he informed the writer that so near was this
log dwelling to the store that when erecting his scaffold, in August,
^^3Si ^^^ ^^^ purpose of clapboarding the front, that one end of the
bracket for supporting the same was nailed to the log dwelling and
MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. 61
the Other end upon the store, they being not over six or seven feet
apart.
This would bring the west side or river front of the log dwelling
to the center of the present sidewalk upon the west side of East
Water street, just where Mr. James states that it did come, and the
north end exactly (or nearly so) on a line with that of the new store.
The entrance to this dwelling (i. ^., the log house) was upon the
west or river side. The chimney was upon the north end. The
whole structure was enclosed with pickets, as seen in the cut.
The location he gives the trading-house or store, about twenty-five
feet north of the new building, would place it upon the ground now
occupied by the Matthews Bros, furniture store, at what is now (lot 5,
block 2, Seventh ward) Nos. 407, 409 and 411 East Water street
(the old Pixley lot). This statement is confirmed by Mrs. Theresa
Juneau White and Mrs. Harriet Juneau Fox, who were both bom in
the old log house, and who also state in addition that the log store
consisted of three apartments, the west end being for the storage of
blankets, etc., the middle for furs, and the east end for liquors,* and
that it (the storehouse) projected easterly into what is now East
Water street, much fiirther (as seen in the diagram) than did the
dwelling.
They also state that there was another log house connected with
Mr. Juneau's establishment, viz., the one occupied for several years
prior to 1833 by Jean Baptiste Le Tendree (Le Clere's old place),
and which, although mentioned in Vol. III., page 478, its location
not given, stood upon lot 6, block 2, Seventh ward, and was the
quarters for the employees, both French and " metis " (half-breeds),
when not away upon their trips. The ruins of this cabin were re-
moved in 1835 to make room for the new warehouse.
This cabin had two entrances, one upon the west end and one
upon the south or Wisconsin street side. The annexed diagram was
made at their dictation, and to the correctness of which they both
certify, except as to the trees (oaks) seen along the banks of the
*I remember seeing a notice in one of the city papers a few years ago of the
foundation logs of this pioneer fur store being struck by some workman while
engaged in excavating a trench in East Water street for gas or water pipe, I have
forgotten which. They were in a semi-petrified condition.
MtLWAUREE UNDER THE
river,* (which they think were not there,) to be a. correct representa-
tion of the little hamlet as it appeared from 1825 to 1833.
At the left, upon the bank of the river, is seen the cabin (Le Ten-
dree's), in front of which is the cabin used as a hennery, then comes
the dwelling, and to the north of that the log storehouse, while still
further north is seen the hill where the Kirby house now stands
Cut No, 2 shows the exact location of the log dwelling as to its
proximity to the new warehouse,! as given by Charles James.
As a proof that this cabin was there in 1833, I will say that in a
conversation held with Mrs. Theresa Juneau White, March 15, 1886,
she stated to the writer that she recollected standing at the west end
of this cabin in the early part of the winter of 1833-34 while wit-
nessing the rescue of Albert Fowler (who had broken through the
ice while attempting to cross from the west side) by the Indians, from
drowning. This rescue was effected by one of the Indians crawling
out upon the ice until near enough for Mr. Fowler to grasp the han-
dle of a tomahawk, which was extended to him by the Indian, who
then commenced backing towards the shore, Mr. F. breaking the
•PUced Ihere by ihe artist to form 1 slight backeround to the picture, and as a
relief 10 (he dreariness it would olherwise have, for which the writer (wilh this
explanali<in) has thought best to let them remain. The hills seen in the distance
are in the present fourth, Second and Sixth wards.
fThe new warehouse occupied the same site as the present Ludington store,
viz., Nos. 401 and 403 East Water, present numbers.
■
1
MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER.
63
MAfiON STREET.
I
OB
3
WISCONSIN STREET.
Cut No. 2.
64 MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER.
ice (which was not strong enough to bear the weight of both) as
they proceeded until they neared the shore, when those standing on
the bank seized the one upon the ice by the legs and drew them to
the land. But it was a close call for Mr. Fowler.
Vol. III., page 1 8. There is an omission in a foot-note, when
speaking of the framing of the first Constitution, of the following
words: After the word that (at the bottom of the page), it should
read — " was submitted to the people in April. The members from
Milwaukee were D. A. J. Upham," etc. This was an error of the
printer.
Page 45, Vol. III., when speaking of the Washington Guards
going to Racine to attend the execution of David Bonham, the date
should have been the nth December. See Secretary of State's cer-
tificate, page 46.
Page £9, Vol. III. When speaking of the election, held Septem-
ber 6th, the names of those elected to the second Constitutional
convention should have been given — as they were elected at that
time.
On page 268, Vol. III., when speaking of the purchase of Solomon
Juneau's portrait, the price, $40, should have been $400. This was
a typographical error. And in place of Robinson as the painter, it
should have read Samuel M. Brookes.
Page 347, Vol. III. The paragraph (this was followed by a pro-
clamation), should have appeared directly underneath the return of
the special tax bill, on page 348, to which it alone has reference.
Page 303, Vol. III. Thos. L. Baker should be Theophilus L.
Page 134, Vol. III. Jas. Magee should be Jas. Magie.
On page 123, Vol. II. Calvin J. Ripley should have been Frank-
lin Ripley, Jr.
Page 331, Vol. III., 7th line from top. For Horace Chase read
Doctor Enoch Chase.
Vol. III., page 472. The name of L. G. Loomis was given as E.
G. This was a typographical error, as it was given in manuscript as
L. G., which is correct.
Page 352, Vol. III. When speaking of the old Lansing Bonnell
homestead, now the residence of William H. Wolf — for Milwaukee,
read Marshall street. Also, of the Nazro building — the one spoken
MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. 65
of there was not the present Nos. 321 and 323 East Water street, but
the store now No. 337 East Water street, which was also built by Mr.
Nazro.
Vol. III., page 121. For J. McCollum read J. B. Zander, for
justice.
Vol. I., page 20. When speaking of the first land sale at Green
Bay, in 1835 (in foot note), the date was given as October. It should
have been August 31, I think.
Page 158, Vol. III. Alderman — for H. N. Shuraway read C. N.
Shumway.
Vol. III., page 343. For assessor — for Chas. Lee read Chas. Lane.
Vol. III., page 431. For M. Delany read Chas. H, Orton.
Vol. III., page 230. When speaking of the erection of No. 418
East Water street, it was stated that it was erected by John Thomps-
sen. It should be by Henry Wedderhoff.
Vol. III., page 155. (Financial Exhibit.) For 1884 read 1848.
This is a typographical error.
In Vol. III., page 76. When speaking of the late John B. Smith,
it was stated that he came in 1845. ^^ came first in 1842, went to
Michigan, and returned for good in 1845.
Vol. II'., page 96. Sketch of Wm. P. Lynde. When speaking
of his being delegate to Congress, the date 1841, should be 1847.
This was a misprint.
Vol. II., page 220. The date of the burning of the Rogers block
was given as August 17th. It should be August 24, 1854.
In Vol. II., page 147, it was stated that the first tannery was
erected on Cly bourn street, between Thirteenth and Fourteenth
streets, in what was then a great ravine, by Daniel Phelps. This has
been found to be incorrect, and that one had been erected in 1841,
upon the water power, about four rods north of the present Empire
mill, by John Trumbull, now a resident of Tabor, Racine county,
and who informs the writer that he supplied Mr. Phelps with bark to
start with in 1842, which I think justly entitles Mr. Trumbull to the
honor of erecting the" first tannery in Milwaukee. He also claims
to have shipped, in 1844, the first wool ever sent East from Milwaukee.
The wool was packed in the Holton warehouse on West Water street.
Mr. Trumbull takes great interest in the early history of Wisconsin,
66 MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER.
and particularly of Milwaukee, and is one of the landmarks. He is
a lineal descendant of the Trumbull family, whose sons have figured
so extensively in the early histoiy of Connecticut.
Removals.
The Old Hospital. — ^The building which formerly stood at the
southeast comer of Oneida and Jackson streets, and was used for a
long time as a hospital by the Sisters of Charity, has been removed
to the Third ward, having been purchased by Mr. M. Page, for a
tavern. Many a tale could that old building tell of suffering, and
patient, careful watching by the benevolent Sisters ; the subjects of
whose care were of every religious faith, and of no &ith. As this
was the only hospital in the city, all who needed care and were
unable to pay for it, were taken there ; and besides the sick, and
wounded, and ra\ ing among our citizens generally, who were the
subjects of the Sisters' care, the sick sailors have always been taken
to this hospital. The building, in its new location, southwest comer
Jefferson and Detroit streets,* will witness far different scenes, but
the Sisters are still engaged in their kindly mission, at the hospital on
Jefferson street.
Vol. n., page 137. When speaking of the town election, the
words " which went into operation this year," are an interpolation, as
the town was organized September 19, 1835, as has been already
seen, Vol. I., page 29 (given there erroneously as the 17th).
* This, as stated on page 42, Vol. IIL, was the old sch ool building of Low &
McGregor. It was also there stated that it burned in 1862. This date the author
has since found to be incorrect. It was burned December 7, 1857.
CHAPTER II.
Opening Address — Legislature — Report of Jailor — Fire — ^Thc Ground Rebuilt
Upon — Business Status — Badger Iron Works — Cummings & Goodrich, Sketch
— Police Court — Municipal — Spring Elections — ^The Mayor's Proclamation —
(jeneral King's Comments — Mr. Kilbourn's Replies — Result of Election —
General Rufus King, Sketch — Public Schools — A Know-Nothing on the
Jury — Uncle Sam's Jurors — ^Journeymen Carpenter's Meeting — ^The Hog
Nuisance — A Call for the Marshal — He Replies — Michael Bodden, Sketch —
William Grant Fitch, Sketch — Charles Ray, Sketch — John J. Eves — ^Jabez
Smith — Sebastopol Not Taken — Mentzel & Stone, Sketch — Kavesdroppmg —
Opening l^ke Shore Railroad — Street Improvements — A Fatal Mistake —
Milwaukee Locomotive Works — Seaman a Wing Cabinet — Robert Eliot,
Sketch — J. M. Holmes. Sketch — Church Going — A Tremendous Shower —
Mrs. Epps Saves the Sugar — Board of Fire Underwriters Formed — Soon
Dies — An Exciting Runaway — A Bit of a Shimly — Police Jottings — Census
of Milwaukee — Census of County — Bay State Foundry — ^John S. Harris,
Sketch— William Goodenough— William Walton — ^The Reliance Works, Sketch
— Edward P. Allis, Sketch — The Ice Bear — Arthur Bates, Sketch — E. D. Hoi-
ton Struck with a Slungshot — Appointment of a Night Watch — Marine Dis-
asters- — How Is This for High?— The Sag Nicht Organized — Its Results —
Herman C. Adams Shot — Organization of the Com Exchange — Cremation —
First Snowfall —Death of the General — Uncle Wm. E. Cramer Gets Sarab-
naded — George Cogswell, Sketch — ^The Evistons — Bridge Superintendent Ap-
pointed — A Bad Boy — ^The Old Light- House Sold — Sam Shoyer Gels Left —
Improvements — The Messrs. Christian and Gustav Preusser, Sketch — Mayor
Cross' New Block — Citv Valuation — Statistics.
The winter of 1854-55 was as a whole a very pleasant one, the
first snowfall occurring on the 4th of November. This, however, all
disappeared in a few hours. Our beautiful river was first coated
with ice on the 20th,* lasting, however, only two days, and again on
the 27th, which also lasted but three days. It formed again Decem-
*There have been six winters in Wisconsin which might properly be termed
mild since its settlement, viz., 1835-36, 1839-40, 1844-45, '854-55, 1857-58,
and 1877-78, during nearly all of which there was very little snow or ice either in
the lake or river, and from the present filthy condition of the latter none can be
expected from this time on, neither do I remember of but one winter, viz., that
of 1874-75 (see Vol. IL, page 227), when the lake has been so nearly frozen over
as it was the present (1884-85), during which navigation has been practically sus-
pended ; three of the propellers engaged in the transportation of goods from Mil-
waukee to Grand Haven and other Michigan ports having just been released from
a two months' imprisonment in the ice, and one, the Michigan, having gone to
the bottom. It has been the hardest winter without exception for navigation ever
known on the lakes.
68 MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER.
ber 5, two inches in thickness, and on the loth the boys were skating.
This continued only five days, after which it remained open until the
19th, when it skimmed over again and closed solid on the 27th, and
so remained until January 7, during which time it was covered from
the Oneida street bridge to Huron street with the youth of both
sexes enjoying the fine skating, the acrobatic feats of some of the
performers being of the highest order, while those of some not so
expert were of a lower order (occasionally).*
The 7th of January, however, put an end to it all by a fiirious
rainstorm, lasting twenty-four hours, which sent the ice out into the
lake. Neither did it form again until the 13th, when the frost-king
laid his " gehd hand " upon us in earnest for a few days, after which
it moderated again, and with the exception of now and then a cold
snap, remained pleasant the entire winter.
The sleighing, however, that winter was the finest we had enjoyed
for the twelve previous years. The snow fell on the 23d of January
eight inches in depth, giving us six weeks of that healthfiil enjoy-
ment, which, in connection with the usual round of balls at Gard-
ner's hall,t where the votaries of Terpsichore kept time to the music
of Father Hess'J quadrille band during the long winter nights, caused
the time to pass rapidly away until April 5, when the ice left the
river, and May 2 brought us the first boat fi*om below, the schooner
Republic, and spring had come.
In a business way the previous year had been a prosperous one
commercially as well as in growth, the fine fall weather permitting of
out-door work up to and well into December, which gave the own-
ers of the burnt district a chance to complete the new buildings in
process of erection in that locality.
*There were some very fine "skatists" of both sexes in Milwaukee in those
days, and much interest was manifested in the exercise when the ice was good.
fNo building has ever been erected in our city since its foundations were laid
for the purposes of amusement which has been as popular, or where so much en-
joyment was obtained, as at Gardner's hall. It was a notable place, and the remem-
brance of it will not fade from the minds of the early Milwaukeeans while life re-
mains. It was their lecture room, opera house, concert and dance hall combined
in one. Sic transit.
{Adam V. Hess, who is still living and whose quadrille band was very popular with
the dancing portion of our community for many years. Mr. Hess, who has now
retired from the business, resides at 195 Grcenbush street.
milwaukee under the charter. 69
Legislative.
The members from this city and county in 1855, elected the pre-
vious November, were, to the senate, Jackson Hadley and Edward
McGarry.
Assembly — ^James B. Cross, Jasper Vliet, Edward O'Neill, Ira E.
Goodall, Edwin De Wolf, John Ruan, Peter Lavies, Reuben Chase
and Frederick Moscowitt.
This legislature convened January 10 and adjourned April 2,
1855-
Charles C. Sholes, of Kenosha, speaker of the house.
The business of the new year was opened with the usual reports,
both financial and statistical, from the secretaries of the various cor-
porations, as well as of the city functionaries, prominent among whom
was the county jailor, who also presented a report of the business
done in his department, in which the number of arrests for 1854 are
put down at 449, showing most conclusively that the business of his
department had not fallen off materially during the year. Of this
number, 158 were for violation of the wood ordinances; 14 were for
obstructing sidewalks (these were merchants), and leaving teams
unhitched; 44 were for violation of the liquor law; 10 were for
gambling ; 40 were for nuisance ; 8 for violation of the bridge ordi-
nance, and 18 for that of weights and measures. Upon which the
whole amount of fines collected was $344.00, A sorry amount to
receive for so much trouble. But such is usually the outcome of
municipal "skullduggery." A cent goes in where ten go out. The
total cost of these arrests, including the time and pay of the officials
who participated in them, could not have been less than $5.00 for
each case, making a total of $2,245.00, while the amount received
was the munificent sum of 50 cents. Comment is unnecessary upon
all such municipal stupidity, for if any of these parties arrested were
guilty of the offense charged, they should have been made to pay
the actual cost of such arrest. But if innocent, then the party caus-
ing the arrest should certainly have been made to foot the bill.
But en resume. The status of our business firms, as to location,
was nearly as in 1853 and '54, very few changes having been made,
except those caused by the fire of the previous August, which of
course caused quite a number. There were, however, some new
70 MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER.
enterprises started, among which was the new boiler manufactory of
Messrs. Cummings & Goodrich (John Cummings and John C. Good-
rich), known as the Badger Iron Works, situated on the southeast
corner of Main (Broadway) and Chicago streets.*
Biographical.
John Cummings was born at Hamburg, Erie County, N. Y., July
22, 1811, and immigrated to Milwaukee in 1846, where he quickly
came to the front as a first class mechanic (i. e.), a worker in iron,
and was for many years one of the most prominent in that ancient
"guild." He is a man of indomitable will, great perseverance, and
will cling to a project cfler most men would have abandoned it as
impracticable, there being no such word as can't in his vocabulary.
He has also been quite prominent as a local politician, and was a
hard man to buck against in that role, as he is a splendid wire puller
— has served as alderman, councillor, and school commissioner, from
the Third ward, in each of which offices he was very efficient — his
quick perceptions, coupled with his bull-dog pertinacity and good
practical common sense, enabling him to do much towards keeping
the wheels of the city government running smoothly. He was also
very efficient in helping to unearth the frauds which were being per-
petrated among those old time democratic politicians, in the palmy
days of Taylor, Lynch and Gardner, et al. Mr. Cumn}ings' life finan-
cially has not been what the world calls a success, but want of energy
was not the cause. The trouble with him was in al*vays going in
too deep for his means, and when hard times came — which always
will to a man in that boat — he of course went to the wall. In
political faith he is a republican. He is a man of large frame, is
possessed of fine social qualities, great kindness of heart, and is a
splendid fiiend. He is now, although well down the western slope
of life's journey, in charge of the pumping engine at the West Side
Branch Water Works — a position he is eminently qualified to fill.
Mr. Goodrich, who left many years ago, and is now a resident of
* This shop, which was of brick, is yet standing, and used for a boiler shop by
John W. Eviston, its present owner, and is with the exception of the one run by
Richard Davis, northeast corner of Barclay and Oregon streets, the largest private
one in the city.
MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. 71
Chicago, was of an entirely different temperament from Mr. Cum-
mings. He was in stature below the medium size, lithe in form, and
supple as a cat. He was a genial companion, but not one of the
kind to bear much chaffing, and whoever attempted that would be
likely to come to grief. He could lay out more men in a given time
than any other man of his weight, unless it might perhaps be James
Crummy, that the writer ever ksew in Milwaukee, and to see him
go through a crowd, when his metal was aroused, made one think of
a cyclone. Whoever he struck was as sure to go down as he would
if hit with a maul. I remember John, and often think how handy
he was with his knuckles. He came to Milwaukee from Buffalo, N. Y.
Fire.
There was a fire on Market square, on the third of January,
that destroyed three frame buildings, standing at what is now 459.
461 and 463 East Water street, one of which (459) was the same one
spoken of in Vol. HI., page 244, as being occupied as a saloon by
August Philip, and known as hell. Neither is it any injustice to the
living or the dead to say, that a worse place, or one that came nearer
being a perfect representation of the locality it was named for, could
not be found in Milwaukee, in those days, than was this saloon. It
was rightly named. It was the headquarters for those who took such
an interest in defeating the license law, and who, as has been seen,
made " Rome howl," literally, from 1849 to 1854. The orgies enacted
there would have disgraced bedlam. The second. No. 461, was
occupied by Herman Schwarting, as a grocery and liquor store.
And 463, by C. F. Rice, as a hat and cap store.* There was more
fiiss made at this fire than there would be to-day at the destruction
of an entire square.
These were all replaced the same season with the present brick
buildings, Nos. 459 and 461 by Philip Best, and 463 by Herman
Schwarting. The ones burned belonged to Schwarting and Hilgen
(afterwards at Cedarburg). The ground all belonged to Schwarting,
who sold to Mr. Best the portion he built upon. These buildings
are in good condition to-day.
* I think Mr. Rice did not remain in Milwaukee but a short time, as his name
does not appear in any of the early directories, or in the one for 1854 and '55.
72 MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER.
There was also a fire the same winter on the northeast comer of
Reed an^i Oregon streets, which cleaned off a lot of old rookeries,
and gave us the present brick block upon thai corner.
Police Court.
John Wing, Edwin Townsend, David P. Hull, and Philetus C. Hale,
all men of renown, were fined for not cleaning sidewalks, and it was
not much of a day for fines either. All of which goes to show that
men of renown tried to dodge the law in those days, same as now.
Their excuse was that they had hired laborers to do the work, but
those laborers had not performed their duty. They all paid their
fines like litde men, and went their way.
MUNICIPAU
As the ides of March drew near, in 1855, the regular democracy
put on their war paint, held their convention, and made the following
nominations :
Democratic Nominations.*
For Mayor — ^James B. Cross.
City Attorney — Erastus Foote.
Controller — John B. Edwards.
Marshal— Timothy O'Brien.
Treasurer— Ferdinand Kuehn.
Police Justice — Clinton Walworth.
First Ward.
Aldermen — Jackson Hadley, two years. Victor Schulte, one year.
Constable — Frederick Kessler.
Assessor — Patrick Nichol.
Railroad Commissioner — Herman Schwarting.
Second Ward.
Aldermen — Mermen Haertel, two years. Conrad Meyer, one year.
Constable — George Fischer.
Assessor — Joseph Kluppak.
Railroad Commissioner — Joseph Walter.
Third Ward.
Aldermen— John Shortell, two years. Daniel Kennedy, Sen., one year.
Constable — ^John H. Ryan.
Assessor — A. McCormick.
Railroad Commissioner — John Keegan.
* The nomination for ward officers made at this caucus were a little too much
for Uncle William £. Cramer (who was at that lime slightly innoculated with
democratic virus) to swallow, and he went back on them. He probably saw the
handwriting on the wail, and concluded it would be a wise move to join " Gideon's
Band," while he could.
MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. 73
Fourth Ward.
Aldermen — A. H. Johnston, two years. Jesse SchoU, one year.
Constable — John Slattery.
Assessor — Patrick Markey.
Railroad Commissioner — S. C. West.
Fifth Ward.
Aldermen — Henry Millman, two years. Charles Johnson, one year.
Constable— Charles Mayer.
Assessor — ^W. W. Yale.
Railroad Commissioner — Carlton Holland.
Some one having stated that the Third ward nominees were tinc-
tured with republicanism, a second caucus was held, which put out
the following ticket :
Third Ward Meeting.
Milwaukee, March 81, 1856.
At a meeting of the tax payers of the Third ward, held at the En^ne
House of No. 6, the following names were brought forward to be sup-
ported at the election to-morrow, to- wit;
Aldermen — ^Michael Dunner, 2 years. Michael Bray, one year.
Assessor — R. G. Owen.
Railroad Commissioner — ^Thomas Eviston.
Constable— Patrick Fahy.
Justice of the Peace — William Holland.
If any names should appear on tickets, purporting to be republican,
they were not nominated at this meeting.
Independent Democratic Ticket.*
For Mayor — James B. Cross.
Treasurer — Herman Sohwarting.
Comptroller — John B. Edwards.
City Marshal — Daniel Haffner.
City Attorney — Wilson Graham.
First Ward.
Aldermen — ^Wm. H. Wright, two years. Henry Smith, one year.
Assessor — Geo. A. McGangle.
Railroad Commissioner — Benjamin Skidmore.
Constable— George Berkle.
Third Ward.
Aldermen — Michael Dunner, two years. Michael Bray, one year.
Assessor — Richard G. Owens.
Railroad Commissioner — John Eviston.
Justice of the Peace — William Holland.
Constable — Patrick Fahy.
Fourth Ward.
Aldermen— Caleb Harrison, two years. Joel Hood, Adam Ernst, one
year.
Assessor — Ambrose Ely.
Justice of the Peace — Korinan A. Millard.
Railroad Commissioner — P. Jacobus.
Constable— John Myer.
* There does not appear to have been any nominations upon this ticket in the
Second or Sixth wards, they being in those days the strongest democratic wards
in the dty. But there appears to have been two sets in the Fifth.
74 MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER.
Fifth Ward.
Aldermen — Jasper Humphrey, two years. Joseph H. Cordes, one
year.
Justice of the Peace — Oliver Parsons.
Assessor — Francis Conrad.
Railroad Commissioner — Charles H. Larkin.
Constable— S. Otto.
Alderman — John Rosebeck, two years. W. A. Hawkins, one year.
Assessor — Edwin DeWolf.
Justice of the Peac^e- -Oliver Parsons.
Constable — August Meyer.
Railroad Commissioner — W. P. Merrill.
Sev^enth Ward.
Alderman — W. A. Prentiss, two years. H. Hill, Francis J. Jung, one
year.
Assessor— J. W. Dunlop.
Justice of the Peace — Albert Smith.
Constable — August Seifert.
Railroad Commissioner — J. Murray.
This was followed by a people's convention, held on the second,
the delegates to which made the following nominations :
Independent Nominations.
Mayor — Cicero Comstock.
Comptroller — John B. Edwards.
Treasurer — Ferdinand Kue hn .
Marshal — William Beck.
Police Justice — Clinton Walworth.
City Attorney — C. L. Buttrick.
First Ward.
Aldermen — For two years, E. B. Wolcott; one year, W B. Hibbard.
Assessor — James Murray.
Railroad Commissioner — John Furlong.
Constable — ^John Scheflfel.
Third Ward.
Aldermen — For two years, James Reed; one year, Patrick 0*Don-
nell.
Assessor — A. McCormick.
Railroad Commissioner — James O'Shaughnessy.
Constable— John Ryan.
At a subsequent meeting James Reed was nominated alderman for
two years and George M. Col^te for one year, Hiram Church for asses-
sor, and J. F. Birchard for railroad commissioner.
Fifth Ward.
Aldermen — For two years, Jasper Humphrey; for one year, J. M.
Jones.
Assessor — John C. Smith.
Railroad Commissoner — C. Holland.
Constable — Charles Meyer.
A people's ticket is usually a failure, from the fact that all the de-
feated ones on the regular ticket attach themselves to it, like bama-
MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. 75
cles to old timber. They are reformers only in name. All they
want is the " loaves and fishes."
One want4S to be governor over his state,
And works every card to get put on the slate.
He thinks, if defeated, the people have erred,
And the choice that is made he calls so absurd.
But so it is ever, for mankind is vain,
And in this fool's warfare vast numbers are slain.
But the ranks are soon with others who hold
That the half of their wisdom can never be told.
Me. Corson Declined. — ^We are glad to learn from a card in last even-
ing's Witconnn that Mr. Dighton Corson declines to be a candidate for
justice of the peace in the Seventh ward. This leaves the present effi-
cient justice, Albert Smith, Esq. (who is a candidate for re-election)
without a competitor.
This declination was a stunner, as Mr. Corson (who had managed
to get nominated in some way) was one of the most inveterate office-
seekers the writer remembers among all those " old timers." What
could have induced it ?
General Rufus King was put in nomination by the Wisconsin for
city marshal in quite a lengthy article, descriptive of his peculiar fit-
ness for the position, to which the General gave the following spicy
reply :
strateL, . „ ^ ^ - ^ -^
rest oTthe numerous porkers which infest our streets." Should the
people ratify this excellent nomination, we promise to make the editor
of the Wisconsin our powder-monkey on all " military " excursions and
pound-keeper for all the " porkers " we may arrest. In that event the
bountv on every sow's year," which he thmks the new city treasurer
would favor, would fall to his share as " the faithful custodian " of the
city porkers.
Mr. Cramer was apparently very anxious for the General's pro-
motion. They were not a very loving couple in those days, and
always on the watch for a chance to stone each other.
Closing the Saloons.
As it was evident from past experience that trouble might arise on
election day if free liquor abounded, the mayor issued a proclama-
tion closing them, of which the annexed is a literal copy :
To all Tavern Keepers, Groceries and Beer Halls :
You are respectfully requested to keep closed against the sale of any
liquor, wine or bier* on election day until 4 o'clock p. m.
B. KiLBouRN, Mayor.
P. S. — After 4 o'clock p. m. you can let her go.
''That is the way it was spelled.
76 MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER.
This proclamation was commented upon in the Sentinel something
as follows :
The P. S. after the close of the mayor's proclamation was a stunner —
at least for a mayor to make. Not much dignity about that. If it was
best to close the saloons at all, why "let her go after 4 p. m.?" The fol-
lowing will perhaps best illustrate this case :
We remember an old German, who was remarkably blunt but honest,
who had a cow and calf for sale, to whom another German applied as a
purchaser, when the following colloquy took place:
" Veil, Hans, how much you vant tor dis cow?"
The price given was so extremely low as to cause the would-be pur-
chaser t<o imagine something must be wrong, and he asked:
" Is dot cow got goot calf?"
** Yah, she gif goot milk.
"Veil, den, vat for you vant to sell her?"
" Veil, I vill tole you. Dis cow vill gif goot milk, but yoost so quick
as she pees done gif dot milk, she up mit her foot and kick him all
over der bail."
"Veil, den," says Hans, "I dond puy him. Dis cow no goot. She
vort noddings. I let her go."
We cannot but compare the proclamation to the German's cow — first
gives good milk, and then kicking it all over. The proclamation was
all right, but the P. S. was not.
This was replied to on the 9th as follows :
General King :
I find tliat my little P. S. has greatly disturbed your equanimity, as
the Sentinel of this morninji; has half a column of abuse concerning it.
I am aware of your morbid passion for fault finding, and am ^lad that
you have at length found something in my administration which offers
some opportunity to work off some of the excess of "gas" with which
you are nabitually so much inflated. Had I retired from office without
giving you such opportunity, I fear there would have been an explosion
which would have deprived the public of your valuable services m after
years. B. Kilbourn.
Let her go.
And the General did. He was not the kind of a man to make
any reply to such an article as that.
A call was also made by the " outs " for the present " ins "
(against whose proceedings, as has been seen, there was no little
complaint) to show up and give an account of their stewardship, to
which, as might have been expected, there was no response. They
were too sharp for that.
The result of the election held March 6* was as follows :
*^rhis election was held March 6, in accordance with Section i of Chapter 2 of
the amendments to the city charter, approved February 20, 1852. Changed back
to the first Tuesday in April, under the act of the legislature approved February
21, 1856. See book containing charter, together with the acts of the legislature
amendatory thereto, published 1857, pages 53 and 200.
MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. 77
Mayor — James B. Cross.
Comptroller — John B. Edwards.
Treasurer — Ferdinand Kuehn.
Police Justice — Clinton Walworth.
Marshal— T. O'Brien.
City Engineer — William S. Trowbridge.
City Attorney — Erastus Foote.
ALDERMEN.
First Ward — Jackson Hadley, Victor Schulte and George S. Mallory.
Second Ward — Herman Haertle, Conrad Meyer and Richardson
Houghton.
Third Ward— John Shortell,* John Coughlin and Daniel Kennedy.
Fourth Ward— Haven Powers, Jas. Ludington and Caleb Harrison.
Fifth Ward — Henry Millman, John Rosebeck and Andrew Mitchell.
J. Hadlev. president.
Robert Wnitehead, city clerk.
Assessors.
First ward, Patrick Nichol; Second, Jos. Kluppak; Third, Andrew
McCormick; Fourth, Ambrose Ely; Fifth, Wallace W. Yale.
Justices.
First ward, Albert Smith; Second, Chas. F. Bode; Third, Wm. Hol-
land; Fourth, Haven Powers; Fifth, Oliver Parsons.
CoMMISSIOKEim OF SuRVEY.
First ward, Peter Martineau; Second, I. A. Lapham; Third, Elisha
Eldred; Fourth, Ira E. Goodall; Fifth, Martin Delaney.
Fire Department.
Chief Engineer— Samuel S. Daggett.
Fin^t assistant, Jno. C. Goodricn; Second, Jos. Sprague; Third, Frank
H. Greenleaf.
Fire Commissioner — Daniel Xeiman.
Fire Wardens.
First ward, Robert C. Jacks and Ni(;holas Ludwig; Second, F. Chi-
chester and Linus N. Dewey: Third, Frank Devlin and Jas. H. Ryan*
Fourth, Charles Bierbaoh and Thomas Reed; Fifth, Russell Eddy ana
D. F. Thompson.
Railroad Commissioners.
First ward, Herman Schwarting; Second, Joseph Walters; Third, John
Keegan; Fourth, Alonzo L. Kane; Fiflh, Carlton Holland.
CONSTABI.ES.
First ward, Frederick Kessler; Second, Geo. Fisher; Third, John
Ryan; Fourth, Washington G. Haack; Fifth. Chas. Meyer.
City Printers — English, Daily News; German, Daily Banner.
Sealer of Weights and Measures — Jesse M. Van Slyck.
Council rooms in Martin's block.
*Mr. Shorten was a carpenter and a shopmate of the author's for several sea-
sons. He was of medium siz', had dark hair and eyes, was of a very quiet de-
meanor, and very popular with his countrymen in the Third ward. I remember
him well. I think he died long ago, but am not certain,
78 MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER.
The assessed valuation of the city in 1855 was $17,699,272, di-
vided as follows :
Real and PerHonal.
First Ward $6,029,840
Second Ward 2,669,040
Third Ward 4,257,900
Fourth Ward 2,700,420
Fifth Ward 2,052,072
$17,699,272
The county officers were :
Sheriff— Herman L. Page.
Under Sheriff— Samuel S. Conover.
Deputies — William Wedemeyer, John Mitchell, August Seifert, Wil-
liam Beck.
District Attorney — A. R. R. Butler.
Register of Deeds — Chas. J. Kern.
Treasurer — Garrett M. Fitzgerald.
Surveyor (in his mind) — Jonn Gregory.
Coroner — ^Timothy O'Brien.
Superintendents of the Poor — Edward Weisner and Chas. James.
Supervisors.
The two-year aldermen were supervisors in their respective wards
ex-officio. Towns were :
For Wauwatosa- Thomas Tobin.
Lake — J. C. Howard.
Oak Creek — M. Hawes.
Granville — ^Thomas Bare.
Franklin — ^Thomas J. Rice.
Greenfield — Peter Lavies, Jr.
Milwaukee — Thomas Kehliher.
Jackson Hadley, chairman.
A. Bade, clerk.
Board of trade met this year over the Exchange bank of VVm. J.
Bell & Co., southeast corner of Huron and East Water. The offi-
cers were: J. G. Inbusch, president; S. B. Grant, secretary; Wm.
J. Bell, treasurer. Admsission fees, $2. Some difference between
then and now.
School Commissioners.
First Ward — Rufus King, Thomas Du^gan and Jackson Hadley.
Second Ward — Chas. E. Jenkins, Bern. Church and Eno Meyer.*
Third Ward — John Cummings, Ed. O Neill and Edward McGarrj'.
Fourth Ward — Samuel L. Elmore, Priam B. Hill and Haven Powers.
♦The books in the office of the city clerk show that Eno Meyer was elected to
BU a vacancy, but do not state whose resignation caused the vacancy. It was
probably, 4iowever, that of Dea. Samuel Brown.
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MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. 79
Fifth Ward— Andrew Mitchell, Clark A. Place and Edwin De Wolf*
BafuB King^ president.
Robert Wmteiiead, secretary.
Public Schools.
There were six good substantial brick school buildings in Milwau-
kee in 1855, each of which had a primary, intermediate and gram-
mar department. The highest salary paid was $850, and the low-
est $300.
Tlie number of children in the city between the ages of four and
twenty years on the last day of August, 1855 (the time the census
was taken) was 9,345 ;t number attending public schools was 2,013;
attending private schools, 1,995.
The amount paid for salaries for teachers was .1^11,2")9 5:>
Contingent expenses. 2,077 97
^i:\^:yS7 50
The state appropriation was ^),541 o()
Balance paid by city 0,7y() 00
|;i 3,337 ">0
Biographical.
General Rufus King, who for many years occupied so prominent a
position in Milwaukee as a journalist and educator, and whose name
appears in the above list as the president of the board of school
commissioners for 1855 (and ex-officio superintendent), was born in
the city of New York on the 26th day of January, 1814. The
family from which he sprang was an old and influential one. His
father was President Charles King, of Columbia College, and his
grandfather, Rufus King, had the honor of being the first senator
elected from the Empire State upon the formation of the present
government, and also served as minister to England during VVash-
*This was the genllenian who served two terms as school superintendent, and
who spelled gone ••gon" and whole '*h')le." He was a literary yem. He was
a blatant politician, and his election to that office was the natural result of bring-
ing the public schools into the cess pool of politics.
f These were proportioned in the different wards as follows:
Wards. Males.
First 1,436
Second 1,372
Third 688
Fourth 497
Fifth , 680
4*673 4.672 9,345
Females.
1.636
1,297
600
Total.
3.072
2,669
1,288
494
645
991
1.325
80 MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER.
ington's administration. The prestige of such an ancestry could not
fail to have great influence in shaping the future career of the sub-
ject of this sketch, and as a natural sequence he was honored with
the appointment to a cadetship at West Point, that then Mecca of
the sons of the wealthy and influential citizens of the young Re-
public, and from where he graduated in July, 1833, with high hon-
ors, ranking No. 4 in his class, and was assigned to duty upon the
engineer corps of the regular army.
His first employment in his new vocation was to aid in the con-
struction of Fortress Monroe under Robert E. Lee, at that time one
of his country's most valued and trusted sons, but who subse-
quently betrayed her and became the Confederate leader during the
great rebellion. But to return.
The monotony as well as the indolence incident to army life soon
became distasteful to one of his ardent temperament. He wanted
something more stimulating, more exciting — something outside of a
strict military occupation, and in order to obtain it he resigned, in
1836, and accepted a position as assistant engineer upon the pre-
liminary survey then being made for the New York and Erie rail-
road, which he held until 1838, when he left and accepted that of
editor-in-chief upon the Albany Advertiser^ and commenced the life
in which he became so famous in after years.
He had now found his proper sphere, and at once commenced to
take an active and prominent part in all the exciting political issues
of the day. He was also commissioned in 1839 as adjutant general
of the state, a position his thorough military education rendered him
eminendy well qualified to fill, and which he held until July i, 1843.
He remained upon the Advertiser until 1841, when, at the solicita-
tion of Governor William H. Seward (between whom and himself
a strong firiendship existed), he severed his connection with that
paper and became associate editor upon the Albany Evening ^our-
naly in which position he was the trusted friend and adviser of that
renowned journalist, Thurlow Weed, its then editor-in-chief, whom
he greatly aided in carrying out the plans of that grand historic
statesman, William H. Seward, in his efforts to rescue the Empire
State from the withering sirocco of Democratic misrule.
Here he remained until 1845, when, induced by liberal offers, he
MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. 81
came to Milwaukee and assumed the editorial chair upon the Mil-
waukee Sentinel^ then (as now) the leading Whig organ in the state,
and where, for the next twelve years, he made that paper a power
in the cause of liberty and the dissemination of Whig principles.
He also, during most of this time, held the responsible otHce of
school commissioner, and had the honor to be elected the first presi-
dent of the board (and superintendent ex-officio) upon the organiza-
tion of the present public school system in 1846, and in 1847 niade
the first report (see Vol. III., page 71 to 76 inclusive), a document
that shows him to have been just the man to fill that responsible
office. Neither is it any injustice to his successors to say that no
one of them has ever filled it with more credit to himself or benefit
to the schools than did General Rufus King. Rut to return.
While the editorial department of the Sentinel was being so ably
conducted by General King, unfortunately the business management
(to which he gave no attention) was very badly mismanaged, result-
ing finally in financial embarrassment during the commercial panic
of 1857 that necessitated a change of ownership to a considerable
extent. General King remaining, however, as editor-in-chief for a
season, during which his best energies were devoted to restoring it
to its former financial standing, but was ultimately compelled to let
it pass into other hands, who, in its ownership and present success,
are reaping the fruit of the seed he had sown.
This disaster was a sad blow, and threw him so to speak off the
track until March, 1861, when, without any solicitation on his part,
he received from his friend, Hon. William H. Seward, the then secre-
tary of state for the United States under Abraham Lincoln (and who
had always kept him in sight), the appointment of minister to Rome,
which he accepted, and had placed his baggage on board the vessel
which was to convey him to that city of the Caesars, when the attack
was made upon Fort Sumpter, at the breaking out of the rebellion,
in April, 186 1. This changed the programme. The commission to
Rome was returned, and, resuming the sword, he was at once com-
missioned as a brigadier-general, his brigade being composed of
Wisconsin volunteers, including the 19th Indiana, which, under his
firm hand, were soon brought to that high condition of discipline
and military efficiency which gave it subsequendy its great fame as
82 MILWAUKEE UNDER 1'HK CHARTER.
the Iron Brigade, while under the command of General Gibbons,
General K.ing having been promoted to the command of the division,
with which he participated in General Pope's campaign of 1862.
The arduous duties incident to this campaign were of such a nature
as to greatly impair his splendid constitution, and he asked to be
relieved, which was granted, and he was assigned to duty upon court
martials, and in the defenses of Washington. This continued until
the spring of 1863, when he again took the field in command of a
division, at Yorktown, where he was actively engaged in watching
and counteracting the rebel movements in that region, until the fall
of 1863, when he was again reappointed to the Roman mission,
where he remained until its abolition in 1867; after which he returned
to his native city, where he died October 13, 1876.
Such is substantially the record of Rufus King, who while he
lived had no superior in the editorial or educational corps in Mil-
waukee, and whose memory will be cherished by her citizens for
many years to come.
Personnel.
In person, General King was of the average height, straight as
an arrow, walked with a regular military step, was always courteous
and gentlemanly, while at the same time he maintained the dignity
suitable to the position which by birth and education he felt himself
entitled to assume. He had a clear, comprehensive, well balanced
mind, was ([uick to see the true inwardness ot the political trickery
going on in the democratic party, and prompt to expose it. He was
a born journalist, wielded a ready pen, and 'was the acknowledged
leader of the whig party throughout the State in its struggle for
supremacy during her early history. His editorials were of the first
order, always dignified and terse, but when occasion required he
could be sarcastic or caustic. He was a member of the .second con-
stitutional convention, and aided largely in forming our present State
constitution, and was for several years one of the regents of the State
university. He was also a prominent official in the old volunteer fire
department, and of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, in which
latter organization he took great pride. General King, like most
men who receive a military education and training, and subsequently
engage in business pursuits, did not get wealthy. He placed no value
MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. 83
upon money, except the gratification its expenditure brought, and
like Daniel Webster would pay it out without stint. While he was
keenly perceptive and vigilant as to the wiles of political adversaries
he was guileless, confiding and easily overreached in personal money
matters, and of course suffered in consequence. There is a fine
portrait of General King in our city library, where it properly
belongs. He left one son, Col. Charles King (also a West Point
graduate), now of this city, and who although still young has already
made a good record as a soldier and author, and is a worthy son Of
a worthy sire. That he may be as useful a citizen, reach as high a
plane, and leave as good a record as did his honored father, is cer-
tainly the wish of all who know him.
A Know Nothing on the Petit Jury.
Some allusion was made in Vol. III., to the loose manner in which
our jury system was conducted, as well as to the class of men usually
selected, and one or two incidents as to its workings given. But
here is another case, that certainly should not be lost to posterity :
A Know Nothing on the JrRY. — A curious affair (uime off in the
county court yesterday morning, and the evening previous. A suit in
trespass wa8 tried by ajury, between Archer C. Flanders and the Mil-
waukee & Mississippi Kailroad Co. The case wai^ given to the jury about
sundown on Wednesday, and an officer sworn to take (charge of the jury ;
the Court adjourning to yesterday morning, giving instruction to the
jury that if they agreed upon a verdict, to write it out and seal it up, t^)
be given to the Court the next morning. The officer in conducting the
jury to their room found there were but eleven — one of the jurors nav-
mg left, and could not be found by the officer. The eleven soon agreed
upon a verdict — obeyed the instructions of the Court, wrote it out, and
it was returned to the Court yesterday morning. On enquiry of the
absentee juror, he said he supposed it was all through with — the case
was ended, and he had gone home as the rest did. And on further
enquiry he didn't know what was expected of him as a juror, or any-
thing relating to the duties of a juror. The parties for the suit agreed
to take the eleven, satisfied that the verdict was as good without the
twelfth as with it. But ought such men to be put upon the jury list by
the supervisors? The last place for a natural Know Nothing is the jury
box. Juries should be composed of the most intelligent people in the
community and not men selected for the ends of a political party.
I remember this occurrence and the laugh it made in the com-
munity at the time. The man had been in the country but a few weeks,
and could not understand a word of English. The sheriff, when
asked by the court why he placed such men on the jury, rephed
that he was a good fellow and had nothing to do. He was, how-
84 MILWAUKEE tJNDER TttE CHARtER.
ever, informed by his honor that if such a thing occurred again that
the court would find him (the sheriff) something to do in the jail.
Uncle Sam's Jurors.
This was the heading of an article in the Sentinel during the trial
of Booth for the Glover rescue, called out by an exhibition of heads
at the windows of the old United States court-room in Martin's
block during the Sunday they were out for a verdict. Some one
who was not posted thought they were the " Know Nothings," who,
he had been informed, were as thick as blackberries and had a lodge
in that building — at least he had been told so, but didn't know noth-
ing about it himself. It was finally decided that it was the jury in
the Booth case, and who were unwilling to pay $i,ooo (the regular
government price at that time) for a nigger,* and could not get out
until they did. Ihey paid it finally, /. <?., they gave a verdict for it,
and were let go. Who wouldn't be a juror?
The writer was the assistant marshal at the time and in charge of
that jury. The act which attracted so much attention was the at-
tempt made by one of them to pull up a botde of whisky by a
string, which some kind friend, who had probably been there him-
self and knew what it was to be dry, had fastened to it. It was a
failure, however, as the bottb was broken against one of the win-
dow-sills just as it reached the top and the whisky lost. I think the
loss of that whisky was the main cause of the verdict. Judge Miller
was greatly scandalized on account of this occurrrence, as it was
against the peace and dignity of " Uncle Samuel."
Shipping Paupers to Milwaukee.
This game was played on the unsuspecting Milwaukeeans by the
wicked " She-ka-go-ans " to quite an extent m 1855, which made
our supervisors more trouble than Greenfield Smith,t as he was
called, ever did, and he has been their Dionysius. But the game
was finally stopped by reversing the order of march.
*They were higher in 1861, but are chenp now.
fThc supervisor from Greenfield, James Smith, who was always getting up
some scheme of his own, to which as a rule the hoard were opposed. He was a
tall, lank specimen of the genus hamo^ as full of Bghi as a hornet, and would
hang on until the last gun was fired. He made it lively in the board while he
was in it.
MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. 85
Philological.
Some one who has a passion for tracing the philology of names
has discovered that John Smith in Latin is Johannes Smithius ; in
ItaHan, Giovanni Scmithi ; Spanish, Juan Smithas; Dutch, Hans
Schmidt ; French, Jean Smeets ; Greek, Ion Skmiton ; Russian,
Souloff Skmittowiski ; Polish, Ivan Schmittiwcisk ; Chinese, Jahan
Schmmit; Icelandic, Jahne Smithson ; Welsh, llhon Schmidd ;
Mexican, Jonll t'Suiitli.*
The Hog Nuisance.
This much talked-of nuisance came to the front this spring in a
call from some of the citizens upon the Sentinel to inform them how
to rid themselves of these pests, as the writer of the article called
them, who, he says, will open any gate in the city, after which the
result can be imagined.
This inquiry brought a reply from some one, suggesting that an
ordinance be passed empowering any man to take and retain pos-
session of all the swine found at large, which, he says, will cause
such an absence of " pig faces " as would satisfy the staunchest
Israelite in all the land of Goshen.
Some of these hogs were dangerous, as the following will show :
[For the Sentinel,
Whbre is the City Marshal?
Ferocious Hogs About. — ^This morning my little girl was returning
from the store with a small quantity of Jndian meal. She wan attacked
by a savage old sow, and the basket forcibly taken from her, the con-
tents scattered and lost, and nurrowly escaped personal injury. This
occurred on Main street, corner of Division street. Is there no law to
reach such dangerous brutes ?
Where's the marshal ? Robert Earl.
Milwaukee, April 26.
This was answered by the marshal. Father Tim O'Brien, thusly :
That he would be d d if he would interfere or deny the liberty of
the streets to any bog, not if he knew himself, as that is not his busi-
ness. Neither is there any law against it.
There isn't, hey ?
The ordinance on page 92 of the ordinance book reads as follows :
No swine shall be permitted to run at large in this city under a pen-
alty of $2 for each and every oflense, to be recovered of the owner.
^From the Insurance Review ^ September, 1884.
86 Milwaukee under the charter.
And another on page 1 1 reads as follows :
He rthe marBhal] shall see that all the ordinances are enforced, and
that when any violation thereof shall come to his knowledge he shall
notify the city attorney and attend to procuring evidence for the prose-
cution of the same.
Put your specks on, Tim, and read the above. But Tim didn't.*
Michael Bodden.
This gentleman, who is one of the most prominent and respected
of our German fellow citizens, came to Milwaukee from the city of
Cologne, Prussia, in 1847, and at once commenced to build himself
a home in the land of his adoption. His first occupation after his
arrival was as teacher of German in the public schools, but this voca-
tion he soon abandoned for more exciting scenes. Having an itch-
ing for political fame, he became quite active as a politician, and
was elected city treasurer in 1862, which he held two years, and it is
proper to say that amcng all his countrymen who have held that
office no one has left it in better shape, or filled it with more credit
to himself, than did Mr. Bodden. He is a good business man, and
has the confidence of the people as well as their respect. And
although, like most of his countrymen, he joined the democratic
parly when first he came, he has subsequently acted with the repub-
licans upon several occasions, but he is rot a demagogue, and has a
sovereign contempt for all the political chicanery that forms so large
a portion of the stock in trade of a politician. He was president of
the chamber of commerce in 1880 and '81, and is the present city
tax commissioner, for which office he has special qualifications, as
besides being a good general scholar he is a fine mathematician — a
desideratum much needed in that responsible branch of our city
government. He is also a fine musician, and was the organist of
^niie running at large of hogs or cattle in any city is a great drawback to its
proftperity, and an f'vil that should not be tolerated under any circumstapces. Go
where you would in those days you were sure to meet one or more of those filthy
animals sauntering along the streets and sidewalks. They rooted up all the gar-
dens, defiled the sidewalks, and filled the whole city with a smell very unlike a
geranium, and some of them, as has been stated, were really dangerous. But we
got no abatement of the nuisance until Caleb Wall got into the council, where,
after a hard fight, he succeeded in inducing that body to consent to pass an ordi-
nance putting an end to it.
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MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. 87
St. Gall's church (Catholic) for several years. In person, Mr. Bodden
is of medium height, has dark hair and dark eyes. He has a pleasant
voice, speaks very deliberately and distinctly, and always says just
what he means. He is also very conscientious and will knowingly
do no wrong to any one, is dignified and gentlemanly, always thinks
before he speaks, and if he can say no good of his neighbor will say
no wrong, and is always careful of what he says or does. He has
good executive abilities, far above the average, and though the roll-
ing years have frosted his head, he is still active and vigorous, the
natural result of a temperate life. He has fine conversational powers,
and as a presiding officer has few equals in the city. He is sharp
and keen, sees into the merits as well as the crooks in all financial
matters that come under his administration apparendy by intuition,
and has been successful in ferreting out more hidden treasure, upon
which no tax had been paid since he took charge of the commis-
sioner's office, than had all his predecessors put together, and made
the owners thereof come to time. Such are a few of the personal
characteristics of Michael Bodden, one of the men in whom the
citizens of Milwaukee have confidence, and whom they have often
delighted to honor.
William Grant Fitch.
This gentleman, so well known as one of Milwaukee's most suc-
cessful and popular bankers, was born in the town of Helvidere, New
Jersey, on the sixth day of August, 1834. His father, Daniel Grant
Fitch, was an editor and publisher of a paper called the Warren
journal. From Belvidere, the subject of this sketch, after com-
pleting his education at the academy of that town, removed, in 185 1,
to Dayton, O., and from there, in 1855, to Milwaukee, where he was
appointed teller of the then Bank of Milwaukee, chartered the pre-
vious year (now the National Exchange), jvhich position he occupied
until 1859, when his peculiar fitness for ihe banking business coming
to the notice of the directors, he was elected to the office of cashier,
which office he has filled to the present lime, a period of twenty-
seven years, and is (to use a Western phrase) one of the landmarks
in the department of banking in Wisconsin. It can be said of him,
as of David Ferguson the veteran cashier of Alex. Mitchell's famous
88 MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARIER.
bank, that his absence would be more noticeable than would chat of
the veteran president Charles D. Nash (the duties of both Messrs.
Mitchell and Nash being to a large extent supei^visory), so accus-
tomed are its patrons to dealing with him, and him only. Mr. Fitch
has always been noted for his conservativeness, and under his wise
and judicious management the National Exchange Bank* has become
one of the soundest as well as one of the most popular in the West,
and is doubtless destined to retain its popularity for years to come.
Personnel.
In person Mr. Fitch is of medium height, has a fine physique, few
men in Milwaukee can boast a finer, and is the very picture of health.
He has dark hair, and large, dark expressive eyes, in which a flitting
smile and a look of severity, will often be seen to follow each other
in rapid succession. He has a large head, face round and full, and
a* mouth indicative of great will power, which he certainly possesses.
He walks with a regular uniform step, and if in deep thought (as he
usually is when on the street) will not look up or notice any one
whom he may meet, but at the same time, like Mr. Pfister, is per-
fectly aware of whom he has met. He is not nervous, or very easily
excited, and never thrown off his guard, a quality that is worth gold
to a banker. To a stranger Mr. Fitch would often prove an enigma,
and if that stranger was in search of a victim, upon whom he in-
tended to practice some swindling scheme, or to solicit some particu-
lar favor, the look he would get would probably prevent him from
attempting either, although if his object was charity, and his cause a
worthy one, he would never be sent empty away.
Mr. Fitch is not a man with whom it is easy to cultivate an ac-
quaintance, as his bump of caution is very large, and to a stranger
or in a strange place this, coupled with his natural reticence, would
prevent all attempts at tpo close an intimacy. Upon all such
occasions he would be simply polite and nothing more, and, like
Mr. G. E. Gifford, he would learn all he could about those around
him, while at the same time they would learn very little about him.
He is a good diplomatist. He has a large circle of acquaintances,
The name under which it was reorganized in 1865, as a National bank.
MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. 89
but the number of those with whom he is intimate, in the full sense
of the term, is very small. * He is eminently well fitted for a banker,
as he possesses those traits so necessary for a banker to have, viz.,
good judgment, quickness of decision, executive ability, and the
faculty of reading character. He looks you square in the face when
talking business, and will have your measure before you know it.
He seems to know by intuition just how to handle every question
that comes up, whether for a loan or any other matter, connected
with banking or finances generally, and if left to follow his own
judgment will be very sure to win. He has been a director in the
Northwestern National Insurance company since its organization,
during all of which time he has been a member of the executive
committee. He is also a member of the board of trustees of the
Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance company. He believes in do-
ing right always, and in business matters wants everything done in a
business way ; requires all men to do as they agree, and if once de-
ceived that person will never regain his confidence. He has good
literary tastes, is fond of books, music and works of an, in the en-
joyment of which he spends his leisure hours. In political faith he
is a Democrai, but has never sought or held office, that thorny path
having no charms for him.
Such are some of the personal characteristics of William Grant
Fitch, one of Milwaukee's most respected representative men and
citizens, and who has risen to his present responsible position by
merit alone, a position that few have attained so early in life or filled
when attained with more credit to themselves or satisfaction to the
community.
Charles Ray.
This gentleman, so generally and favorably known as one of Mil-
waukee's most prominent representative business men, was born in
Ulster county, state of New York, on the 27th of January, 1835,
from whence he came to Milwaukee with his parents in 1838, his early
years after his arrival being spent upon the farm of his father, Adam
E. Ray,* a gentleman who figured quite extensively in the early poli-
*I remember Adam G. Kay perfectly. He was a man who would attract at-
tention anywhere, ami had he lived in New England in old Puritan limes would
have been one of ibe ''simon pure kind." He generally came to Milwaukee
90 MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER.
tics of this county, of which the present county of Waukesha I hen
formed a part. Mr. Ray, however, like S. S. Merrill, had too high
aspirations to remain upon a farm, consequently no sooner was he
of sufficient age than he struck out from the paternal roof and com-
menced life for himself. This was m 1855. His first employment
was as a clerk in the old Farmers' and Millers' bank (now the First
National), of this city, where he remained until 1857, when he was
elected cashier of the bank of Prairie du Chien, which office he filled for
nine years, returning lo Milwaukee again in 1866 to engage in the
wheat trade with George M. Dickinson, under the firm name of Ray
& Dickinson.
This was of short duration, however, after which a new partner-
ship was formed with Thomas E. Balding and Austin C. Buell, un-
der the firm name of Charles Ray & Co. This partnership was con
tinued until 1882, when the labor incident to the management of
their vast business began to tell upon his splendid constitution, and
the firm was dissolved. Having now accumulated a large fortune,
he built himself a palatial residence on Prospect avenue, to which
he retired and where he has since resided. This house is among the
finest in the city.
In person Mr. Ray is tall and slim, has dark hair and dark eyes ;
he has a strong voice, speaks quick, with a slight rolling intonation,
with the accent prolonged upon the last syllable of each word. He
has a keen perception of men, and is a good judge of character.
He is also very generous and kind hearted, and will do almost any-
thing — even to his own disadvantage at times — to oblige a fi*iend or
help the needy, and is one of the most affable and pleasant men to
do business with in the city. He is very conscientious, and will
wrong no one or suffer it to be done if he can prevent it. In
political faith he is a republican, and a good one. He wants no
Hendricks m his creed — and were he in any high office every
thing would move hke clock work, where he presided, his business
qualifications are of the highest order. There would be no stealing
from his farm at Mukwonago on horseback, the horse being in cx>lor a 'Might bay"
with a white face and white forelegs. He, Mr. Ray, was as straight as an arrow
always wore a white stove-pipe hat and a white necktie. He was very method-
ical in all he did, spoke slow, walked slow and resembled a preacher more than
a farmer.
MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. 91
going on that he would not soon detect. He is one of the stock-
holders in the N. VV. National Insurance Co,, and one of its Board of
Directors, where by his good judgment, he aids not a little in keeping
the good ship afloat and in sailing trim. Such are some of the busi-
ness qualifications as well as personal characteristics of Charles Ray .
He has climbed steadily up fortune's uncertain ladder by his own
ability until he has reached the top, socially as well as financially,
and is one of the men to whom the citizens of Milwaukee are ready
to concede the post of honor — as one of her self-made representative
men.
John J. Eves.
Mr. Eves who is I believe a Grerman by birth, also came to Mil-
waukee this year, and has been a very useful citizen. He is one of
the wide awake, go ahead kind, but always looks a project well over
before he invests any money in it. He is always busy. He was
for a number of years the master mechanic for the Goodrich Steam-
boat Line. He has made a good record, and accumulated a hand-
some competency, which he knows how to enjoy. I wish Milwau-
kee contained more such men as Mr. Eves.
Jabez M. Smith.
Another who should have been mentioned in the previous volume
as coming in 1852, is Jabez M. Smith, our well known Confectioner
and Fruiterer at 411 Jefferson. Mr. Smith is by birth an English-
man, and one of the kind who move quietly along in life's journey,
contented with his lot and never attempting anything sensational or
exciting. He is a good citizen.
Sebastopol vs. The Straight Cut.
The following humorous dialogue explains itself:
Stbebt Colloquy.
The following conversation is said to have taken place in the street,
Englishman. — " I believe there's nought since her. 'A was in 'opes
to 'av 'earn 'o Sebastopol being ta'en afore now."
American. — '* I guess you'll have to wait a spell before that thing hap-
pens. Your folks over there had ought to let that job out to the Yan-
tees; they'd done it right up in a month."
Englishman, — (evidently touched on the rawy) Do ye belong *i this
92 MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER.
city ? If ye do, ye'd better get yer Aldermen to fetch yon uavvieB
over from Ballyclaver to make yon Straijjht Cut *o yours — ^ten on *em
wi' barrow *d wheel out more dirt 'i one day, than yon drudge 'o
'Awley*8 'as in a weekl 'A think afore ye *av news 'o yon Straight Cut
being finished, Sebastopol *ell be t<i*en. May be both' jobs 'o one day,
its not onlikely ; ye can 'av a celebration then."
The parties seemg a Common Councilman approaching, immediately
separated.
Mentzel & Stone.* — Machinists.
1 remember this firm, who were very prominent in their line for sev-
eral years, in fact at one time they were at the head of the profession.
Mr. Mentzel was a German and a splendid mechanic. He was of
medium size, very muscular, coupled with great power of endurance.
He had dark hair and eyes, a nervous temperament and a strong
will.
Mr. Stone was an American, and a very large man, too large in
fact to work, and like most men of his build was of a very quiet de-
meanor. He was the executive head of the firm. Mr. Stone lived
at the northwest corner of Fifth and Fowler streets, in a small white
house, standing at that lime some fifty feet above the present grade
of Fowler street. This house (now the properly of our well known
fellow citizen, Micliael Haisler,) has been lowered and rebuilt.
'I'heir shop was the present Filer & Stowell works, on Clinton street
at its junction with Virginia. This firm built the enginet (the first
upright one in the city,) for the mill of Messrs. Nichols & Brett,
where the Marine Block now stands, northeast corner of South Water
and Ferry streets. This engine which was a failure (in some respects),
burnt the mill December 31, 1859.
Mr. Mentzel is now living at Minneapolis, Minnesota. Mr. Stone
died many years ago.
Eavesdropping.
The Sentinel of May 19th, contains a lengthy article from the pen
of Peter Yates, in which he complains bitterly of the attendants at
the County jail for eavesdropping, when he was holding a private
professional seance ** with old Jones of " blessed memory," but he
got him no renown by the publication of his article, as the boys at
* Gregor Mentzel and Mathias Stone.
t'lhey also built threshing machines. They built 125 during [854 and 1855.
MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. 93
the jail had more contempt for him than for old Jones, and followed
him up until they made him sick.
Peter Yates was a curious combination, like Huebschmann he
contained much good material, but badly put together.
Opening of the Lake Shore, now The Chicago and North-
western Railway, May 19TH, 1855.
This road was incorporated in i85i,asthe Green Bay, Milwaukee
and Chicago Railroad, organized in 1852, with a capital stock of
$3,000,000. The first officers were, President, Thos. P. Williams ;
Treasurer, Charles H. Wheeler ; Chief Engineer, Chas. K. Alton ;
Secretary, John Welbb ;* The Secretary • at this time was A. G.
Leland, who in speaking of its construction made the following
statement :
THE LAKE SHORE RAILROAD.
The Green Bay, Milwaukee and Chicago Railroad Company, com-
menced the construction of the road between the city of Milwaukee
and the State line between Wisconsin and Illinois, in Ausust 1853,
since which time the work has steadily progressed, and it is the inten-
tion to open the road for the conveyance of passe njrers and freight by
the Ist day of May next. Messrs Bishop & Co., contractors, have
urged forward the work more rapidly than could be expected under
the un&vorable state of the monetary affairs of the country. The ex-
treme severity of the winter has prevented the rapid prosecution of
the work of laying track, otherwise the road would now be open. The
equipments are 4 locomotives, 8 passenger cars^ and 35 freight cars of
the best finish and most perfect patterns, and it is the design of the
Company to make it a first class road in every respect, in order to
accommodate the large amount of passenger business that will inevi-
tably pass over this hue. It is estimated that a population of 200,000 are
directly and indirectly dependent upon the construction of a road 40
miles in length. This road connects at the State line with the Chicago
& Milwaukee Railroad. Messrs. Stone & Witt, the energetic contractors
of that road, have opened the line to Wauke{<an and in a few days will
have the track to the State line.
A. G. Leland, Secretary.
The first train to reach Milwaukee fi*om the south, was on Satur-
day, May 19th, 1855. This was a construction train drawn by the
locomotive Lake Shore,t having^ on board M. Alton, the construct-
ing engineer, and a few others.
♦I am not a uite positive about this; but think Mr. Welbb was the first secretary.
It was built from the State line to Milwaukee, by the Messrs. Bishop & Co., of
Bridgeport, Conn., and from Chicago to the State line by Messrs. Stone & Witt,
of Cleveland, Ohio.
fThis locomotive was built at the Menomonee Locomotive Works, southwest
comer of Reed and Lake Streets, by Messrs Lee & Walton.
6
94 MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER.
A full description of the ''marriage *' of the two divisions as it was
termed, was printed in the Sentinel of May 21st, of which a synopsis
is here given, and reads as follows :
The *'Tug Tift " conveyed the Common Council and a few others
down the river to the Wilcox Crossing,* near "Bay View," at 7:30
>
A. M., where they boarded the construction train drawn by the loco-
motive "Lake Shore," reached Racine at 9 a. m., Kenosha in
forty-five minutes fi-om Milwaukee, where they met the train from
Chicago, consisting of eight new passenger coaches, here they
were received by the late John V. Ayers (of the Knight of Malta
famet). The Vice President of the Illinois Division who conducted
them to the place where the two particular rails that were to unite
the two centers of the roads were lying, when Mayor James B.
Cross, supported by Mayor Boone of Chicago, made the opening
address, containing usual compliments and promises always constitut-
ing a large part of the speeches made upon such occasions, to
which a few words were added by S. M. Booth. This done, Mr.
Reynolds, one of the sub-contractors, and W. B. Ogden, of Chicago,
(who acted for Mr. Garrison, President of the Illinois portion,^ and
Chas. K. Watkins, the then President of the Wisconsin portion), with
the aid of the two mayors, drove the spike that linked the two roads
together. Mayor Cross doing his part of the work as though he was
used to it. This done the cry of all aboard sent the Milwaukeans
to the cars, which landed them safely at the south Government Pier,
in one hour and twenty minutes. Such is a brief description of the
opening of this road, then a very important event, as it gave us a
direct communication with Chicago by rail, and from Chicago to
the East. It was soon found however, that to have the terminus at
the Government Pier would not work well, and the work of bringing
*The first terminus of this road was at the old harbor near where the present
ore sheds are, the track up through the marsh to Florida Street, having been
constructed at a later day.
f John V. Avers, was a man of large frame, very fine looking, full of life and as
fond of mischief as a ten year old boy. He was a prominent member of that
fiimous organization, where for several terms he held tne official ix)sition of Grand
R. J. A. He was also a prominent loo&ier. I remember John well. He was
a trump.
{Each division had its own President until after the meeting and marriage
described above.
MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. 95
it up to Florida street, where the first depot was erected, was soon
commenced and completed, after which there was no more delay or
trouble in reaching the cars.
Street Improvements.
AmonR the street improvements this year, was the paving of East
Water with square blocks (stone), from Oneida to Biddle, grading
of Ogden, from Jefferson to Racine; Lyon ditto; Van Buren, from
Knapp to Pleasant; Jackson ditto ; Waveily Place, from Division to
Martin, and Marshall, from Lyon to Pleasant.
A Fatal Mistake.
A man named John Simpson, from the town of Lake, came into
the city June 28th, with a load of wood, for a clerk in the jewelry
store of Rood & Goodrich, situated at that time on the south-east
comer of East Water and Huron streets. He went into the store,
received his money for the wood, and being very thirsty, asked for
some water and was told to help himself out of the jug (or cooler),
but in place of doing as directed, he took a drink out of a jug full of
a preparation for cleaning silver, which killed him in 5 minutes. He
fell to the floor instantly and expired. I saw him laid out with his
whip lying across his breast, while his team stood before the door. It
was a sad sight.
Milwaukee Locomotive Company.
This company (successors to Lee & Walton), had only been in
business two years, when they presented the following report :
The officers were, President, Charles H. Wheeler; Secretary,
Lewis L. Lee; Treasurer, Wiliam J. Bell (now in St. Louis). They
employed 150 men, had real estate and personal property valued at
$65,000.
They were, however, short-lived. The place was too young at that
date to sustain such an institution, and lives only in the memory of
the old settlers, many of whom lost money there.
Seaman & Wing — Cabinet.
Alonzo D. Seaman and John Wing, 172 and 174 East Water (now
370 and 372). These gentiemen made quite a " furor " in the furni-
ture business for a few yejtrs, They carried a stock of $30,000, and
96 MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER.
their annual sales exceeded $100,000. They shipped largely to the
South, which was their principal market. They employed seventy
men, a large force for those days. Their main manufactury (a part
of which is yet standing), was on Milwaukee street, between Buffalo
and Chicago streets. Mr. Wing finally returned to the East, after
which Mr. Seaman built a large sale room on Huron street, now
Nos. 115 to 119 inclusive, where he carried on the business for many
years.* Mr. Seaman was a go-a-head, energetic man, one of the
kind who want to and will do business, if they lose money all the
time. He built a fine residence at the North Point, now known as
No. 576 Terrace avenue. This is now the homestead of Caspar M.
Sanger. Mr. Seaman died September 19, 1868. His, sons however,
are yet in the business and striving hard to keep up the reputation
of the house their father founded, in which let us hope their suc-
cess, may be all they could desire. Mr. Seaman was from New
York City.
Robert Eliot & Co.
This famous commision house was founded by Robert Eliot, who
came here from Crown Point, N. Y., in August, 1855, ^"^ opened
a small store, for the receiving and selling of farm produce (or
general commission), in a frame building standing on Third street
directly opposite the old La Crosse depot. Here he remained
until 1857, when, feeling sure that the undertaking would ultimately
prove a success, a partnership was formed with J. M. Holmes, t
under the title of Eliot & Holmes. The new firm changing their
place of business, by a removal to the Prairie du Chien (the Milwau-
kee & Mississippi depot) and platform4
*This factory and saleroom, was burned January 30, 1861. Loss, $75,000, af-
ter which the present one was erected, which is a "iac simile " of the first one in
every respect, and stands upon the same site. I remember this fire well. It w'as
a very cold night, so cold in fact, that old No. i engine froze up on the way from
her house (where the custom hou5ie now stands), to the fire, a distance of only
two blocks. — Van Vechten^s /Record,
f Mr. Holmes had previously been connected with Patrick Smythe under the
title of Smythe & Holmes, in the same business.
tFor the first few years after the Railroads commenced carrying grain, the
bulk of it brought to Milwaukee came in bags, and was sold from the platforms
or open sheds uien in use. lliose dealing in it then having their headquarters or
offices in the upper part of the old Prairie du Chien freight house, where the iron
shed now stands, until the erection of the present elevator C, by Angus Smith, in
1S58, after which the^^met at his office. The old brick building now standing
opposite Elevator C, and used by the Railroad Company for telegraphing.
MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. 97
This continued until 1861, when the need of a place, in which to
store butter, eggs, grass-seed and small lots of coarse grains, while
awaiting sale, large quantities of which they were in daily receipt of,
as well as a place for an office, became apparent, and they removed
to the new three story brick building, erected by Ed. D. Holton, at
what is now No. 37 West Water street, where they remained until
1869, during which they have built up a large trade and were
known all over the northwest as one of the most successful as well as
reliable commission houses in the city, when Mr. Holmes sold his in-
terest to John P. Dibble and Horace Griggs (former clerks). The
new firm continuing the business until 1875, when Mr. Dibble died,
since which, to the present it has been continued by the two surviv-
ing members alone.
Biographical.
Robert Eliot, the founder of this pioneer commission house, was
bom at Albany, New York, January 13, 1830, where he remained
until sixteen years ot age, when having completed his education, he
entered the employ of the Messrs. Harmond & Co., at Crown
Point, to engage in the manufacture of lumber and pig iron, in both
of which that firm were large dealers. Here he remained until 1849,
when upon the gold discoveries in California, he with others caught
the fever, and joined the vast crowd of men and boys who rushed
for the new El Dorado. Two years however in that exciting oc-
cupation proved enough for him, and he returned to his old em-
ployer?, where he remained until he came to our city and made the
*' plant,'' which has proved such a bonanza to him and his associates.
Personnel.
There are few men in any community with as strongly marked
personal characteristics or who enter into business in this fast age,
whose success has equaled Mr. Eliot's, or who ever reach the social
and financial plane occupied by him. He is always cool, collected
and self-poised, and consequently makes few if any mistakes.
Neither does he undertake any new scheme without a thorough in-
vestigation of its merits, as well as its practicabilities. But once< he
undertakes anything, it is pushed for all there in it. He is of the
average height, of lithe, wiry frame, has a strong, powerful voice, a
98 MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER,
keen, expressive eye, and one of the best balanced heads owned by
any man in the city. He sees quick, decides quick, reads character
like a book. Needs but one interview with a stranger to know all
about him. In fact he seems to know your very thoughts and is
seldom deceived. He always acts upon his own judgment, neither
does that judgment often fail him. His executive abilities are of the
first order, as his success in life fiilly proves. He has a retentive
memory, never forgets anybody or anything. In political faith he
is a Republican, but not a politician, nor will he accept any political
office, the only offices he has held, being that' of President of the
Board of Trade, to which he was twice elected, 1883-84; and is
always upon its most important committees.
He has become very wealthy but that does not make him proud.
Like William H. Metcalf he enjoys his wealth in a quiet although
elegant manner, and is the same common-sense individual, as when
he first came. His habits of life are as regular as the rising and
setting of the sun, and his attention to business is as close as when
he first commenced. He greets you with a pleasant good morning,
and if your visit is upon business, it is at once attended to. He is
fond of mirth, enjoys a joke and is always in good spirits. Such is
Robert Eliot, one of Milwaukee's successfiil and influential business
men and honored citizens.
Mr. Holmes is in business on Milwaukee street. He is as regular
as is Mr. Eliot. Mr. Holmes is not as aggressive, neither will he
take the chances that Mr. Eliot will. He is, however, a good business
man. He is very cautious as well as conscientious, and never says
anything to the injury of his neighbor, or takes any undue advantage
of any one. He is a good friend (if a friend) and if an enemy he
is a silent one, i.e., he will ignore you entirely. He is a staunch Re-
publican and keeps well posted upon all the political issues of the
day. He is a great reader, a deep thinker, a close observer of men,
and never gets into trouble.
Church Going.
In the Wi^onsin of the 6th, the editor relates his observations
while at church on the previous Sunday. He says directly in firont
of him three elderly gentlemen had their eyes closed, a young
MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. 99
lady in the rear was humming 'Sontag Polka," in a low tone, and
two elderly females had their heads together (criticising the sermon
probably); but offers to make affidavit (the editor does), that
one of them asserted that it takes two pounds of flour to make it
light (we don't know what). It is truly singular how many things
people can turn their attention to if they try.
This is all right, to find fault with the way people listen, but what
was he doing all the time f
Tremendous Shower.
How Mrs. Epps saved the sugar, see annexed :
Tremendous Showbb — Great Loss of Property.
This forenoon, our city was visited by a fearful shower of rain. The
aqueous fluid fell from the clouds like water from a potato strainer for
the space of five minutes. The shower was so sudden that every one
was totally unprepared for it. Ladies and gentlemen promenading the
streets had the starch taken out of their summer garments, and alithat
before had looked so lovely, soon had the appearance of a wilted cab-
bage leaf. J. Epps^ Esq.,' wholesale and retail dealer in pies, cakes,
maple sugar, frmt, cider vinegar mulled,* <&c., corner of Michi^n and
East Water streets, met with a heavy loss, but through the almost su-
perhuman exertions of his large corps of clerks most of his ^oods were
removed, although in a damaged condition. Too much praise cannot
be awarded to Mrs. Epps, the respected consort of Jesse. During the
height of the shower she stood braving the element like a rock, shelter-
ing a large cake of maple sugar (which would otherwise would have
been destroyed) from the petting storm, with the skirts of her dress.
We have not heard whether there was any insurance on the property.
P. S. — We learn since writing the above, that Jesse Epps was some-
what fractured upon that spot ^* where the wool ought to grow," by the
dangerous bursting of a bottle of "pop."
The early Milwaukeans will appreciate this scene. It will be re-
membered that Mrs. Epps was a white woman (she was French),
while Epps, like his duplicate, our own "lubly" George Scott (who,
I believe is also the possessor of a white wife), was as black as the
Devil and twice as ugly looking.
Insurance.
There was a local Board of Fire Underwriters formed this year by
the insurance men . It was however short-lived. The mutual j ealous-
ies of its members soon brought it to grief. Its officers were, Presi-
dent, J. A. Helfenstein; Vice President, Allen Wheeler; Secretary,
^Referring to the Booth Dinner previously mentioned.
100 MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER.
J. S. Boise ; Excecutive Committee, AVilliam J. Whaling, P. M.
Burrows and P. Smith.
Runaway. — A team of horses from Wauwatosa, driven by the keeper
of the Wauwatosa House, got frightened by the firing of crackers in the
streets on the 4th, and ran up East Water street at a furious rate ;
throwing out the driver near ^azro*s new store, leaving the wagon to
which they were hitched, opposite the State Bank, and finally, when
nearly opposite the Walker House, bringing up against a lumber wagon
standing there. One of the runaway team jumped into the wagon,
rolled over and out again and fell to the ground ; breaking his back and
hind legs. He was killed to put him out of misery. The acciden-
tal stoppage of the runaway team was most fortunate, the street above
being thronged with people.
This description will answer for the present time, as not a day
passes without one.
A Bit of a Shindy.
There was what our Celtic fellow-citizens would call a "di\nl
of a shindy," at the head of Martin street on July 12th, growing out
of the attempt of the city marshal, assisted by a posse of constables,
to remove one of the shanties (with a "pig-pen attachment") that
adorned the bluff in those days. The annexed is a succinct state-
ment of the proceedings held upon that occasion by the posse with
the party in " esse :"
Removing the Shanties on Martin and Lake Streets. — On Saturday,
the city marshal and a posse of constables proceeded, under the direc-
tions of the Common Council, to remove some shanties on Martin, at its
intersection with Lake street. Quite a row took place ; a woman by
the name of Mclaughlin, wife of one of the men owning a shanty, at-
tacking the marshal first with a knife, then with some other weapon,
and at last was in the a<;t of striking him with an axe, when constable
Kessler caught the weapon and saved the marshal's head and probably
his life, as the woman was frantic with rage. She was secured and
handcuffed, but soon after released, owing to her situation. In the
meantime, McLaughlin ran and secured a double-barrelled gun, loaded
in each barrel, ana was coming toward the marshal to fire, threatening
to kill him. His wife tried to stop him, when he struck her a violent
blow and sent her a staggering. Officers Neuman, Meyers, Fisher and
Kessler secured McLaughlin and took him to jail^ he fighting all the
while. After getting him into iail, while Mr. Sc^rrit and his assistant
were searching him, although tne prisoner was handcuffed, he turned
upon the assistant jailer ana seized him by the neck; he was then over-
powered, but kept fighting till put in a cell and locked up. The shanty
was removed without further diflSculty.
Police Jottings.
A man named George Fleming, a tall, brawny, coarse looking
"son of a sea cook," was brought up for stealing a watch from the
late lamented John Miles. A man named John Casper, the main wit-
MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. 101
ness against him, was also put upon trial as an accomplice. The
evidence was clear as to Fleming, who gave Casper to understand,
that if he (Fleming), went to Waupun, that he (Casper), would not
live long after he got out, and the expression of his countenance as
he made this threat, was perfectly fiendish. He was a hard one, in
fact both were of the worst type of ^Chicago thugs. Fleming while
confined in jail awaiting his trial, made an attempt to escape, upon
which he was brought into the office to be ironed. The moment he
saw the irons he attempted to knife the turnkey, but was speedily
brought to time by the jailer, at the muzzle of a revolver.
Here is another :
Fight with a Burglab — Officer "Wounded.
Early yesterday morning, an attempt was made to break into a house
in the Second Ward, near the La Crosse Railroad Depot, and the burelar
chased away by the watchman. Officer Kessler, who acts in the double
capacity of constable and watchman, observed a negro prowling around
the streets and attempted to arrest him near Cordes' store on East
Water street. As soon as the officer laid his hand on the negro's
shoulder, telling him that he was his prisoner for attempted burgmrv,
the negro struck at him with a dirk ; tne officer to save himself, caugnt
the blade in his left hand, receiving a shocking gash, nearly cutting off
his fingers. The two struggled for a minute, when officer received a blow
from some other instrument, and the negro being the heaviest man by
far, made a break. The officer threatened to shoot him if he run, and
snapped his pistol at him, Thene^ro ran for Grant's lumber yard, when
the officer shot ag^in, narrowly missing him. Here he caught the ne-
gro as he fell, in jumping over some lumber, and dealt him a heavy
blow with a slung shot; the negro again showed fight, and the officer
again struck him with the shot, stunning him. At this time the officer
received assistance and conveyed the negro to jail, it taking four men
to get him there.
This is the colored man who fired a pistol at another colored man ou
Kellogg & Strong's Pier some time since, in a quarrel about a negro
woman.
This was a plucky officer; few men would have pursued a man
after being wounded as he was.
Census of Milwaukee.
The following data is from the books of the city clerk. The cen-
sus was taken in August, 1855, and ^^ows the number of each sex in
the different wards to be as follows: MaUs. — First Ward, 4,231;
Second, 4,877; Third, 2,862; Fourth, 1,954; Fifth, 2,082; total,
16,006. Females. — First Ward, 4,312 ; Second, 4,359 ; Third, 2,257 >
Fourth, 1,649; Fifth, 1,761; total, 14,338. Total in the city, 30,394,
against 20,061 in 1850; an increase of 50 per cent in five years.
• • • •
.? : '.
... . .
• • • •
« • • • ■
• • -• ••:
« • • • •
102 MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER.
Of these the nationality was as follows: Natives. — First Ward,
3,907; Second, 2,217 ; Third, 1,9s 5 ; Fourth, 1,838; Fifth, 826;
total, 10,773. Foreign, — First Ward, 4,654 ; Second, 7,019; Third,
3,145; Fourth, 1,786; Fifth, 3,017; total, 19,621. Total of native
and foreign in the city, 30,394.
In 1850, the census of the county was for Granville, 1,713; Mil-
waukee, 1,351 ; Franklin, 1,116; Lake, 1,474; Greenfield, 1,995; ^^
Creek. 1,259; Wauwatosa, 2,048; total, 11,016.
In 1855 there were in Granville 2,745; Milwaukee, 2,667; Frank-
lin, 1,394; Lake, 2127; Greenfield, 2,219; Oak Creek, 2,074;
Wauwatosa, 2,593 ; total, 15,819; a gain of nearly 25 per cent. Of
this number, 6,011 were native bom, and 9,808 were foreign, show-
ing that the foreign-born population exceeded the native by about
two to one.
The limits of the city by the charter are about two miles by three,
so that the population is quite compact. In 1840 the population in
this, and what is now Waukesha County, was 5605, and now the two
counties contain over 70,000.
Bay State Foundry,
Built by William B. Walton and William Goodnow, upon the
southeast corner of Lake and Barclay streets, upon ground pur-
chased of Hon. John S. Harris.*
Biographical.
John S. Harris, was quite a prominent business man in Milwaukee
for several years. He speculated largely in real estate as well as in
wheat, flour and lumber, and as has been seen in Volume III., was
at one time the President of the Marine Bank. He finally left for
^'his foundry of Walton & Goodnow, was quite suocessful fur a while, but
finally went to the wall, as did everything else that came under the withering
touch of the financial ability of William Goodnow, who always did business at
a loss, and to use a homely expression, was one of the kind who "bit oflfmore
than he could chaw." Mr. Walton built the house now known as 866 National
Avenue, and Mr. Goodnow, the one known as 813, the present residence of
Geo. Burnham, Eso. This is an elegant house, and cost $15,000 when built.
Mr. Walton, is in Washington, D. C, and Mr. Goodnow, is at Atlanta, Georgia,
in the insurance business, the last resort of every bursted man. This foundry
is now the property of our distinguished and indefatigable fellow citizen, Edward
P. Allis, who uses it in connection with his vast establishment on Clinton street,
and who makes it pay.
MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. 103
the south (Louisiana), and was elected to the United States Senate
for six years, where he made a good record. He is now the Surveyor
General of Montana.
The Reliance Works of Edward P. Allis & Co.
This gigantic institution, now so widely known throughout the en-
tire Northwest, was founded, as stated in vol.3, page 70, in 1847, ^Y
Chas. S. Decker and James Saville, from Dayton, Ohio, and was, up
to the time of its final collapse, in 1857, the largest establishment of
the kind west of Buffalo, and the only one where a full set of mill
irons could be obtained. But, as there stated, it fell under the
withering blast of that financial sirocco and went into the hands of
Samuel S. Daggett as assignee of the creditors, who operated it until
i860, when it passed into the hands of Edward P. Allis, John P.
McGregor and Chas. D. Nash, who at once commenced to build it
up. The new firm were not long in making the discovery that, if the
new purchase was to be a success, more capital must be put in, and,
as Messrs. McGregor and Nash did not have the faith in its future
success as did Mr. Allis, the business outlook not being very encour-
aging at that time, they declined to make any further investment, and
sold their interest to Mr. Allis before the close of 1861, which gave
him the entire control of the future giant, and who pushed the
work with such vigor as to bring the amount of business which, when
under Mr. Daggett's administration, only amounted to the insignifi-
cant sum of $31,000, up to $103,000, when more room being needed,
the present location was secured.* The old buildings, upon scows,
were floated down the river and placed upon the new site, where they
formed the nucleus of the present mammoth works.
This purchase and removal gave Mr. Allis aU the room he wanted
neither was he slow to take advantage of it, and such was his success
that four years later (1869), when the " Bay State " works of Walton
& Goodnow, previously spoken of, "came to grief," and were
*Tbis purchase consisted of three entire blocks, bounded on the north by
Florida, south b^ Pierce, east by Barclay, and west by Clinton Streets. It extends
HOC feet on Chnton Street, 300 feet on Florida and Pierce, all of which is now
being utilized by this gigantic establishment, and yet, such has been its growth,
that they need as much more, and, if the business is continued, will, ultimately,
have to be removed to a new location in the Chase Valley.
104 MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER.
offered for sale, he became the purchaser, using the new purchase for
a time as an auxiliary to the main works, after which it was converted
into an independent institution for the manufacture of the new
roller mills, then just coming into general use in this country, and of
which he is the principal manufacturer in the West. He also in 1872
fitted up a department for the manufacture of water-pipe. This,
however, not proving a paying investment, has been abandoned and
the works converted into the manu&cture of milling machinery.
He is also largely engaged in the manufacture of steam engines,
both for milling and hydraulic purposes, the enormous pumping
engines at our own water works, as well as those in use in several
other cities, having been erected by him.* Such, in brief, is the his-
tory of the old Reliance Works of Messrs. Decker & Saville since
they came into the possession of Mr. Allis, on West Water Street, in
i860, until the present time, then its whole business only amount-
ing to $31,000 per annum, with a force of 20 men and a pay-roll of
$13,000, from which it grew to $103,000 and a pay-roll of $32,000
in 1865; and in 1880 to $1,000,000, a pay-roll of $326,000; and in
1884 to $2,000,000, when its enfiployees numbered 1,000, with a pay-
roll of $500,000. It has had a wonderful record, and its work is
now shipped to all parts of our own country and even to Australia,
Russia and Japan.
Biographical.
Edward P. Allis, whose business record has been given above, is a
native of Cazenovia, New York, where he was born May 12th, 1824,
and is a graduate of Union College (Schenectady), of the class of
1845. It is evident that the excitement of a business life has greater
charms for him than would the practice of law (for which he was
educated), as we find him in Milwaukee in 1846, where in connec-
tion with the late William Allen, he opened a leather store at what is
now 344 East Water street, (see Vol. II., page 241) and where he con-
tinued until 1854, (see Vol. III., page 420,) when the copartnership
was dissolved, after which Mr. Allis in connection with John P.
*This new enterprise is under the immediate superintendence of Mr. Edwin
Reynolds, from the Corliss Works, at Providence, Rhode Island, and has proved
a perfect success, both in its working as well as in paying.
• • • • •
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• • • «
• * ■
• • • *
4-*'
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• • • « » •• •
• •• • «
• ••
• • •• •
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£Z^,y^ (^^!^'
MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. 105
McGregor, engaged in the real estate business. (See annexed.)
They also had, at one time, a private banking or broker's office
in connection with their real estate business,* which enter-
prise, however, did not prove a bonanza to either of them. But
from the day the Reliance Works of Decker & Saville came
wholly under Mr. Allis's control, his march has been onward and up-
ward, until he has reached a high plane mechanically, socially and
financially, and can look back upon a business life of which he may
well be proud.
Property in the Seventh Ward Wanted. — Any person having a place
in the Seventh Ward to exchange for part cash and part other property,
or, if encumbered, to exchange subject to the mortgage, for good prop-
erty, clear, can learn of a good opportunity from us.
Allis & McGregor.
Sale of the Wheeler Property. — ^Twenty acres of land on the road
to the South Point, and a mile or so from Walker's Point Bridire, known
as the Wheeler property, with the improvements, orchard, etc., was
soid, on Friday, to E. P. Allis and M. S. Scott, for $12,000. The land
was bouffht by Russell Wheeler, in the spring of '49, for $1,000, and
even at the largely enhanced price now given tor it will be a bargain to
the purchasers.
Personnel.
In person, Mr. Albs is of the average height, has a compact, mus-
cular frame, capable of great physical endurance. His voice is
strong, but somewhat low in tone ; speaks very distinctly, and always
says just what he means. He is very quick motioned, walks quickly,
his eyes nearly always cast upon the ground, as though in a study —
which, in fact, when on the street, he invariably is, but, at the same
time, is observant of all that is passing around him, and will not fail
to greet all whom he may chance to meet whom he knows with a nod
of recognition ; and those he does not will get a sharp, inquisitive
look as he passes. He has a large head, auburn hair, and a blue
eye, in which a pleasant expression will always be found if your
presence is agreeable ; but, if your absence would be preferable, you
will get a look from those eyes which, though not severe, will indicate
that fact as plain as though he had spoken it, particularly if your
visit should chance to be made during business hours. His ofhce is
*Mr. Allis, also, at a later date purchased 20 acres in the subdivision of the
north 60 acres of the southeast quarter of section 51, town of Lake, in company
with M. S. Scott, known as the Wheeler property (see annexed), which he laid out
into lots and sold. It laid in the present Twelfth Ward.
106 MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER.
no play-house, and of the large corps of clerks whom you will pass
before reaching him no one will be found idle. He knows the value
of time, and never wastes a moment. He also knows the value of
every man's services in his establishment, as well as the proper place
to put him, and never, under any circumstances, retains a cheap or
inefficient man in his employ. His executive abilities are of a
superior order; always relies upon his own judgment; sees quick,
decides quick ; is a first-class disciplinarian ; consequently, every
part of the work that he supervises moves along smoothly.
Mr. Allib belongs to that class of men to whom Dame Nature has
been very lavish of her gifts, and whose development has kept pace
with the growth of his business. To a stranger, he would be an
enigma, as his usual quiet demeanor, simplicity of manner and reti-
cence would seem so out of contrast with his mental as well as
physical ability that the stranger would be slow to believe that in the
unpretending individual he sees before him he beheld the financial as
well as business head of that vast establishment known as the
Reliance Works. Mr. Allis, like many others who are at the head of
the large business enterprises of this country, is a fine scholar, a great
reader, and keeps well posted not only in the scientific and mechan-
ical discoveries of the age, but in the political issues as well. In
political faith he is a Republican, and in full communion with all
their platform except the currency question, upon which he is a
Greenbacker, and led the ticket, in 1877, for that httle band of bolters,
for Governor of Wisconsin. But whether his views upon this new prob-
lem in political finance are correct or not is not the province of the
writer to decide ; but that he was conscientious in his views no one
doubts. In religious &ith he is a Unitarian, and a leading member
of that organization. Such are a few of the leading traits of Edward
P. Allis, a man whose whole aim in life is not to make money alone,
but who also does what he can to lighten the burdens of his fellow-
men, the majority of whom have not been as successful in securing a
competence of this world's goods as has he. He has now reached
the autumn of life, and as he nears the border of that home for the
weary, beyond the river, he has the happy consciousness of knowing
that he has not only done his whole duty as a good citizen, but has
also left a record as a business man that few have equaled, and it can
MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. 107
be truthfully said of him, as of John Plankinton, that, in his line,
Milwaukee does not contain his duplicate.
The Ice Bear the First Ice Man.
Perhaps it may not be generally known that Ice-Bear Kroeger,*
the celebrated weather prophet and almanac maker, was the first to
go into the ice business in our city, but such is the fact, as the an-
nexed will show. Some one had complained of the ice being cut
below the dam.
ICE I ICE! I
Messrs, Editors : I noticed in the Sentinel of Wednesday an extract
from an article copied from the News, The writer, who sigins himself
"A Physician," says: "Ice should never be permitted to be cut for
market except in a deep clear part of the river, and in my opinion
should be entirely above the city, where it is not liable to be tainted
with the drainage of streets, stables, &c., from which some of the ice
which may be seen in the market seems, both from appearance and
taste, not to be entirely free.'*
As I have been engaged in supplying the citv with ice for nine 3fears,
and no person finding any fault with the ice I nave furnished, I wish to
state that I invariably cut my ice in the deepest and clearest part of the
river, near the mouth of the harbor. I endeavored in vain last winter
to find ice above the bridges, high up the river, but did not find any
clean ice there ; it was dirty and bad, more or less of snow beins mixed
with it. Expecting to be able to find ice up the river I rentea an ice-
house in the Second ward, but found I had to cut my ice two miles
from the house, at the mouth of the river, and had to draw the ice that
distance. In other cities, where the rivers maintain their depth for
miles above the buildings and streets, ice may be procured above the
commercial streets, <&c., out not so here. I am willing that my ice
should at any time be inspected while, being cut, or at any other time,
and I am satisfied that the public would be content to use it as the best
that can be procured.
I shall feel obliged if you will give this an insertion.
Very respectfully, Hbnby Krokger.
Milwaukee, September 6, 1855.
Biographical — Arthur Bates.
This well known master mechanic, who has figured so extensively
in the building up of Milwaukee's fine residences, came from New
York city to Wisconsin in 1852, and to Milwaukee the same y^ar,
since which time to the present he has been ranked among our best
master carpenters, both as a builder and draughtsman. His first
work was to erect the old Henry A. Nichols dwelling, northwest
corner of Marshall and Mason streets, now the residence of Cyrus
*A name given him on account of his ouce having a saloon with a polar bear
for a sign.
108 MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER.
Whitcomb, Esq., which, at the time of its erection, was one of the
finest private residences on the east side, and is a good house to-day.
This was in 1855. He was also the master carpenter upon the Jas.
H. Rogers house, southwest corner of Grand avenue and Fifteenth
streets, now the palatial residence of Hon. John Plankinton ; the
residence of the late Joseph Bradford, southeast comer of the same
streets, now the property of William Taylor ; the former residence
of Hon. A. R. R. Butler, on Grand avenue, now the property of
Stephen A. Harrison.* He also built the rotunda of the Plankinton
house (hotel); a dwelling for Sam. M. Green, 1703 Grand avenue ;t
the residence of William Plankinton, southeast corner of Grand ave-
nue and Sixteenth street; one for Ozro J. Hale, No. 87 Prospect
avenue; the present beautiful residence of Hon. Charles Ray, No.
88 Prospect avenue; the residence of Judah M. Lawrence, 46 Pros-
pect avenue ; one for Edward Bradley, No. 255 Prospect avenue,
and one for O. Pillsbury, No. 196 Prospect avenue. These resi-
dences, which are among the finest in the city, certainly ought to
place Mr. Bate in the front rank of Milwaukee's master carpenters.
In person he is of medium size, has dark hair, dark complexion
and a strong voice ; speaks very distinctly ; is not much of a talker ;
sees all that is enacted around him, and is never excited. He is
now (1884) erecting the new police station, northeast comer of
Broadway and Oneida, and is yet in his prime for usefulness. He is
an Englishman by birth, a Republican in politics, a liberal in re-
ligion, a good citizen, and has made a record of his skill as a me-
chanic in the palatial residences he has constructed that will live for
a century to come.
September.
E. D. Holton struck with a slungshot, in September. The assault-
ers were arrested and punished.
Prof. Jesse Epps got a whaleing at or about the same time. No
arrests, however.
These cases brought up the matter of a night police (an organiza-
tion long wanted and often asked for) to the front again, and the
*295o Grand aveaue.
tFormerly Spring street.
MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. 109
papers, particularly the Wisconsin, had a pretty strong article on the
subject, which gave the common council a severe castigation for
their neglect in this matter, which culminated in a call for a meeting
at the board of trade rooms, which resulted in the appointment of a
committee, to act in conjunction wich the council, in drafting an
ordinance for the appointment of a night watch. The ordinance
provided for a chief of police, and not less than two nor more than
five roundsmen in each ward. This was the nucleus of the present
police system, giving us William Beck as the first chief.
I'he first appointments under this ordinance were Frederick Kess-
ler and John Hardy in the First ward, George Fisher in the Second,
James Rice* and Lawrence Bryne in the Third, Wm. Garlick in the
Fourth and Jas. M. Smith in the Fifth.
Marine Disasters..
Among the marine disasters in 1855 was the wrecking of the
steamer Sebastopol, which went ashore about two miles south of the
present harbor, while attempting to enter the old harbor during a
terrific gale September 17. She had a large freight for Milwaukee
as well as quite a number of passengers.
There were five lost, viz., the second mate, second engineer, pilot,
cook and a German passenger. The boat became a complete wreck
in three days.
Her chains have lately been brought to light by the "sand
sucker,"t (see annexed, taken ft-om the Milwaukee Sentinel^ of Oc-
tober 31, 1885), and will be preserved by Mr. Norris as a relic of
her sad fate :
C. W. Norris is the posseftsor of two pieces of anchor chains, which
were fished from Lake Michigan, near the St. Francis seminary, a short
time ago. It is supposed that the chains belonged to the propeller Se-
bastopol, which was lost near that spot in September, 1856.
She was built at Cleveland that summer ; cost, $65,000 ; ran be-
tween Buflfalo and Chicago, and was commanded by Captain Webb.f
*Losl on the Lady Elgin with all his family.
f A boat used for getting sand from the lake for building purposes by a suction
process.
JThe Sebastopol was not a staunch boat, being very poorly fastened. As a
consequence she soon broke up and went to pieces. Part of her freight was a
large consignment of dry goods, including thousands of dollars' worth of India
110 MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER.
The crew and passengers, about one hundred all told, were, with the
exception of the five previously named as lost, all rescued by Cap-
tain Jasper Humphrey, Jas. Stewart, Will Taberner, Charles Warner
and two sailors, with the government lifeboat, in doing which Cap-
tain Humphrey came very near being drowned. This was the sec-
ond sidewheeler lost in our bay that became a total loss — the Boston,
lost in 1846, being the first. She was owned by John Robinson, of
Buffalo, was also a new boat, and commanded by Captain Pease.
" How Is Dose for High ?"
Last evening we saw (1.^., the editor of the S^n/iti^/ did) a couple
of young bloods rolling around in the gutter on Spring street, the
cause thereof being fully explained when one of them who saw who
was watching them exclaimed, in a thick voice, " Don't you — hie —
put me — hie — in the pa — hie — pers, you old — hie — fule." He got
in, however, " allee samee.''
The "Sag Night."
This was an organization gotten up for political effect — Demo-
cratic, of course — to offset the " Know- Nothings." The officers
were :
President — Francis Huebschmann.
Vice President — John White.
Secretary — Daniel Shaw.
Treasurer — Garrett M. Fitzgerald.
Marshal — Robert Lynch.
Inside Sentinel — M. Kluppach.
Outside Sentinel — ^Thomas Shaughnessy.
Sergeant-at-Arms — William Knukle (a very appropriate name).
shawls and costly fabrics. For days succeeding the disaster the beach was strewn
with goods, and nearly every vessel in the "creek" had their rigging covered
with cloths of all kinds, which had been recovered and hung up to dry. Men
were employed to recover the property, and costly goods were found hidden in
corn fields, bams and sheds. It was estimated that nearly every resident in the
neighborhood secured an average of over $100 worth of goods. In calm weather
the ribs of the Sebastopol are plainly discernible, even to this day, near the spot
where she met her fate. A few years since Captain Thompson, who resides on
Jones' island, recovered her shaft and a lot of hardware from the hulk.
The propeller Alleghany ran ashore a few days after the loss of the Sebastopol,
and almost in the same place. While working in toward shore a high bank of
sand was formed, thus enabling the owners to save everything of value aboard the
boat. She became a total loss, her machinery being placed in the new Alleghany,
which was built in this city during the following winter.
MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. Ill
The organization of this club proved a firebrand in the ranks of
the Democracy and led to a bitter newspaper warfare, and in order
to keep the pot a-boiling an article, evidently from the pen of J. A.
Noonan^ appeared in the Wisconsin of September ii, intended to
cast a suspicion upon the loyalty of J. R. Sharpstein, then United
States District Attorney, who he (Noonan) hated as the devil docs
holy water, in which the charge was made that a compact had been
entered into by that gentleman with Alex. W. Randall, the then
Democratic member of the legislature from Waukesha, by which
said Randall was to introduce a bill at Madison to prevent the use
of our jails by the government for the confinement of fugitive slaves.
This article was copied into the Sentinel of September 12, which
also published the following affidavit in support of the charge, stating
in extenuation for so doing that he (the editor) had some compunc-
tions of conscience for stealing the Wisconsin* s " thunder," but, un-
der the circumstances, had concluded, in the classic language of a
distinguished ex- functionary,* to "let her go.*' So here it is, litera-
tim et spellatim. It is entitled " Randall's Smoked-Out Affidavy :"
State of Westconstant, ")
Milwaukee County, j "
I, Jackson Hartahorn, being duly swore, do sware and say that I have
knew A. W. Randall in Wakeshaw more than twenty years, and that I
have knew Bill Kramerf and the Pierce officeholders m Milwaukee.
I do ftirther solemnly swore that 1 was at Belden's saloon last winter
during the recess of the legislature, and saw said Randall and one of
Pierce's officials go into a room by themselves, which I thought looked
suspicious. I felt that it was my duty to my country to find out what it
all meant, and so I listened at the kee-hoal and I heard said Randall
make a bargain with J. R. Rapstien,t the said Pierce officeholder, to
introduce a bill to prevent our jails l)eing used to detain fugitive slaves.
I do further swore that I believe the said Randall run for the assem-
bly for the special purpose of introducing said bill, in order to get nomi-
nated on the Republican ticket this fall, and I told Bill Kramer about
it and told him to keep still, but I gue.ss he didn't hear me (no, I guess
he didn't).
I know, too, that all the Pierce officeholders in Milwaukee are op-
posed to the Fugitive Slave law, and that Pierce and Douglass are op-
posed to it, and that they made said Randall a tool of the national
administration to introduce said bill. 1 know, too, that said Randall is
not reliable, because the governor tried to get him on the sc|uare, and
said Randall refused to come on the square.
^Meaning Kilboum's proclamation to close the saloons at the April election in
1854.
f Meaning William E. Tramer.
^Sharpstein.
112 MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER.
And I do further swore, that the said lUiidall oueht to get heat, be-
cause there is do use of looting into thinifs out to Madison, disturbiDe
accounts that nhow a profit od the boolcB hut a low iu the trenBuiy, and
makine hard feelinKf ogainHt the otiicebolders.
And I know that said Randall ie not only lazy, but is dreadful ugly,
and will try to look into things that don't concern him, and I know that
his karackter ie bind. The present state administration can't trust him.
Swore to and mark made Defore me, Peter Pierce (cousin of the presi-
dent).
W. B. X RouN.
Septem]>er 10, la'W.
P. S. — Fees for above services paid by Bill Kramer.
P. P. (c. of President), K. P.
The annexed is a. representation of a Know- Nothing (viewed from a
Democratic standpoint), also a list of the officers of the club, the
publication of which made a bad "schmell" in the Democratic
ranks.
Ofkickrs of thb KNOw-NorniNOB.
Some very careless individual belontfjng
to that exi«eding!y select and interestinfi
" dark-lantern " aseociationi yclept the
Weiss-Nichte, has dropped m the strpets,
or somewhere else, the foHowinK list of offi-
cers. It Ih vouched fi)r by some of the
" men about town " as being correct :
President— J. A. Noonan.*
Vite-Presiden^-W. A. Barstow.f
Secretary — F. Huebechmann.t
Treasurer — S. P. Coon.
Ins. Sentinel — W. E. ('ramer.
Sergeant-at-Arms — J. B. Cross.
These were the real simon-pure "Know-
Nothings," the ones previously mentioned
iiT"" being only shams.
The " Embodiment " before us is seen whittling a hickory key to un-
lock the people's treasury, the chief inducement for the Fusion move-
ment. In rear "Sambo'' shows his amiling countenance In words of
encouragement to " Propel."
Herman C. Adams Shot by John Fienier, Oct. 16.
This homicide, which resulted in the death of this unfortunate
man and the incarceration of the murderer for life, grew out of the
action of a one-horse bank in which the murderer had deposited
MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. 113
$175, and which he could not get. Mr. Adams, however, had
nothing to do with it. It was the fault of the bankers, Messrs.
Papendick, etc.*
Cremation.
October 24, Gustaff Pfiel attempts to burn the body of his wife,
after death. Great excitement.
The wife was a Russian lady of noble birth, and it was at her re-
((uest that the attempt was made. He was prevented by James H.
Rogers and a few others.
Snow.
The first fall of snow in 1855 was on October 22 ; one inch in
depth. It soon disappeared.
Death of the General.
The following is inserted here in memoriaiTi of one of the oldest
and best remembered equines that ever pulled a buggy in Milwaukee,
He was the congener of Dr. E. B. Wolcott's famous hunting horse,
" Gunpowder," mentioned in Vol. I., page 150. He was in color
a bay, and, as the article states, a model horse, Mr. Tiffany was
noted for keeping servants during life. He had a man-servant
(white) and a female (colored), who were both well advanced in life
when he came, and both of whom died in the family.
Death op the "General." — ^The GeneraPa dead — not the General
whom you might have thought it was — he's " alive and kicking " but an
old horse, who had borne the name of " General " in this city for
nearly twenty years, has died at last, at the astonishing age of 34 years.
This norse had been owned by the Messrs. Tiffany, father ana son,
since 1836, we believe, and died last week. He is to oe buried between
two oaks, on the farm of Mr Tiffany, about three miles from town.
The old horse was without a blemish, and we remember not more than
two weeks since a knowing horse jockey in this city, when asked his
age, offered to bet $1C0 that he was not more than 12; so much for judg-
ment on the age of horses.
Editorial Squibs.
[From the Sentind.l
Uncle William E. Cramer gets " Sarah-Naded " by a brass band, con-
sisting of a hautboy, a cowboy and a hand-organ, f which so delighted
^Fienier was tried at the March term, 1856, convicted, and sent to Waupun for
life.
fThe Man About Town.
114 MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER.
him that he sent a man down to get the name of the author of the com-
position as well as the name of the " Tchune." and is informed that its
title is the Old Fox (Folks) at Home , composed hy Spivins, when wishing
to give some substantial token of his appreciation of the composition,
as well as the artistic manner in which it was rendered (and not havine
any "Bouquet" by him), he hoisted the window of his sanctum ana
dropped a cabbage (just received for subscription) directly upon the
leader's head, which nearly knocked him senseless. This " proke der
pall."
Cogswell & Alexander (George Cogswell and Orlando Alexander),
real estate, northeast corner of East Water and Wisconsin streets
George Cogswell was for many years one of the notable men of Mil-
waukee, in the role of attorney, real estate agent, librarian of the
Young Men's Association (the present City Library), and president
of the old Milwaukee Mutual Insurance Company. He was very
methodical in all his business, singular in his style of dress, always
wore a ruffle shirt and tight-fitting pants, a-/a Doctor Wolcott. He
was never in a hurry, and seldom got excited. He built the fi-ame
dwelling known as 217 Wisconsin street, now the office of Messrs.
Bradley Bros., where he lived many years. He died January 13,
1871, at the Newhall House, and was buried in Forest Home Cem-
etery, but will live in memory for many years to come. He was a
splendid looking man.
The Evistons.
Among those who came in 1842 and should have appeared in the
previous volume, were the Evistons — John W., St., John W., Jr.** and
Thomas and Martin J., from Providence, Rhode Island. The father
died many years ago. Thomas, who was quite prominent as a fire-
man under the old volunteer system, and also as a lumber dealer in
connection with the late Sanford B. Grant, was, with his wife, lost on
the ill-fated steamer Lady Elgin, September 9, i860. John W., Jr.,
and wife, who were also on board, succeeded in reaching the shore.
Mr. Eviston often refers to that fearful night and its attendant hor-
rors as a scene never to be forgotten. He has become quite promi-
nent in his ward (the Third), and is a very worthy citizen. This
family were from the North of Ireland.
♦This gentleman was spoken of in Vol. II., page 126, but not the others.
milwaukee under the charter. 115
Bridge Superintendent.
The first one to be appointed to this office was Caleb Harrison,
November 23, 1355.
The old Lighthouse, at the head of Wisconsin Street, was sold this
year, November 24, to Emanuel Shoyer for $360, who pulled it down
and used the brick in his new store. The new one, the present
North Point light, was used for the first time on the 26th, two days
later.
Samuel Shoyer.
This well -remembered clothier and merchant tailor was noted for
his sharpness in trade as well as his fine physique. He was a nobby
boy. He generally wore a blue coat of the " claw-hammer " pat-
tern, ornamented with the regulation brass buttons, a striped vest,
drab pants, and in summer white ones, and a white ftir hat. He was,
in fact, the dude of the town. It was not often that any one got the
better of Samuel, but I remember one occasion when he came to
grief. He was standing, one day, in the door of his store, on East
Water Street, at what is now No. 390, watching for a chance to beat
somebody, with a shoddy coat, when a tall, brawny lumberman,
fresh from the woods, chanced to pass that way, who was no sooner
seen than Samuel went for and invited him to come in, and he went
in, and was at once importuned to purchase a pair of pants — $18
ones — which Samuel assured him would fit him splendidly. The
fellow submitted quietly, and pulled on the pants (over his old ones),
after which he picked Samuel up, carried him out on the street, where
he laid down in the gutter with him, and where he rolled over and
over until they both resembled a Third Ward porker just out of a
mud-bath, after which he got up and skipped with the pants, and
that was the last of him.
Improvements.
Among the buildings erected this year* was the stone dwelling
known at that time as the Newhall mansion, southeast corner of
Cass and Division streets.t This house is now a portion of the es-
*Or rather the plans for which were in the office of Mygatt & Schmidtner,
architects.
f Brick, by Daniel Newhall.
116 MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER.
tate of the late Jas. B. Martin, and is occupied by Mr, F. G. Titbits,
who had married Mrs. Manin. This was, at the time of its erettion,
the finest private residence in the city, and is an elegant house to-
day. It cost $3o,ooo. Another, a brick (nowthe Sherman House),
at the North Point, for John Lock wood. Span Iding & Foote, builders,
costing $20,000. One for Geo. A. Peckham, 559 Marshall street,
which cost $6,000. This dwelling, which has been thoroughly re-
built, is now the residence of B. K. Milter.
f^/ #
The old Kilbourn mansion, northwest corner of Grand avenue and
Fourth street, the plans for which were drawn in 1854, was com-
pleted this year. This dwelling, a cut of which is here given — the
pride of Spring street when erected, and whose owner boasted that a
better would not be built upon the west side in twenty years — is a
ruin to-day, and is to be replaced with the annexed, the present year,
by that indefatigable builder, the Hon. John Flankinton, who is never
easy unless erecting something to beautify as well as add to the
wealth of the city, and who in that direction has expended more
money than any other one man, except, it may be, Alexander
Mitchell, in it.
MILWAUKEE UNDER THE
Its successor (see cui), erected at a cost — including the part
now occupied by the City Library — of $230,000, would be an
ornament to any city. The master mason upon this Ijuilding was
Hiram R. Bond.
1 seldom pass this corner without the face and form of Byron
Kilboum coming to my mind, as well as his prophesy about this,
then famous house. Could he be permitted to revisit the scene of
his earth-hfe, he would, no doubt, be astonished at the change around
his once palatial residence. But en resume.
Wm. B. Hibbard built the brick dwelling northwest comer of
Marshall and Biddle streets, this year. The money to build this
house and purchase the lots (some $40,000 in all) was made on an
oat deal of Mr. Hibbard's. This fine dwelling is now the homestead
of Robert Eliot.
Preusser's New Building
Northeast comer of East Water and Mason streets, (a cut
of which is here given) was occupied this year, March 1, and
118 MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER.
was at iis erection the finest business building north of Mason street,
and is a good store to-day. Upon the nonh can be seen the old
frame formerly standing there, removed in 1875 ^"^ f^ke room for
the present block, known as the Milwaukee Mechanics' Mutual In-
surance Company's building, Nos. 442 and 444 Kast Water street, in
the second story of which that wealthy and popular institution has
its general office.
Bioi;raphical
Christian Preusser came to Milwaukee from Idstein, a village in
the dukedo n of Nassau, Germany, in 1844, and opened a small
jewelry store in a small frame building belonging to our well-known
German fellow-citizen, Edward Weisner, on a part of the ground now
occupied by the Kirby House, and commenced lo grow up with the
place. For the first five years the business went slowly, but patience
and perseverance finally won the day, as these characteristics always
will, when coupled with good judgment, and 1855 found him able
to erect the building mentioned above, into which, after admitting
his brother Gustav as a partner, he removed, and where the firm are
MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. 119
to-day. This house also followed the German rule in conducting its
business, viz.: the senior member always being recognized as the finan-
cial head, and under which the firm of Preusser Bros., like those of
Messrs. Inbusch Bros, and the Messrs. Friend, have risen to promi-
nence as well as wealth, and rank second to none in their line in the
West. They are reliable, and make no promises that they do not
intend to keep nor a contract which they cannot fulfill. Christian
has also been prominent in insurance circles, having filled the office
of president in that well-known company, the Milwaukee Mechanics'
from its organization in 1854 to the present time, and it can be truth-
fully said that a better selection could not have been made, as under
his conservative administration it has come to be a power and one of
the most popular institutions of the kind in the West, and controls a
larger local business (dwellings) than does any of its compeers in the
city. Mr. Preusser is possessed of great energy, is aggressive to an
unusual degree, as any one who comes in competition with him will
not be long in fine ing out. He is one of the strongest Germans in
the city, and, like John Pritzlaff, has the full confidence of his
countrymen, as a proof of which he has filled the office of treasurer
to the (German and English Academy for the past twenty-seven
years, and has been president of the Natural History Association
since its organization. He has made a good record, and is entided
to be ranked as one of Milwaukee's solid men. He was born July
I, 1826.
Gustav Preusser, although not as prominent in official life, has.
nevertheless, made a good record. He is different from Christian,
in that he is fond of hunting and fishing, in both of which pastimes
he often indulges. He is also fond of walking, and can often be seen
in the early mom, traversing the outskirts of the city, on which oc-
casions he is invariably accompanied by his faithful dogs. He is of
a quiet demeanor, always gentlemanly, has few intimate friends, dis-
likes notoriety, and, like his brother, is justly entitled to be ranked
among Milwaukee's most respected German citizens.
Emery's New Store,
No. 387 Broadway, was built this year. This building is now the
property of Hon. E. H. Brodhead. It has had numerous occu-
120 MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER.
pants, and has passed through two fires and been thoroughly re-
built, but its original form is unchanged.
The brick building known as the Mitchell House, No. 142 Sec-
ond street, was built this year by John Mitchell.
The present residence of William Young, No. 195 Ninth street
was also built this year by Jas. B. Cross. This house has been
thoroughly rebuilt by its present owner.
Two additional stories were also added to the old American
House this year by Messrs, P. Kane & Sons, making it the largest
hotel in the city. It was also thoroughly renovated, after which
it was run by them until July 1, 1856, when it was leased to
Messrs. Stearns & Stiles (J. D. Slearns and B. F. Stiles) see cut, who
operated it until July i, 1857, when it again came under the con-
trol of Alonzo L. Kane, who was its landlord when burned, July 4,
i86i.«
Mayor Cross also contemplated erecting one upon the site of the
old United States Hotel. The editor of the Sentiitel, in speaking
of it, gets " spooney." Just hear him :
Mayor Cbobk'k New Bvildenos.
•In Vol. III., p»ge a94, is a cut of this well remembered caravansary, as it
appeared when purchased by the Messrs. P. Ksne & Sons, in 1849, and as it re-
mained until enlarged in 1S55, as stated above. It underwent s second melamar-
phosis, liowever, in 1859, when, in order to conform to the new grade, (he wliolc
structure was raised 2 jj| feet and the verandahs all removed, which was its true
appcarence when burned. The ataternent (in foot note) on page 294, Vol 111.,
that the cut there given represented its appearance when burned, \% incorrect.
MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. 121
Water and Huron streets, on the site once occupied by the United
States Hotel.
The size of the buildings will be 80 feet front on East Water street
and 120 feet on Huron street, four stories high, exclusive of the base-
ment, which will be finished off for restaurant rooms, etc. The height
of the building will be 63 feet 6 inches. The front of the building will
be finished witn cut-stone piers, plinths and steps, and handsome iron
columns, caps and sills, with trusses to the windows; iron balcony,
railings and massive iron cornice, etc.
The material will be of Milwaukee pressed brick, with a fire-proof
roof, and the sidewalk around the building, or two sides of it, wul be
cut stone, with heavy cut-stone curbing.
The front story of the building will be divided into one store, 24 by
100 feet; one do., 28 by 100 feet, inside measure; two banking rooms,
with stone vaults, and one small store on Huron street. The second
and third stories will be finished off for ofiices, with a clothes closet and
wood room to each. The fourth story will contain one large hall, with
ante-rooms.
On Huron street there will be a continued staircase, 8 feet wide; and
on East Water street a staircase 5 feet wide, leading to the second story.
The contracts are let for the building, ana amount, in totOf to $31, OCX),
and the work is to be all completed by the 1st of January, 1857. The
mason work is to be done by John P. Harris, of Cincinnati, we believe,
and the carpenter work by F. A. Hollman, of this city. The lots are
valued at upwards of $20,000, making the total value of tne whole, when
completed, upwards of $60,000. In addition to this block, the mayor
has erected a handsome dwelling on Spring street, and contemplates
still further building.
We have not space to give a more extended description of this block,
to be commenced to-day. Those who wish to see the views of the ex-
terior, will find them at Mygatt & Schmidtner's architect rooms. 'I'hey
are the architects of this and most of the handsome buildingb that now
adorn this city.
When the block of Mayor Cross's, and those blocks now in progress
of erection on the same ground on Michigan and Main streeto by
Messrs. Mitchell & Ogden, and the remainder of the ground be built
up, as it soon will be, we doubt whether any city in the world can ex-
hibit more beautiful structures than the United States block on East
Water street and the buildings on Main street, separated only by an
alley. They will add largely to the value of the Third Ward, and Main
street, from Wisconsin to Huron, on its west side, will be a handsome
promenade. We hope that Mayor Cross will be handsomely remuner-
ated for this liberal outlay, in the way of rents, and live long to enjoy
the result of his industry, with an abundance to bequeath to his heirs.
Statistical.
The following items are taken from the report of the Milwaukee
board of trade for the year ending December 31, 1855 :
Number of arrivals were —
Steamers 1,204
Sail 1,293
Total 2,497
The following comparative statement of the imports and exports
and manufactures for the two years past speaks for itself, and is a
splendid showing :
122 MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER.
Import*—
1854. $11,124,803
1855. 18,649,832
Exports —
ia54 17,709,531
1865 17,329,571
Manufactures —
1854 $4,633,412
1855 5,590,712
In the banking department $9,869,728 was used by the six banks
then doing business, to- wit: The Farmers' and Millers* (the present
First National), the Wisconsin Fire and Marine (Alex. Mitchell), the
Bank of Milwaukee (now the National Exchange), the State Bank
of Wisconsin (now the Milwaukee National) Bank of Commerce (de-
funct), People's Bank (defunct), of the amount of capital mentioned
above. Five million dollars was used by three banks alone. The
daily business (in products) transacted by the city merchants was
$50,000, or $15,000,000 per annum.
These banks have a capital divided as follows :
State Bank of Wisconsin .$400,000
Farmers' and Millers' 250,000
Bank of Milwaukee 100,000
Bank of Commerce 100,000
Wisconsin Fire and Marine 100,000
Peoples' 25,000
Total $975,000
The Weather — Humorous.
The weather during December was as unreliable as a ward politi-
cian. We had on the T5th a little of April, considerable of July, a
slight touch of January, and are now living in expectation of the
ides of March, or regular December temperature, putting in an ap-
pearance every minute.
" Spivins " (a local of those days) has changed his clothes eight
times to-day, and is now (4 p. m.) enveloped in an overcoat and fur
gloves, while the sun is giving out heat in a way that suggests that
an ice-house would be an agreeable resort. Where is our own
Kroege , and why does he not make better weather ?
River closed November 22, but opened again, and closed solid
December 23, forming ice twelve inches in thickness above Walker's
Point bridge, and at the mouth of the river twenty inches.
milwaukee under the charter. 123
Vessel List.
There were belonging to the distict of Milwaukee December 31,
1855, two barges', eight brigs, eighty-two schooners, two sloops and
one tug (the Tift) ; total tonnage, 9,000.
The following, furnished by the present very efficient harbor mas-
ter, Capt. Jas. M. Trowell, is inserted here as a record of the num-
ber of vessels of all descriptions in winter quarters in Milwaukee
harbor on the 1st day of January, 1885 :
Steamers (excluding the Andy Johnson), grain carriers. 15
Barges for coal andlumber 12
Schooners for coal and lumber 28
Schooners for lumber 76
Tugs 14
Total 145
Steam tonnage 20,364
Sail tonnage 29,577
Total custom-house measurement 49,941
Which is about one-half carpenter's measurement.
CHAPTER III.
1856.
Opening Address — Noves & Flertzheim's New Store, Sketch of — Legislature —
Weather — The Police First Wore Stars in Sight — ^The Business Directory —
Sketches of Ernst Conrad, Louis Salomon, the French Bros., Ogden's Car-
riage Factory, Warren, Hewitt & Tracy, Goodrich & Terry, Bradford Bros.,
Sinclair & Gunnison, and others — William Brown, of Albany, Dies — Public
Market — John Johnston, Sketch — Board of Trade (Organized — Charier
Amendments — Kailroad Meeting — Fire — The Star Mill, Sketch — Old Jones
Tried— New Bridge Called For— New Jail Called For— She Wouldn't Stay
Out — Divisions of the Second, First and Fifth Wards — Council Proceedings
— Spring Election — Its Results — Schools — List of Teachers — ^The Old Mili-
tary Hall — Opening of Bilty's Tremont — Sketch of Bilty — South Side Gas
Company Formed — Great Military Parade — Major Nuunemacher Makes a
Speech — August Phillipp Exhibits His Horsemanshi{^-The Golden Gate
Saloon — ^The Old Loumis School House — Owen Goss, Sketch — A. V. H. Car-
penter, Sketch — Dwight W. Keyes, Sketch — Excursion to Beaver Dam —
Railroads — The Dean Richmond Goes to Europe — Chas. J. Kershaw, Sketch
Political — ^The Democracy Organize — Council Proceedings — Railroad Vote —
— Criminal — Cattle Market — Great Torchlrght Procession — Fall Election —
Mr. Hadley Defeated — Bear vs. Bull — Weather — Funeral of Solomon Juneau
— Improvements — Vessel Tonnage — Cold.
The business outlook at the commencement of 1856 was unusually
bright, the previous year having been a very prosperous one, as the
tabular statement at its close fully proves. Among the prominent
events in connection with its inauguration was the opening of the
new furniture establishment of Messrs. Noyes & Flertzheim (William
A. Noyes and August Flertzheim), at what is now No. 418 East
Water* street, upon which occasion the Sentinel contained nearly a
column descriptive not only of the building itself, but of the won-
derful enterprise of the proprietors, who it claimed had done a grand
thing for Milwaukee by the opening of this store, and for a season
they were the lions of the city, their praise in every one's mouth,
and a rapid sale predicted for the elegant stock with which their
store was filled.
♦This establishment was previously at 421 East Water, or at least Mr. Flertz-
heim was, the firm then being Brugman & Flertzheim (Henry Brugman).
MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. 125
The enterprise, however, did not " pan out," as the saying is, as
expected, as neither of these gentlemen had sufficient capital to run
such an establishment with any hope of success. Mr. Flertzheim,
who is said to be the inventor of that popular article of office furni-
ture known as the " roller desk," subsequently went into business on
River street, where he remained until his death, which occurred
January 26, 1885.
Mr. Noyes removed to St. Louis, where 1 think he still resides.
These gentlemen shook the bush while others who came later
caught the birds. But then such is life.
This building, 418 East Water street, present numbering, was
erected by Henry Wederhoff, the contracting mason was Carl Bier-
sach,* the carpenters were Edwin Palmer and Geo. B. Bingham, the
painting was by Duprez, the architect was Geo. W. Mygatt. It is
now occupied by Charles and Ferdinand Eissfeldt as a wholesale and
retail crockery store, and is nearly in as good condition as when
built.
The members to the legislature from the city and county for 1856
were: To the senate, Jackson Hadley and Edward O'Neill; and to
the house, Joshua Stark, August Greulich, Andrew McCormick, John
Mitchell, William A. Hawkins, John Tobin, Henry Crawford, Peter
Lavies, Jr., and George Hahn.
This legislature convened January 9, and took a recess March 31
to September 3, and adjourned October 14, 1856.
William Hill, speaker.
Weather.
The winter of 1855-6 was a very cold one, particularly from De-
cember 23, 1855, to February i, 1856, the thermometer ranging very
low during all that time, and on January 9, the day the police first
Wore stars in sight,t to 26^ below.
*Mr. Bicrsach is yet in business, and has probably been as successful a master
mason contractor as any German who ever followed the business in Milwaukee,
and has accumulated a large property. He is a genial, companionable man, and
has hosts of friends.
fThe Milwaukee police first wore their stars on the outside in full view, as
they do at present, January 9, 1856. Previous to that they wore them beneath
their coats, and only exhibited them when compelled to in order to prevent resist-
ance when making an arrest,
8
126 MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER.
The ice at the mouth of the river was twenty inches in thickness
on that day, the thickest it had been since 1845.
The Business Directory.
The status of our leading business firms had changed somewhat
during the three previous years, their location in 1856 being sub-
stantially as follows :
Goodrich & Terry (Timothy W. Goodrich and Frank H. Terry),
grocers and commission, were in the old red warehouse at the south-
east corner of East Water and Erie streets. This firm will be more
fully spoken of further on.
Benj. 2^11ner and Henry Bonns, clothing, were at 94 (now 292)
East Water street. Both of these gentlemen are yet with us, and
rank among our best Jewish fellow-citizens.
Goll & Frank (Julius GoU and August Frank), dry goods, were at
267 (now 465) East Water street. This firm is yet in business, and
has been one of the most successful of all the wholesale dry goods
houses in the city. They are both sharp, keen and shrewd business
men, and are very wealthy. They do business on business princi-
ples, viz.. to make money, and although they seldom advertise they
are well known throughout the Northwest as a reliable house, and
have held the fort when all of their American competitors have
succumbed to the inevitable. May their success be all they can
desire.
Salomon & Conrad (Louis Salomon and Ernest Conrad), com-
mission, were at the northeast corner of Third and West Water
streets. This firm did a large business. Mr. Conrad, who was a
small, thin, sickly looking man, returned to Germany, where he re-
mained a short time, after which he came back to America (New
Orleans), where he purchased and ran that famous pleasure resort
known as the CarroUton Garden, and where he died of cholera Sep-
tember 9, 1878.
Mr. Conrad left two sons, one of whom, Ernest, is a clerk in the
Merchants' Bank, where, under the firm hand of Rudolph Nunne-
macher, he is rapidly fitting himself for a business man.
The second son, August, is now in the employ of the Messrs.
Bergenthal, distillers.
MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. 127
This firm at a later day, 1859-60, were on the northwest comer of
Third and Prairie streets, in a one-story brick building, pulled down
a few years later to make room for the new bazar of Espenhain &
Bartels, and afterwards, upon the withdrawal of Mr. Conrad, the
firm became Salomon & Post (Heinrich Otto Post). They were on
the southeast comer of Third and Cedar. Mr. Post subsequently
returned to the old country, Berlin, Prussia, where, I am informed,
he still resides. He was a very tall, dark-complexioned man, with
dark hair and eyes, somewhat smgular in manner, seldom spoke to
any one except upon business matters.
Mr. Salomon, after Ihe retirement of Mr. Post, continued in the
business, first on Oneida and lastly on West Water until 1883, during
which he built up a large trade in country produce.
He was a large, fleshy man, very pleasant and kind-hearted, well
liked by every one. He was very genial and companionable, a good
friend and a good citizen. He died October 13, 1883. I remember
both these gentlemen well, and have had many deahngs with them
in the long ago.
Mr. Salomon left a son, Rudolph, who follows the commission
business, and is a sharp, wide-awake man. He is among the most
active dealers in coarse grains on the board, and is seldom caught
on the wrong side of the market. He never goes in beyond his
depth. He is a fine looking young man, has the same pleasant
smile and gentlemanly ways as his father, and is a general favorite.
Benjamin Skidmore, wood turning, was on the northeast comer of
Oneida and River streets, where the opera house now stands. Mr.
Skidmore is now a commission merchant. One of his peculiarities
is a great fondness for flowers, and he is seldom seen without one in
his button-hole. He is a very quiet man, seldom speaks to any one.
Jonathan H. Crampton was in the auction business. Mr. C. was
one of the restless men who never continue in any one business for
any great length of time without getting into deep water. He was
first a merchant, then an auctioneer, then real estate, in all of which
he failed to find a bonanza ; and lastly in the insurance business, the
dernier resort of every bursted man. He died at Milwaukee, March
24, 1882.
Mr. Crampton was of medium height, had dark hair and eyes and
128 MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER.
a swarthy complexion. He was very nervous, had a strong voice,
spoke sharp and quick, was very industrious, but somehow never got
where he started to go. I remember him well.
The Messrs. French Bros. (Orvis and Edgar D.), dry goods, were
at what is now 340 East Water street. This house did a very large
business for several years, when the copartnership was dissolved,
Orvis retiring, after which the business was contmued by D. Edgar
until 1880, since which time he has been out of business. Edgar is
quite a politician in the Democratic party, but does not want or as-
pire to nor will he accept of any office. These two brothers were
from Barre, Vt, where the writer knew them when a boy. Edgar
has a positive character — has a reason for all he does. He is, how-
ever, a model citizen and is quite wealthy. Orvis is now a resident
of Evanston, 111.
Samuel M. Brooks and Thomas H. Stevenson, portrait and land-
scape painters, were at the northeast corner of East Water and Wis-
consin streets. Mr. Brooks, who is one of the most celebrated artists
in the country, is now a resident of San Francisco, Cal.
John Esch, wheelwright, now at No. 60 Second street, was at the
southwest corner of Wells and West Water streets. Mr. Esch is a
first-class mechanic and is doing a large business.
He is a German, and one of the representative men of this old
historic nation, so noted for its eminent men in science, literature
and music. Mr. Esch is always self-poised, and if he can say no
good of a man will say no wrong. He is very industrious, and has
accumulated quite a fortune by honest labor. In person he is of me-
dium size, very muscular, has a frank, open countenance, upon
which a smile will always appear when spoken to. He has a strong,
powerful voice, speaks very deliberately and very distinctly, with a
prolonged accent upon the last syllable of each word. He is also
very social with acquaintances, but with strangers he is close-
mouthed, and if dealing with such will be very cautious. He is a
good friend, and one whose acquaintance is worth having.
Chandler & Jennings (Samuel Chandler — now of the firm of Smith
& Chandler, grocers — and Rufus P. Jennings) were at No. 397 East
Water street, Martin's block, dry goods.
John Hardy, cutlery, was at No. 239, now 437, East Water street.
MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. 129
Mr. H. was from Sheffield, England, and kept a splendid stock of
fine cutlery. He was a very quiet man — ^altogether too quiet to suc-
ceed in this country. Neither could he ever accustom himself to
the hurry and drive so prevalent with the business men of the Ameri-
can race. He was tall, had a sallow countenance, was wholly desti-
tute of nerve, and died from chagrin at his inability to cope with his
American competitors more than from any disease.
Henry Kroeger was still in the ice business with Chas. Rattinger
for a partner. Mr. Kroeger, who was then worth some $40,000 and
full of energy, is now a mere wreck, running about the city selling
his almanac, and is known as the " Weather Prophet." He also is
running a skating and curling rink, and not worth a dollar. Mr.
Rattinger, who subsequently rose to the dignity of a justice of the
peace, and who also occasionally filled the office of police judge, pro
tem.^ finally ran all out, and died several years ago. He was a man
of some ability, but politics were too much for him, and he filled an
early grave.
Henry Berliner and Julius Bruno had a safe manufactory on Front
street, their office and sale-room being at 421 East Water street.
This business, however, was soon abandoned, as they could not suc-
cessfully compete with Eastern houses in this branch of business.
Ogden & Smith (John Ogden and Philo N. Smith), carriage re-
pository, were in the old frame row yet standing on the southwest
corner of Spring and Second streets.
This was a famous establishment, and probably sold more carriages,
buggies and sleighs (Troy make) during the first ten years of its ex-
istence than all the rest of the dealers in these articles in the city put
together. They also manufactured largely after the withdrawal of
Mr. Smith, which I think was in 1859 or i860, the father being the
senior member until 1869, since which time it has been conducted
by Geo. Ogden, the father having retired, and now is taking it easy
in his autumnal years in the quiet enjoyment of the ftruits of his labor.
He can, however, be seen almost daily upon our streets, and is, for a
man of his years (85), very active, and would not be taken for over
65. May he reach 100.
*Mr. Ogden was sketched in Vol. I., page 224.
130 MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER.
This manufactory is one of the largest ones in the city, and its rep-
utation has been fully sustained by its present proprietor, who does
good work, and is fast coming to the front as one of our solid men ,
and who, with his brothers — ^John, Jr., and Henry (of the firm of
Atkins, Ogden & Atkins) — ^are not only an honor to their parents,
but are an honor to the city.
Warren & Tracy (Richardson Warren and Geo. Tracy), afterwards
Warren, Hewett^ & Tracy, successors to Durand & Lawrence. 117,
now 315, East Water street. Of this firm, Mr. Tracy is yet with us,
Mr. Hewitt is in Chicago, and Mr. Warren in Utica, N. Y. Mr.
Warren was a man of large frame, rough and boisterous in manner,
and had an unusually florid complexion. Mr. Hewett was a man of
the medium size, dark complexion and dark hair, and was one of the
kind who look out for number one. Mr. Tracy is one of the most
genial and companiable men in the city, and is a general favorite.
He is often selected to act as assignee in bankrupt cases. His pro-
verbial honesty, as well as business ability, make him a very suitable
person for such emergencies. Aside from that he has no regular
business. t
J. B. Maxfield, stoneware, was on West Water street, near Cly-
bourn.
Hoffmann's, afterwards Hoffmann & Billings (John C. Hoffmann
and Chas. F. Billings), brass foundry, were on Tamarack street, now
State, between Third and Fourth.
Sigsmond & Joseph Wise, at 173, now 373 East Water street, teas.
This firm was burnt out, and got no insurance (for cause), and, after
fighting the insurance company for a while, returned to New York
city, where I think they still reside.
Samuel Morse, grocer, was on the northeast corner of West Water
♦Alfred E. Hewitt.
f Three men more dissimilar in every way were never members of the same firm,
in this city, than were Warren, Hewitt and Tracy; Mr. Warren, as stated, being
coarse in manner and very rough spoken; Mr. Hewitt was one of the kind who
get money any way, and was always ready to shave his owjn or the firm's paper,
and often did it; while Mr. Tracy was altogether too tender-hearted and non-
aggressive to stand his own with two such men; and the result was that he is not
wealthy. He has got the consolatioa, however, of knowing that he has the respect
of all who know him, and that is better than gold or government bonds to an
honest man.
MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. 131
and Spring streets. Mr. Morse was for many years a very promi-
nent and successful grocer, but finally went to Nevada, where 1 think
he died in 1881. He was a very nervous and excitable man. I re-
member him well.
Boyd & Ledyard were at what is now 107 Grand avenue, dry
goods. They carried a large stock.
Lewis Blake, millinery, was at 23 Wisconsin street. Mr. Blake
was, for many years, at the head of the millinery department. He
was a very worthy man. He died March 2, 1868. His widow is
still with us, and retains an interest in the business under the title of
Wm. Swale & Co.
Frederick Guenther, hats and caps, 302 East Water street. Mr,
Guenther is still in business.
Julius Weber, jewelry, 411 East Water street, is yet in business.
Geo. M. Elmore, crockery, 354 East Water street. He also sold
gas fixtures and camphene.
There were no doubt other new comers as well as removals not
mentioned.
The firm of Goodrich & Terry, mentioned a few pages back, were
for many years one of the most prominent in their line in the city.
The house was first established in April, 1850, by Timothy W. Good-
rich and Rev. Eli S. Hunter (under the title of Goodrich & Hunter),
as agents for the sale of the Messrs. Belcher's refined sugars,* their
place of business being at the old red warehouse, yet standing, at*
the southeast corner of East Water and Erie streets. This continued
until October, 1856, when Mr. Hunter retired, and a new partner-
ship was formed by Mr. Goodrich with Frank H. Terry, under the
title of Goodrich & Terry, the new firm adding groceries to their
stock.
Here they remained until 186 i.t Subsequently they were at 275,
then 248, then 194-196 (old numbering), and lastly, in 1866, at 308-
310 East Water street. f Here they remained until 1872, when Mr.
Terry's health failing, the firm was dissolved, and Mr. Goodrich be-
^This refinery was at St. Louis, Missouri, and one of the largest in the country.
fThere is some doubts about this, although every city directory from 185 1 down
to 1861 locate them at that point.
JPresent numbering.
132 MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER.
came a partner with E. P. Bacon for two years in the produce and
commission business, and in 1875 he formed a new partnership
with Gen. Charles S. Hamilton, under the title of Hamilton &
Goodrich, for the manufacture of linseed oil, where he is to-day,
their factory being situated at the northeast comer of Florida and
Barclay streets. Such is the business record of the old pioneer
house of Goodrich & Terry.
Biographical.
Timothy W. Goodrich was born at Benson, Vermont, August 5,
1820, came to Chicago in 1832, where and at Naperville he remained
until April, i8so,^ when, as stated above, he came to Milwaukee.
He belongs to that class of men who do business upon business
principles, order and system being wiih him the governing law.
He never engages in any enterprise without first looking the ground
well over, and, when that enterprise is once taken in hand, he
pushes it for all there is in it, and during business hours will be
found at his office, where, if you have any business with him, it
will be at once attended to in a quiet manner, and during the trans-
action of which no time will be given to idle conversation, and after
your business is accomplished you are expected to leave. He is, in
this respect, like Mr. Bossert, of the Pfister & Vogel Leather Com-
pany. He also has a wonderful memory, that, combined with
.good executive ability, enables him to see at a glance how the work
is going on at the mill, as well as the exact state of the finances. He
is no I very nervous, nor ever loses control of himself. His morals
are irreproachable, his integrity unimpeachable, and his word, once
given, is never violated. Such are a few of Mr. Goodrich's business
characteristics. In person he is of medium height, stoutly built,
very quick motion, has light auburn hair, blue eyes, in which an un-
usually soft expression is always seen. His voice is strong, low in
tone, speaks quick, is a very pleasant companion, and, taken as a
whole, is physically one of the finest looking men in the city.
Mr. Terry was of a different mould. He was not as aggressive as
*It is proper to state that previous to his advent in Milwaukee he was a clerk
in Chicago for eight years and a partner in the dry goods house of T. B. Carter
four years.
MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER, 133
Mr. Goodrich, but pulled the same way in all business matters. He
was also a fine-looking man, tall and slim, with dark hair and eyes.
His voice was almost feminine in tone. He was a fine scholar, very
fond of works of art and books on scientific subjects. He was also
very dignified in his manner, and during his life was ranked as one
of Milwaukee's best citizens. He died at Nassau, New Providence,
where he had gone for his health, February 2, 1874. He was a na-
tive of Hartford, Conn.
Bradford Bros., wholesale dealers in dry goods, were at 155 and
157 (now 355 and 357) East Water street, and were one of the lead-
ing houses in their line in the state. Of this well-remembered firm
James alone survives, the grim reaper having gathered the others
into the better land.
They were all remarkably fine looking men, neither is it out of
place to say that no other New England family* has ever sent five
worthier or better looking sons to the West, than were John,
James, Robert C, Ephraim P. and Joseph L. Bradford.
In conducting their business this firm followed the European cus-
tom, i, ^., the oldest brother being the senior member, that post of
honor in their case being occupied by John, the Judah of this family,
and who was a good representative of the old-time Boston merchant,
always gentlemanly, courteous and dignified, holding his mercantile
honor as too sacred a thing to be tarnished by any dishonest act,
and always kept it bright. He was born October 9, 18 15, and died
May 3, 1879, and was buried at Forest Home, but will live in mem-
ory until all of his cotcmporaries in Milwaukee shall have passed
away.
Of Robert Clarke Bradford the writer can only say that he re-
members him as a fine looking, pleasant gentleman, with dark hair
and eyes, a frank, open countenance, upon which a pleasant smile
would appear when spoken to. He possessed fine conversational
powers, was of large frame and commanding presence. He was
bom April 25, 1819; died March 20, 1852, of erysipelas, and was
buried at Detroit, Mich.
*Thcy were all natives of New Boston, N. H., and in direct descent from Gov-
ernor Bradford who came in the Mayflower.
134 MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER.
But as a perfect type of manly beauty Joseph L. excelled them
all. Like Saul, king of Israel, he was in stature a head and shoulder
above his brethren, being physically a good representative of the late
General Winfield Scott. He had a remarkably pleasant disposition,
a pleasing address, fine conversational powers, was fond of society,
and was a universal favorite with all who knew him. He died June
28, 1883, and was interred in Forest Home. He left three sons —
Robert C, now an employee in the establishment of John Plankin-
ton, Esq.; James R., now in the Northwestern National Insurance
office, and Frank C, all of whom are worthy sons of a worthy
sire.
Of Ephraim P. the writer knew very little, as he was seldom
brought in contact with him. He, like his brothers, was very un-
demonstrative, and like them would have nothing to do with politics.
He died January 13, 1877, and sleeps in the old family lot at New
Boston.
Such is a brief sketch of this well-remembered pioneer dry goods
house, a house that for many years occupied a fi*ont rank in their
line in the amount of business done, and whose proprietors held a
h\gh position as sterling business men, and who have left a record of
which their children may well be proud. Their manly forms will be
seen no more upon our streets, but in memory's ever sleepless eye
the well-remembered faces and forms of John and Joseph L. Brad-
ford are often seen by the writer as vividly as though present with
him.
There were two sisters — Annie, now the wife of John Plankinton,
and Anstis, now the widow of Waterman Burr, who also resides in
Milwaukee with her son, Ephraim B. Burr, of Burr & Hyde, com-
mission merchants. West Water street. This lady is also the mother
of Mrs. Chas. D. Rogers.
William Brown, of Albany, Died March 2, 1856.
Mr. Brown was, as has been seen in the previous volumes, a very
prominent business man in Milwaukee for several years. He was a
large, fine-looking man, always dignified both in manner and con-
versation, very kind-hearted and charitable. I remember him with
a great deal of respect. He was designated as h-om Albany, in con-
• •• <
• « » <
p ■
• • c
MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. 185
tradistinction to William Brown, Jr., and William W. (double-headed
Brown).
Public Market.
There was an effort made this year to establish a public market in
the Fifth ward, for which purpose a meeting was held, January i, at
the Niagara Hotel, David Merrill, chairman, Carlton Holland, sec-
retary, resulting in the appointing of Captain George Barber, Cap-
tain Jo^iah Sherwood, Martin Delaney, John Rosebeck, William P.
Merrill, Duncan C. Reed and Captain Jasper Humphrey, to take the
matter into consideration, who met on the 9th and reported in favor
of issuing bonds to the amount of $50,000 to purchase a site, and
fit it up for a public square.* They also recommended to William
A. Hawkins, the member-elect from that ward to the legislature, to
petition that body to pass a bill to stop all work on the straight cut
(the present harbor,) after which they adjourned.
John Johnston.
This gentleman, now so well and so widely known in banking
circles throughout the entire Northwest as a clear-headed financier,
as well as a somewhat prominent writer on the subject of Politi-
cal Finance, was bom in the parish of Auchnagath, Aberdeenshire,
Scotland, on the 8th day of June, 1836, and from where, after
completing his education and receiving the degree of A. M., he
came to America, arriving at Milwaukee, March 10, 1856. His
first employment after his arrival was as general book-keeper in
the banking house of his uncle, Hon. Alexander Mitchell, which
position he filled for ten years, when he was promoted to that of
assistant cashier, which office he holds to-day, making a continued
service of twenty-nine years, and, like Mr. Ferguson, has become a
prominent factor in that celebrated institution.
Mr. Johnston sprung from a race noted for their hardihood, per-
sonal courage, great intellectual power, as well as force of character,
and last, but not least, wonderful financial ability — a race whose citi-
zens, wherever they are found, whether as soldiers, statesmen, schol-
ars, poets, authors, agriculturists, or business men, always occupy the
*The present one on Florida street.
136 MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER.
front rank, and who as a nation occupy a high plane upon the page
of history, and have given to the world some of the brightest men it
has ever seen, consequently it would naturally be expected that with
such an ancestry, supplemented after his arrival in this country with
the prestige and the influence that such a man as Alexander Mitchell
would give him, that he could not fail to succeed, even were he not
naturally a strong man. But Mr. Johnston possesses within himself
the elements requisite to ensure success, and could not well have
been kept in the background, had there been no outside influence
exerted in his behalf, as he is not only always self-poised, but he is
aggressive, and will never be satisfied with anything less (to use a
metaphor) than an inside seat in every enterprise in which he has an
interest, and has during his residence here probably filled more places
of trust in the various civic societies of which he is a member (as well
as official positions of a public nature) than has any other one man
in the city. He having served for
Two terms as member of the Board of Aldermen.
Thrice President of the St. Andrews Society.
Thrice President of the Milwaukee Curling Club.
Twice President of the Grand National Curling Club.
Twice President of Milwaukee Rifle Club.
Treasurer and Director of Milwaukee College for many years.
Treasurer and Director of Milwaukee Cement Co. since its organi-
zation.
Treasurer and Director of the Chippewa Valley & Superior Rail-
way Company.
Director in the Sailors Home.
Vice-President of the Humane Society.
Trustee of Calvary Presbyterian Church.
Commissioner of Public Schools.
Trustee of the Public Library.
Director of the Milwaukee Industrial Exposition.
Director in the Milwaukee & Wyoming Investment Company.
Director in the Milwaukee City Railway Company.
Director in Chamber of Commerce, Vice-President, and is now
(1886) filling his second term its President.
This is a pretty good record for so young a man to make, and
MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. 137
shows that Mr. Johnston has the confidence of his associates in these
various civic societies, as well as the ability to fill those offices with
credit to himself and them.
Personnel.
Mr. Johnston is of medium size, has a compact, wiry, as well as
, muscular frame, and is a fine representative of the Scottish race.
He has a strong voice, speaks short and quick, but with the national
accent strong, every word coming out with a ringing intonation and
with great distinctness. He has a very nervous temperament, walks
quick, is always in a hurry, always busy, and whatever he wants, he
wants bad and wants it now. He has a positive character, is very
pronounced in his views, and although ready to listen with courtesy
to the opinions of others, is not easily turned firom his position thereby,
nor firom his purpose, by opposition, and will fight hard to carry his
point. He is a fine scholar, a great reader, remembers all he reads
has the faculty of imparting information to others to a remarkable
degree, and is always ready to do it. He also loves to investigate
abstruse theories, and is ever ready to take the stand in that role
either with voice or pen, and if beaten by his opponent dies game.
In political faith he is a democrat, has strong political aspirations,
and is an influential member of that party. In religious faith he is a
Presbyterian, but not as radical in respect to creeds as are some of
his Scottish brethren of that persuasion, or as was John Knox. He
is a born banker, and if he lives has a brilliant future before him in
that honorable calling, as well as the ability and ambition to fill it,
his executive abilities being of a superior order. He has fine con-
versational powers, is a good public speaker and, like E. D. Holton,
always ready to respond when called upon.
He has got the foundation laid for a large fortune, and is destined
in the near future to take rank as one of Milwaukee's solid men,
financially, as he already has among her literary and cultured socially.
He is one to whom Dame Nature has been lavish in her gifts, and
whose development, like that of E. P. Allis, has kept pace with the
growth of his business, thus rendering him equal to any emergency.
Such are some of the leading characteristics of John Johnston.
188 milwaukee under the charter.
Board of Trade.
Organized January i6, 1856.
President — Horatio Hill.
Vice-President — Sanford B. Grant.
Treasurer — William J. Bell.
Secretary — Henry A. Nichols.
Directors — Byron Kilboum, A.Whittemore,William P. Young, John
Plankinton, John Nazro, Lewis J. Higby, Nelson Webster, Edward P.
Allis, John G. Inbusch, Lester Sexton, Robert H. Strong, Daniel New-
hall, Edward H. Brodhead, John B. Medberry and Lewis L. Lee.
Arbitrators — Gideon P. Hewitt, William B. Alvord, William J.
Whaling, Levi H. Kellogg, John Bradford, Edwin H. Goodrich and
Henry Fess, Jr.*
This association, together with the old Corn Exchange, was merged
in the piesent Chamber of Commerce, in April, 1858.
Charter Amendments.
The amendments to the new City Charter, which those who were
always tinkering that much abused instrument wanted adopted by
the legislature of 1856, were the extension of the city limits on the
North ; the division of the First ward — making the Seventh ward ;
the division of Second ward into three ; changing the manner and
time for the collection of city taxes, making them collectable semi-
annually; the abolition of the office of city marshal; fixing the
mayor's salary at $2,500 (previously non-salaried), and the city attor-
ney's at $2,000.
Railroad Meeting.
There was a large railroad meeting held February 9th, at Young's
hall, to hear the report of the committee upon the building of the
Milwaukee & Beloit Railroad, via Rochester and Burlington, then
one of the pet schemes of the railroad men. This road, which was
to leave the city via the present Eighth ward, was graded nearly to
Burlington, much of which grade is yet visible. But the road was
never built. One of the moving spirits in this enterprise was Horatio
Hill. William J . Whaling also sunk some money in it.
milwaukee under the charter. 139
Destructive Fire February io, 1856.
See annexed :
Wakehouse Burnt. — About 6 o'clock last evening smoke was discov-
ered issuing from the elevator of the large brown warehouse on the
west side of the river, occupied by Messrs. W. B. Alvord and Bell &
Bean. The alarm of fire was promptly f^ven and the fire department
quickly responded to the call. The engmes were drawn upon the ice
on the river and were on hand in season to have checked the fire early
could they have got at the water. But there were no holes ready cut,
and ten or fifteen minutes of precious time was lost in chopping through
ice from two to three feet thick. Meanwhile the flames spread rapidly
and by the time the engines got to work had possession of the entire
building. All that the firemen could then do was to prevent the spread
of the fire to the adjoining lumber yards and vessels, and in that they
succeeded.
The warehouse with its contents was pretty much destroyed. The
building cost originally rbout $9,000; it was owned by Dickinson & Co.,
and insured in tne Etna for $4,000. There were in the building about
15,000 bushels of wheat, forty tons of broom corn, fifty barr^^ls or pork,
and some other rolling freight, belonging to different parties. The in-
surance on it was as follows; Commercial, Milwaukee, $5,500; Hartford
Fire Insurance Company, $4,000; Merchants' Philadelphia, $2,500.
The pork and some one thousand bushels of wheat were saved. The
fire is supposed to have originated from friction in the elevator.
At 8 o'clock this morning the alarm cry was again given, caused by
the breaking out afresh of the flames, and as we go to press the sharp
clang of the bells and the hoarse shouts of our firemen break upon the
stillness of the night.*
This was the warehouse mentioned in Vol. II., page 187, as hav-
ing been burnt while occupied by WiUiam B. Alvord when filled with
oats, wheat and hams, the wreck of which was left standing until
1857, when the ground was leased to Captain Jas. Doyle for a lum-
ber yard, from whom it went lo Robert W. Pierce and Samuel D.
Luscombe, who used it for the same purpose until 1872, when it
passed to J. G. Flint, the well known coflfee and spice man, who
erected the present block, and where he has accumulated a large
fortune.
*Mr. Alvord removed from here to St. Louis, Ma, where he engaged in the
insurance business, and where he died in May, 1885. He was a very dignified
and somewhat aristocratic mannered gentleman, but a very good business man.
I remember Mr. Alvord well, and he often comes to mind when thinking of the
olden time, llie principal cause of the total destruction of this building was the
unusual thickness of the ice, which rendered it impossible to obtain water before
the fire had got beyond the control of the firemen. I was present at this fire and
well remember the excitement it made on this account. The ice was nine inches
thick on the 20th, and remained so until the 27th, when it began to be unsafe.
It was nearly all gone April I, except at the mouth of the river, which it blocked
until the 5th, and May 2 brought us our first boat from below, the schooner David
Todd, and navigation was finally opened to fiuf&lo.
140 MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER.
«
The Star Mills.
This well known and prosperous manufactory, the largest of its
kind in the city, was founded by the Flint Bros.,* in 1858, their first
place of business being opposite the Plankinton House,t fi"om where
it was removed (in 1863) to the Reese block. No. 130 West Water
street, and firom there (in 1872) to their present location, northeast
corner of West Water and Clybourn streets, they having, as just
stated, purchased the ground and erected the present building.
This has been without exception the most successful institution of
the kind in the city, and has made for its owners a large amount of
money, their goods being sent to all parts of the United States.
They also carry on the manufacture of tobacco in all its various
forms, in which they do a large business, being the second in size in
the city.
There are few men in any city who possess better business abili-
ties than J. G. Flint, Jr. He does everything at the proper time in
a business-like manner, and will make money where his competitors
would lose. One of Mr. Flint's best points is his self-reliance. He
never wants or takes advice from any one. Springing from a race
who were trained to industry, self-reliance and economy, he knows
the value of time as well as money, and just how to improve the
one and use the other to the best advantage.
The writer has watched Mr. Flint very closely from the time he
came to the city. He is aggressive to an unusual degree, and allows
no one to get ahead of him. His executive abilities are of the first
order, and were he a politician in the full sense of the term he would
have been in congress long ago. He is a splendid disciplinarian,
and everything moves like clockwork in his business. He, like Mr.
Allis, knows at a glance the capabilities of every man in his employ,
as well as the place to put him, holds him responsible for the fulfil-
ment of his trust, and never discharges an employee except for good
cause. He has made a splendid record as a business man, and is
ranked among our solid men. He was born at Windsor, N. H.,
February 16, 1829.
*Wyman and John G. Flint, now J. G. Flint, Jr.
t24 Spring street, now 124,
milwaukee under the charter. 141
Old Jones Tried.
The trial of Miser Jones, as he was called, together with the boys
Titball (colored) and Thompson (white) for arson, the two latter-
named for setting fire to an old building in the rear of 398 East
Water street, came off at the March term, 1856. I was on the jury
in both cases. These two boys were a part of a gang of young
hoodlums that infested the city in those days. They were a bad lot.
Jones* crime was setting fire to an old building on the southeast
comer of East Water and Buffalo streets.
The annexed, taken from the Evening Wisconsin of April, 1885, is
given here as a matter of history concerning this trial :
Trial of Jones.
The trial of this case of Miser Jones deserves more than a passing
notice, as he was the first man arrested for arson,* and there had been
so many fires that there was no doubt they were the work of incendia-
ries, that I have concluded to give th(? whole of the Jones case. Peter
Yates had first been emplovedbv Jones as his counsel. When the case
was called for trial before Judge Hubbell, Yates was set aside as counsel
and Dighton Corson substituted on the 23d day of May, 1855. James
Kneeland had given bail for Jones in the sum of $3,000. The jury on
the first trial that did not agree were James S. Buck, Aaron Harriman.
Peter levies, Jr., J. R. Treat, Jacob Donees, Owen Aldrich, Leonard
Kennedy, Joel Perrigo, Simon Levy, Charles Neumann. 'Squire Sackett
and Henry Brow^n. After the dismissal of the jury, the nail was re-
duced to $2,000, James Kneeland a^in going on the bond.
The case was tried the second time by James A. Mallory, district at-
torney^ for the state, and Dighton Corson for Jones. The second jury
were George Paddock, Francis Harmeyer, John A. Border, Seth Crip-
pen, James Martin, Henry Surges, Lucius D. Marsh, Josiah Knowlton,
Thomas GilliSj John Boyd, Joseph Williams and E. G. Hayden. Jones
was found guilty on the 8th or March, 1856, and on the 15th day of
March he was sentenced to seven years at Waupun prison. He was
pardoned out on the 1st day of February, 1858, as per certificate signed
DV Edward M. McGraw, state prison commissioner, filed in the office of
the clerk of the circuit court. Jones came back to the city and lived in
an old shanty on State street, between Fifth and Sixth streets, and on6
cold morning he was found dead in the shanty, some time about 18G4
or 1865.
The correct history of this man's life, could it have been obtained,
would have read like a romance. If all that was said of hira was
true, he had at one period of his life been a sailor on the " briny
deep " in a slaver, if not something worse. But whether this was
true or not, he certainly was not the man one would want to sleep
with, not if they knew it. His presence always cast a chill over all
■"This is incorrect. There was a previous trial for arson- Sec Vol. II., page
148.
142 MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER.
who came in contact with him, and his whole demeanor was such as
to make any one who saw him believe him guilty of some great
crime. He was a bad man, and his death was not lamented. His
full name was William Jones.
The following incident is said to have occurred in Judge Erastus
Footers court, to which Jones had been " cited " subsequent to his
release from Waupun :
A Prisoner Bringing Up an Unpleasant Reminiscence.
Old Miser Jones, who was sent from this city to state prison some
years since for arson, and who had conHidenible property when be was
taken away, which was carefully taken vare of in his absence by law-
yers and other cormorants, was up in the municipal court yesterday
morning, having been arrested for some trivial offence. Judge Erastus
Foote * stood " him up, and told him that since it was his first offence
before that court, he would f?ive him as light a fine as possible, which
was $1, and which added to the costfl made it $1.37.
Old Jones then drew himself up, and elevating his right forefiufjer
and shaking ^*l^® said: " Now, look ahere. Judge, do vou know what
that's for?** The Judge began to grow uneasv, and called a constable
to silence the prisoner. Old Jones continuec^, "I say, do you know
what that's for. Judge? Well, I'll tell ye. Ye know' when I was in
state prison yer honor wrote me a letter, telling me that the lawyers
was stealing all my property, and yer honor wanted me to send ye ilOO
to take care of it for me. And because I wouldn't do it, now ye fine
me.**
At this point the Judge became exasperated, and rising up, impera-
tively ordered a policeman to bear the prisoner away. Such episodes
are very unpleasant, and old Jones ought to have known better than
done so.
New Woodyard.
A woodyard, the first for retail purposes in the city, was opened
this year on the corner of Wells and West Water streets by Gardner
& Ball (Henry L. Gardner and Alvin B. Ball).
New Bridge Called For.
There was a call for a new bridge at Huron street in January,
1856. See annexed:
Bridge at Huron Street. — A resolution was offered in the common
council on Thursday evening, and referred to the bridge committee, for
the construction of abridge across the river at the foot of Huron street.
Another bridge is very much needed to accommodate drays, omni-
busses, <fcc., in passing to and from the railroad depots in tlie Fourth
ward. We think, however, that it might with advantage be put one
block further south, to- wit, at the foot of Detroit street.
This was a project of Jonathan Taylor, who was at that time the
owner of the southwest corner of West Water and Clybourn streets,
MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. 143
where F. F. Adams' tobacco factory now stands. It was built by
the Messrs. Babcock Bros., who took the contract March i. See
annexed :
Huron Street Bridge. — ^The contract for building the new bridge
across the river from the foot of Huron street, Third ward, to the foot
of Cly bourn street, Fourth ward, was let yesterday to the Messrs. Bab-
cock, who will do up the work in good style. The piles will be driven
and the timber all got out, shaped and fitted before the close of naviga-
tion, and the bridge put up during the winter. It will be a great accom-
modation to travel and business.
This bridge lasted until 1867, when it was pulled down to make
room for the present iron one, built by the Messrs. Fox & Co., of
Chicago.
A New Jail Called For.
There was a pretty severe article in the Sentinel of March 1 1 this
year upon the filthy condition of that classic retreat for the weary
and heavy-laden devotees of the mythical personage known as
Father Gambrinus, which made it clear to all that a new one would
be an improvement, or that at least a house of refuge for boys was
greatly needed. This article was called out by the trial of the two
boys, Thompson and Titball, previously mentioned. But the super-
visors were deaf to all entreaties in that direction. Neither was
there any change until Edward O'Neill got the bill through the legis-
lature in 1857 for the erection of a reform school at Waukesha.
A Puff for the Bridge Superintendent.
The Sentinel oi March i, in speaking of those too much abused
bridges, has the following :
The City Bridges. — Both the Spring street and Walker's Point bridge
have been undergoing repairs within the past few weeks. The latter is
finished, and early next week the former will be again fit for travel.
The wrought iron plate track upon which the bridge formerly traversed
has been taken up, and a heavy railroad iron track laid down in its
Slace. The Spring street bridge, in addition to the above, is having its
raw widened, and the apron on the w^est side has been taken away
and a massive oak beam, eighU^en inches scjuare, placed on piles anS
strongly braced, strengthening the abutment of the bridge, and acting
as a fender to prevent any damage, except to the vessel, from collisions
with the river craft. Mr. Harrison, the superintendent of the city
bridges, is making a strong job of it and a useful one, and in the end an
economical one for the citv. A boy could turn the bridges now the im-
provements are made, ancl in half the time it formerly took.
Mr. Harrison was a good mechanic, and made a good superin-
tendent. I can see him now in memory's eye. He was a very fine-
144 MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER.
looking man. He died October i, 187 1, and was buried in Forest
Home.
She Wouldn't Stay Out.
An illustration of the influence that prison discipline has upon
some criminals was fully shown in the case of Mary Murphy, who
was pardoned out of Waupun, March 15th, and was in the watch-
house in Milwaukee on the 1 7th ; she lost no time. Also in the case
of Thompson, sent up for burglarizing the store of Messrs. Brooke &
Cannon,* who was pardoned out at the same time on account of ill-
health (the petition stating that he was nearly dead with the con-
sumption), and who robbed a store in Chicago within eight days.
His health must have improved very fast. There is altogether too
little discrimination used in the exercise of the pardoning power by
the average governor in this country.
Division of the Second, First and Fifth wards, making the Sixth,
Seventh and Eighth.
The first move looking towards a village government over what is
now the city of Milwaukee, was made December 14th, 1836, and
carried into effect February 14th, 1837, at which time it was
divided into two wards, known as the East and West Wards, each
of which was presided over by five trustees, while all south of the
Milwaukee River was known as the South Side, or Walker's Point.
(See Vol. I., pages 109 to 114, inclusive). This system prevailed
until the adoption of the Charter, January 5, 1846, at which time the
East Ward was divided, making the First and Third, and the West
Ward into the Second and Fourth, while all South of the Milwaukee
River was embraced in the Fifth, which was the number (although a
division was often attempted) until 1856, at which time the Second
was divided, making the Sixth, and the First, making the Seventh,
under the following legislative enactment :
The People of the State of Wisconsin, represented in Senate and As-
sembly, do enact as follows:
Section 1. All the territory now included in the Second Ward of the
city of Milwaukee, which lies south of the center of Vliet street and
the Madison roaa in said cit^, shall hereafter constitute and be the
Second ward of the ei*y of Milwaukee; and all the territory now in-
cluded in the Second ward of the city of Milwaukee, which lies north
* Mentioned in previous Chapter.
MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER, 145
of the center of Vliet street and the Madison road in said city, shall
constitute and be the Sixth Ward of the city of Milwaukee.
Section 2. All the territory now included in the First ward of the
city of Milwaukee, which lies north of the center of Division street in
said city, shall hereafter constitute and be the First ward of the city of
Milwaukee; and all the territory now included in the First ward of the
city of Milwaukee, which lies south of the center of Division street in
said city, shall constitute and be the Seventh ward of the city of Mil-
waukee.
This bill further provided that there should be one alderman from
each of these new wards, elected for two years, and two for one year,
at the Spring election.
The seventeenth section of chapter two of the act of which this act
was amendatory (see section 8 of this act), was also amended as
follows :
All the city and ward officers now in office shall hold their respective
offices until their successors shall be elected or appointed unoer this
act, and the term of every officer elected under this law shall commence
on the second Tuesday in April of the year for which he is elected, and
shall, unless herein otherwise provided, continue for one year, and
until his successor is elected and qualified.
Approved February 21, 1856.
The act dividing the Fifth ward was passed at the second session
of the legislature which convened September 3d, 1856, and adjourned
October 14th. This act, which provided that all that portion of the
Fifth ward lying west of the present First Avenue (formerly called
Monroe street), and north of Railroad street, should constitute the
Eighth ward, to go into eftect March 31, 1857. This act was ap-
proved October 11, 1856.
It contained the same provisions as to the officers as the others.
Common Council Proceedings.
Saturday Evening, March 8th, 1856.
Present — Aldermen Houghton, Haertel, Mallory, Meyer, Mitchell,
Milman, Rcsebeck, Schutte, Shortell — 9.
The Mayor presented a communication from the Hon. Daniel
Wells, Jr., M. C, relative to Marine Hospital at this city (same as
presented to the Board of Trade).
On motion, the Mayor was authorized to sign a memorial to Con-
gress on behalf of the Common Council.
Alderman Rosebeck presented the following communication ;
146 MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER.
Honorable Mayor and Common Council of the City of Milwaukee :
We, undersigned citizens, find the firing of cannon this evening as a
violation of the city ordinance, and very disagreeable in cases of sick-
ness. And we, undersigned citizens, beg of your honorable body not to
allow firing of cannons on such occasions hereafter.
' Signed,
N. Brick, Robert Hibbard,
S. R. Johnson, C. H. Roschbr,
W. B. Johnson, M. D. Ehlma.nn,
Jonas Brown, R. P. Houghton,
Herman Stark, G. Houghton.
Referred to Police Committee.
Aid. Mallory offered a resolution, fixing the following places for
holding election at the ensuing city election :
First Ward — At the house of P. Theis, corner of Jackson and Ogden
streets.
Second Ward — Mansion House.
Third Ward — Louisiana House, Main street.
Fourth Ward — Engine House of No. 5.
Fifth Ward — Niagara House.
Sixth Ward — Park Saloon, Galena street.
Seventh Ward — Best's Lager Beer Hall, Market Square.
Qualifications of Voters.
1. Citizenship, or Declaration of Intentions.
2. One year's residence in the City.
3. Ten days' residence in the Ward.
Ballots.
Two Ballots are required — one containing the name of the person
voted for, for Alderman for two years — the other containing the names
of all other candidates voted for, for City and Ward Officers.
Polls Open from 9 a. m. to 5 p. m.
Adopted.
Aid. .Mallory called up the question of agreeing with the report of
the committee on paying the Sentind for printing.
Aid. Rosebeck opposed the allowance principally because the
Sentinel had not treated the Aldermen generally fairly in the matter
of noticing them. The reports furnished by the Sentinel had never
been fair; had always been botched to suit their own fancy.
Aid. Mitchell thought if there were any city printers, the printing
for the city should be done by them.
Aid. Mallory explained that the printing was done in 1854.
The report was adopted as follows :
Ayes — Houghton, Haertel, Mallory, Meyer, Mitchell, Millman,
Schutte, Shorten— 8.
Nays — Rosebeck — i .
MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. 147
Aid. Mallory presented the resignation of Rufus King as Schoo
Commissioner of the First ward. Accepted.
Adjourned.
Municipal.
As the time for the spring election drew nigh, those who were
looking (and their name was legion) for a place on the municipal
slate began to stir the political Bethesda. The election of six new
aldermen, as well as other officials for the two new wards, added not
a little to the commotion, and, as the old Dutchman said, when
L peaking of it, ** Dem fellers make blenty droubles mid dere foolish-
ness." And he was right.
The delegates to the People's convention from the First, Fourth,
Fifth and Seventh wards met at the court-house on the 19th of
March, and nominated a ticket, with Daniel Newhall* for mayor,
while the regular " simon-pure " Democracy met on the 29th, at the
Fourth ward engine-house, on Second street, that locality being
selected with reference to its nearness to water, as in case the con-
testants for office got over- heated in their strife for an inside seat the
boys could wet them down with less trouble.
The following were a few of the names suggested by the various
political Solons of that day as fit subjects for mayorial honors: Jas.
B. Cross (who won the day), Sanford B. Grant, Edward D. Holton,
Edward H. Brodhead, Doctor E. B. Wolcott, John J. Inbusch, Jas.
B. Martin, W. P. Lynde, Lester Sexton and Anson Eldred.
The election resulted as follows :
Mayor — James B. Cross.
Comptroller— John B. Edwards.
Treasurer — Herman Schwarting.
Attorney — Wilson W. Graham.
Marshal — Charles E. Mever.
Police Justice — Clinton VVal worth.
City Engineer — William S. Trowbridjje.
Chief of Police— William Beck, appomted.
Sealer of Weights and Measures — Jesse M. Van Slyck, appointed.
Bridj?e Superintendent — Patrick Markey, appointed.
Wood Inspector— Ernst Hertzberg.
City Printers — English, J R. Sharpstein. German, Schoeffior &
Wendte.
*Mr. Newhall suhseqiUMiily lecliued and Jas. B. Cniss was substituted in his
place as a compromise candidate.
148 MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER.
President of Board — J. Hadley.
City Clerk— Robert Whitehead.
Aldkrmen.
First Ward — ^Jackson Hadley, Christopher Bast and Luke Marnell.
Second Ward — Jacob A. Hoover, A. Greulich and John C. Dick.
Third Ward— T. O'Brien, John Shortell and Michael Delaney.
Fourth Ward — Alex. H. Johnston, J. Plankinton and Jonatnan Tay-
lor.
Fifth Ward— Henry Millman, Joseph R. Cordes and Jasper Hum-
phrey.
Sixth Ward — Herman Haertel, F. Kuehn and John Kline.
Seventh Ward^jeorge S. Mallory, Edward Button and Francis J.
Jung.
Council room in Martin's block, southwest corner of East Water
and Wisconsin streets.
COMMISSIONEBS OF SuRVEY.
I. A. Lapham, Sanford B. Grant, Elisha Eldred, Andrew Mitchell and
Ira E. Goodall.*^
Justices op the Peace.
First Ward- J. W. Cannon.
Second Ward — Charles F. Bode.
Third Ward— William Holland.
Fourth Ward — Robert N. Austin.
Fifth Ward — Oliver Parsons.
Sixth Ward — Rilev M. Messenger.
Seventh Ward — Albert Smith.
(k)NSTABLKS.
First Ward— John Schoffle.
Second Ward — Charles Neumann.
Third Ward— John H. Ryan.
Fourth Ward — Henry M. Beecroft.
Fifth Ward — August Meyer.
Sixth Ward — George Fischer.
Seventh Ward— Gottlieb Luther.
Railroad Commissioners.
First Ward — Benjamin Skidmore.
Second Ward— George Albert.
Third Ward— Thomas Eviston.
Fourth Ward — John A. Seger.
Fifth Ward— Charles H. Larkin.
Sixth Ward— Adam Portner.
Seventh Ward — ^John Jennings.
Fire Department.
Chief Engineer — John C. Goodrich.
First Assistant — John Lowther.
Second Assistant — Henry Verkins.
Third Assistant — Nathan B. Brooks.
President of Board — Daniel Schultz.
Vice-President^Duncan C. Reed.
Secretary — J. Albert Helfenstein.
Treasurer — John Nazro.
*'ilie same book gives Oiis B. Hopkins in addition.
MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. 149
FiRB Wardens.
First Ward— Nick Ludwig, Win. H. Holland.
Second Ward — A. J. Langworthy, Hezekiah Moore.
Third Ward— Frank Devlin, Theodore Bilty.
Fourth Ward— Priana B. Hill, Chas. W. Bierbach.
Fifth Ward — August Mayer, Emil Schandein.
Sixth Ward— David House, F. H. Greenleaf.
Seventh Ward — Robert C. Jacks, Lewis Fuchs.
The whole number of firemen in the city was six hundred.
School Commissioners.
First Ward — Jackson Hadley, Luke Marnell and Silas Chapman.
Second Ward — I. A. Lapham, Jas. Flynn and Chas. J. Kern.
Third Ward— Ed O'Neifi, Chas. I^ne* and John Horan.
Fourth Ward — Samuel L. Elmore, Jno. Seger and Jonathan Taylor.
Fifth Ward— Andrew Mitchell, Edwin De Wolf and Charles H. Lar-
kin.
Sixth Ward — Charles E. Jenkins, Benjamin Church and Ferdinand
Kuehn.
Seventh Ward — ^Jas. Johnson, Francis J. Jung and Geo. S, Mallory.
J. Hadley, president.
R. Whitehead, secretary.
Our Public Schooi.s — ^The Teachers for the Ensuing Year.
The executive committee of the board of school commissioners
of the city of Milwaukee respectfully report that they have selected
the following-named persons as teachers for the public schools of
this city for the ensuing year, and recommend that the salaries set
opposite their names be paid to them :
First Ward.
George McWhorter, principal $860
Mason G. Smith (mate), first assistant 300
Miss E. J. Phillips, second assistant 300
Intermbdiats.
Mary C. Osgood, principal $350
F. Duggan, assistant 300
Primary.
Cath. Kavanagh, principal $350
Miss Quinn, first assistant 300
Second Ward.
H. W. Spalding, principal $860
Miss Clark, assistant 300
Intermediate.
Miss E. Phelps, principal $350
Miss Upton, assistant 300
'"The book containing the city charter (and ordinances), published in 1856,
S'ves John Mitchell in place of Charles Lane as school commissioner for 1850 in
e Third ward. This is evidently a mistake, as Mr. Mitchell has always been a
resident of the Fourth ward, where he was constable in 1849, and presided at an
anti-temperance meeting (see Vol. HI., pages 62 and 196), while Mr. Lane is
now and always has been a resident of the Third ward.
t
150 MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER.
Primary.
Miee Greenleaf, principal 1350
Miss Van Dyke, assistant 300
District No. 2.
Miss E. H. Jjingdon, principaL $4^
Miss Hies, assistant 300
Third Ward.
F. C. Pomeroy, principal $850
M. J. Gilbert, first assistant 300
M. E. Boylan, second assistant 300
Intermediate.
C. O. Mahoney, principal , |500
C. Gillet, assistant 300
Primary.
Anne E. Mitchell, principal i 1350
Miss Potter, assistant 300
Fourth Ward.
C. K. Martin, principal $850
Miss Teed, assistant '. 300
Intermediate.
Miss Baldwin, principal |350
Mrs. C. R. Rogers, assistant 300
Primary.
Miss Le Basque, principal $350
Miss Sackett, assistant 300
Fifth Ward.
John Drew, principal $850
Miss Bradley, assistant 300
Intermediate.
Miss Trowbridgje, principal $350
Miss Cook, assistant 300
Primary.
Mrs. Blodgett, principal $350
Miss Packard, assistant 300
The schools will open Monday next, April 14.
Supervisors.
This office was still filled by the aldermen.
Wauwatosa— Thomas Tobin.
Granville — Charles P. Everts.
Milwaukee — T. Bare.
Lake — M. L. Burdick.
Greenfield — J. C. James.
Oak Creek— P. McQuillen.
Franklin — J. Conway.
George S. Mallory, chairman.
A. Bade, clerk.
County officers elected the previous November :
Sherifi'— Samuel S. Conover.
Under Sheriff— Wm. Beck.
Deputies — Wm. G. Parsons, Robert Wasson and T. O'Brien.
Prosecuting Attorney — Jas. A. Mallory.
Register of Deeds— fchas. J. Kern.
Deputy Register — J. A. Liebhaber.
MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. 151
Treasurer — Grarrett M. Fitzgerald.
Deputy Treasurer — Chas. P. Everts.
Clerk of Supervisors — Albert Bade.
Deputy Clerk^IJhas. F. Kasten.
Surveyor — John Gregory.
Coroner — Wm. Beck.
Superintendents of the Poor — Henry Fowler and Henry Suppus.
It would appear from the above that the office of under sheriff,
chief of police and coroner were all vested in one person — William
Beck.
Board of Trade.*
President — William J. Whaling.
Vice-President — Lester Sexton.
Secretary — Andrew J. Aikens.
Treasurer — M. S. Scott.
Office in Furlong's block, 327 East Water street.
Corn Exchange.*
Office foot of West Water street.
President — L. J. Higby.
Vice-President — ^S. T. Hooker.
Treasurer — Benjamin Nute.
Secretary — N. J. Aikins.
The Old Military Hall.
The annexed cut is a fac-simile of this pioneer building, the
first one ever erected in the city for military purposes only. It was'
erected by the Washington Guards, a company composed wholly of
Germans organized in 1845. Capt., David George ; first lieut., D.
Upmanj second lieut., F. Hilgen; first sergt., J. A. Liebhaber; sec-
ond sergt., F. Gesmer. This hall stood upon the south side of
Oneida street, directly east ot the alley between Main and Market
streets, and, as has been seen, was often used for municipal gather-
ings as well as for public meetings of a social nature. The scene
before us is the presentation of a banner to the guards, Nov. 3, 1845,
by the German ladies. The presentation speech being made by
Miss Louisa Dresen, and the acceptance by Capt. George. I was
present at this presentation.
* Merged in the present board April, 1858.
MILWAUKEE I
This hall, or at lea^t a portion of it, is now standing on North River
MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. 158
streei, directly opposite the Gem mill, (where it was taken when re-
moved,) and used for the manufacture of sash, doors and blinds.
It has been partly burned since its removal.
Bii.Tv's Tremont.
Opening of the new Tremont, (late the St. Clair House,) Monday,
April 14, 1856. See annexed.
This cut represents the hotel as it appeared when opened as the
Tremont. It was quite a popular house for a while.
The opening viae nttended by upwards of three hundred people.
One tcentleman informed iih tliat the xupper " vbb yust eo goot as it
cauld be." A bait folluwed the Bupper, and dandng was kept up till
morninK. The best feeling and gooc ■— ' '■''■' " ^ — ' '■'--
night. There waa a good time gene
the landlord a good run of buniness.
Burning of the Tremont.
This hotel was located on the northwest corner of Huron and
Cass streets. It was a frame structure and occupied by Theodore
Bilty. It had a front of forty feet and a depth of ninety-two feet,
was two and one-halt stories high, and cost $8000, including the
furniture. It was at this fire that Henry Middleton, then a
member of old No. i, remained Inside amid the smoke and heat
until he removed all the furniture.
Ithad to a certain extent lost its former prestige, afler which it
154 MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER.
t
became a resort for roughs and rowdies, and ended its career, as did
most of its congeners, by fire. It was burned Dec. 8, 1858.
Biographical.
Mr. Bilty, its well-remembered landlord, was quite a character in
his day. He was a German. In person he was tall and straight,
had a florid complexion, sandy hair and blue eyes. His voice was
strong in tone, he spoke distinctly often quite emphatically. He was
not a man, however, that it would be safe to bet much money on, as
his conscience was very elastic. He left for California shortly after
this fire, where, I believe, he is yet living. The hotel was not re-
built.
I often think of Mr. Bilty and in memory's sleepless eye, can see
him as he appeared, when at the steamers or cars, while running
this hotel. There he was wide awake and always managed to get
his share of the spoil, that was filched from the poor emigrants, in
the palmy days of the "side-wheelers" who patronized the piers,
where a tribute of one dollar was rigorously exacted fi*om all who
were unfortunate enough to land there, for every dray load passed
over it — a charge more arbitrary, and more keenly felt than any
other the emigrant was called upon to pay during his journey from
the Father- Land, until he landed in Milwaukee.
South Side Gas Company Formed.
There was a new Gas Company formed this year upon the south
side. It was organized April 17. The directors were W. A. Hawkins,
Hiram Merrill, Andrew Mitchell, John Rosebeck, and Jasper Hum-
phrey. W. A. Hawkins, Pres.; Hiram Merrill. Sec; Andrew
Mitchell, Treas.
This institution was short-lived. The works are now known as
Nos. 263 and 265 Reed street, and are used as a foundry and ma-
chine shop.
Great military parade May 27. Henry Nunnemacher makes a
speech. August Philipp displays his acrobatic qualities.
Among the appointees upon the gubernatorial staff, in 1856, were
our well remembered fellow citizens, Henry Nunnemacher as major,
and August Phillipp as arsenal-keeper, each of whom at once pro-
vided themselves with the regulation uniform belonging to their rank.
MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. 155
Coat of blue, with iacings red,
A chapeau as bi^ as a farmer's shed.
Breecnes of buff, as tight as their skin,
Boots that came naif way to their chin,
And mounting their steeds they galloped away
To take a part in the coming affray
At the head of their gallant division.
/. e. Nunnemacher did. If the steed upon which Phillipp was
mounted had any abilities as a war horse, he certainly did not exhibit
them upon that occasion. He was not of the kind which scenteth
the battle from afar, or that paweth the earth in his strength. He
was the worst looking specimen of horse-flesh that could possibly
have been found in the state. In fact so weak and low spinted
did he appear as he stood in the rear of the staff, on Wisconsin
street, that some of the good little boys who usually manage to be
present at every military display — one of whom was our well known
fellow citizen, L. N. Skinner — procured a few sticks of cordwood*
and stood the j> up against his sides in order to prevent him from
falling over. This act of charity on the part of young Skinner was
not observed by Phillipp, owing to his (Phillipp's) high spiritual con-
dition, although the boys all yelled their appreciation of the act.
But THE Speech.
This speech, which, no doubt, cost Mr. Nunnemacher a large
amount of mental labor as well as the expenditure of several quanti-
ties of midnight kerosene, has (as a whole,) owing to the shortness
of that gentleman's memory, been lost to the world. But that por-
tion of it which he was able to give, ran something like this :
" Shentlemens and fellow soldiers, 1 danks you all very musch for
your attendance here to-day, you look first rate ; I dinks," here he
paused and seemed to have lost the thread, but soon commenced
again with " I dinks*'; here he made a longer paus^, but finally
started agam with " I d-i-n-k s," came to a full stop, and doffing his
chapeau, began to scratch his massive caput, as though trying to catch
on again, while at the same time he began to get very red in the
face. But not being able to get any further, he wound up with a
" Veil, py Got, dot ish all." \{ that was not a iiodel speech, then
* According to school superintendent Edwin De Wolf this should have been
spelled with an '^haich," chord wood.
156 MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER.
the writer never heard one. It beat Cleveland's famous letter of ac-
ceptance, and that is saying a good deal.
This over, the order was given to march to Market Square, which
was accomplished without accident, except to Phillipp, whose weary
and heavy-laden steed came to a dead stop when nearly opposite
the Kirby House. But Phillipp didn't;* he went over the old plug's
head like a bale of rags dumped off a dray, landing in the mud,
where the brigade left him to pick himself up as best he could.
The Golden Gate Saloon.
The old " Golden Gate," on the comer of East Water and Michigan
streets, is nearlv ready to leave its present site. In 1841 the builoing
was moved to the corner upon which it now stands, from the West side
of the river. It was brought over upon the ice. The upper part was
occupied by Mr. G. F, Austin, as a dwelling, the lower part as a store;
next the store was occupied by Pierce & Putnam ; afterwards by Mr.
Daggett, J. H Goodrich, L. L. Lee, Mr. Gardner; then by A. B. Van
Cott, the jeweler; then bjr Mr. Yale, as a clothing store with the east
end for a book store, to which the remainder of the stock of the ** Irving
Book Store," after the burning of the United States Block, was removed.
The site is soon to be covered with an elegant building for the State
Bank, for which the lot was purchased at a cost of $9,000.
The row of buildings behind it is also on the move, including the for-
tune telling retreat ofProfessorEpps, the camphene depot of Mr. Good-
man, a lager beer saloon, and next, the "Union," wnich is to be dis-
turbed but for a short time, when it will be reopened on the northeast
corner of Main and Michigan streets, and the oid landlord, Frank Dev-
lin, be on hand ready to preserve its good reputation.
The author remembers this old store, as he helped remove it from
the West side and fit it up for Mr. Austin, after which, while occupied
by him, it was known as the "Arcade" (See Vol. II., pages 89, 90).
The editor is mistaken, however, when he states the Golden Gate
Saloon stood upon that comer, or that the Arcade was ever used for
a saloon, or a camphene sales room by Mr. Goodman, that gentle-
man's store being upon Wisconsin street. The Golden Gate stood
where the present National Exchange Bank now does, on the comer
of the alley, or very near there, at what is now 88 Michigan street.
The comer building for the old Arcade) was put upon a scow, taken
to the South side, and placed upon the southeast corner of Clinton
and Lake streets, where it was used as a saloon for a short time, after
which it was removed to what is now 323 Lake street and used for a
* I disremember now just what the old rack-a-bones stopped for. But as
it was directly in front of a saloon he probably smelt the Hmburger cheese, and
mistaking it for Phillipp, concluded it was best to unload.
MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. 157
dwelling, and where it was burnt some eight years ago. The old
frame, next north of Friend Bros., 372 East Water street, is yet doing
duty as a laundry, and known as 126 Clinton street. Where the bal-
ance of the old frames, standing in this neighborhood in 1856, went
to, I cannot remember, but I think they are yet in use in the lower
Third ward.
There is also one more of the early buildings, the record of which
is worth preserving, I mean the one-story frame erected in 1844*
upon the north side of Florida street, about midway between Reed
and Hanover, by Doctor Hubbell Loomis, for a private school, the
teacher being Miss Loomis, now Mrs. H. K. Edgerton, of Ocono-
mowoc. It was also used for a branch of the public schools for a
short time, when the writer was Commissioner, in 1847 and '48,
after which (when that block came to be graded) it was removed to
the Third ward and placed upon Detroit street, and where, at two
different localities, it was used for a dwelling until January, 18S5,
when it was again removed and placed upon the south side of Erie
street, directly east of and adjoining the old Helfenstein warehouse,
where it is now doing duty as an office for the stone yard of Messrs.
Cook & Hyde. The removal in each case having been done by that
veteran house-mover Owen Goss.
Biographical.
Owen Goss is one of the land marks of Milwaukee. He is a
native of Ireland, and came here at an early day (1846), since which
time to the present he has been engaged in the removal of buildings,
(as the demand for better ones increased) from one locality to another,
and has probably moved several thousand in his time. Could the
history of his labors in this direction be written, it would fill a large
volume. Mr. Goss is as fine a specimen of the Celtic race as there
is in the city. He is always pleasant and social, never gets into any
trouble, and never meddles with other people's affairs. May he live
a thousand years, if he wants to. t
* I am not quite positive about this date, but think it was in 1844.
fTbe writer was informed by Mr. Goss, July 25th, 1885, that he has moved
upon an average, in the thirty-nine years he has been in the business, four per
week, equal to 208 per annum, and to 8, 1 12 in all. What a record!
10
"
i
158 milwaukee under the charter.
Albert Von Haller Carpenter.
This gentleman, now so well and so widely known in the railway
world as one of the most popular as well as successful chief officials
in the passenger department of the vast network of railroads travers-
ing this continent, was born at Middlesex, Vt., November i, 1822,
where his boyhood was passed upon a farm. The life of a farmer,
however independent it may be, had no charms for him, neither was
it the wish or intention of his parents that he should follow that vo-
cation ; and after giving him what was better than gold (an educa-
tion), they wisely left the selection of a profession to himself. He
finally settled upon the law as the one best suited to his tastes and
abilities, and after a due course of study he was admitted to the bar
and hung out his shingle as a full-iledged disciple of Blackstone,
with an invitation for all who had a disposition to " jump the fence "
or that loved htigation to come to him and find rest. The indolence,
however, incident to such a life soon became distasteful to him. His
nervous temperament, as well as ambition to make a mark in the
world, could not be content with the daily routine of a law office,
notwithstanding it was an honorable profession and all that. His
impulsive nature wanted something more stimulating, more exciting,
and with that quickness of decision that has characterized all his
subsequent movements (and which is one of his strongest points), he
went back on Blackstone and Chitty, and entered upon the life for
which Dame Nature, who never makes a mistake, seemed to have
designed him for, and in which he has reached a high plane. His
first work in his new vocation was in the role of conductor of a
freight train on the Vermont Central, January, 1849, his instructions
being to take it through to Boston, which he accomplished in due
time and, as he expressed it, without killing himself or destroying
the train. This trip was the stepping-stone to all his subsequent
success, as it showed to his superiors that he had the pluck as well
as the ability to make a good railroad man, and he was accordingly
at once placed upon their pay-roll as a regulat* employee, where (and
upon other New England roads) he served in the capacity of freight
and passenger conductor, clerk and agent at various times until
1854, when, at Rouse's Point, he took the Western fever and ac-
cepted a position as superintendent's clerk upon the Southern Michi-
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MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. 159
gan and Northern Indiana Railroad, with headquarters at La Porte.
He also while here acted for a short time as ex-officio superintendent
until vacancy was filled, after which he was transferred to Toledo as
train dispatcher, which responsible position he soon gave up as too
labonous, and accepted a position as clerk in the general freight
office at Adrian, Mich., and from where in March, 1856, he came to
Milwaukee to enter the service of the then Green Bay, Milwaukee
& Chicago Railroad (now the Chicago & Northwestern), as superin-
tendent's clerk, and where he also acted when occasion required as
paymaster, settling the accounts of passenger agents ; and later on,
when a change was made in the proprietorship, as well as in the
name of that road, he became, in addition to ticket and passenger
agent, the secretary and treasurer, which continued until the merging
of the road in 1864 with the Chicago & Milwaukee, he was appointed
general ticket agent of the consolidated line, which continued until
1865, when, upon the Chicago & Northwestern acquiring ownership
of that road, he resigned, as he did not wish to live in Chicago, and
was appointed general passenger agent of the then Milwaukee & St.
Paul, and upon the extension of that road to Chicago and its change
of title to the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul he became general
passenger agent over the whole line, which position, including all its
acquired as well as subsequently constructed additional branches, he
holds to-day.
Such in brief is the record of A. V. H. Carpenter, and of which
he may well feel proud. It is one that, from the day he took charge
of that freight train upon the Vermont Central to the present (a
period of twenty-eight years), has been one uninterrupted success,
and one that few, even though backed by official patronage, ever
make. Whatever his hand found to do, he did it with all the energy
of his impulsive nature, and no matter what position he occupied,
official or subordinate, he always succeeded in accomplishing all that
was required or expected of him.
Like his late chief, S. S. Merrill, he is possessed of large compre-
hensive powers as well as quickness of decision, is a thorough disci-
plinarian, and has won his spurs by merit alone. His selection by
Manager S. S. Merrill to the responsible position he has so long and
160 MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER.
SO ably filled was a wise one, and where, let us hope, his well-known
face may be seen for many years to come.
Personnel.
In person Mr. Carpenter is of the medium height, and must, when
in his prime, have possessed great muscular power. He has very
broad shoulders, a short neck, an unusually large head, and is a splen-
did representative of a type now nearly extinct, at least in this coun-
try, but one who occupied the land, more particularly New England,
half a century ago — men of great physical as well as mental force,
men who were born to rule, and whom others were born to obey,
and who were the leaders in civil as well as religious affairs in their
day and generation.
He has a fine, intellectual face, a high forehead, large, dark, ex-
pressive eyes, and when conversing with a stranger will look that
stranger directly in the face, which he does not always do when con-
versing with an acquaintance, and although possessed of splendid
conversational powers, is more of a thinker than a talker. When in
his office his whole attention is given to business, but when on the
street, where he walks with a quick, nervous stride, he is apparendy
absorbed in thought, and at such times sees no one, and unless
spoken to will not look up. He is very sensitive as well as proud-
spirited, and if slighted (purposely) feels it keenly. He is always
dignified, and like S. S. Daggett, never permits any undue familiarity
from any one, as his organ of self-respect is very large. His execu-
tive abilities are good, he has order largely developed, and always re-
quires the strictest obedience from all under his command.
He is a born leader, and had he been a politician he would have
been a strong man in his party, as his perceptions are quick. He is
also a fine writer, a logical reasoner, likes to discuss abstract theories,
is a great reader, comprehends all he reads, and when once he com-
mences to investigate any knotty question he never leaves it until he
has mastered it or becomes satisfied that it is untenable. He is one
of the class of men whom it is safe to follow, as he will never deviate
from the straight path himself or be instrumental in causing others
to do so.
He is also a prominent member of the Masonic ftaternity, neither
MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. 161
is there another member of that powerful organization in the coun-
try (for his reputation in the Order is national) who is held in more
esteem or upon whom more honors have been conferred (unless it
may be Henry L. Palmer) by the fraternity than upon him.
In political faith he is a Republican, but takes no active part nor
will he hold office. In religious faith he is a liberal, his creed being
all embraced in the Sermon on the Mount, i. ^., " Do right always, if
the heavens fall, and unto others as ye would have others do unto
you."
Such is A. V. H. Carpenter, a true man and a useful one, and one
whom to know is an honor.
DwiGHT W. Keyes.
This gentleman, so well known as a prominent railroad official,
was bom at Chaplin, Windham county. Conn., on the 29th day of
March, 1830, where his boyhood days were spent, and from where,
at the early age of sixteen, he left the paternal roof, struck out for
himself and commenced the life nature seemed to have intended him
for, viz., railroading. His first employment in his chosen vocation
was upon the Northern New York road, where he remained until
1852, when he emigrated to the state of Ohio, and was employed
upon the Hillsboro & Cincinnati and the Cincinnati & Marietta
Railroads up to 1856, when, wishing to see more of the Great West,
he came to Wisconsin and took a position in the department of con-
struction upon the then La Crosse & Milwaukee Railroad, where he
remained until the breaking out of the rebellion, in i86i, when he
threw up his position and was appointed quartermaster in the First
regiment Wisconsin Volunteers, under Colonel John Starkweather,
which he held until 1863, when failing health compelled him to re-
sign and he returned to Milwaukee, and in 1865 resumed his old
employment under the late Sherbum S. Merrill, in the construction
of the Winona & St. Peters road, which continued until the consoli-
dation of the Wisconsin roads under one head and the appointment
of Mr. Merrill as general manager, when he removed to Kansas,
where, and in Missouri, he remained until 1873, when he returned to
Milwaukee and was appointed assistant general freight agent, which
responsible office he holds to-day.
162 MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER.
Mr. Keyes belongs to that class of men who enter upon whatever
duties may be assigned them with a determination to succeed, and
who always do succeed. He is quick to see all the technical points
|n any matter connected with his department, and consequently
always goes at his work understandingly. He has good executive
abilities, and is just the man to fill a position where so many com-
plicated and perplexing cases arise, requiring quickness of decision
as well as tact to settle properly, as are of almost daily occurrence
in the department of transportation connected with a railroad cor-
poration. He keeps the business entrusted to him well in hand,
does everything at the proper time in a business way, and requires
the same punctuality and care of all the employees in his depart-
ment, and has become a factor in the official corps of the gigantic
corporation known as the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railroad,
and where let us hope his pleasant face may be seen for years to
come.
Personnel.
In person Mr. Keyes is in height above the average, fully six feet
or more, with a large, well-proportioned frame, and is the personifi-
cation of health. His head is large, face round and full, has a keen,
expressive eye, where a mirthful smile will often be seen lurking.
He walks with a regular military step, seldom notices any one on the
street unless an acquaintance, each of whom he will greet. To a
stranger he would be polite, nothing more. He is one of the most
dignified appearing men in the city, and would command attention
where many others, perhaps his superiors in both wealth and posi-
tion, would not, and is a universal favorite with all who know him.
In political faith he is a Democrat, and in religion a liberal. He
is also very conscientious, carefiil of what he says or does, tries to
live as near the Golden Rule as he can.
Like A. V. H. Carpenter, he is fi-om that good old Puritan stock
who laid the foundation stones of this republic, and whose peculiar
traits of character are visible to-day in the life and deportment o
every true son of New England.
The writer has known Mr. Keyes for many years, during which
he has watched him very closely, and can truthfully say that,
although he is not without his faults, yet the grand old state which
MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. 163
gave him birth, notwithstanding she is the honored mother of many
eminent men, has never sent a nobler-hearted one to the West than
Dwight W. Keyes.
Excursion to Beaver Dam.
There was an excursion to Beaver Dam, in Dodge county, July 4,
1856, upon the opening of the La Crosse Railroad to that then em-
bryo city, on which occasion the writer got a free ride and a dinner
at the expense of the road. It was a big day for Beaver Dam.*
Among the excursionists upon this occasion were one or more of
the fire and military companies from Milwaukee, several of whose
members got slightly intoxicated upon that harmless be\ erage known
as lager beer. The boys all had a good time, and finally started on
their return trip at 10:30 p. m., the military occupying the rear car,
intending to reach Milwaukee the following day. But alas for hu-
man expectations, it resulted otherwise with the soldier boys, as when
the train had proceeded about four miles one of the naughty fire-
men (who occupied the car in front of the military) pulled the coup-
ling-pin to the rear car and left the military alone on the prairie, two
miles from any place,t where they were compelled to remain until
morning mitout a drop of lager. Too bad, wasn't it? Their ap-
pearance in Beaver Dam the following morning, to which they re-
turned, hot, tired, thirsty, mad, and covered with grass burrs, with
their faces drawn out to an unusual length, indicating that they had
passed a sleepless night, caused such a shout when it was known
how it came to be thusly with them as might have been heard at
Columbus. It was rich.
They at once broke for the nearest saloon, where all their sorrows
*This road was chartered in 1852, and work was commenced upon it the same
year under the lead of Byron Kiibourn, who not being able to control the man-
agement of the Milwaukee & Mississippi any longer, had, as the reader has seen
in the closing chapter of Vol. Ill, bolted the track and started the La Crosse. The
preliminary survey for this road was made by John B. Vliet, who was its first
chief engineer, and who, with his whole party, came near perishing while running
the line west of Kilboum City, by being caught in an unusually severe snow
storm. Its official corps at this time (1856) was: Pres., Stoddard Judd; Sec., Levi
Burneli; Treas., William Dawes; Chief Engineer, Wm. R. Sill; Supt., Byron
Kilboum.
f And four from Beaver Dam.
164 MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER.
were quickly drowned in the " flowing bowl/' after which they again
boarded the train and finally reached home in safety.
I have often laughed over this afl'air. It was no doubt done for
revenge for some insult the firemen fancied they received from the
Germans. But it was rough on the poor fellows, as a march of four
miles on an empty stomach on a hot July morning and no " cost
haus "* in sight was not a pleasant pastime. They were mad all
over, and who can blame them.
The Milwaukee & Watertown.
This road was first opened to Oconomowoc Dec. i8, 1854. The
receipts for passengers up to April i, 1855, were $5,578.36, freight
$11,909.37. This road is now a part of the Chicago, Milwaukee &
St. Paul R. R.
The Milwaukee & Horicon.
This road was also chartered in 1852, and organized May 18,
1853-
Its first directors were John B. Smith, Daniel H. Richards,
Jasper Vliet, J. Y. Sweeting, Ezra Wheeler, Jas. Field, D. D. Morri-
son, }. F. Bassen, E. Beals, David Moulton, Riley N. Messenger,
Joseph Alvord and G. A. Sacchi.
President — ^J. B. Smith.
Secretary — ^J. Y. Sweeting.
Treasurer — W.'J. Beale.
Engineer — Jasper Vliet.
It used the La Crosse track to Horicon. The objective point of
this road was Ontonagon, via Menasha, Stevens Point and St. Croix
Falls, and was expected to reach Horicon October i, 1854; Wau-
pun, January 1, 1855; Berlin, October i, 1855; Stevens Point, Oc-
tober I, 1856, but it did not. Perhaps not one of all the roads pro-
jected during the railroad boom of 1853 and 1854 had as hard a
time as the Milwaukee & Horicon. Built like the others, largely on
faith, it had a hard road to travel. It did finally reach Berlin in
1856, where it stopped, and where it remained until 1863, when it
* Boarding-house.
MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. 166
was purchased by and incorporated into the present Chicago, Mil-
waukee & St. Paul.
The building of this road proved the financial ruin of John B.
Smith, Garrett Vhet and Daniel H, Richards, who had invested their
all in it, and during the seven years intervening between its construc-
tion to BerHn and its incorporation into the Chicago, Milwaukee &
St. Paul, it led a vagabond life. That portion of its line from Stev-
ens Point to the St. Croix has now (December, 1884) just been com-
pleted by the Wisconsin Central.
' The Dean Richmond Goes to Europe.
The first shipment from Milwaukee to Liverpool direct was by our
well known fellow-citizen, Charles J. Kershaw, in the schooner Dean
Richmond, her cargo consisting of 14,000 bushels club wheat. She left
Milwaukee July 19, 1856, and delivered her cargo in Liverpool Sep-
tember 29. Nine thousand bushels of this wheat was from the ware-
house of H. & J. F. Hill (the present Keenan mill), and the balance
from Chicago. She was commanded by Captain Pierce.
Chas. J. Kershaw, who made this pioneer shipment, is a native of
Bromley, Eng., where he was born in 1832. He came co America,
Canada, in 184 1, received his education at the Derby Line Academy,
Derby, Orleans county, Vermont, came west in 1855, and at once
engaged in the general commission business here and at Chicago,
not making a permanent residence at either city until 1861, when he
settled in Milwaukee, where he continued to operate in the cereals
until 1867, when he formed a partnership with G. D. Norris for the
prosecution of the commission business, which he continued until
that gentleman's death in 1869, since which time Mr. Joseph Hill
has been a member of the firm under the title of C. J. Kershaw
& Co.
Mr. Kershaw belongs to that class of men who are all business,
and who will go into anything, out of which there is a reasonable
prospect of making any money, and of course will often take fearful
chances. He dealt largely in lumber, salt and water- lime, in addi-
tion to his wheat speculations. He was one of the largest as well as
the luckiest speculators on change for years, and accumulated a
large property. He is one of the most generous men the writer
166 MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER.
knows and is a splendid friend. He has a fine physique, is as active
as a boy, and as full of ambition as when he first commenced. And
although reverses have come, as they always will to men who specu-
late, yet he meets them with good grace and goes steadily to work
to recover the lost ground.
That his success may be all he can ask is certainly the wish of the
writer as well as all who know him. In person he is of the medium
size; has dark hair and eyes; is very quick motioned; has a powerful
voice and speaks quick, with slight English accent; is extremely ner-
vous, and if he wants anything, wants it bad, and will not rest until he
gets it. He is well calculated to make friends and will never be
without them. Like McGeogh he has "sand" (as the phrase goes)
and will not be kept in the background.
Political.
There was a meeting of the faithful held at the Court House,
July 20, 1856, the proceedings at which are here given, in order to
show the style of the Democratic gatherings in the days when it was
Fremont and freedom or Buchanan and slavery. The meeting was
called for the purpose of organizing a Democratic club for campaign
purposes. The attempt however was as complete a failure as was
that of 1884, in Milwaukee. " No Buchanan in ours" was the war
cry of the Republicans.
The meeting was called to order by John White. W. P. Lynde
was nominated as chairman, who, on assuming the "woolsack" made
an eloquent eulogy upon Democratic honesty and virtue, after which
Joshua LaDue was appointed secretary. On motion of Thos. P-
Williams a committee consisting of two from each ward were ap-
pointed to draft resolutions, who reported the following :
Whereas, A convention of the Democratic party have nominated for
J resident and vice-president of the United States James Buchanan and
ohn C. Breckenridge ; and
Whereas, In the election of these gentlemen are embodied the per-
petuation of the Union and of our free institutions, by means of which
alone we can secure to our country the glories of the past and the hopes
of the future; and moreover^
Whereas, Believing that m the exercise of the high functions, par-
ticularly of the executive department, require not only care and expe-
rience as well as an intimate knowledge of our foreign relation^, but
dignity, commanding talents and a knowledge of the constitution; and
whereas, We believe these qualities eminently characterize the
nominees of the Democratic party ; therefore be it
MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. 167
Resolved, That we will use all fair and honorable means to secure
their election, and to that end we agree to obey and abide by the fol-
lowing constitution :
Article 1. This association shall be known by the name and style of
the Milwaukee Democratic Club.
2. The oflficers of this association shall be a president, vice-presi-
dent, corresponding secretary, a recording secretary and an executive
committee of one from each ward.
3. The duties of the officers shall be the same as in other associa-
tions.
4. All persons friendly to James Buchanan can join this club.
The following were the officers elected :
President — H. L. Palmer.
Vice-Presidents —
First Ward — Jackson Hadley.
Second Ward— John C. Dick.
Third Ward— John Shortell.
Fourth Ward— Jonathan Taylor.
Fifth Ward— Michael Page.
Sixth Ward — Herman Haertel.
Seventh Ward — F. J. Jung.
Corresponding Secretary — Greo. A. Woodward.
Recoroing Secretaries— J. La Due and F. Kuehn.
Treasurer — W, P. Lynde.
Executive Committee —
First Ward — Dighton Corson.
Second Ward — J. Kluppak.
Third Ward— J. Horan.
Fourth Ward— J. B. Edwards.
Fifth Ward— D. C. Reed.
Sixth Ward — Chas. E. Jenkins.
Seventh Ward — Herman L. Page.
Assistant Treasurer — Clinton Walworth.
John White then addressed the meeting with his usual force —
(wind) after which they adjourned.
Among the speakers who poured the contents of their vials of
wrath upon the " Shanghai- Know- Nothing- Republican- Abolition "
party at the meeting of this club, held August lo, were Joshua La
Due and the late Erastus Foote, and if, as the Bible says, " It is what
Cometh out of the mouth of a man that defileth him," then, accord-
ing to the newspaper report of their speeches, they were certainly
fearfully unclean before they relieved themselves of their burden. It
was awful.
Criminal.
Seven young boys were arrested in July for robbing the store of
Wm. P. Young, which gave the press another opportunity to pitch
into the supervisors for not providing a suitable place wherein to
168 MILWAUKEE UNDfeR THE CHARTEk.
confine these boys. Hear him as he winds up his article descriptive
of the horrors of the jail :
Is this the place, ordered by Justice, to confine awhile the foe to civil
order and return reformed to civil life ?
This school of infamy and crime — from where the boy returns more
fitted for a foe to God and man ?
And he was right — it was a school of infamy. But the supervisors
cared for none of these things.
Forty-seven boys had been caught stealing within the last six
months who were all thrust into this jail, yet nothing was done by
the supervisors towards procuring a suitable place wherein to confine
and reform them.
Council Proceedings July 27.
Council removed to their new quarters in Cross' block.
Common Council Proceedings— Mayor Cross, Presiding.
A regular meeting of the common council was held on Monday night
at the new hail in Excelsior block.*
Accounts, petitions and memorials were referred as usual to the dif-
ferent committees.
There was but little business done, as it was understood that there
was to be an adjourned meeting held in the adjoining room after the
usual proceedings.
Alderman Taylor, chairman of the bridge committee, reported pro-
I)08als for the construction of Chestnut street bridge, and offered a reso-
ution that the mayor and citv attorney be authorized to enter into a
contract with Messrs. Luther, Whitnejr & (jo. for the construction of
said bridge, for the sum of 111,500, which was passed with an amend-
ment that the name of J. G. Broener & Co. be inserted instead of Whit-
ney & Co. J they being the lowest bidders by $600.
The resignation 01 the Huron street bridge tender (which caused a
sensation) was accepted, and a resolution adopted that J. Barnett be
appointed in his place.
Various resolutions of less importance were passed, when the council
unanimously adjourned to the adjoining room, and went into committee
on the whole to consider the merits of an excellent inauguration supper
provided by the mayor.
The Banquet.
Inauguration of the Common Counctl Hall.
The new common council hall in Excelsior block was inaugurated on
Monday night with all the ceremonies usual upon such an occasion.
The hall is a magnificent one — spacious^ and well calculated for the pur-
pose for which it has been chosen. It is in every way worthy to be oc-
cupied as the council room of our growing and prosperous city, and we
doubt whether there can be found in the whole country a more con-
*Cross' block was christened the £xcelsior block on this occasion.
MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. 169
venient and commodious suit of rooms for public offices than those now
occupied by our common council and city officers.
The common council hall in particular is admirably adapted for a
council room; loft}^, spacious ana handsomely decorated, it presents a
striking contirist with the room in which'the city fathers have met for
years past and deliberated over the interests and welfare of our cit^,
and the contrast impresses one strongly with the idea of the rapid
growth which our city is making in every relation of a metropolitan
dty.
After the usual business of the meeting had been disposed of his
honor the mayor offered a resolution that trie common council and vis-
itors '^ adjourn to the adjoining room," which was most unanimously
adopted.
In the adjoining room the most interesting part of the evening's busi-
ness took place — we should judge so at least from the good will with
which every one present entered into the proceedings. There was a
long table groaning beneath the weight of a sumptuous feast, prepared
for the occasion by that prince of caterers, Belden of the "Home,"
and there were in one corner of the room about a dozen neat-looking
baskets, in which was packed — it is unnecessary to tell what!
His honor the mayor presided over the destinies of the table, with
all the gracefulness and dignity that the occasion required. Most am-
ple iustice was done to Belden's excellent collation, and the contents
of tne baskets were not forgotten. Appropriate speeches were made
by Major Foote, Alderman Hadley, Hon. Menses M. Strong, Judge Mc-
Arthur, Hon. N. J. Emmons and others, and the mayor responded
modestly in a neat little speech to the innumerable compliments which
were showered upon him.
All went home at a late hour rejoicing, convinced that Jim Cross was
a mighty clever fellow!
They changed their minds, however, before long, as will be seen
further on.
Council Proceedings August 4, 1856.
Committee reported in favor of having an alarm bell hung in engine
house No. 6, similar to the one now in use in No. 4's house; resolution
passed.
Committee on railroads reported in favor of surrendering the per-
sonal bonds of the directors of the La Crosse Railroad, and also 4,000
shares full-paid stock of the road. A resolution was passed authorizing
the city treasurer to surrender the bonds and stock referred to in the
committee's report.
Section 3 of "An ordinance entitled, an ordinance prescribing fire
limits, and the construction of the buildings thereon," passed Septem-
ber 14, 1854, was repealed bv ordinance.
The committee on schools reported in favor of awarding the follow-
ing contracts for the erection, improvement and repairs of the school
houses, as follows:
First ward building to Spaulding & Foote, |3,131.
Sixth ward building to S. Bryant, $3,300.
Third ward building to John Horan, $4,450.
Fifth ward building to J. Marquis, $2,050.
Fourth ward building to Babcock Bros., $9,850.
The committee add : The building in the Fourth ward had to be re-
built, and is in fact an entire new building, using the material of the
old building in the construction of the new one. Contracts awarded.
A committee of one from each ward to consult with the city engineer
for a system of sewerage for the city was appointed.
170 MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER.
Plans submitted for the new school houses for the Seventh and Sec-
ond wards, to cost from $9,000 to $12,000 each. The plans were drawn
by Boyineton & Mix, in Ludington's block. A resolution accepting the
plans, and authorizing the city clerk and comptroller to advertise for
proposals to build saia school houses in accordance with the plans, was
accepted and passed.
Messrs. Mygatt & Schmidtner were appointed superintendents of the
First, Third, Fourth, Fifth and Sixth wards, and Messrs. Boyington &
Mix for the Second and Seventh wards.
A resolution was passed reconsidering the appointment of Mygatt &
Schmidtner as superintendents of the building and repairing of certain
school houses, and finally passed " at a compensation agreed upon by
the common council." Mr. Mix's appointment as superintenaent of
the Second and Seventh wards in like manner.
Council adjourned to Monday next at 7J p. m.
The vote to loan aid to the Milwaukee, Green Bay & Lake Supe-
perior Railroad,* August 4, resulted as follows :
For. Against.
First ward 151 1
Second ward 398 5
Third ward 104 78
Fourth ward Ill 14
Fifth ward 318 9
Sixth ward 200
Seventh ward 128 16
Total 1,410 123
This was, a bad day for the city, but a good railroad day.
By Torch Light.
A grand torch-light procession was held by the democracy, Octo-
ber 25th, at which there was a great outpouring of the unterrified
(and also of the spirit). It was such an outpouring, says the Wiscon-
sin of the 26th, as would have done the soul of Capt. Rynders good.
They came from the East, they came from the West, they came in
battalions. Such another crowd of torch-light humanity and horse-
flesh was never congregated together as went thundering through
Market Square, under the lead of Maj.-Gen. Sanford B. Grant, on
Saturday evening, October 25th.
Among the banners or devices carried were " Buchanan and
Feathers!" (I am unable to perceive what Buchanan wanted with
feathers, or to what it referred.) On another was "Aber nicht Free-
mont !" (I think this must have been German.) On another was
the device of a Hen, with the motto over it " Our B-i-r-d !" On
^Another swindle.
MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. 171
another was the device of a Shanghai fowl being put through the
process of ejectment, with the motto " Can't Roost on Our Fence ! "
Oh, it was a big time, and fully illustrated the insane folly as well as
injustice of universal suffrage.
The great strife at this election was upon Congressman from the
Milwaukee district. Hon. John F. Potter led the republican hosts,
and Jackson Hadley the democratic. The election, held November
6th, was a very exciting one, nearly all the large business houses, an/i
all the saloons, being closed, their proprietors going to the polls to
work (an act they had better have performed during the late canvass
(1884), and which had they done the result might have been dif-
ferent.)
A Hitch in the Count — ^The Walworth County Republicans
Turn Up a Jack.
An amusing incident is said to have occurred in connection with
this election. Mr. Hadley was at first declared elected, whereupon
he had his house illuminated, and invitee, a host of the faithful to
come in and " wood up," which of course was accepted. But their
rejoicing was suddenly turned into mourning, as right in the midst
of it, the news came that the republicans of Walworth County had
" turned up a Jack" (to use a metaphor), and Potter was elected.
The way some of that crowd blasphemed was fearful. It was a bad
set back for Mr. Hadley.
New Wheat.
The first new wheat received this year was by Smyth & Holmes,
from Kellogg & Cotton, of Oconomowoc, July 27th.
Cattle Market.
A cattle market was also established this year on Fowler street, by
John Layton and John Plankinton. Twenty-five hundred head o
cattle were slaughtered.
Bear vs. Bull.
The sporting fraternity got up a fight this fall during the State Fair,
at Cold Spring, between a Cahfornia bull and an Australian bear. It
was a brutal affair, and resulted in the bear's getting licked in about
4. wo minutes.
172 MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER.
The locomotive works of Messrs. Lee & Walton, mentioned in
Vol. III., page 190, were burned this year, December 18th.
The Firk on Thursday Night. — We are verv glad to hear from Mr.
L. L. Lee, that his loss, from the fire onThursSay night, over and above
his insurance, will not exceed $2,000, or $2,500. The engine escaped
comparatively uninjured, as did the blacksmith shop and moulding
room. The chief drawback is in the stoppage of his works in midwin-
ter, when he cannot immediately rebuila. He proposes, however, to
fet everything to righth and in working order again as soon as possible.
le was insured 15,000 in the Etna and $3,000 in the New York Home.
Mr. Lee desires to express his warm acknowledgments to the firemen
and citizens who hurried through the fierce storm to his assistance and
contributed, by their efforts, to save a considerable amount of property.
The Weather.
It would appear by the following that the Sentinel man was hard
to please. Hear his lament :
Weather. — ^We desire publicly and formally to bid farewell to all
romancing about Wisconsin fall and winter weather. We have seen
such weather as was worth a paragraph of special praise each day. Long
weeks of bright^ warm balmy days, following each other as sure as the
sun rose — and it was sure to rise — have been of old time. October,
November, and December, have, in the past decade, given us six or
eight weeks of such weather as made it a luxury to live in it, and we
have seen dry and somewhat dusty streets at New Year's.
Last year was bad enough, but this, 1856, caps the climax. Cold,
rainy, stormy, almost all the days of the weeks of these months have
been, and December " came in like a lion," with a furious snow storm,
followed by cold sending the mercury below zero; followed again, before
we had scarcely dug out from the drifts, by a still more severe storm.
And this not l>eing yet fairly broken into smooth track, there comes
yesterday a heavy rain storm ! December seems likely to " go out," if
not " like a lamb," at least like a water spout.
Locomotion possessed fearful dangers for pedestrians yesterday,
obliged to travel the wet and icy streets, and several that we wot of
measured their length, like Antaeus of old, upon the earth, but not like
him to rise particularly refreshed. " Our sufferings is intolerable."
Great Storm, December 21.
fAGBs BY THE Storm. — We have heard of the following, among
damages, caused by the terrific storm of Tuesday. The aistillery
Damages
other
of Thos. Fitzgerald, on the Lake shore, foot of Wisconsin street, was
undermined and swept off bv the waves. He estimates his loss at $500.
A small frame tenement adjoining, belonging to a fisherman named
White, was also carried away. The small warehouse on the outer end
Kellogg & Strong's pier was washed off, and the pier itself considerably
damaged. Higby's pier escaped without injury. The South pier was
somewhat damaged.
A number of frame buildinjgs about the city were more or less dam-
aged by the effects of the driving storm. The streets, in many places,
were piled six feet deep with snow. The like of it has never been seen
in our city.
milwaukee under the charter. 173
Ice.
The Wisconsin^ of December 15th, has the following:
The ice in the river was never better than now. It is clear and solid.
Parties are cutting it at the foot of Michigan street. Ice three feet
thick is not seen every winter. — Eu.
No, I think not, and it wasn't that winter either.
Funeral of Solomon Juneau.
NOVEMBEB 28, 1856.
The following, relating to the funeral of Hon. Solomon Juneau,
Milwaukee's first permanent white settler, and first Mayor, are taken
from the Daily Evening Wisconsin, of November 26th, 1856 :
Order op Arranobmbnts for the Funeral Pr(K"ession of the late
Solomon Juneau.
The remains of the late Solomon Juneau are expected to be brought
to this city for interment during the present week. The City Council
at a special meeting held last evening, reauested the Military, Fire De-
partment, Members of the Bar, Board of Trade, and all the Benevolent
and Civic Societies of the city, to join in paying the last tribute of respect
to the Pioneer of Milwaukee. The following is the Order of Arrange-
ments for the procession. Due notice will be given, through the press,
of the time of the obsequies:
Military of the City.
Fire Department.
Body of Deceased,
Mourners.
Mayor and Ex-Mayors of Milwaukee.
Cyommon Council.
Pioneers' Societv of Wisconsin.
Officers of the iJ. S. Government.
Judiciary and Members of the Bar.
Board of Trade.
Members of the Press.
Benevolent and Civic Societies.
Citizens generally.
Major-Gen. S. B. Grant has been requested to act as Chief Marshal.
The aifferent Companies, Associations, Societies, etc., are requested to
report to him at the Mayor's Rooms, Martin's Block, on Friday, between
the hours of 10 and 12 o'clock a. m.
J. B. Cross, Mayor.
FuNERaL Obsequies of the late Solomon Juneau.
The funeral obsequies of the late Solomon Juneau, w^ill take place on
Friday next, at U o'clock a. m. All the military and fire departments
of the city, United States and Stat« officers. Judiciary and members of
the Bar, Board of Trade, the different societies and associations of the
city and citizens generally, desirous of paying their last tribute of re-
spect to the deceased, by taking part in the ceremonies, will meet on
Main street, between Oneida and Wisconsin streets, on iriday next, at
10 o'clock A. M. precisely, to form in procession and march to tne former
II
174 MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER.
residence of the deceased to receive the remains, and from thence to
St. John's Cathedral, where the services will take place, after which
the procession will accompany the remains to the place of hurial. The
procession will be formed in the following order:
1st. Military, with right resting on Oneida street.
2d. Fire Department.
3d. Remains of deceased.
4th. Family and relatives of deceased.
5th. Mayors, ex-Mayors^nd Common Council, and City officers.
6th. Pioneer Society of Wisconsin.
7th. Officers of U. 8. Government and Foreign Consuls.
8th. State officers.
9th. Judiciary and Members of the Bar.
10th. Board of Trade.
11th. Societies and Associations.
12th. Citizens generally.
Military officers and also officers of the different societies and asso-
ciations are requested to wear the usual badge of mourning.
The north door of the Cathedral will be opened for the admission of
ladies only at 10} o'clock a. m.
S. B. Grant, Chief Marshal.
Military Notice.
All the Military Companies of the City, taking part in the funeral
ceremonies of the late Solomon Juneau, will appear on Main street,
between Oneida and Wisconsin streets, on Friday next (28th inst.,) at
10 o'clock A. M., precisely, fully armed and equipped.
The Captains of the several Companies, after marching their com-
mands on the ground, will please report at the office of J. L. Hathaway,
No. 43 Mason street, when the positions of the different companies in
the line will be assigned to them.
By order of
S. B. Grant, Chief Marshal.
J. L. Hathaway, Asst.
Milwaukee, November 26, 1856.
All city papers please copy.
Fire Department Notice.
The several companies of the Milwaukee Fire Department will hold
themselves in readiness to turn out to attend the funeral of the Hon.
Solomon Juneau at the appointed time, of which due notice will be
^venj and I hereby extend an invitation to all ex-Chief Engineers of
tne Fire Department to accompany lis as such.
J, C. Goodrich, Chief Engineer.
This was the largest funeral ever seen in Milwaukee prior to that
time. As it has been mentioned previously, no further mention will
be made in connection with it in this Volume, It was a beautiful
November day. It was the proceedings of this day which led to the
formation of the Pioneer Association of Milwaukee City and County.
Daniel Neiman Buried.
Mr. Neiman, as has been seen, was quite prominent here for
many years, as a fireman, hotel keeper, and other occupations. I
MILWAUKEE UNI>£R THE CHARTER. 175
remember his funeral well, and the fine appearance the firemen made
in their old time uniform.
Funeral of Mr. Nbiman.— The remains of the late Daniel N. Neiman,
were brought back to this city yesterday from Ashtabula, Ohio, where
he died on Wednesday last, after two day's illness, of inflammation of
the lungs. His funeral will take place at 10 o'clock tliis morning, and
will be attended by the Milwaukee Fire Department, of whicn Mr.
Neiman was for several years an active and zealous member and officer.
Improvements.
Among the buildings erected this year, not previously mentioned
and in process of erection, were the Newhall House, which was
enclosed and plastered during the winter. Also four churches (viz :)
The Summerfield (Methodist), the Unitarian on Cass street, the Free
Congregational on Spring street, and a German Catholic (St. Joseph's)
in the Sixth ward. Among the dwellings were two by Henry Fales,
now Nos. 465 and 467 Marshall street, yet in use and among the best
in the city as to comfort A frame for Geo. A. Starkweather at what
is now 573 Cass street. This was a crack house, as the phrase goes,
when built and is a good house to-day. Mr. Starkweather sold it to
Philip D. Armour and he to Rufus Allen, by whom it is occupied to-
day. I remember Mr. Starkweather. He was a tall, fine-looking
man, and was the father of the celebrated Col. John C, of military
fame.
The Cordes mansion on Elizabeth street, between Sixth and
Seventh Avenues, pulled down and rebuilt in 1884. The custom
house, and two brick stores on Broadway, by J. H. Tweedy and
Isaac G. Goodrich, now Nos. 383 and 385 Broadway, yet in use, 383
being known as Marble Hall and owned by Chas. Andrews, and 385
by Edward H. Brodhead. The Albany Hall will be sketched in the
next chapter. The present Milwaukee National Bank. The store of
Friend Bros., No. 370 East Water street. Also No. 376 East Water
street for Clark Shepardson. One by Mahler and Wendt, Nos. 235
and 237 East Water street, now the property of Geo. Ziegler. The
building known as the O. H. Waldo Block,* Nos. 222 to 228 inclusive,
and one, Nos. 267 and 269 East Water street, by Chas. Quentin, all
* Mr. Waldo built this block at least ten years too soon, as for some unex-
plained cause they did not rent for that number of years for enough to pay the
taxes. They rent better now.
176 MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER.
of which are yet standing. And Nos. 232 and 234, by the Messrs.
Inbusch Bros., also yet in use.
In commenting upon the store of the Messrs. Friend Bros., the
Sentinel has the following :
The store is one of the handsomest in the city, and elegantly finished
inside. The shelving, ornamental and stucco work are of the hand-
somest patterns, and of the most perfect workmanship. The painting
is bv Mr. Collingbourne, and the carpenter work by Mr. Horning.
The store is entirely tire-proof from without, has an iron front with
rolling iron shutters to all tne windows, tire- proof roof, and iron shut-
ters to all the rear windows. The iron work in the front is from the
work.s of D. D. Badger & Co., New York; the iron work in the rear and
the locks of the doors, superior to any others in the city, were made by
a Gi^rman named Toefle, of the Fifth* ward.
The building is four-stories high, twenty feet front, 100 feet deep; each
story is fourteen feet nine inches between joists. The tirst story is fitted
up with great taste, and tilled with an extensive assortment of goods for
gentlemen's clothing, and with an experienced cutter; the two next
stories above are sale rooms, and are tilled with a heavy stock of cloths,
cassimeres. etc., and ready-made clothing; the upper story is a tailor
shop, in which a large number of hands are constantly employed.
Tne mason work is by Mr. Roberts, and speaks for itself in the hand-
some exterior of the store.
Messrs. Friend & Bro. have been long known to the pubiic at Mil-
waukee and a large portion of the people of the interior of Wisconsin,
they having had l)ran(^h stores at Madison, and until recently at Water-
town, while their clothing wagons, alwavs accompanied by one of the
firm, have kept pace with the progress of settling our State.
This puff would do very well for the best store on the street to-day.
But then that is a way the editors had in those days, and they do it
yet.
Zachariah Clayton also buill what is now Nos. 234 and 236 Wis-
consin street (frame), and the three-story brick Nos. 238, 240, 242
and 244 Wisconsin street. This block is yet in a good state of pre-
servation, but in style is not (juite up to the modem grade. But its
occupants (if they pay their rent) sleep as comfortable and are as
happy as though their house had a Queen Anne front and a French
roof, and we venture the assertion that the Clayton block will be a
good building and need less repairs for the next twenty years than
will many of those wonderful specimens of architecture to be found
in our city within the next five. But I digress.
The Jas. H. Rogers mansion,* southwest corner of Fifteenth and
*It was the expectation of the writer to have been able to furnish a cut of thi<
then famous dwelling* but in this he has been disappointed, and the description
he has given must sunice.
MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. 177
Grand avenue, now the palatial residence of Hon. John Plankinton,
was commenced this year, and when completed (in 1857) was with-
out exception, the most elegant, as well as the most expensive, pri-
vate residence in Milwaukee, if not in the Northwest, and cost, in-
cluding the ornamentation of the grounds, $60,000, a large outlay
for those days. The two remodelings it has received from its pres-
ent princely owner has, however, obliterated all trace of its original
external form, as well as its inside finish, with the exception of one
room, which still retains its " natal dress." This house is now the
finest in the city, if not in the state, and has cost over $200,000.
The architect of this famous house was Albert C. Nash; now a
resident of Cincinnati. Mr. Nash was a prominent architect in our
city for many years, during several of which his office was in the old
chamber of commerce (the Albany). He was a splendid fellow. 1
often think of him. He was a true friend, an honest man, and made
a good record while in Milwaukee.
The master carpenter in the construction of this dweUing was our
present well known fellow-citizen, Arthur Bate.
The master mason was the late Francis Charnley.
The following, in reference to this dwelling and Mr. Nash, is fi"om
the pen of Rufus King:
Architectural.
While the streets are in such a fluid stat«, and the clouds shedding
such a copious effusion of rain, it is pleasant to enter the establishment
of any of our city architects and take a stroll over the city mentally,
seeing its beauty, prosperity and magnificence. Stamping the mud
from our boots and closing our dripping umbrella, we yesterday ascend-
ed the flight of steps on the corner of East Water and Michigan streets,
over Mitcnell's bank, and entered the room where A. C. Nash and his
corps of architects are busy in giving visible form and color to the ideal
mansions which are born in the minds of our wealthv citizens. We
were agreeably entertained by Mr. Nash, who escorted us from cellar
to attic of the beautiful residence — that is to be — of Jas. H. Rogers, on
Spring street hill. Ah! gentle folks, who contemplate dwelling in the
retirement of your own cottages or palaces— as your tastes or funds may
determine. We have entered the portals of your dwellings, pried into
every nook and corner, up stairs, down stairs, in the ladies* chamber,
into the playroom of the children, where they are to romn and be glacl
in their younjr hearts, into the playing room of the big children, where
they wish to handle the cue without going to the places of public* re-
sort, still we hope we don't intrude. The garden, the shrubbery, the
cool, shady vine bowers, we entered, admired and searched them all
through — the hedges, the gateways, the sweet-scented fine flowers —
were spread and displayed to our entranced view. There, now, that
will do.
MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. 179
The annexed cut represents its present appearance.
To the right, upon the corner of Sixteenth street, and adjoining
the above, can be seen the residence of William Plankinton,* where
that gentleman lives in elegance, the two forming a picture not easily
duplicated in any city.
The old A. A. R. Butler dwelling, now the homestead of Stephen
A. Harrrison, was commenced this year.
All work suspended on account of the cold, was the cry of the
Sentinel of December i, 1856, and it was cold, as the following will
show:
Cool Night. — It was a "leetle" cool last night. The thermometer
was down to zero about daylight this mornins. The river is frozen up,
so that bridges can be dispensed with by footmen if necessary. We
have seen two or three men taking a short cut crossing over on the ice
to-dajr. Navigation may be considered suspended for the season.
That it was slightly cool this morning was evident from the way folks
acted. Everylx)dy had his face all muffled up, except where 'his nasal
groboscis protruded, and that had a tinge of the deepest vermillion.
rogaus and sled runners creaked over the snow, ana a dense frost-
cloud rolled from the mouths of both men and horses. We didn^t envy
the young folks who were out on a sleigh-ride at all. It was too much
like eating ice cream on an iceberg. We had just as good a sleigh ride
as they had, all in the house, too, and by a good warm fire. But winter
has its charms, and one of them is to get up such a morning as this,
with your fingers cracking, and find the water in your pitcher frozen
hard as a rock. Another is to slip up on the sidewalk, and come down
with a general spread upon the ice and snow. Which reminds us that
the sidewalks ought to be ashed over. Ash your sidewalks, before you
become the innocent cause of the death of some valuable citizen.
But here she goes to the other extreme :
Excessive Changes. — ^The weather is mighty uncertain. For five days
preceding Monday the mercury marked zero every dav, but on
Wednesday we were deluged with rain and mercury above HO. To-day
the mercury is going down to winter quarters again.
River closed this year December 5, at which time the sleighing
was fine. The ice, however, was all broken up again by the tug
Decatur, in order that the fleet outside might be enabled to get in.
'I'he following data, furnished by the very eflScient harbor master,
Jas. S. Trowell, is given here as a comparative record :
Office of the Harbor Master of the City of Milwaukee, \
Milwaukee, January 2, 1886. j
Hon. James Buck:
Sir — Permit me to present to your notice the amount of shipping in
winter quarters in the port of Milwaukee classed steam and sail, oe-
sides the regular line boats now in commission. We have a total num-
ber of 144.
*Bailt in 1878.
180 MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER.
•
Grain steamers 19
Grain schooners 38
Lumber steamers 14
Lumber schooners 50
Lumber scows 12
Steam tugs .' 12
Passenger steamers 3
Government steamer 1
Total 144
Arrivals by water for twelve months 4,772
Departures by water for tw^elve months 4,799
Total arrivals and departures 9,571
Steam tonnage 26,623
Sail tonnage 28,966
Total tonnage 55,588
Dredging done— Cubic Yards.
Milwaukee river 74,903
Menominee river 45,080
Kinnickinnick river 49,630
Total cubic yards 169,613
There has been delivered by water in the city during the season of
navigation 697,052 tons of coal. '
Yours very courteously, etc^
James S. Trowkll, Harbor Master.
CHAPTER IV.
1857.
Opening Address— The Albany Block— New Year's Calls— The Weather— E. H.
Brodhead a Bigger Man Than the Pope — A New Grocery, Sketch — ^Jeremiah
Quinn, Sketch — Great Rainstorm — Business Status — Legislative — Ninth
Ward Organized — River Opened — Mr. Evans Dies — Municipal — Politics
Red-hot — Officers Elected — Andrew Mitchell, Sketch — Public Schools — As-
sessment — Altering the Grades — April Fool's Day — Its Results — The New
Postmaster — John A. Bccher, Sketch — A Park Proposed — Caleb Wall
Scores the Common Council — ^The Messrs. Matthews Brothers, Furniture,
Sketch — Opening of the Newhall — Its Success and Final End — Nathan
Pereles, Sketch — Merrill's Cornet Band — A Sad Accident — The Detroit &
Milwaukee Railroad Meeting — Humorous — He Wouldn't Stand It Any
Longer — Political — A Puff for Mayor Cross — Martin B. Coombs — Municipal
Rascality Unearthed- -The City in Peril — ^The Meeting at Albany Ilall — Ihe
Wisconsin — E. L. H. Gardner's Manifesto — The Wisconsin Defends Him —
Charles F. Freeman, Sketch — Stephen A. Harrison, Sketch — Daniel 1^
Wells, Sketch — Improvements — Disputed the Count — Weather — Census —
Vessel List — Egbert Herring Smith Outdone — The Old Forest Home Ceme-
tery.
The commencement of 1857 marked a new era in the growth of
the Cream City, as, besides the new buildings mentioned as having
been erected during the two previous years upon the burnt district,
there were a large number under contract to be completed the com-
ing summer. The Newhall house, at that time a much-needed im-
provement, was also under roof and being pushtd to completion as
fast as human hands could force it. The Albany block was also just
completed, and as this was one of the notable buildings of that day,
as well as its famous hall a great place of resort for public consulta-
tions as well as for pleasure during the ten years of its existence as a
hall, I will insert the following sketch of it taken from the Milwaukee
Sentinel of January 19, 1857:
The Albany.
It is by this name that the elepant and pnacious buildinp, just erected
by Alexander Mitchell and Thomas L. 0^<len, on the Houtnwest corner
of Michigan and Main streets, is to be desij^nated. As the e<lifice is
one of the architectural ornaments of our (^ity, and siuKulHrly well
adapted to the uses for whicrh it is designed, we have thought it deserv-
ing of a somewhat detailed description.
182 MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER.
The building fronts 120 feet on Michigan and 80 on Main street, is four
stories high and 40 feet from the ground to the cornice. It rests on
solid stone foundations, and is built of the best Milwaukee brick. The
walls are of good thickness, the window-sills and caps and the cornices
are of brick, and the roof is of Vermont slate, so that there is no wood-
work of any kind on the outside. The basement and cellars on Main
street are occupied by Titus Fernow as a wholesale and retail liquor,
wune and cigar store. The other cellars belong to the several stores on
the first floor. These stores are five in number, averaging 17 feet front
by 77 deep, with 13 to 15-foot ceiling. The corner one on the alley has
been rented by John Warner, of Pittsburg, dealer in straw eoods. The
rooms on the corner of Main and Michigan streets are to be occupied
by the Wisconsin Marine and Fire Insurance Company Bank, as tlie
building in which that institution is now located is about to be demol-
ished to make room for a stately block; and the room adjoining these
on the west has been taken by Caleb Wall for a city land office.
The second story is divided up into fourteen airy, pleasant and well-
lighted rooms, designed for oflices, and averaging 17 by 20 feet, with 12-
foot ceilings. Every one of these is already occupied, as follows:
Nos. 1 arid 2 — Brown & Ogden.
No. 3— Samuel M. Ogden.
No. 4 — Levi Hubbell.
No. 5 — Cross & Woodward.
No. i\ — Finch & Lynde.
No. 7 — Hooker & Weeks.
No. 8 — Finch & Lynde.
No. 9— May & Cottrill.
No. 10 — Watkins & Dennis.
The remaining rooms are to be occupied by persons connected with
the bank. A hall, 10 feet wide and 12 high, runs through the stor^,
connecting above and below by means of two easy and strongly-built
staircases, six feet in width.
The two upper stories are occupied b^ the grand hall and the rooms
belonging to it. This hall is IK) feet 6 inches long, 60 feet wide and 28
feet high, with two wide entrances connecting witL separate staircases.
Its dimensions are ample and its appearance inagnin(;ent. At either
end are three small rooms to be used as dressing rooms, receiving
rooms, etc. The flooring of the hall rests upon double joists, and the
brick partitions are carried up to this story. For balls, concerts, lec-
tures, etc., there is no such apartment in our state, and no more spa-
cious or elegant one in the Northwest. It is to be used for the first
time on Thursday evening next, for the annual ball of our Pioneer Fire
Co. No. 1.
The building throughout is constructed in the most thorough and
workmanlike manner, and reflects great credit upon all concerned in
its planning, erection and a<lornment. The architect was Mr. Dillen-
burg, a master of liis profession. The contractors were James Allen
and (xeorge Southwell, Jr.. whose works do praise them. Harper &
Bros, did the painting, and Thos. Johnson furnished the copper, and
tin work.
The total cost of the building complete is not far from $50,000, and the
lot is now valued at $.S0,000, though it was purchased by the luckv pro-
Erietors only two years since for $11,000. Upon this large outlay the Al-
any will pay a very handsome rent, and may be pointed out as one of
the 'model buildings of our city.
The writer has failed to find a profile of this favorite hall so as to
have been able to furnish a cut of it, which he would have much
liked to do.
milwaukee under the charter. 183
New Year's Calls.
The Doily Wisconsin of January i, in commenting upon the day,
said that New Year's calls were in order this year as usual, upon
which the Sentinel replied by stating that the exercises of the day
wound up by a street performance, during which innumerable young
gents were seen in the act of embracing lamp-posts and casting up
Jonah.
This was true, as many of them that the writer saw had taken in
too much cargo of a liquid nature. They drew altogether too much
whisky forward to steer well, i " yawed " badly.
The Weather.
The winter of 1856-57 was a very severe one, particularly the
months of December and January. There were several weeks of
uninterrupted sleighing, duritig which the livery men reaped a rich
harvest with their fancy turnouts.
Edward H. Brodhead a Bigger Man Than the Pope.
The following ludicrous incident is said to have occurred at Mil-
ton, January 16, 185 1. and is too good to be lost. I remember to
have heard of it at the time, and have no doubt of ils truthfulness :
A Power A hove the Pope.
It will rejoice the hearts of our Know-Nothing friends to learn that,
in this state at least, there is a power above the Pope. At least a cir-
cumstance which we heard of yosterilay warrants that l)elief. Two
jolly sons of Erin^ employed on the Milvvaukee & Mississippi Railroad
near Milton, got mto a dispute, then to high words, and finally one
choked the other. Nothing iurther, however, occurred, and after
awhile the twain parted. iTie chokeCy on getting to bed and thinkinfi;
over the events of the day, began to wax angry at the indignity which
he had sustained. The niiore he thought, the angrier he got; and final-
ly, after an hour'
in his bed and
not take that again
claimed, after a pau..^, ^^ — .., ^ .. ...^v .^..v. .» ..^ v. |,.«..vv^. .......
dissatisned, after another pause, *'Be jabers, I'd not take it from the
Pope of Rome." At last, reaching the climax. "Be J s, I'd not
take it from ould Brodhead himself!" with which final defiance his
wounded spirit was appeased and he sank to sleep.
A New Grocery.
Wholesale Grocers. — Milwaukee can boast of having some of the
largest wholesale grocery establishments in the West, and among the
first of these in our city may be mentioned that of Messrs. Sinclair &
Gunnison, successors to Young & Sinclair. Messrs. Sinclair & Guimi-
184 MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER.
son are now in their new and spaciouB store. No. 40 East Water street,
in Inbusch Brothers' magnificent brick block, and are prepared to do
any amount of business in their line. Besides groceries they deal very
largely in glass, nails, putty, et<j. See their card in our advertising col-
umns. Messrs. S. & G. are gentlemanly and upright business men of
the first stamp, and all those who have had transactions with them will
bear testimony to this fact.
This was Austin Gunnison and William M. Sinclair. They were
the successors of William P. Young, and remained in business about
two years and a-half. Mr. Gunnison left Milwaukee in 1864, for
Cincinnati, where he became connected with the Inland Oil Com-
pany, the firm being Gunnison, Hamilton & Miller. Mr. Sinclair is
in Philadelphia, his former home, engaged in the grocery trade.
Henry W. Gunnison, a former well-known government official
back in the fifties, is now a resident of Farmington, N. Y. There
was another, Mr. Olivet W. Gunnison, well remembered as a specu-
lator, and who Luilt the block known as 349 and 351 Main street
(Broadway), who became ins. ne and died at Dayton, Ky., in the
autumn of 1878. The father died at Milwaukee.
Jeremiah Quinn.
This gentleman, so well known as well as so universally popular
among the people of the " Cream City," was born at Bosnetstown,
County Limerick, Ireland, on the 20th day of January, 1835, where
and at the Killarne High School, he received his education. He
emigrated to the United States in 1852, when seventeen years of age,
landing at Boston. Here he learned the tool maker's trade, after
which he came to Wisconsin, reaching Milwaukee in 1857, where the
next six years were spent in the employ of the now Chicago, Mil-
waukee & St. Paul Company Railroad shops, in working at his trade
when he obtained a position as clerk in the fireight department. This
promotion might properly be called the stepping stone, or the first
round in the ladder which he was determined to climb. To use a
Western phrase ** he had struck oil," and a well which has had a
steady flow to the present, as the fidelity as well as ability with which
he discharged the work intrusted to him, was not long in coming to
the knowledge of Manager S. S. Merrill, who at once placed him in
charge of the freight department, which position he held until 1870,
when the leaders of the democracy, thinking they saw in him the
■ •
••
m
m
• • m
m •
• ••
• •••
MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. 185
elements which constitute the successful politician, elected him to the
office of city comptroller, which he held for two years, when he was
elected tax commissioner (an equally important if not a more respon-
sible office than comptroller), and which, on account of his mathe-
matical abihties, he was specially qualified to fill. He was not long
in discovering, however, after being installed in the tax commissioner's
chair, that he was expected " to bow the knee to Baal," or in other
words, run the office in the interest of the demagogues who, like
leeches, are always feeding upon the "carcass political." The
attempt, however, to put the fetters upon Mr. Quinn, was a complete
failure ; he was not only too independent, but altogether too honest
to do anything of the kind, and at once threw up the office, bid
adieu to political life, and accepted the post of cashier for Hon. John
Plankinton, which he held until 1879, ^^^^ he was promoted to the
more responsible office of private secretary and general business
manager to that gentleman, which office he holds to-day. Neither
is it any flattery to say, that few men could be found in the commu-
nity who could have filled it better, if as well. He is the right man
in the right place.
Personnel.
In person Mr. Quinn is below the medium height, of slight frame,
and possessed of a constitution like steel, and being of strictly tem-
perate habits, although past the meridian of life (the point when most
men begin to show signs of decay), is as vigorous apparently as he was
at twenty-five. He walks with a quick, elastic step, is nervous, and
if he wants anything, like Horace Chase, he wants it bad, and wants
it now. He speaks short and quick, with a slight national accent,
and at times, when excited, very emphatic. He keeps all business
matters entrusted to him well in hand, and when talking business
never lets his countenance give any indication of his thoughts. At
such times he looks you steadily in the eye, which he does not always
do in ordinary conversation, and if your intention was to deceive
him, you will need plenty of nerve to meet the gaze of that mild blue
eye that, while talking, is taking your measure very rapidly ; neither
will you regain his confidence or respect, when once you have lost
it ; sharpness, in a trade, is no bar to his confidence, but dishonesty
186 MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER.
is. Mr. Quinn is what is called a self-made man, and has reached ,
his present position by merit alone.
In political faith he is a democrat, but not of the Thos. A. Hen-
dricks stripe, and stood, during the late rebellion, with that wing of
the party who were for a vigorous prosecution of the war. Some
effective speeches were made by him at the early war meetings, at
one of which he made the following telling reply to the Ryan
Address. After criticizing that document in no honied words, he
closed as follows : " I tell you this war must be fought to victory, by
any method leading to success, and any method that brings victory
to our cause is right and just. We are in a struggle for life, and the
principle of self-preservation is above the Constitution." This was
the language of a patriot, and had the true ring.
He is also a staunch friend of our public school system, and had
he the power every child in this broad land would receive the benefit
of an education, neither would our streets be filled with the young
hoodlums, who literally make " Rome howl " with their orgies at
times, for the want (mainly) of the education that attending these
schools would confer upon them, but which, on account of the eccle-
siastical fetters worn by their parents, they are not permitted to enjoy.
Neither would he permit any interference by any one, lay or clerical,
that would impair their usefulness, vide the following sentiment given
when in the school board some twenty years ago, in response to a
call to speak to a toast, the closing sentence of which was ** Our
Public School System — our country's most distinctively marked pub.
lie institution, wherein the children of every class stand upon com-
mon ground and enjoy equal privileges, and out of which America's
future cosmopolite citizenship will be fraternized and nationalized —
the republic's future hope and corner-stone. May it survive for-
ever." That was grand and showed Mr. Quinn to be a patriot
indeed, and who had the future welfare of his adopted country at
heart.
In religious faith he is a Catholic, and an influential as well as a
liberal one.
Such is Jeremiah Quinn, an honest man and a valued citizen.
May his shadow never be less.
milwaukee under the charter. 187
Great Rain-Storm.
There was a tremendous rainstorm on the 6th and 7th of February
that carried off all the snow, as well as taking out nearly all the frost.
It froze up again, however, on the nth tighter — so the Wisconsin
man said (and he knows) — than a miser's pocket, which closed the
river again above Walker's Point bridge, but not below, that part re-
maining open during the balance of the winter. The cold was very
severe in March, so much so as to cause the ice in the river above
■
Spring street bridge to form a foot in thickness on the 10th. But it
commenced to moderate again on the 20th, and on the 25th the
river was all clear. But the spring was very backward, owing to the
unusual quantity of ice in the lake.
The status of the principal business firms was substantially the
same as in 1856, very few changes having been made. In addition
to the hotels previously mentioned were the Em.nett House, kept by
Darby Carney, on East Water, between Chicago and Buffalo streets ;
the Shamrock, by Tim Savage, 72 Huron street; the Killarney
House, by Pat O'Reardon; the Shillalah, by Jim Flanagan; Erin's
Home, by Michael Finnegan, and several others with less high-
sounding titles*. The above were all in the Third ward.
J as. S. Mitchell was also in the Eastern Hotel, foot of Huron
street. James O'Brien was in the Travellers* Home (Tim's old
place.
Legislature.
The members from the city and county this year were : To the
senate, August Greulich and Edward O'Neill ; to the assembly, Fred-
erick K. Bartlett, Moses M. Strong,* Andrew McCormick, Jonathan
Taylor, Jasper Humphrey, Herman Haertel, Frederick Moscowitz,
Jas. Reynolds and Jas. D. Reymart.
"'It is proper to state that the Milwaukee Sentinei^ from which this list was
copied, states that many of these hotels had a grocery in connection therewith,
and that is the recollection of the writer. In tact, they were mostly groceries
with a saloon attachment.
*llie Blue Book gives this gentleman as a representative from Milwaukee, and
the city directory for 1857 locates him at Milwaukee as land commissioner for the
La Crosse & Milwaukee Kailroad, residence at the Newhali, which accounts for
his appearance as a Milwaukee member, although his residence here was only for
a special purpose. He is now and always has been a resident of Mineral Point.
188 MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER.
This legislature convened January 14 and adjourned March 9.
Wyman Spooner, speaker.
The Ninth Ward Organized.
The Sixth ward was divided this year by an act entitled, " An act
to incorporate the city," as follows :
Section 1. All the territory now included in the Sixth ward of the
city of Milwaukee which lies east of the center of Seventh street, and
extending to the northern boundary of said city, shall hereafter consti-
tute and bo the Sixth ward of the city of Milwaukee. And all the ter-
ritory now included in the Sixth ward of said city which lies west of
the center of Seventh street, as extended to the northern boundary of
said city, shall hereafter constitute and be a new ward, to be called'the
Ninth ward of the city of Milwaukee. And the said Sixth and Ninth
wards hereby created shall have all the rights and privileges, and be
subject to the same regulations, laws and ordinances as the other wards
in said city, and shall be entitled to elect the same officers.
This act to take effect and be in force from and after the Slst day of
March, 1857.
Approved February 20, 1857.
Ice left the river this year February 28, and May i brought us our
first boat, the Lady Elgin, from Chicago.
An Old Settler Gone.
An Old Landlord Dead. — By reference to our obituary notice this
morning it will be seen that the funeral of William L. Evans takes
place at 2 p. m. to-day from the residence of his widow on Michigan
street. Mr. Evans was formerly the landlord of the old Commercial
Hotel, on East Water street. Five years since he left this city for Cali-
fornia, and on the 30th of last January he was taken ill^ and died in
Tennessee on his return home. It was liis request, a few minutes before
dving, that his body should be brought to Milwaukee for interment.
Mr. Evans was a Welshman, of good standing: when in business here.
He leaves a widow and children to mourn, with his numerous country-
men and friends, his death.
I remember Mr. Evans. He was a splendid representative of the
old Silures (Welsh) as ever came here, and a good mechanic. He
was at one time a bench mate of the writer's, when both were in the
employ of Stoddard H. Martin. He was a very muscular man,
quick motioned and somewhat impulsive, a good friend ; and if an
enemy, always an open one. Peace to his memory.
Taxation.
The subject of taxation, that ever-present incubus, caine to the
front again this year, and became as usual the hobby-horse for some
of the leaders to ride into office upon, they representing the " bull "
MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. 1S9
and the people the " bear " side of the question, and thus the war
progressed until there was music by the entire band. But more of
this hereafter.
The pipes were laid to run the whole city treasury into the pockets
of the honest politicians, and it came very near being accomplished
before the Republicans could apply the brakes. New bonds were
selling for fifty cents on the dollar to pay interest on old ones past
due, which soon brought the tax-payers to grief.
In commenting upon this election Mr. Cramer calls upon the
tall and lean Yankees who had fought and bled upon the gory field
of whisky and politics to turn out and vote. This they did, but it
availed nothing, the result, of course, being a Democratic victory of
3,400 majority in the county. The people had not got their eyes
open as yet to the way they were being bled, but, as will be seen
further on, they discovered it at last.
The Mayoralty — ^The People Begin to Wake Up.
There was a call in the Sentinel^ of March 27th, for William A.
Prentiss to run for Mayor. Politics were red hot. The usual cam-
paign liar was on hand with a charge of some kind against all the
candidates who had any following.
Annexed is the reply of the late Thomas Keogh, who was up for
alderman, to a charge some political bummer had made, and which
if not stamped out would in all probability defeat him :
[For the Senii'nd.']
A Fausehood Rej'uted.
Messrs. Editors: I beg leave to trespaas upon your columns to give
refutation to a base and malicious falsehood, which has been put in cir-
culation by certain political intriguers, to operate against my election,
as one year Alderman of the Third ward, which is to the effect that I
have written a letter to Washington, complaining of Mr. John White,
Ck)llector of the Port of Milwaukee, for having kept in his employ a
German whose principles were anti-democratic. I will merely state
that I have no knowledge whatever of the manner in which the busi-
ness of the Custom House nas been conducted, nor of the political stand-
ing or character of any clerk in his employ, and therefore brand its
author, or authors, as wilful and deliberate liars, and challenge them to
the proof. As this is one of the most important of the many falsehoods
tion to which you are being driven, and the intrigues to which you
resort, And will scrutinize more closely the secret of your opposition.
12
190 MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER.
and will, in the coming election, consign you to the fate which so richly
merit. Very respectfSly,
Your obedient servant,
Thomas Kbogh.
Milwaukee, March 21, 1857.
Mr. Keogh was a native of Ireland, and a man of more than ordi-
nary ability. He was, as has been seen, one of the early school
teachers. He was honest and conscientious, and scorned to resort
to the little contemptible tricks that form so large a part of a politi-
cian's capital, in order to get votes or office. He died Sept. 20th,
1879, and was buiied in Calvary Cemetery. He was a staunch
Catholic.
M. Keogh was the father of our well-known fellow-citizen, Hon.
Edward Keogh, who has been quite noted as a politician, and who
has been a leader among his countrymen for many years. Mr.
Keogh has got a well balanced head on his shoulders, and has made
a good record both as a pubHc man and a private citizen.
A democratic caucus was held in the Third ward, at which the
tollowing aspirants for political honors were put in nomination :
Alderman for two years — Andrew McCormick.
Alderman for one year — John Jennings.
Assessor — Martin Delaney.
Constable — ^John Ryan.
Bailroad Commissioner— Thos. Eviston.
The delegates from this ward to the city convention were instructed
to go for S. B. Grant for mayor, and T. O'Brien for marshal.
There were 1,100 votes polled at this caucus, showing pretty con-
clusively that every one not only voted early, but as often as they
wished. It was a way they had of doing things in that ward in the
olden time, and they do it yet occasionally.
Fourth Ward. — In this ward, Jonathan Taylor led the demo-
cracy, and Jackson Hadley in the First.
The following were the polling places for holding the election in
1857:
First Ward— The dwelling of Peter Theis, corner of Jackson and Og-
den streets.
Second Ward — La Crosse Railroad Depot.
Third Ward — Louisiana House.
Fourth Ward — No. 5 Engine House, Second street.
Fifth Ward — Rochester Ilouse, corner Reed and Florida.
Sixth Ward — P. Altpeter's House, corner Sherman and Third.
MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. 191
Seventh Ward — ^Best's Beer Hall, Market Square.
Eighth Ward— Molden's Beer Hall, corner Elizabeth and Jones.
Ninth Ward— At " Widdy Malone's."
The election, however, resulted as follows :
Mayor — James B. Cross.
Comptroller — Ezra L. H. Gardner.
Treasurer — Herman Schwarting.
City Attorney — Erastus Foote.
Police Justice — Clinton Walworth.
City Engineer — William S. Trowbridge.
Chief of Police — William Beck.
City Clerk — Robert B. Lynch.
Deputy — Alex. Bolton. t
Marshal — Charles E. Meyer.
City Printers— English, Sharpstein & Lathrop. German, P. V.
Deuster.
Inspector of Wood and Hay — P. Jacobus.
Sealer of Weights and Measures— Christian Meyer.
Bridge Superintendent — Patrick Markey.
Aldbrmen.
First Ward — ^Jackson Hadley, Christopher Bast and F. Heineman.*
Second Ward — Alex. Cotzhausen. A. Greulich and John Fuldner.
Third Ward — A. McCormick, T. O'Brien, and John Jennings.
Fourth Ward — Jonathan Taylor, Alex. H. Johnston, and John Plank-
in ton.
Fifth Ward— F. Conrad, D. C. Reed, and C. Seeman.
Sixth Ward — Joseph Walters, F. Kuehn and Carl Bussack.
Seventh Ward — William A. Prentiss, George S. Mallory and James H.
Greno.
Eighth Ward— E. G. Hayden, G. G. Loeffler and Geo. Hoehne.
Ninth Ward — Matthias Human, D. J. Doernick and Frederick Wer-
gen.
Council Room in Cross Block, northeast corner East Water and Huron
streets.
Commissioners op Survey.
Herman Haertel. Ira E. Goodall, Sanford B. Grant, O. B. Hopkins
Elisha Eldred, Andrew Mitchell and Matthias Human.
Ward Officers.
Assessors.
First Ward— Stephen Hoff.
Second Ward — T. Handske.
Third Ward — Martin Delaney.
Fourth Ward — Ambrose Ely.
Fifth Ward— Hiram Merrill.
Sixth Ward — Ernst Herzer.
Seventh Ward — Fred. Wardner.
Eighth Ward — Joseph Dressier.
Ninth Ward — Adam Finger.
*I think this is incorrect, as no such name appears in the directory. There was
a Joseph Heineman.
192 MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER.
Justices of the Peace.
First Ward — Geo. A. McGarigle.
Second Ward— Chas. F. Bode.
Third Ward— William Holland.
Fourth Ward— D. L. Deyo.
Fifth Ward — Oliver Parsons.
Sixth Ward — Riley N. Messenger.
Seventh Ward — Albert Smith.
Eighth Ward— William A. Tucker.
Ninth Ward— F. R. Berg.
(^NSTABLBS.
First Ward— J. Schoeffle.
Second Ward — Chas. Neuman.
Third Ward— John H. Ryan.
Fourth Ward— Edward Mallon.
Fifth Ward— Joseph Deuster.
Sixth Ward — M. Schwibbinger.
Seventh Ward — H. Guenther.
Eighth Ward — H. Doerfner.
Ninth Ward — Christopher Maas.
Railroad Commissioners.
First Ward— Peter Theis.
Second Ward — William H. Jacobs.
Third Ward— Thos. Eviston.
Fourth Ward — ^John Sercomb.
Fifth Ward— Chas. H. Larkin.
Sixth Ward — Adam Portner.
Seventh Ward — Christ. Preusser. |
Eighth Ward— Chaa. T. Melms.
Ninth Ward— E. L. Phelps.
Police.
The policemen were twenty-six in number, nearly all the same as the
previous year. J. B. Rodee and Philander W. Dodge, being station
keepers, m place of Joseph Sprague and Anson Randall.
Supervisors.
First Ward-^. Hadley.*
Second Ward — Alex. Ck)tzhausen.
Third Ward— A. McCormick.
Fourth Ward — ^Jonathan Taylor.
Fifth Ward — Francis Conrad.
Sixth Ward — Joseph Walters.
Seventh Ward — William A. Prentiss.
Eighth Ward~E. G. Hayden.
Ninth Ward — M. Human.
Towns.
Wauwatosa — Perley J. Shumway.
Granville — Solomon C. Enos. j
Milwaukee — Chas. Hauf.
Lake — Andrew Douglass.
Greenfield — Patrick Walsh.
Oak Creek — N. Howes.
Franklin — Andrew Sullivan.
William A. Prentiss, chairman.
Chas. F. Kasten, clerk.
* C. Bass was subsequently appointed in his place.
MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. 193
School Commissioners.
First Ward — Silas Chapman. Dennis Culligan and Jackson Hadley,
Second Ward — Chas. F. Bode, John Noll and Jas. B. Selby, Jr.
Third Ward— Ed. O'Neill, John Shortelland John Horan.
Fourth Ward — Jonathan Taylor, Samuel L. Elmore and Jno. A. Seger.
Fifth Ward — Charles H. Larkin, Duncan C. Reed and Andrew Mit-
chell.
Sixth Ward — Ferdinand Kuehn, Benj. Church and Daniel Daa^tt,
Seventh Ward — Albert Bade, Geo. S. Mallory and Herman thwar-
ting.
Eighth Ward — E. G. Hayden, A. Miller and Geo. Burnham.
Ninth Ward — Samuel Brown, Peter W. DeVos, and John H. lippert.
Andrew Mitchell,
Whose name appears as school commissioner from the Fifth ward
for 1857, was a man to whom Dame Nature had been very lavish of
her gifts, who, could he have received a liberal education, would
have been a power in the country, and who, as it was, was a man of
mark wherever he dwelt. He was a native of the old Granite
State, having been born at Acworth, N. H., on the isth day of
August, 1804; removed to Lincoln, Vt., when a boy, and from there
to Milwaukee in 1850.
Mr. Mitchell was not a man to shrink from any duty, or who could
stand quietly by where dishonesty was being practiced without en-
tering his protest against it, and consequently was soon called to fill
public trusts, having been appointed to the above office in 1854, and
which he continued to fill during 1855, 1856 and 1857. Neither is
it any injustice to his compeers to say that the board has never had
on its rolls a member (not hberally educated) who exerted a greater
influence or made a better record than did Andrew Mitchell. His
natural good common sense and judgment always made him promi-
nent, which; coupled with his indomitable will, made him a hard
man to circumvent or defeat. He was a man of large frame, with a
constitution capable of great endurance, had a strong voice, was
quick to see, prompt to act, and as fearless and outspoken as any
one the writer knows. You wanted no lantern with which to find
him. He was sharp and keen, had his eyes (to use a metaphor) in
the front of his bead, knew how to make money, and how to take
care of it when made. He also served on the board of aldermen
from his ward (the Fifth) in 1854 and 1855, where he did good ser-
vice, and had there been more like him the city would have been
194 MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER.
saved from much of the scandal of the next few years, on account
of the political rascality perpetrated by some of her officials. He
has left a good record. He died February 3, 1883.
Public Schooi^.
The following is the list of the public schools for 1857 :
First Ward.
Northwest corner of Van Buren and Division streets.
George McWhorter, principal; Miss S. E. Dewey, first assistant;
Miss £. Graham, second assistant.
Intermediate — Miss S. L. Porter, principal; Miss J. Duggan, assist-
ant.
Primary — Miss C. Kavanagh, principal; Miss M. Quinn, assistant.
Third Ward.
Northeast corner of Detroit and Jackson streets.
Fennimore C. Pomeroy, principal; Mary E. Boylan, first assistant;
Miss C. Gilbert, second assistant.
chell,
firiBt assistant; Miss M. A. Jennett, second assistant.
Fourth Ward.
Northwest comer of Eighth and Sycamore.
Charles K. Martin, principal; Miss E. J. Teale, assistant.
Intermediate — Miss Baldwin, principal; Miss Isabel Rogers, assistant.
Primary — Miss Sackett, principal; Miss L. Teed, assistant.
Fifth Ward.
Northwest corner of Virginia and Greenbush.
Jos. E. Bateman,* principal; Miss Sarah H. Drake, assistant.
Intermediate — Miss A. D. Mitchell, principal; Miss B. Morey, assist-
ant.
Primary — Miss C. A. Alvord, principal; Miss Nancy Packard, assist-
ant.
Sixth Ward.
On Fourth, between Cherry and Galena streets.
H. W. Spaulding, principal; Miss J. Davis, first assistant; Miss H.
Clarke, second assistant.
Intermediate — Miss H. Upham, principal; Miss M. Phelps, assistant
Primary — Miss E. F. Greenleaf, principal; Miss A. E. Van Dyke, first
assistant; Miss E. L. Marsh, second assistant.
Ninth Ward.!
Miss E. H. Ijangdon, principal; Miss Rice, assistant.
Intermediate — C. C. Mahoney, principal; Miss Gilbert, assistant.
Primary — Miss Ann E. Mitchell, principal | Miss Josephine Porter,
*Mr. Bateman died of consumption soon after at Grand Rapids, Mich. He was
a fine looking man, and a universal favorite with all who knew him. I remember
Mr. Bateman well, and often see him in memory's eye.
fThis house was on Fourth street, northwest corner of Fourth and Beaubien
streets.
I
MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. 195
Fire Department.
Chief Engineer— Daniel Schultz.
First Assistant — Frank Devlin.
Second Assistant— Philip Daly.
Third Assistant— P. McDonough.
Fire Wardens.
First Ward— W. Spence and W. Ludwig.
Second Ward — H. Mond and S. D. Luscomb.
Third Ward— W. H. Holland* and J. H. Ryan.
Fourth Ward— M. Phalen and W. G. Haack.
Fifth Ward— D. C. Reed and D. House.
Sixth Ward— A. D. Rudd and W. Tompkins.
Seventh Ward — A. C. Jacks and L. Fuchs.
Eighth Ward— Chas. T. Melms and H. Milman.
Ninth Ward — G. Leubenheimer and A. C. Meyer.
The number of practicing physicians was eighty-two, seven of
whom were homoeopathic.
The number of attorneys was eighty-one. These attorneys were
all allopathic — no little pills in their practice.
Assessments for 1857 foot up $6,441,334, as follows:
First Ward $575,850
Second Ward 585,800
Third Ward 1,377,804
Fourth Ward 821,240
Fifth Ward 819,820
Sixth Ward 810,890
Seventh Ward 1,413,505
Eighth Ward 294,725
Ninth Ward 292,100
Total 16,441,434
Altering the Grade.
There was quite an excitement this year among the First ward tax
payers, on account of Alderman Jackson Hadley's attempting to
change the grade on Jackson street, solely, as they claimed, to benefit
his own property. But the work went on all the same. It took some-
thing more than complaints to prevent him firom carrying out any
plan he undertook. Nothing short of a general uprising of the
people (which came in 1858) could turn him from his purpose. I
remember the excitement this change occasioned. It was a deep cut
in many parts of the street.
*This gentleman, so well known in Milwaukee from 1856 to 1869 as an insur-
ance man and an official in tbe fire department, is now a resident of St. Louis.
The writer remembers Mr. Holland as a genial, whole-souled and active citizen, and
had the pleasure of shaking hands with him on the i6th of July, 1885, for the
first time in fifteen years.
196 milwaukee under the charter.
April Fool's Day
Was celebrated in Milwaukee this year in the usual manner.
All sorts of ruses were put in practice to trap the unsophisticated.
One of the clerks at the Walker House got a letter asking him to be
on the watch for the trunk of one John B. E-1-e-p-h-a-n-t, who
was expected up from Chicago. (He found the trunk.) There
was one affair, however, witnessed by the writer, which proved
to be anything but a pleasant surprise to the victim. Some young
hoodlums had filled an old battered stove-pipe hat, that firom its
appearance had been accustomed to carry imaginary ones in its
original owner's palmy days, with real brick, some of John Bum-
ham's best, and placed it on the sidewalk, bottom side down of course,
on South Water street, directly in firont of the old Newhall warehouse,
after which they hid behind some lumber to watch the result. It was
not long before a phoolosofer, who had just been into one of the
saloons which adorn that locality to get his bearings, came saunter-
ing along apparently engaged in working out a sum in the cube root
by a mental process, who, seeing the hat, stopped and, after gazing
upon it for a moment, gave it a kick, intending no doubt to land it
in Wauwatosa, but it remained in statu quo. The phoolosofer, how-
ever, went hopping off on one foot (carrying the other in his hand),
while the good little boys who had planned the game yelled their
approbation at its success. The unlucky mathematician had solved
his problem.
The New Postmaster and the Sentinel's Comments.
Postmaster op this City.
The appointment of J. R. Sharpstein, Postmaster, naturally makes a
Bensation here. The Dodge, Wells and Noonan interest staked their
whole political influence upon the issue, and are woefully beaten.
It is generally supposed that ex-Postmaster Noonan will come
home as mad us a black rhinoceros, and that with his horn up he will
tear a great hole in the Buchanan party in this State. The President
has absolutely spurned him. Will he submit and kiss the rod ? We
hope that he is man enough to put his back to the wall and fight his
oppressors to the last.
And he did.
This was a rather severe check to Noonan, et al., as the love they
bore him (Sharpstein) could in no sense be compared to that of
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MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. 197
David and Jonathan. They hated him as the devil does holy water.
But they had to stand it.
John A. Becher.
This gentleman, now so well and so widely known as one of our
prominent and influential adopted fellow-citizens, is a native of Wei-
mar, Germany, where he was bom November 13th, 1833, and from
where he migrated to America is 1853, reaching Milwaukee in 1857.*
Mr. Becher is not one of the kind who, like Mr. Micawber, sit quietly
down and wait for something to turn up, and consequently was not
long in establishing himself as a real estate and loan agent, a vocation
for which he is peculiarly well fitted, his first place of business being
upon Reed street, between Lake and Florida streets, where, and at
other locations upon the South Side, he remained until 1861, growing
in wealth as well as in experience, besides establishing a first class
reputation for fair and honorable dealing, when, wishing to enlarge
his field of operations, as well as to obtain a more central location,
he removed to No. 87 Michigan street, Alex. MitchelPs Bank build-
ing, where he can be found to-jday.
Mr. Becher, although of a very quiet demeanor, has, like most of
his countrymen, political aspirations, and was among the first to
apply for and receive the appointment of agent for the Wisconsin
State Board of Immigration, upon its organization in 1869, which he
held until its abolition in 187 1, but was reappointed again upon its
re-establishment in 1879, and elected its president, and which honor-
able as well as responsible position he still occupies.
He was a member of the legislature firom the Fifth ward in 1873,
where he was both active and efficient, and has served as a member
of the school board fi^om 1873 to 1877, where he made a good
record. He also, in common with the rest of his countrymen, took
a pkrt in the defense of the Union during the late rebelhon, serving
as quartermaster of the Thirty-fourth Wisconsin, going in upon its
organization and serving until mustered out in 1863.
Personnel.
In person Mr. Becher is of the medium height, has a wiry, mus-
* In Vol. II., page 210, it was stated that Mr. Becber came in 1844. This
^as an error, he did not come until 1857.
198 MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER.
cular frame, is the picture of health, and belongs to that type of
men who are born to succeed, and who always do succeed. He is
aggressive, and can not well be kept in the background. He has a
fine legal mind, is a great thinker and reader, and possesses the fac-
ulty of planning and carrying forward to completion large schemes
for money-making, as his executive abilities are good. He is very
reticent, that being one of his best points ; has caution largely de-
veloped, will take no part in any project that has a doubtful look, or
connect himself with any one whose reputation is under a cloud.
In political faith he is a Republican, and in religious a liberal.
His morals are unimpeachable, and although polite to every one,
has self-respect largely developed, and in his intercourse with others,
whether acquaintances or strangers, is always dignified, never allow-
ing any undue fiaimiliarity from any one.
Mr. Becher has accumulated a handsome property, which he is
using in a judicious manner.
A Park Proposed.
An offer was made this year by Horace Chase to sell the city
twenty acres of his farm, on the south side, for a park, but the prop-
osition did not meet with the approbation of the then city fathers.
There was a lengthy discussion in the papers, however, upon it, but
it ended in smoke.*
Caleb Wall Scores the Common Council.
City Land Office.
Messrs, Editors: I do not wish to be considered as one who finds fault
with Milwaukee, for I love her name : I owe to her all I am worth, and I
expect to end my days and be buried beneath her sod.
Yet I do not see any good reason why the streets in the Seventh ward
should be in such an awful condition as they now are, and how our
aldermen, who are men of taste, talent and wealth, can endure it I am
unable to comprehend. For instance, when you leave Wisconsin street
and go north on Main street, it is awfiil. Then up Mason street by the
*I do not know of, nor do I believe Ihat there is another city of the size of Mil-
waukee in America whose inhabitants are so perfectly indifferent to parks as are
ours, while nature has spread out before them localities whose beauty as well as
fitness for such occupation are conceded by all, and whose large-hearted owners
have often urged them to take for a mere nominil sum, yet they will not; and
aside from the Juneau Park, which is in fact a mere flower garden, we have no
place worthy the name. The German idea of such a place is one vast saloon,
where they can meet, dance, smoke and drink the "frisky lager;'* but the Ameri-
can portion are too penurious to do even that.
MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. 199
First Presbyterian church the crossinfis on the same up to Van Buren
street are no better; up Oneida or Biddle to Marshall and Astor street
it is shameful. Complaints through our papers have been made against
our worthy and enterprising alc^rmen in the Fifth ward. They are
doing all they can do, but the Seventh ward aldermen seem to be
asleep.
I am sorry to be obliged to make this complaint Last week I had
three Virginia gentlemen who came here to investigate matters, and
and see what chance there was to invest their money. They represent-
ed from one to two millions of dollars, and the only complaint they did
make was the horrible condition of our streets. There will be alanse
number here in the course of twenty days from the South, for the pur-
pose of taking a thorough survey of our city. Do, Messrs. Aldermen of
the Seventh ward (which is considered one of the wealthiest wards in
our city), have the streets in such a condition that one can drive around
without breaking his carriage. The other wards are far ahead of us,
particularly the Fifth ward, for I can drive down Clinton street to the
Kinnikinmc bridge, on a beautiful plank and graded street, in fifteen
minutes from Wisconsin street. Caleb Wall.
Caleb was right. There was an indifference about the streets at
limes on the part of the city fathers that was shameful, but the voice
and pen of Caleb finally got them started, and once started there
was a change visible in a few days for the better. Caleb was a
trump.
The Matthews Bros. — Furniture.
This celebrated furniture house, which from small beginnings has
grown to its present gigantic proportions, was founded by Eschines
P. and Alonzo R. Matthews, who came to Milwaukee from New-
berry, Geauga county, O., landing here on the 9th day of June,
1857, and at once commenced to make a " plant." Their first place
of business was in a small frame building, yet standing, and known
as No. 531 East Water street, where, on the nth of June, two days
after their arrival, with a cash capital of $200, they took their place
at the foot of Dame Fortune's ladder, fixed their eyes upon the top,
and commenced the ascent, and up which they have continued to
ascend step by step, until they have reached the top and the victory
won.
They remained in these humble quarters — doing their manufactur*
ing themselves — until January, i860, during which, by good man-
agement as well as economy, they have not only built up quite a
large trade, but have also made a handsome addition co their capital,
when feeling assured that they were bound to strike oil (as the
phrase goes) if they went a little deeper, they removed to the brick
200 MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER.
building known as No. 495 East Water street, where they remained
until February, 1863, where, such had been their success, that a sec-
ond removal seemed almost imperative, and they secured the then
magnificent building, erected in 1855 by Henry Wederhoff, No. 418
East Water street (Noyes & Flertzheim's old place), and opened a
manufactory on River street, where they employed about a dozen
hands, and began to push matters, /. e,, they now assumed the ag-
gressive and made it warm for all their competitors.
Here they remained until 1867, when they were joined by Quincy
A. Matthews, a younger brother, who went into their employ as a
salesman, making a three-fold cord not easily broken.
They had now reached a period in their history where they were
able to make their power felt, and needing more room for manufac-
turing purposes, a new factory (the nucleus of the present mammoth
structure on Fourth street) was erected in 1870, into which all the
improvements in the art then in use were placed, and the work of
manufacturing commenced on a large scale, they still occupying the
store on East Water as a salesroom until March, 1874, when, having
again outgrown their quarters, they removed to 411 Broadway, Chas.
Munkwitz's new building, erected expressly for them, on a five-
years' lease, at a rental of $5,000 per annum, using the Wederhoflf
store as an upholstering and finishing room, for which purpose it was
connected with 411 Broadway by an elevated bridge over the alley.
They now had the largest store as well as the most elegant stock of
fiimiture to be found in the West, and their fame was in all the land.
It was at this time that many, with whom no doubt the wish was
father to the thought, predicted their failure, as their expenses com-
pared with other establishments of a similar nature were enormous,
but their success while in this store was fully equal to their expecta-
tions, and they did not fail. Here they remained until the expiration
of their lease (1879), when feeling satisfied that still greater success
would crown their efforts by being located upon East Water street,
they removed to the new five-story building erected by the Philip
Best Brewing Company, on the old John Pixley lot, Nos. 407 to 411
inclusive, at which time articles of incorporation were filed, with
Eschines P. Matthews, prest., Alonzo R. Matthews, sec, Quincy A.
Matthews, treasurer, Lowell Damon, draughtsman and designer, and
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MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. 201
*
Ludwig Koehler, superintendent at the factory. Capital, when in-
corporated, $100,000. Present capital, $200,000. Number of men
employed in 1879 ^^ 7^- Their factory has had two enlargements,
the first in 1879, ^^^ ^^^ second in 1882, the number of men now
upon the pay roll being 200.
Such is substantially the history of the founding, as well as the
growth and present status of the furniture house of the Messrs.
Matthews Bros. Their success has been something wonderful.
Neither is there another furniture establishment in our city whose
proprietors have ever succeeded in reaching the plane they occupy,
as to the amount of business done, whose credit has never been
under a cloud, or who have passed unscathed through all the finan-
cial cyclones which have swept over the West during the last twenty-
eight years, and who liave always paid a hundred cents on the dollar,
and paid it when due.
Their sale-rooms are filled with the most costly and elegant furni-
ture to be found in the West, nearly all of which is the product of
their own factory, and much of which is of that unique style, now
rapidly coming into use again, used by our forefathers a hundred
years ago, and in the introduction of which they were among the
first. They ha^e (to use a metaphor) scaled the ramparts before
which so many of their predecessors have fallen, entered the fort,
and are doubtless destined to hold it for many years to come.
Personnel.
Physically, the Messrs. Matthews Bros, are splendid representatives
of the Caucasian type, and would be taken for men of mark in any com-
munity. Eschines P., the head of the firm, is of the medium height,
stoutly built, very muscular, and when in his prime must have been
a very powerful man. He has a large head, face oval and full, a
slightly florid complexion, auburn hair upon which the frosts of time
are beginning to show their work. He has a clear, mild blue eye, in
which a mirthful smile is often lurking. He speaks slow but very
distinctly, is not much of a talker, attends closely to business, the
details of which he keeps well in hand, has the bump of caution
largely developed, is never in a hurry, and consequently always in-
vestigates a proposition thoroughly before deciding to adopt it.
202 MIL.WAUKSE UNDER THE CHARTER.
In political faith he is a republican, but is not a politician, never
having run for or held but one office (viz :) that of alderman from the
Fourth ward, to which he was elected in 1878, and where a few
months service convinced him that one might as well attempt to
gather grapes from thorns, or figs from thistles, as to look for the
peace which passeth all understanding in a Board of Milwaukee
Aldermen, whereupon he threw up the sponge in despair. Indeed,
such was the disgust engendered in his breast for anything smelling
of politics, by his short service in that body, that I very much doubt
if the lucrative position of ward foreman, with all its emoluments,
would tempt him to enter the arena of politics again. "No more of
that for Joseph." But I digress.
Alonzo R. is of medium height, but slighter build. He also has a
fine physique, has auburn hair and blue eyes. His voice is strong
and powerful, speaks quick, but very distinctly, and when in conver-
sation looks his vis-a-vis squarely in the face, and if after informa-
tion, or if negotiating a trade, will come direcdy at the matter with-
out any beating around the bush, as the saying is — 2l characteristic
so universal amongst the mass of the American people. He has a
fine face, upon which a kindly expression or smile is usually seen,
particularly when in conversation. He is a splendid friend, and a
universal favorite with all who know him. He is fond of books,
works of art and music, and will do no injustice or take any unfair
advantage of any one, and probably lives as near the golden rule as
it is possible for any one to do and make money.
In pohtical faith he is a RepubHcan, but takes no active part in
the political issues of the day, and will not (although repeatedly
urged to do so) accept any office, but gives his whole attention to
his business. He is very domestic and spends his leisure hours in
his beautiful home.
Quincy A., the junior member of this firm, is in height below the
medium, stoutly built, and possessed of a muscular power far above
the average. He has a large head, broad shoulders, a large face, a
florid complexion, and is the very picture of health. His voice is
also strong, but somewhat low in tone, and, hke Eschines P., he
speaks very distinctly. He is like his brothers, is always courteous
and gendemanly, but will brook no insult from any one, and whoever
MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. 203
intends offering him that and escapes will need a clear coast and a
swift pair of heels, for if he does not possess both he will find him-
self in chancery before he can count six, as he is not one of the kind
who, if smitten upon one cheek is very apt to turn the other for a
similar salutation. He is also a good judge of character, and, like
Geo. P. Gifford, will, if among strangers, find out all he can about
them, while they would tind out very little about them. He, like his
brothers, knows the value of money, as well as how to make it, and
to keep it when made.
Such are so.re of the leading characteristics of Eschines P., Alon-
zo R. and Quincy A. Matthews. They have reached a high plane
in the community, socially and financially, and with such aids as
Lowell Damon to design and Ludwig Koehler to execute those de-
signs they can not fail to wear the belt among their brother crafts-
men in Milwaukee for many years to come.
Opening of the Newhall.
The opening of this celebrated house (the commencement to erect
which has been previously referred to), Aug. 25, 1857, was a notable
event in the history of our city. Several attempts, as the reader is
aware who has perused the previous volume, had been made, even
as far back as 1S48, to erect such a building, all of which had come
to naught. But now, through the liberality and enterprise of that
old veteran wheat operator, Daniel Newhall, it was accomplished,
and the fame of it, owing to the publicity its construction had re-
ceived fi-om the press, supplemented by the annexed proceedings of
the board of trade in answer to the proposition of the Milwaukee
& Mississippi Railroad, was world-wide.
Meeting op the Board of Trade.
A meeting of the board of trade was held yesterday morning for the
purpose of considering the proposition of the Mil\vaukee & Mississippi
Kailroad in relation to the railroad celebration, which it was proposed
that we should have about the 15th of August.
The following letter was read from the president of the Milwaukee &
Mississippi Railroad :
To the Members of the Board of Trade of the City of Milwaukee :
Gentlemen — ^The Milwaukee & Mississippi Bailroad Company submit
for your consideration the following proposition, to- wit:
Tney will bring such gentlemen as shall be invited from Northern
Iowa, Minnesota and Wisconsin to Milwaukee and return them free of
expense, provided the citizens of Milwaukee will raise the necessary
means to entertain them while they remain in the city.
204 MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER.
If this suggestion is carried out, it should take place about the 15th of
August, at which time I understand the Newhall House will be in readi-
ness to receive guests.
Very respectfully, Edward H. Brodiiead, President.
Several members of the board spoke upon the subject, expressing
their desire that there would be a general railroad celebration held at
that time, and that necessary preparations be made to have it done in a
proper manner; also recommending that a committee of five be ap-
pointed to raise subscriptions and make the necessary arrangements.
The follow^ing gentlemen were appointed: W. B. Hibbard, Jno. Brad-
ford. J. G. Inbiisch, L. W. Weeks, N. J. Emmons.
Aojourned to Saturday morning.
And in order that its erection might prove a financial success, two
of the then best known as well as popular landlords in the West,
Messrs. Abraham Rice and Michael Kean, had been duly installed
as lessees.
Invitations had also been extended to all the prominent citizens in
the city, as well as the region roundabout (including New Jersey), to
come and partake of the feast prepared for the occasion.
The following, copied firom the Sentinel o\ the 21st, shows the in-
terest taken in this the grandest afiair which up to that time had
ever occurred in the city's history :
Opening op the Newhall House.
The entertainment on the 25th inst., to which we called attention last
Saturday, promises to be the finest afiair of the kind ever given in this
city. The names of the different committees, with other particulars,
will be found in another column.
Every editor in the state, also in Chicago, and editors and others in
several cities in the West, South and East have complimentary tickets
sent them; and those who fail to receive tickets, by any accident, are
requested to consider themselves invited and attend the celebration,
where they will meet with a cordial welcome.
The tickets will serve as passes on all the railroads and steamboats to
this city. It will be a splendid festival, and we hope to see every one
invited present.
Below is the hst referred to, though how they ever got through the
programme with so small a committee is a mystery. It is barely
possible that a few more names might have been obtained from
Alaska, Australia or the Sandwich Islands had time permitted. But
here is the list :*
*The omission of the writer's name from this committee is owing to the fact of
his being at Lake Superior that summer. He would probably have helped swell
the list the i-435th part had he been at home.
MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER.
206
GRAND FESTIVAL
— IN HONOR OP THB —
OPENING OF THE NEWHALL HOUSE,
On Tht'rsday Evening, Augubt 25.
Messrs. Kean & Rice,
Proprietors.
Executive Gommittbe.
Hon. J. B. Cross, Mayor, J. S. Fillmore,
Sanford B. Grant, J. C. Starkweather,
John Nazro, John L. Hathaway.
Honorary Committee.
Hon. Henry Dodge,
Hon. J. D. Doty,
Hon. N. P. Tallmadge,
Hon. Nelson Dewey,
Hon. Win. A. Barstow,
Hon, L. J. Farwell,
Hon. Coles Bashford,
Hon. A. G. Miller,
Hon. Daniel
Hon. E. V. Whiton,
Hon. O. Cole,
Hon. A. D. Smith.
Hon. Charles Durkee,
Hon. J. R. Doolittle,
Hon. Chas. Billinghurst,
Hon. John F. Potter,
Hon. C. C. Washburne,
Newhall, Esq.
Committee of Arrangements.
Cyrus Adams,
Wm. Allen,
J. E. Arnold,
A. H. Atkins,
G. F. Austin,
C. R. Austin,
E. P. Bacon,
B. Bagnall,
E. D. Baker,
L. T. Barclay,
G. Barry,
F. K. Barlett,
J. K. Bartlett,
G. L. Beetle,
C. H. Bell,
B. J. Belden,
J. Best,
G. B. Bingham,
H. Burchard,
N. G. Bishop,
F. J. Blair.
Lewis Blake,
A. B. Blanchard,
F. Bloodgood,
H. R. Bond,
J. N. Bonesteel,
J. Bonnell,
F. J. Bosworth,
^3
Levi Hubbell,
Dr. F. Huebschmann,
D. P. Hull,
J..B. Hall,
W. S. Hunn,
E. N. Hurd,
A. L. Hutcliinson,
0. F. Ilsley,
J. G. Inbusch,
R. C. Jacks,
J. B. Jervis,
C. E. Jenkins,
R. D. Jennings,
Wm. Jewell,
J. Johnson,
S. R. Johnson,
R. C. Johnson,
J. M. Jones,
L. E. Jones,
A. L. Kane,
Rufus King,
L. H. Kellogg,
J. B. Kellogg,
G. K. Kimball,
1. A. Lapham,
Abner Kirby,
J. Kneeland,
M. Kneeland,
J. H. Van Dvke,
G. Vliet, '
A. G. Van Schaick,
J. Vliet,
Caleb Wall,
Edward Vose,
O. H. Waldo,
G. H. Walker,
C. R. Alton,
C. K. Watkins,
C. Walworth,
L. AVard,
B. S. Weil,
F. Wardner,
W. A. Webber,
D. Wells, Jr.,
C. K. Wells,
W. S. Wells,
N. Webster,
L. W. Weeks,
T. Wettstein,
C. H. Wheeler,
W. J. Whaling,
H. K. White
John White
S. C. West,
H. Wild,
A. Whittemore,
206
MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER,
G. B. Boyd.
John Bradford,
C. T. Bradley,
J. T.^ Branch,
G. Bremer,
S. J. Bridge,
J. R. Briguam,
E. H. Brodhead,
Nathan Brooks,
D. T. Brown,
H. S. Brown,
J. S. Brown,
S. Bryant,
W. Bryant.
J. L. fiurnnam,
W. E. Burlock,
A. R. R. Butler,
E. L. Buttrick,
E. Button,
R. P. Cady,
N. B. Cadwell,
Chas. Cain,
H. H. Camp,
W. S. Candee,
S. Alexander,
N. B. Caswell,
Sam Chandler,
R. Chandler,
J. Y. Cheney,
J. Christie,
P. W. Clark,
F. D. Clark,
A. F. Clarke,
M. W. Clark,
G. W. Clayson,
G. M. Coleate,
T. Collingboume,
C. Comstock,
W. A. Conway,
C. D. Cook,
Z. A. Cotton,
H. Courtney,
W. E. Cramer,
J. H. Crampton,
H. Crocker,
N. Cross,
J. B. Cross,
Arthur Dadd,
S. S. Daggett,
R. Davis,
C. B. Davis,
John Davis,
J. A. Dutcher,
L. N. Dewey,
G. D. Dousman,
J. B. Dousman,
G. G. Dousman,
G. Dyer,
E. Eldred,
M. G. Elmore,
J. H. Cordes,
F. Kuehn,
C. Kupper,
Andrew La Due,
F. M. Lane,
C. H. Larkin,
F. Lay ton,
L. L. Lee,
G. Lefevre,
A. G. Leland,
Allison Lewis,
T. Littell,
J. Lockwood,
J. Ludington,
H. Ludington,
R. Lynch,
L. 8. MacK,
J. Mahler,
G. S. Mallory.
J. L. Marshall,
H. Martin J
J. B. Martin,
S. H. Martin,
A. C. May,
D. McDonald.
Wm. P. Lynde,
R. McCarter,
J. L. McVicker,
M. B, Medherrv,
S. S. Merrill, '
B. K. Miller,
A. Mitchell,
E. T. Mix,
D. S. More,
Jas. Murray,
G. W. Mygatt,
C. D. Nash,
J. Nazro,
D. Newhall,
M. S. Nichols,
H. Niedecken,
G. D. Norris,
T. L. Ogden,
Rowland Olmstead,
Edward O'Neill,
R. G. Owens,
J. J. Orton,
H. L. Page,
Michael Fa^e,
Byron Paine,
Edwin Palmer,
H. L. Palmer,
C. W. Perkins,
G. Pfister,
S. Petti bone,
J. W. Pixley,
J. R. Sharpstein,
J. Plankinton,
S. K. Piatt,
R. W. Pierce,
M. Schoeffler,
E. Cramer,
H. Williams,
John Wing,
C. H. WilUams,
M. S. Scott,
Dr. E. B. Wolcott,
W. H. Wright,
J. P. Wood,
G. A. Woodward,
E. Worthington,
W. P. Young,
S. M. Booth,
A. Greulich,
Wm. Goodnow,
J. A. Noonan,
Edw. Miller,
A. Green,
H. Mabbett,
A. J. Langworthy,
A. Sawyer,
H. H. Harrison,
O. Bremer,
T. W. Goodrich,
E. H. Gridley,
J. Wise,
H. Mann,
J. E. Patton,
S. C. Newhall,
J. F. Burchard,
H. W. Allen,
P. J. Bergin,
A. E, Dibble,
J. Goll,
J. Hassett,
J. L. Pierce,
S. Adler.
R. Swaffield,
W. W. Yale
C. Harrington,
C. H. Orton,
J. Sherwood,
W. T. Battle,
L. Lake,
W. W. Lake,
J. M. Alcott,
P. Yale,
M. Otterbourg,
L. J. Hobart,
Jas. A. Swain,
B. Zellner,
H. Freeman,
J. Nichols,
Alex. Campbell,
M. Duckert,
H. A. Foote,
C. Shepard,
C. T. fe^mm,
E. Schumacher,
Jas. Seville,
MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER.
207
N. J. Emmons,
D. Ferpison,
H. Fess. Jr.,
A. Finch, Jr.,
G. M. Fitzgerald,
W, P. Flanders,
R. Flertzheim,
E. Foote,
W. R. Freeman,
D. E. French,
H. Friend,
J. Furlong,
A. H. Gardiner,
E. L. H. Gardiner,
I. E. Goodall,
E. H. Goodrich.
J. O. Goodrich,
W. W. Graham,
8. B. Grant,
J. S. Fillmore,
T. A. Green.
E. B. Greenleaf,
W. B. Gregory,
J. P. Greeves,
John Cummings,
J. Hadley,
H. Haertel,
P. C Hale,
C. B. Hall,
S. H. Ham,
R. Haney,
J. Hardy,
W. Harper,
A. W. Hart,
J. A. Hashrouck,
J. W. Haskins,
J. L. Hathaway,
H. N. Hempsted,
A. Harriman,
G. P. Plewitt,
W. B. Hibbard,
L. J. Higby,
A. Hill,
H. Hill,
J. Hill,
W. L. Hinsdale,
J. H. Hoes,
W. H. Holland,
E. D. Holton,
Joel Hood,
S. T. Hooker,
S. A. Hoover,
0. B. Hopkins,
R. Houghton,
D. Howard,
J. W. Hoyt,
Jas. Porter,
B. G. Powers.
John Pritzlaflr,
C. Preusser,
C. Que n tin,
D. C. Reed,
L. T. Rice,
D. H. Richardh,
J. H. Rogers,
S. L. Rood,
W. H. Rodway,
John Rosebeck,
A. V. Rudd,
John Rugee,
E. G. Ryan,
T. J. Safsman,
E. Sanderson,
A. P. Smith,
D. Schultz,
J. B. Selby,
John Sercomb,
A. D. Seaman,
L. Sexton,
J. Shadbolt,
J. H. Silkman,
E. M. Shoyer,
V. Schultc,
W. M. Sinclair,
J. B. Smith.
G. Southwell, Jr.,
Winfield Smith,
S. W. Staats,
E. Spangenoerg,
D. Stein,
J. Stark,
J. 1). Starkweather,
G. E. Starkweather,
E. Starr,
H. Stein J Jr.,
Wm. Strickland,
M. M. Strong,
R. H. Strong,
M. Stern,
J. Taylor,
J. H. Tesch,
•J. M. Durand,
E. Terry,
J. G. Townsend,
Geo. Tracy,
B. Throop,
T. Turton,
J. H. Tweedv,
J. R. Treat, *
D. A. J. Upham,
A. B. Van Cott.
W. S. Trowbridge,
J. Ford,
H. KempshnU^
A. H. Bacon,
P. Barker,
C. Delorme,
J. H. Warner,
G. W. Mayhew,
F. Goes,
8. L. Elmore,
J. H. Butler,
G. F. Oakley,
E. P. Hotchkiss,
T. H. Schuyler,
J. A. Mallory,
A. Hasbrook,
J. W. Stearns,
H. W. Gunnison,
M. Steever,
J. S. Harris,
J. Douglass,
M. E. Shinn,
A. Eldred,
W. B. Alvord,
R. B. Bell,
J. Longworth,
Byron Kilbourn,
H. O. Wilson,
Wm. Butler,
John B. Medbury,
S. S. Conover,
T. O'Brien,
Wm. Brown, Jr.,
0. Aldrich,
Clark Shepardson,
B. Wassou,
Wm. Beck,
M. Keenan,
A. Bade,
S. B. Burnham,
G. B. Miner,
S. Fitch,
W. A. Prentiss,
G. W. Walker,
A. Sweet,
C A. Place,
H. E. Goodrich,
G. W. Peckham,
Dr. J. E. Garner,
Dr. Blan chard.
Dr. McKnight»
H. E. Dickinson,
Pet^r Van Vechten,
T. Bro<;kway,
John Jennings,
T. H. Eviston,
A. McCormick.
This femous hotel, notwithstanding the parade made at its opening,
proved a very unremunerative piece of property to both owners and
208 MILWAUKEE CHDBR THE CHARTER.
landlords, during (he twenty-six years of its existence. Mr. Keene soon
parted with his interest in the lease to our well-known fellow -citizen
Chas, Andrews, who with Mr. Rice ran it for a short time, when they
were succeeded by Messrs. Kingsbury & Son. Then it was Rings-
bury and Johnston (Col. Walter S. Johnston), now the popular land-
lord at the Union Depot. Their successors were Messrs. Bentley &
Son, who were succeeded by Goff & Hamlin. Then C'nas. An-
drews again. Then Lansing Bonnell. Then John F. Antisdel, who
was its landlord when burned.
Of all this corps, not more than one or two at most ever made
any money in the house. The Bentleys lost $16,000 in one year.
And Mr. Antisdel informed the writer, that he sunk $10,000 per
annum for the nine years he occupied it. It had two narrow escapes
from fire before its final destruction.* The first on the 14th of Feb-
ruary, 1863, which burned out nine apartments, and again January 9,
1880, when four apartments were destroyed.
This hotel (a cut of which is here given) had a frontage of 120
feet on Michigan street, and 180 feet on Broadway. It was six
stories in height, (I quote now from the Messrs. Herman and Julius
Bleyer's book, entitled the " Burning of the Newhall House,") con-
• S«e Ihe Messrs. Rleyers' book on ihe fino! butning of the Newhall, pages 56
MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. 209
tained three hundred rooms, and at the time of its construction was
considered the largest and finest hotel in the West. The cost of the
building was $155,000, the lot on which it was erected was valued
at $50,000, and the first lessees furnished it at a cost of $70,000.
The house, finished and furnished, therefore represented an invest-
ment of $275,000. The structure was originally surmounted by a
shapely wooden cupola, but shortly after the Chicago fire this was
removed in order to reduce the fire risk. In August, 1865, Daniel
Wells, Jr., S. S. Sherman and C. D. NasK bought the property. In
1866 the rooms in the upper part of the bank building,* on the cor-
ner of East Water and Michigan streets, were fitted up for hotel
purposes, and the two buildings were connected by a covered passage
of wood, which bridged the alley on a level with the third floor of the
Newhall House. At the same time, or probably a little later, with a
view to facilitating escape in case of fire, the fourth, fifth and sixth
floors of the hotel were connected with the bank building. The pas-
sage from the fifth floor of the hotel was nearly on a level with the
bank roof, and consisted of a bridge with a hand-rail on each side.
A short ladder connected this bridge with the sixth story. In May,
1869, Messrs. Wells, Sherman and Nash leased the hotel to John
Plankinton for a term of years, giving him the privilege of closing it
if he deemed best. The public objected to having the house closed
and sought a purchaser for the property. Finally S. N. Small!
became the owner of the hotel, several prominent citizens advancing
him $100,000, taking 100 bonds of $1,000 each as security. The
public-spirited Mr. Plankinton kindly relinquished his lease in the
interest of the movement, in November, 1873, Mr. Small having
defaulted in the payment of the interest on the bonds, the bondholders
arranged with him for the conveyance of the property to them.
Soon thereafter the Newhall House Stock Company was formed
and the bondholders became stockholders in the association, C. D.
Nash being the president and managing ofl[icer. In 1874 the Broad-
way water-main was connected with standpipes on the north and
south end of the building, extending to the sixth floor. Fire-plugs
* Present Milwaukee National.
f Simeon N. Small.
210 MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER.
and hose were attached to these standpipes on every floor. In 1874
the elevator was put in. The building was provided with two fire
escapes, one on the north end of the Broadway front, and the other
near the corner on the Michigan street side, the corridors of the hotel
extending to each.
»
Instead of replacing the burned rooms, which had always been
considered dangerous, an open court was substituted for them, reach-
ing down to the office floor, where there was a skylight. The court
was enclQsed by brick walls on its east, north and west sides, and by
an iron sheathed wall on the south. The corridor running east and
west on the north side of the sixth floor was also provided with a
door as a means of exit to the roof of the rear part of the building,
which was only five stories in height.
Vet, notwithstanding all those precautions, this magnificent hotel,
the pride of our city when built, was destroyed, as previously stated,
January 10, 1883, by which, aside fi^om the fearful loss of life, its
unfortunate owner suffered the following
Pecuniary Loss.
The following is a statement of the pecuniary loss by the great
conflagration :
Underwriters* value of the hotel, - - - |140,00
Estimated value of furniture, - - - 26,400
^166,4()0
Insurance on building, $78,500
" furniture, - - . - 23,000
102,300
Actual loss, $64,100
The ground floor of the building was occupied by Geo. Scbeller,
hotel bar-room ; Manufacturers* Bank; C. F. Hibbard & Co., and
C. H. Ross, insurance and freight agents; L. A. Wheeler and C. E.
Grain, insurance agents ; W. T. Durand, insurance agent ; F. W.
Montgomery & Go., insurance agents; Merchants' Dispatch Freight
office ; West & Myers, insurance agents ; Blue Line fireight office ;
and Benj. M. Weil, real estate agent. The basement was occupied
by the Mutual Union and District Telegraph offices ; Grand Trunk
fireight office; A. H. Baumgartner, painter; A. W. Goetz, barber;
and Burdick & Armitage, job printers. Of these occupants the last
MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. 211
named were the heaviest losers. Their presses and material were
valued at $10,000, upon which there was an insurance of $8,500.
The losses of the other occupants were mainly in office furniture and
books and commercial documents of small intrinsic value. The
stock of the hotel bar-room, kept by (jeo. Scheller, was well insured.
To these losses by business establishments in the basement and first
floor of the building should be added the loss suffered by guests and
servants in the destruction of clothing, jewelry and other personal
effects. In several instances these losses reached a consideral sum.
Mr. and Mrs. Wm. E. Cramer lost valuable diamonds and a store-
room full of choice books and articles of virtu collected during their
oreign travels. Henry C. Payne, postmaster, lost a valuable library
and other goods which he had stored in the building. The total
amount of these personal losses cannot be computed, but it certainly
reached a large figure.
The Inquest.
The inquest on the dead was begun on the 23d of January, in the
jury-room of the Municipal Court, City Hall, before the following
jurors: Robert Davies, builder; J.B.Thompson, contractor; Daniel
Waite, clergyman ; T. J. Franey, railroad employe ; J. C. Corrigan,
merchant; John O'Connell, contractor. John M. Clarke, District
Attorney, conducted the examination of witnesses. The inquiry
continued until the afternoon of February i, when the District Attor-
ney charged the jury and they retired. The sifting process and
argument on the testimony educed at the examination occupied the
attention of the jury, at daily sittings, until February 5th, when a
verdict containing the following findings was rendered :
That the Newhall House was set on fire by a person or persons un-
known; that only one night watchman was employed in the hotel, and
that he, having other duties to perform, was unable to attend to bis
proper duties, which should have received the attention of two or three
men ; that the night watchman and night clerk, obeying previous in-
tructions of the proprietors, lost valuable time in useless attempts to
extinguish the fire, and neglected to arouse the inmates, and that when
they did attempt to arouse those in the hotel the corridors were so filled
with stifling smoke that the employes were obliged to seek their own
safety; that the proprietors were guilty of culpable negligence in not
having employed a sufficient number of watchmen to guard the house
against fire and awake the inmates in time to save all the lives possible ;
that, notwithstanding^ the facts that the New^hall House was easy of
egress and devoid of mtricate passages, that it had outside escape lad-
ders on the northeast and southeast corners, and a bridge near the
212 MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER.
southwest corner leading across the alley to the opposite building;, an
inside servants' stairway from the fifth story to the oasement, and two
large open stairways in the front corridors leading from the ofl5ce floor
to the sixth story /with an open ladder to the roof, the owners of the
Newhall House, knowing that many fires had taken place at various
times in the hot^l, are guilty of culpable negligence in not having pro-
vided more outside escapes in case of fire; that the Fire Department
did their duty as well as could be expected, but could have done much
more had the ladder trucks been fully manned and equipped with the
best extension ladders and the men w^ell drilled to handle them; and
that the telegraph poles and wires caused serious obstruction to the Fire
Department, by preventing them from using their ladders in a speedy
and efficient manner at the time they were so much needed.
The Men who Fought the Fire.
Chief Engineer — Henry Lippert.
Assistant Engineer — Jonn T. Black.
Superintendent Fire Alarm Telegraph — Geo. Glassner.
Lineman — L. Schroeder.
Veterinary Surgeon — Dr. John Senti.
Chemical Engine No. 1 — Foreman, Nich. Theisen; pipemen, H. Fitz-
laff*and A. G. Mass; driver, Fred Noelk.
Hook and l^adder No. 1 — Foreman, Edward Riemer; truckmen, H. F.
Stauss, C. Hevder, L. Gillmeister, John Kyan; driver, F. Schuppner.
Hook and f^adder No. 2 — Foreman, Micnael J, Curtin; truckmen, J.
Borngesser. A. A. Smith, C. J. Green, G. E. Nodine; driver, C. Schunck.
Hook ana J^adder No. 3 — Foreman, Jacob Kopf* truckmen, F. Gros-
kopf, S. Brand, W. Mnschgau, J. Stolz; driver, £. Linbeiyer.
Supnly Hose No. 1 — Pipemen, F. Schmidt, F. Thiele, A. Braun ; driver,
J. T. Owens.
Supply Hose No. 2 — Pipemen, B. Van Haag, H. Weidner, Wm. Schnei-
der; oriver, J. Sourney.
Steam Engine No. 1 — Foreman, H. Meninger; pjpemen, Geo. Wolf,
W. Henley, M. Galley; engineer, M. Burns; stoker, C. T. Heineman;
engine driver, J. O'Donneli; hose cart driver, C. Blackwood ; watch-
man, J.Behles.
Nork, H, Mangold; engineer. Ph. Meisenheimer; stoker, J. Guten-
kunst; engine driver, H. Stoll; hose cart driver, C. Hildebrand; watch-
man, L. Schram.
Steam Pingine No. 4— Foreman, Patrick Sullivan; pipemen, C. McCor-
mick, P. Sennott, S. McDowell; engineer. P. W. Spencer; stoker, C. E.
Derken; engine driver, John Mehan; hose cart driver, P. J. Duffy;
watchman, S. Simms.
Steam Engine No. 5 — Foreman, J. Ihmig; pipemen, H. Lecher, A.
Kuntz, C. Henck; engineer, C Dusold; stoker, X. Schoenbucher; en-
gine driver, J. Dittman; hose cart driver, Geo. Schwarz; watchman, J.
Schardt.
Steam Engine No. 6 — Foreman, John McLaughlin; pipeman, J.
Schroeder, J. Weiher, A. J. Stauss; engineer, D.S.Dunn; stoker, T.
Kelly; engine driver, Jno. Klees; hose cart driver, Thos. Gary; watch-
man, John Gary.
Steam Engine No. 7 — Foreman, T. G. Scott; pipemen, P. Webber, F.
Kleinschmidt, B. Wizinski; engineer, T. Gobel; stoker, F. Simmerling;
engine driver, J. Dworak; hose cart driver, F. Heuer; watchman, A.
Hauesler.
MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER.
213
Names of the Lost.
Taken to the Morgue on the Morning of the Fire.
Mrs. L. W. Brown,
Mary McMahon,
Ottilie Waltersdorf,
Augusta Giese,
Anna Hager,
Mrs. John E. Gilbert,
Marj^ MfDade,
Bessie Brown,
Bridj^et O'Connell,
Walter H.Scott.
David G. Power.
Mary Conroy,
Mary Anderson,
Mafiigie Sullivan,
Julia Fogerty,
Thos. E. Van Loon.
Kate Linehan,
Taken to Other Places.
Mrs. Allen Johnson, Allen Johnson,
Judson J. Hough.
Died of their Injuries.
Julia F. Groesbeck, known as Bleeker,
Lizzie Anglin,
Theo. B. Elliot,
Win. H, Hall.
Mary Miller,
Taken from the Ruins and Identified.
David H. Martelle, Robert Howie,
William C. Wiley.
Libbie A. Chellis,
Annie McMahon,
Lizzie Kelly,
Augusta Trapp,
Maggie Finnegan,
Martna Schlcessner,
Q. C. Brown,
Capt. Jas. P. Vose,
Prof. B. Mason,
W. E. Fubuer,
Walter Gillon,
Gust. Fredericks,
The Unidentified.
Nora Flanagan,
Margaret Owens,
Jane Dunn,
Kate Monahan,
Kate Connors,*
J. Bradford Kellogg,
Geo. G. Smith,
L. K. Smith,
Geo. Lowry,
Emil Giesler,
William Gillon,
Ernst Schoenbucher,
Rosa Burns,
Mary Owens,
Ann Casey,
Amelia Krause,
Mary Burke,
Richard Goenn,
Judge Geo. Reed,
J. H. Foley,
Just Haak,
Fred. Barker,
Daniel Moynahan,
C. Kelsey.
The foregoing list contains sixty-four names of unfortunates who
are known to have lost their lives by the fire. Coroner Kuepper
took official cognizance of twenty-eight identified bodies and forty-
three that could not be identified, a total of seventy-one, which leaves
seven whose names cannot be recalled. The list of unidentified dead
was made up ft-om memory by Ben. K. Tice and John H. Antisdel,
clerks of the ill-fated hotel, and is the only record that can ever be
made of those who were cremated in the hot ruin. The register of
the hotel, priceless on an occasion like this, was overlooked during
* The body of Kate Connors, whose name is marked with an asterisk, was
identified after the public funeral by her mother, who recognized her daughter's
gold ring among the valuables held by the Coroner. Miss Connors* remains were
buried with the unidentified at Calvary Cemetery.
214 MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER.
the excitement and lost; with it was erased all trace of unfortunates
who may have been totally incinerated.
The funeral obsequies for the unfortunate victims of this holocaust
were held Thursday, January 25th,* at the Exposition Building (for
the Protestants), and at St. John's Cathedral (for the Catholics), at
both of which places solemn and impressive ceremonies were had.
This done, the two divisions united on Broadway, and proceeded to
the cemeteries in the following order :
First Division.
Marshal Bean and Staff.
Light Horse Squadron.
Bach's Band.
Lincoln Guards.
South Side Turner Rifles.
Grand Army of the Republic.
Milwaukee Turnverein.
Scandinavian Benevolent Society.
Druids.
Delesjates from Eintracht Society.
Carriages Containing Clerg:y.
Three Carriages Containing Policemen.
Hearses.
Citizens' Committee.
The Mayor.
Municipal Organizations.
Citizens in Carriages.
Second Division.
Under command of Assistant Marshal Thomas Shea.
Clauder's Band.
Sheridan Guards.
Kosciusko Guards.
Knights of St George.
Knights of St. Patrick.
Order of St. Bonaventura.
St John's Married Men's Sodality.
St Bonafacius Society.
Ancient Order of Hibernians.
Hibernian Benevolent Society.
St Gall's Youne Men's Sodality.
St. Piur Society.
St Peter's Society.
Band.
St. Joseph's Society.
St. Bernard's Society.
St. George's Society.
St. Stanislaus' Society.
Runkel's Band.
St Anthony's Society.
St John's Young Men's Sodality.
* The Messrs. Bleyer gave this as Wednesday, the 24th, and this correction has
been made at their request.
MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. 216
Heart of Jesus Society.
Carriages Containing Catholic Clergy.
Hearses.
Delegation of St. George's Society as pall-bearers.
Carriages containing citizens and delegations from societies.
As the cortege moved with measured steps through the lanes
formed by the living mass on both sides, the silence was unbroken
save by the melancholy strains of the dirge and the regular tolling of
the various church bells. The catafalques on which the forty- three
coffins rested, in full view of the spectators, were the center of inter-
est all along the route. They were seven in number, and consisted
of platforms built on sleighs, the whole being covered with black
cloth, and appropriately trimmed with rosettes and festoons of black.
On National avenue, near Sixth avenue, the military and civic socie-
ties formed two lines and came to a halt, facing inward. The cata-
falques were slowly drawn between the lines, and as they passed the
escort reverently bowed their heads. The procession dispersed at
this point and the societies returned to their respective armories and
halls. The pall-bearers, the clergy and the friends and relatives of
the dead accompanied the remains to Forest Home and Calvary
cemeteries, where the last funeral rites were performed.
At Forest Home cemetery a simple burial service was held, after
which the coffins were lowered into the ground. The number of
each coffin was called off as it was lowered, as follows: i, 4, 6, 7, 8,
9, 10, II, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 18, 20, 23, 24, 26, 28, 29, 30, 40 and
44. At Calvary cemetery Archbishop Heiss conducted the cere-
monies in accordance with the Catholic faith. The coffins were
numbered 27, 32, 36, 37, 45, 22, 48, 33, 31, 39, 25, 47, 42, 46, 38,
21, 19, 34, 35 and 41.
A beautiful monument, upon which the names of all these unfor-
tunates are chiseled, mark their final resting-place in our own Forest
Home, where let them sleep until He who made them shall bid them
rise.
The site of this unfortunate hotel has been purchased by that
gigantic corporation, the Northwestern Mutual Life, for $90,000,
upon which they have erected the magnificent structure here repre-
sented at a cost of $500,000, which, let us hope, may prove a suc-
cess.
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Mdil^
milwaukee under the charter. 217
Nathan Pereles.
This gentleman, who for many years occupied so prominent a
place in the legal fraternity, as well as in financial circles, in Milwau-
kee, was bom at the village of Sabotist, Neutia county, Hungary, on
the 2d day of April, 1824. It was not his fortune to belong to that
class who (to use a metaphor) are bom with a silver spoon in their
mouth, as his parents, although occupying the respectable position
of teachers, were very poor, the only legacy they were able to be-
stow upon their son being the rudiments of an education and their
blessing, with which, at the early age of fifteen, he bade adieu to the
patemal roof and struck out on life's broad main for himself His
first employment was as clerk in a wholesale indigo and seed store
in the city of Prague, attending strictly to business during business
hours, but spending his evenings and holidays in study, for the pur-
pose of fitting himself for a higher position. Not a moment of
those precious hours went unimproved. Indeed, so rapid was his
progress that five years later (1844) he was promoted to the bonora-
ble as well as responsible position of confidential clerk to his em-
ployers, the highest round ever reached by the majority of those
who make book-keeping their objective point.
This promotion, although a good advance in life, did not satisfy
him. He longed for something more independent, something over
which he would be the manager, and to obtain which, after one
year's service in his new position, he resigned, and bidding a long
adieu to his native land sought in America the prize for which he
was aiming. His first act after his arrival in New York city, that
Mecca of the emigrants, was to engage as a laborer upon a farm on
Long Island, reserving the privilege of attending school in order to
acquire a knowledge of English. He also gave lessons in music and
French as opportunity offered.
He remained in that locality until 1847, when, having accumu-
latce a small capital, he came to Milwaukee and commenced busi-
ness for himself. His first plant was a retail grocery, with which he
subsequently connected dry goods, at what is now Nos. 1 1 and 13
Chestnut street. Here he quickly built up a large trade and made
money rapidly — so rapidly, in fact, as to enable him (in 1853, see
218 MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER.
Vol, Iir, page 441) to assume the contract of Mr. Schultz*
upon the then La Crosse Railroad, that gentleman having failed, and
complete it. It was at this time that the writer first saw him.
He had now reached a point in his career when he felt himself
able (financially) to adopt a profession more in accordance with his
tastes than was the vending of groceries or dry goods, viz., the loan-
ing of money In connection with the purchase and sale of real estate,
and as this required a certain amount of legal knowledge in order to
make its pursuit a success, he at once commenced the study of law
in the oflfice of the late Geo. W. Chapman, and was admitted to the
bar as a full-fledged disciple of Blackstone and Chitty September 11,
1857. He was now fairly established in a business he liked, and
from whence, until the day of his death, his march to wealth and in-
fluence was extremely rapid.
His first associates in his new vocation were our well known fel-
low-citizens R. N. Austin and D. H. Johnson. This partnership
was, however, dissolved in 1868, Mr. Pereles being desirous of form-
ing a new one with his two sons, Jas. M. and Thos. J. Pereles, whom
he had trained to the business. This was accomplished in 1874, un-
der the title of Nathan Pereles & Sons, which is its title to-day, and
under which it has become one of the soundest private moneyed in-
stitutions in the city.
Such in brief is the history of the origin of the house of N.
Pereles & Sons.
Personnel.
In person Mr. Pereles was in height below the medium, very
stoutly built, and inclined to corpulency. His head, which was un-
usually large, was thickly covered with dark, crispy hair, inclined to
stand erect ; he had dark eyes, set wide apart, a large, round face,
lips slightly intumescent (or pouting), spoke distinctly, looked you
directly in the eye when conversing, and belonged to that class of
men who seem by intuition to know the valne of money, and how to
use it to the best advantage. He was a good judge of character,
and did not need to be in the company of any one long before he
^*The writer has been unable at this late day to obtain the first name of this
gentleman.
MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER 219
was in possession of all that person's weak points, and the best way
to handle him. He was a first-class diplomatist, and if after a trade
would approach the subject with a touch so velvet-like as to scarcely
be felt. He was sharp and keen to an unusual degree, and to get
the better of him in a trade was not often done. His bump of cau-
tion was very large, and had he been a banker would have made a
very successful one. He was very benevolent, of which the world
knew little ; and when compelled to resort to the strong arm of the
law to obtain his just rights, always did so with reluctance. His in-
dustry was something wonderful ; hfe was never idle a moment, his
vigorous constitution, coupled with his strictly temperate life, ena-
bling him to perform an amount of mental labor that few profes-
sional men could endure, but which he performed with apparent
ease.
In political faith he was a Republican always, and a consistent
one, and took a deep interest in the various political issues of the
day.
Such are a few of the leading characteristics of Nathan Pereles,
who, it is no injustice to others to say, was entitled to be ranked
among our best foreign-bom citizens; one who, by industry, econo-
my, and the practice of correct principles, raised himself from pov-
erty to affluence, from obscurity to prominence, and who has left a
record for honesty, business integrity and usefulness to which his
children may point with pride. He died in the prime of his use-
fulness, from the effects of a tumor, January 28, 1879, aetat fifty -six.
Merrill's Cornet Band.
This was a famous band, and was the first and the last, as far as I
know, composed wholly of Americans. They played splendidly.
The following were known to have belonged 10 this band :
Freebun L. Mayhew, B flat basso.
Hiram R. Bond, E flat tenor.
Jas. Bond, B flat cornet.
H. D. Webster, snare drum.
L. J. McCracken (Tangle), E flat tenor.
Miller, E flat basso.
Winslow, B flat baritone.
220 MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER.
John Westlake, B flat cornet.
Chas. Perch, bass drum.
Jansen, B flat basso.
There were also three brothers by the name of Comarck (lost on
the Lady Elgin) who at one time were members of this band.*
A sad accident occurred September 7, by which six men were
drowned through the upsetting of a boat containing forty men
(workmen) returning from the shipyard on Jones' Island, caused by
the swell raised by a passing tug. There was much excitement
about this aflair at the time against the captain of the tug.
Martin B. Coombs.
This gentleman was a play-actor, and often performed in the thea-
ter away back in the '50s, his favorite pose being that of Shy lock in
the Merchant of Venice. He finally got involved in a difficulty
with Dighton Corson, on. account of being too intimate with the
wife of that gentleman (at least that was the rumor), and fled to
Maine, where he attempted and I think committed suicide or " hari-
kari," as the Japanese have it.
The following, making inquiries about him, appeared in the fVis-
consin of March, 1885 :
Inquiry About Martin B. Coombs.
A letter was to-day received from parties in Carroll county, la., in-
quiring of the sheriff's department if there lived in Milwaukee an at-
torney named Martin B. Coombs, who was know^n to reside here up-
wards of thirty years ago. Martin B. Coombs was years ago a promi-
nent Milwaukee lawyer. In 1858 he became involved in a quarrel with
a brother attornev m relation to the latter's wife, shortlv after which
he left the city. He was next heard of in Ban&^or, Me., where, on Sep-
tember 8, 1858, he committed suicide. The object of the letter of in-
quiry is not known.
Detroit & Milwaukee Railroad — Humorous.
There was a meeting of the common council September 8, called
by some one in the interest of the above road, for the purpose of
getting the city to issue bonds to aid in its construction. But it
*This was furnished by Nathaniel Merrill, whose brother was its first leader.
It was this band which played against Bach's band on East Water street, in June,
1852, for one hour and a quarter, the tune being Yankee Doodle, which collected
such a crowd that the police were finally compelled to stop it. No doubt many
yet living remember the occurrence.
MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. 221
proved to be an inauspicious night for that purpose, the boys going
in for fun. Among the resolutions offered was the following :
Whereas. The common council of the city of Milwaukee met pursu-
ant to a call from somebod}^. for the purpose of helping build a railroad
to some point to this council unknown ; therefore be it
Resolved, That this unknown railroad receive no further encourage-
ment from this honorable bodv without first covering the palms of the
hands of each member with a $1,000 full-paid certificate oi stock and a
free pass (particularly the pass) for himself, his heirs and assigns for-
ever.
Passed unanimously.
He Would Not Stand It Any Longer.
A tailor by the name of Richard Clarey, who worked for the
Messrs. Shoyer, getting tired of life (or of his wife), made an attempt
to drown himself, October 25, by jumping into the raging Milwau-
kee. He was much encouraged thereto by Mrs. Clarey, who, with
arms a-kimbo, stood by and sicked him on with such encouraging
remarks as, " Drown, ye dirty baste, if yees want to," and " Oh, I
only wish he would sink." He was fished up, however, after which
his amiable spouse led him home by the ear, just as one would a
Newfoundland dog. • It was rich.
The Sentinel of the 26th, in commenting upon it, had the follow-
ing:
A Man Running Away from His Wipe and Jumping Into the River
TO Avoid Her!
Yesterday forenoon rather a ludicrous affair took place between a
husband and wife, in the neighborhood of Furlong's olock, on Huron
street, which came near ending fatally. A tailor named Clarey got
quarreling with his better half, or rather his better half got quarreling
with him, and he ran awav and left her — as every man should do when
his wife begins to scold. But Mrs. Clarey was not to be baffled by this,
and being nearly as good a traveler as he, put after him and overtook
him in the place above mentioned, when sne commenced pummelius
her liege lord in a manner that would have been creditable to an old
pugilist. He retreated under a heavy poundine towards the bridge,
out as the draw was open there was no room for nim to retreat further
unless he jumped into the river, and in he jumped ! The water was
quite coldj ana we think it had the effect of bringing him to a true
sense of his perilous situation. He worked hard to keep above the sur-
face of the water, and after getting a pretty thorough soaking, he was
fished out by two men who were working at the bridge in a boat. In
the meantime the vixen wife stood upon the abutment quite coolly,
looking at her husband struggling in the water, and when he kept up
"3 was heard to exclaim, " I wish to the
longer than she expected, she
Lord he would sink !" He didn't sink, however, for which he may be
thankful — or the contrary — to the boatmen*
222 MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER.
Among the political moves made this fell was an attempt by a
few of the old bourbons to place Doctor Huebschmann on the track
for governor, but their medicine was not strong enough.
A puff for Mayor Cross also appeared in the papers in October,
in commendation of his course on the money question (bonds).
There was a song of a different meter, however, in November, when
the following expose came :
Municipal Rascality Unearthed.
Near the close of 1857, the atmosphere became filled with rumors
that not only was the city treasury in a very delicate state of health,
but that the people were also in the toils of as unscrupulous a set of
scoundrels as ever disgraced any city, and that financially we were
as near bankruptcy as it was possible to go, and escape that peril.
A committee (self-appointed in part), some of whom had previously
succeeded in getting a peep behind the scenes, had made discoveries
which fully convinced them that something was rotten in Denmark,
and the result was an examination of the books of the city clerk and
comptroller, after which there was a call for a mass meeting at Albany
Hall, on the 17th of November, composed of democrats and repub-
licans, both native and foreign born, to whom, after the object of the
meeting had been fully explained by Messrs. Otis H. Waldo, Chas.
K. Watkins, Doct. Huebschmann, and a few others; Mr. Waldo, on
the part of the committee, made as the result of their discoveries the
following report :
The Report.
The recent developments (referring to several communications
which had passed between John B. Edwards, the former comptroller,
and E. L. H. Gardner, the present one,*) have disclosed a state of
things in our city, that has filled the minds of all sober and thinking
citizens with just alarm and gloomy apprehensions. We are aston-
ished at the present demand for the payment of a tax in amount
* There had several spicy communications passed between Mr. Edwards and
Mr. Gardner upon this defalcation, caused by the knowledge ihat a committee of
tax payers were on their track, in which each endeavor^ tQ prove the other a,
scoundrel, and himself ^ model of all that is lovely.
MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. 223
without precedent in this country, and too enormous to be believed ;
whether we compare it with that raised in this city under the com-
paratively economical administration of former years, or consider the
proportions of the aggregate amount of the same to the number of
our population, or the nominal percentage of the cash value of the
property assessed upon which this lax is levied and now ordered to
be paid, in a season of extreme pecuniary distress ; a lax levied in
disregard of pledges repeatedly made, and in violation of good faith,
since it is known to all that the power to raise this percentage (as
authorized by law) was given in \ iew of the low assessments formerly
adhered to since the organization of the city government, and that
was expected to be adhered to still ; a tax levied upon an assessment
procured, as we think there is good reason to believe, by fraud;
an assessment full of gross irregularities, and unjust discriminations,
in favor of the friends and favorites of the present city government.
The demand made for this tax is followed by the more startling
discoveries of an enormous city debt, both bonded and floating,
amounting,* as we are informed by our city officials, in addition to
the issue of bonds in aid of the railroads, to the enormous sum of
thirteen hundred and eighty thousand dollars ($1,380,000), and to
which there has been issued, in addition, the sura of five hundred
thousand dollars in city bonds within the last twelve or fifteen months,
and the sale of a large portion thereof at ruinous prices, and the dis-
bursements of large sums, the proceeds of these bonds, in a manner
wholly unknown to the charter, by the mayor himself, without, so far
as we can leirn, any entry, check, or record, by the proper officers,
thus at once destroying all the safeguards which the formalities of law
have placed around our financial system, and opened a door for the
most dangerous speculations and abuses.
Again, we are informed that many of the resolutions and safeguards
of the original charter, in regard to the contracting of debts, the issue
of bonds, fixing the amount of taxation, the letting of contracts, the
ordering of work, and the limitation of ward expenditures, have all
been practically annulled, either by the alteration of the laws passed
fi-om time to time by the legislature, or by the practice of the common
* ^800,000 of thi^ was floating.
•;•
• •••
•••• ••••
•••
••• •
• • • •
• • •
• ••
• • ••
• •• • •
•• •• ••• •
• • ••
• •• •
/.•• .
• • • •
• •••
• •
• •
226 Milwaukee UNbEk iHfe Charter.
F. Hiiebschmann, president.
The committee reported at Albany hall, January 12, 1858.
This report brought one in reply from Mr. Gardner, dated Decem-
ber 12, published in the Wisconsin of the 14th, in which he does not
deny the allegations in the report of the committee, but very adroitly
attempts to throw the blame upon his predecessor, Mr. Edwards —
intimating that when his (Gardner's) official report at the close of
the fiscal year (April, 1858) appeared all would be lovely, and clos-
ing with the following words :
But^ Mr. Editor, too much space has already been occupied in open-
ing this, my first vial. But if called ui3on aeam, a still larger space will
be reauired in opening the second vial, wnen all things would be re-
vealea.
But, alas for his boasting, the opening of the first vial was suffi-
cient to send him to California a criminal and a fugitive from justice.
It needed not the second. But I digress.
This pronunciamento of Mr. Gardner's was commented upon
somewhat severely in the Sentinel of the 1 5th, and was replied to in
the Wisconsin of the i8th,^ in an article entitled " Excessive Taxa-
tion," intended to shield Mr. Gardner, and in which Mr. Cramer ac-
cused the Sentinel of wishing to bring the honesty of the then city
administration into disrepute, particularly that of Mr. Gardner, who
he characterizes as not only a competent and careful official, but
ventures the assertion that when his books came to be examined that
they would be found all right.
It was useless, however, for the editor of the Wisconsin or any
other paper to defend Mr. Gardner ; the whole thing had to come
out and the whole gang ousted before anything Hke a sound system
of finance was again established. But they died hard.
Charles F. Freeman.
This gentleman, who has made so honorable a record as a busi-
ness man and citizen, is a native of Corydon, McKean county. Pa.,
where he was born June 20, 1832, and from where he removed in
*Mr. Cramer appears to have been grossly ignorant of the true state of afl^irs,
or if not so to have had a strong leaning to the Democratic side, to justify him in
writing what he did. But he got his eyes opened at last and went in for punish-
ing the thieves.
MttWAUKEE UNDER THE CHART£ti. 22?
1845, to Genessee, N. Y., and from there to Milwaukee in 1857,
where he at once commenced to lay the foundation for a business
life. His first occupation after his arrival was to act as a foreman
for Charles H. Larkin, on the old Beloit & Milwaukee Railroad, a
section of which Mr. L. had contracted to grade.
This, however, was altogether too monotonous a life for him, and
he commenced to purchase grain, for which purpose he formed a
partnership with C. C. Collins, then a prominent dealer in the cereals.
This, however, did not continue long^ as he soon made up his mind
that he preferred to be alone and " paddle his own canoe," which he
has done to the present time. He has been quite successful, his
courteous demeanor and sterling integrity causing him to make
friends very rapidly, and has built up a large business.
He subsequently went into the political arena, in which he was
also successful; was elected alderman from the Fifth ward in 1873.
He has also served as school commissioner both in the Fifth and
Eighth wards. He was also appointed from the board of aldermen,
in connection with D. G. Hooker, mayor, B. K. Miller and Levi H.
Kellogg) from the council, and Jacob Velten, from the board of pub-
lic works, on the part of the city, in 1873, to proceed to and ex-
amine into the system of sewage in use in the cities of St. Louis,
Rochester, Brooklyn and Chicago, and decide upon the best plans
for Milwaukee to adopt in view of the success of the plans in use in
those cities. He was also a representative to the legislature from his
district in 1870 and again in 1879, where he was both active and
efficient. He has also served as president of the chamber of com.
merce for two years (1882-83), where, by his gentlemanly deport-
ment as well as judicious management he was very popular, and is
to-day one of the most active members of that well known organiza-
tion, where the game of " heads I win, and tails you lose " is played
daily by tho^e seeking to gel something for nothing.
This part of the game, however, in playing which so many of the
members of that body indulge, Mr. Freeman takes no part, all his
business being done on strictly business principles.
Personnel.
In person, Mr. Freeman is stoutly built, and is very muscular.
228 MiLWAtJKEE UNDER tttE CttAktER.
He walks with a quick, nervous step, and will pass directly through
a crowd of men without looking at one of them, and yet can tell you
every one (that he knows) who were in it. He is usually in a study
(«. ^.), his mind is fixed entirely upon his business, and he keeps the
run of the " market " at all times, seldom or never losing the thread,
and consequently is usually on the winning side. He is afiable and
polite to all, and will gain and hold friends (and does so hold them)
when others would not. His executive abilities are far above the
average, consequently he is often placed upon committees where
good judgment, coolness and tact are required in order to accom-
plish the object in view. In political faith he is a democrat of the
progressive school, and a leader in his district, but does not care to
hold office. In religious feith he is a liberal. Such are some of the
personal characterics of Chas. F. Freeman, an honest man, and a
good and useful citizen.
Stephen A. Harrison.
This gentleman, so well and so widely known as a master builder,
railroad contractor and public-spirited citizen, is a native of England,
having been bom in that portion of the city of London known as
" Surry," on the i8th day of September, 1829, and from where he
emigrated to America in 1853, landing at Milwaukee in the fall of
1854. The business outlook at that time in the West was not very
encouraging, or at least not quite up to his expectations, and he
started upon a tour of discovery, during which he visited Chicago,
La Crosse, Janesville, and several other places in the State, many of
which were then being "boomed," just as Mitchell, Anderson, Bis-
mark, and other points in Dakota, are at the present time. But
finding all of them inferior to Milwaukee, he returned here again in
the fall of 1856, and has made it his permanent residence to the
present time. He remained unemployed until the spring of 1857,
when he formed a partnership with a Mr. William Clark, and the
new firm hung out their shingle, under the title of Harrison & Clark.
Their first work was the erection of the building known as the
Waldo Block, northeast corner of East Water and Chicago streets.
Then the Sisters' Hospital, on the North Point. This was followed
by the enlargement of the Gas Works — including the erection of the
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MILWAUKEE \J^t>tR ttlE CHARtfett. 229
hew Holder, loo feet in diameter, quite an undertaking for that day,
the site being six feet under water, which rendered its construction
extremely difficult, but which was finally accomplished, and the
Holder is in good condition to-day.
The completion of these works made Mr. Harrison's reputation as
a builder, and feeling himself now fully established and competent to
undertake anything in the line of mason work, he dissolved with*Mr.
Clark, and for the next twelve years he had under contract and com-
pleted a larger amount of buildings, public and private, besides con-
structing railroads and paving streets, than any other one man in the
State.
Among the buildings erected by him are the Lester Sexton block,
southeast comer of Broadway and Michigan streets (now the prop-
erty of the Friend Bros.) The Northwestern Life Insurance Building,
northwest corner Broadway and Wisconsin streets, and the National
Home for disabled soldiers at Wauwatosa. He also, in connection
with Henry Buestrin, straightened up Elevator A., the largest work of
the kind ever undertaken in the West, requiring 2,000 screws to raise
it. This elevator had settled in the following manner :
s.
i N.
eo
It was a wonderful undertaking, and was accomplished without an
accident of any kind.
He also moved the present Manne Block, northeast comer of
South Water and Ferry streets, twenty-four feet to the East, in order
to widen Ferry street, besides raising numerous other buildings, made
necessary by the change of grade throughout the city. The incep-
tion of and construction of the present West Side Horse Railroad, is
also largely if not wholly due to his foresight and energy.
He has either alone, or in connection with others, constructed for
2^0 MILWAUKEE UKt>£R tll£ CHARtEft.
the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railroad Company, the following
lines:
Miles.
The Brookfield Cut-OflF. 14
The SchwartzbuTK Cut-Off. 8
Eagle and Elkhorn Cut-Oft 24
Of tbeChica^ & Milwaukee Division 24
Omaha Division 23
Beloit <& Janesville 10
Minneapolis to St. Paul 10
Various Dakota Branches. 162
Hastings and Stillwater 22
Chippewa Valley 110
Cedar Rapids. 80
477
For the Chicago & Northwestern Railway :
Have built from Volga to Perrie on the Missouri 100
Toledo & Northwestern Division about 125
Milwaukee, Madison & Monfort 145
370
Wisconsin Central Railway:
Chippewa Falls to Abbotsford 65
Schleisingerville to Nenah 65
To Chippewa Falls 3
133
Milwaukee & Northern :
To Green Bay. about 60
Minneapolis, St. Paul & Manitoba:
Alexandria to Bamsville 85
Chicago, Burlington & Quincy:
In Missouri 16
Total of miles 1141
An aggregate of nearly 20,000,000 yards of earth, and of 600,000
yards of rock, with 20,000,000 feet of timber in bridges, etc.; piles,
probably, 30,000 pieces. And is now, 1885, constructing the new
line from Schleisingerville to Chicago for the Wisconsin Central.*
Political.
In political faith Mr. Harrison is a Repubh'can, and has been a
very prominent as well as a very efficient member of that party.
He was nominated for the legislature from the First and Seventh
wards in 1863 against J. R. Sharpstein, but owing to the strong
Democratic vote of the First ward was defeated. He was also a
* The following are the changes which have occurred in this well-known firm:
From 1872 to 1879 it was Harrison & Green (Samuel M.Green). From 1879 to
1882 it was Wells, Harrison & Shule (The laie Daniel L. Wells, of this city, and
William B. Shute, of Chicago). From 1882 to 1884 (November) it was Wells,
Harrison & Green. And now, 1885, Harrison & Green. Mr. Well» died Novem-
ber 20, 1884.
MiLWAUkEE UNbfek THE CHARtER. 23l
delegate to the convention to nominate Halbert E. Paine for congress
in 1869. He was elected to the board of councillors from the First
ward in 1869, and was on the committee for accepting the plans for
the present Chesbrough system of sewage, as well as the present sys-
tem of water- works as against the Holly plan.* He was also, as a
member of the bridge committee, one of the first to suggest the con-
struction of permanent stone piers as well as abutments for all the
new bridges, and to substitute iron in place of wood for all bridges
to be erected in the future, for which extravagance, as the old fossil-
ized politicians termed it, he was cursed high and low by them and
their henchmen. This plan, however, has proved to be by far the
most economical, as those piers, when once built, will last a thousand
years. He also conceived the idea of having a public park, at pres-
ent a great desideratum in .Milwaukee, and for that purpose advo-
cated the purchase of the Hawley estate at $1,000 per acre on lon^;;
time, for which he was also abused by all that portion of our citizens
whose views in public matters do not extend beyond their nose. It
was a grand conception, and had it been carried out our city would
have had a park equal to any in the West. He was also elected to
the legislature from the First ward in 1869, during which he intro-
duced a bill for the construction of the so-called Menominee im-
provement of canals, for which he was also abused. But what
would the Fourth ward be to-day without those canals ? He also
represented the Fourth ward in the legislature in 1875-6.
Such is substantially the business record of Stephen A. Harrison,
one of the sharpest and most far-seeing business men amongst us, one
whose plans, had they been carried out, would have placed our city
far in advance of what she is to-day, but which, by the short-sight-
edness as well as the jealousy of the solons composing the boards of
aldermen and counsellors at that time, were doomed to the waste-
basket.
*This has reference to a committee consisting of Messrs. Harrison and Dr. I.
A. Lapham, selected to decide up)on the difference in cost, predicated upon a chal-
lenge given by the Holly people, through Mr. Casgrain, in which the Holly peo-
ple were badly worsted. In this affair the writer (who was pitted against Mr.
Casgrain in the newspaper discussion regarding the merits of the two plans) chose
Mr. Harrison, and Mr. C. chose I. A. Lapham.
232 MILWAUKEE Oi^DfeR THE CtiAktEft.
Personnel.
In person Mr. Harrison is of the medium height, with a lithe but
a very compactly built frame, and is possessed of a constitution of
the first order and powers of endurance that are wonderful, as in ad-
dition to the labor incident to superintending five hundred men (his
usual force when railroading) he also acted as his own book-keeper,
the labor of which alone would be considered as sufficient for one
man to perform. He has clean-cut features, face slightly oval, au-
burn hair, a florid complexion, and blue eyes, in which a mirthful
smile and a look of severity will often follow each other in rapid suc-
cession. His voice is strong and slightly musical in tone ; he speaks
distinctly, and usually very deliberately ; but when excited, will often
speak very fast. He has large comprehensive powers, thinks quick
and decides quick, has splendid executive abilities and perfect confi-
dence in himself. He is also possessed of a will power which ena-
bles him to carry out contracts that would appal ordinary men. He
has the lump of caution largely developed, which, combined with
his faculty of reading character, renders it very difficult to deceive
him. He looks squarely at you when conversing, and if after in-
formation will pump you dry before you know it. He will never
undertake any work that he is not certain to perform, and the more
difficult the work the better he likes it, as in that case more credit is
to be obtained by its execution. He is always courteous — few busi-
ness men (parficularly large contractors) are so much so; is social
with acquaintances, but reticent with strangers; is a model citizen,
and as a business man has made a record of which he may well be
proud, and is to-day, at sixty-five years of age, owing to his temper-
ate life and well balanced head, as competent to build a hundred
miles of railroad or move a block of stores across the street as when
he first came to our city. He has become very wealthy, but of this
he makes no parade, as do many others who, bom in poverty, have
by some lucky turn of fortune'i\ wheel, become suddenly rich.
Such are some of the prominent characteristics of Stephen A.
Harrison. Better would it be for Milwaukee had she a majority of
such men in her councils in place of the almost mental imbeciles
who to so large an extent too often fill her aldermanic chairs. Men
who would spend more time and money in devising plans to benefit
MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. 233
as well as beautify the city, and less in wrangling over the license
question and investigating Rosina Georg.
Daniel L. Wells.
This gentleman, who for so many years was so prominent as a
business man and so successful as a railroad contractor, was born at
Middlebury, Vt., July 21, 1821, and from where he came to Wiscon-
sin in 1856, in company with Selah Chamberlin. He first located at
Beaver Dam, where he remained but a short time ; went firom there
to Portage, and from there to Milwaukee in 1858, where he remained
until his death.
Mr. Wells belonged to that class of men who go in to make
money, and who never fail to make it. Possessed of good executive
ability, coupled with good judgment, backed by a will that stops at
nothing short of carrying out all he undertakes — supplemented by
a thorough knowledge of business, particularly that of building rail-
roads, gave him the inside track (so to speak), consequently he took
hold of a contract understandingly, and nothing short of an interpo-
sition of Providence could prevent him winning his case. He was
not much of a talker, and did not care to converse much, except on
business, kept his own counsel, never letting any one, except a con-
fidential clerk, into his plans, a practice that many fail to remember,
but nevertheless a rule that every business man who employs large
gangs of laborers should follow if success is to be looked for, as well
as the enforcement of discipline with almost the same rigidness as
in an army. This Mr. Wells did do.
Besides Mr. Chamberlin he was, as has been seen, connected in
partnership at various times with Messrs. Harrison and Shute, dur-
ing which the firm constructed the following lines:
Over four hundred miles in Iowa and Dakota, for the Chicago &
Northwestern ; an expensive and very difficult piece for the Chicago,
Burlington & Quincy, from Bethany to Albany, Mo.; from Abbots-
ford to Chippewa Falls, for the Wisconsin Central ; from Milwaukee
to Madison, one hundred miles, for the Chicago & Northwestern ;
fi-om Madison to Montfort, sixty miles, for the same company ; from
Janesville to Beloit, for the Milwaukee & St. Paul ; firom Hastings to
Stillwater, for the Milwaukee & St. Paul,
284 MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER.
Upon the death of Mr. Shute, in 1881, Samuel Green became
associated with Messrs. Wells and Harrison, under the firm title of
Wells, Harrison & Green.
As a member of this fiim Mr. Wells witnessed the satisfactory
completion by himself and partners of seventy miles of railway for
the Milwaukee & St. Paul, from Reed's Landing to Eau Claire;
ninety miles, for the same company, from Cedar Rapids to Ottum-
wa, la.; sixty miles for the Wisconsin Central, from Schleisingerville
to Neenah ; one hundred miles for the same company, from Chip-
pewa Falls to St. Paul. The latter extension was completed on the
day of Mr. Wells' death.
By the terms of the partnership agreement Mr. Wells' interest in
the firm ceased at death.
Besides all this he had, previous to his connection with Harrison
and Shute, constructed (or helped construct) the following lines :
The old La Crosse road, from Beaver Dam west to La Crosse ;
several Minnesota lines ; from Columbus to Portage City, for the same
company ; the Menominee branch, for the Chicago & Northwest-
ern; the Michigan & West Shore, from New Buffalo to Pent water;
the Leavenworth, Lawrence & Galveston, through Kansas, and sev-
eral other portions of southwestern railway.
Personnel.
In person, Mr. Wells was in height rather above the average, had
a well propoitioned physique, dark complexion, dark hair and eyes.
He had a strong voice, spoke somewhat quick, and very distinctly.
He was not over nervous, although, at times, he appeared so. He
looked you squarely in the face when conversing, was very cautious,
and just lawyer enough to never commit himself to his own disad-
vantage, and never had any time (or disposition if he had) to attend
to any one's business but his own. He was a republican in politics,
and in religious faith an Episcopalian, and financially one of Mil-
waukee's solid men. He died November 24, 1884.
Improvements.
Fifth Ward.
Some op its Improvements. — No ward in this city has recentlv exhib-
ited greater signs of progress an4 improvement than this. We took ^
MILWAUKEE UNDER THE THARTER. 335
tourthrouglidiCrereiit piirtsof Hafewdayssince, and noted down some
of the more prominent chanj^sthat are taking place there. The citizens
of that ward seem, as it were, like a town of themselveH,. but they are
wide awake with activitv and bueinese. We have no hesitation in asseil-
inRour belief that it ia destined tobe one of the principal business wards
in the city. As booh as the Detroit & Milwaukee Railroad is flniabed,
BO aa to form a connection with tbiiH city, and some of the roads going
west from this city reach the Miasissippi, we know that we shaU eee
Milwaukee bound up under the impulse hke a new power. Many, if
not all of these railroads, must, in time, unite and form one large Cen-
tral Depot, somewhere in wbat is now the Fifth ward.
This prophecy as to a Union Depot in the Fifth ward, is Dot likely
to be realized, as a magnificeut one is now being erected in the Fourth
ward, which will setde that question for years to come, if not for all
The South Side gas works, at what is now 263 and 265 Reed
street. St. John's Church, northwest corner of Hanover and Pierce
streets. Trinity (Catholir,), southwest corner of Greenbush and Park
streets. Two stores, yet standing and known as 157 and 159 Reed
street, by C. T. Stamm. A frame dwelling, No. 866 National Avenue,
by William Walton, yet standing. The Jonathan L. Burnham home-
stead, northeast corner Pierce and Fifteenth Avenue, A brick, by
Jas. Douglass, 465 Grove street, yet standing. One (double) by
Matt. Smith, 237 and 239 Grove street; this building is yet standing
but in bad condition.
Messrs. Martin & Rugee," also erected a brick planing mill, with
* Stoddard H. Martin and John KiigM,
236 MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER.
a sash, door and blind department Up Stairs. (See cut.) This factory,
which made a large amount of money for its owners (at least it did
for Mr. Rugee), stood upon the southeast corner of Grove and Oregon
streets, and was pulled down in 1884 by the railroad company, who
wanted the ground for tracks.
The Haywood Block, southeast corner of Second and Wells streets,
was erected this year.
The present Milwaukee National Bank Building* was erected this
year. This building had the first iron cornice ever put up in the city.
This is a first-class building to-day ; it was thoroughly built, and will
last for years to come.
A brick building, south of and adjoining the Albany, was com-
menced this year by Jas. S. Brown ; master mason, Jas. Allen. The
residence of Hon. Alpha C. May, southeast corner of Marshall and
Oneida streets, A. C. Nash, architect, and the double brick, south-
west corner of Biddlc and Astor streets, built by Chas. D. Nash, were
both commenced this year. A brick store (burnt afterwards) was
erected on the sdutheast corner of Clinton and Oregon streets, by
Jas. Goggin. The block on the southeast corner of Oneida and
Market streets, by Henry Brydert, mason, Carl Biersach, carpenter,
Frederick Tiebel. This is now a tenement block.
Abraham F. Clarke erected the brick store on the southeast comer
of East Water and Buffalo streets, this summer, G. Mygatt, architect,
H. R. Bond, mason, Edwin Palmer, superintendent, Haulman
& Roberts, carpenters, Bayley & Greenslade, iron work. Cook &
Bascomb, stone work, John Lowther, painting, tin roof by H. W.
Goodrich.
This building is still in use and occupied by the firm of Jewett &
Root, stoves.
Mr. Clarke was a prominent merchant in Milwaukee for many
years. He was a native of Massachusetts, and not of Berlin, as stated
in the Sentinel of March 3d, 1886. His original homestead was
upon the southwest corner of Juneau Avenue and Astor street, now
the residence of Hon. E. H. Brodhead. He was a very quiet, un-
demonstrative man, always attending to business, and universally
* formerly the State Bank of Wisconsio,
MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. 237
respected by all who knew him. He died at Marietta, Ga., March
2, 1886. Mrs. Clarke is a sister of Mrs. John H. Tweedy.
The Murray Block, 552 and 554 East Water street, was erected
this year Mygatt, architect ; mason, Sherburne Bryant ; carpenters,
Babcock Bros. A malt house for V. Blatz, architects, Mygatt &
Schultz. Adlers' Block, southeast corner of Jackson and Division
streets. This block is yet in good repair, and a general favorite
among those who rent.
The present National Exchange Bank, by Carlise D. Cook. This
building was at that time the most ornate building in the city, and is
to-day one of the best. It was well built and, as the Wisconsin stated
when sketching it, " a perfect gem."
Mr. Cook was one of the firm of Cook & Sherwin, who built the
Milwaukee & Mississippi Railroad from Madison to Prairie du Chien.
He died a few years later. This block was his monument.
The Mitchell Building, on the corner of East Water and Michigan
streets. This was the building spoken of in Vol. II., page 134, as
having been pulled down in 1879 to make room for the present bank.
It was a prominent building in its time. The master mason was Jas.
Allen, the carpenters were Messrs. Martin & Rugee, the painters were
Cranfield & Armstrong (Edward Cranfield and Robert Armstrong),
the vaults were by Schumacher & Johnson, and the iron work by
Hambrick & Wagner. This building had a tin roof. The whole
cost was $35,000. It was occupied for the first time, January
22, 1858.
Grading Down Wisconsin Street.
Wisconsin Street, East End.— The work of cutting down the east
end of Wisconsin street to the new grade is nearly completed, and
blocks and streets begin to appear on tlie side where the old Govern-
ment Lighthouse Keeper*B house, and the Gardens, a favorite place of
public resort in times gone by, once stood. The quantity of earth re-
moved in cutting down the bluff has been enormous, but it has all been
needed in filling lots and raising streets in the Third ward. At the
corner of Wisconsin and Marshall streets is a block of four four-story
brick dwellings now nearly comnleted, and nestled down beside them
is a one-story frame dwelhng. wnich nine years ago stood some forty
feet higher m the air, but which has by successive alterations of the
grade been lowered to its present place.*
* This frame is now known as No. 236 Wisconsin street, and the brick as Nos.
238, 240, 242 and 244. Both are yet in good condition, the frame being still the
property of the heirs of itJ» builder — the late Zachariah Claytoq,
15
238 MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER.
The Quentin Block, now Nos. 269 and 271 East Water streets,
now the property of The Dohmen & Smith Company, druggists, yet
in good repair, commenced in 1856, was completed this year.
The Wisconsin, in commenting upon the growth of our city, in
May, had the following item, which, although substantially correct,
is I think a litde overdone. But these editors often see through a
glass darkly :
The Growth of Our City.
The number of buildings now in process of erection in this city is
beyond all precedent. The long continuance of cold weather, the frosts
having left us but two or three weeks, has of course been a restraint
upon Duilding operations, and but little progress, comparatively, has
been made in the more costly brick edifices, out the sound of the saw
and hammer has been merry music in every ward since the severe cold
weather ceased. We have taken pains, within the last week, to ascer-
tain the number of buildings which have already been completed during
the present year, and are now in various stages of progress, and the
result has surprised ourselves, as it doubtless will most of our readers.
That result is as follows, by wards:
No. of Buildings.
First ward 115
Second ward 123
Third ward 108
Fourth ward 136
Fifth ward 158
Sixth ward 251
Seventh ward 86
Eighth ward Ill
Ninth ward 261
Total 1,349
Here we are, then, in the last week of May, with six months of good
building time before us, and thirteen hundred and forty-nine builoings
already counted for this year. We do not count, in our aggregates for
the several wards, many buildines for which we know the plans to be
prepared, and the contracts made. Of course the majority of these
Duiulings are wooden tenements, in the newer portions of the city,
where K)ts can be purchased at a reasonable price, so that mechanics,
laborers, and generally men of moderate means, can secure themselves
a location upon which to erect shelters for their families; but in older
wards, and in the older portions of those wards, buildings of various
cost, for dwellings, shops, and stores, are being dotted in upon almost
every vacant lot. As the extensive svstem of grading progresses, and
the lots come down to the grade, building materials follow the last of
the graders* carts, and neat edifices rise to greet the passer-by with their
fresh and cheerful look.
We have, in the fact that so much building is going on, besides the
large amount of money being expended in grading streets, and in im-
provements upon buildings heretofore erected^ one good reason for the
demand for, and high rates of money this Spring. The average cost of
the buildings counted above is very much less than would be shown by
a count two or three months later^ when more of the fine blocks of
stores, and other more costly buildings are under way, and we are un-
MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. 239
able to make any estimate now which is satisfactory to ourselves; but if
we should estimate the average cost even as low as $1,000, the aggregate
expenditure would reach the large sum of $1,849,000, and the real
amount is much greater than this.
Milwaukee is, indeed, rapidly gaining in population, and all that
makes up a prosperous citv. Its growth is substantial from year to year.
The character of the buildings erected* in their solidity and greater
attention to exterior appearance, as well as interior finish, shows an
accumulation of means whicb can be s^alred from business, as well as
the accession of capital from abroad . It is but a reasonable expectation,
we think, which estimates the population of our goodly city, which was
30,000 in June, 1855, at not less than 70,000 in 1860, when the United
States census will be taken.
This statement being disputed by the Sentinel man, brought the
following from the Wisconsin:
More About Figures.
Our neighbor of the Sentind is as obstinate as an animal and insists
that he was right about those fieures. Why, my dear local, we showed
you vour error, and no one would hesitate lor a moment to believe the
num'ber of new buildings was fully 2,000, after two papers asserted the
fact. Now be generous, neighbor, and when we convince you that you
are five hundred houses out of the way again, acknowledge it like a
man, and not keep asserting that you are correct, and everybody else
wrong. Go over and count the houses again, and if you don't find two
thousand, draw on us, at sight, for a hat, cap or box of cigars.
How about the ten ifeet keel ?*
Weather.
The weather commenced to put on airs early- this year, the first
ice forming November 20, about the same as the present year (1884)
but it became warm again in less than ten days. Neither was there
any more ice worth mentioning until March, when we had regular
December weather — snow eight inches in depth and ice twelve inches
in thickness.
Cold.
The Sentinel of November 23 has the following in relation to the
weather :
It was a night for an Icelander last night. The mercury must have
been down to zero in the course of the night. It was at 10 degrees
above zero at 9 o'clock this morning. There was a heavy, bitter wind
all day yesterday and all to-day, which has made the weather excruciat-
ing for outsiders. The vessels that are still out of port must be having
a terrible time, for the winds have been high for two days back, and it
has been as cold as in mid-winter. This morning the river was frozen
entirely over, and with a considerable thickness of ice. The tugs, how-
ever, loth to give up their towing business and go into winter quarters,
* Referring to a blunder made in a foriqer q oxQmunication by said local
iscribinc' a new vessel.
describing a new vessel.
in
240 MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER.
have been plowing up and down the river through the ice, and have
broken it up several times in the course of the day. It soon unites
again, however, and with another such a night as the" last, we fear that
the ice would get beyond the power of the tugs. We can hardly believe
that the winter has already set in, although it smacks strongly of an
early, a long, and a cold winter.
Much as we may wish to believe otherwise, it is undoubtedly true
that winter is upon us in earnest, and that the river has frozen over for
the last time tnis season. It keeps growing firmer, and the weather
growing colder. It will be well, therefore, to have those hogsheads
placed m the river again, as they were last winter, to guard against fire.
Thev are an excellent expedient for keeping holes in the ice, so as to be
ready for fires, and set in the ice at once.
Then a man should be employed to keep them open all the winter
long.
The river opened again, notwithstanding the Sentinets predictions,
below Walker's Point bridge on the 25th, and on December 2 the ice
went out, after which we had two months of as beautiful Indian sum-
mer weather as was ever witnessed in Wisconsin. There has never
been a winter like it, as far as the writer knows, since the city was
settled. True, we have had several which were called open winters,
but not one of which was as clear of fogs and rainstorms as was that
of 1857-58.
The Upman & Murray block was built this year.
Census for 1857.
First Ward 4,155
Second Ward 5,314
Third Ward 7,414
Fourth Ward 5,012
Fifth Ward 4,325
Sixth Ward 4,ia5
Seventh Ward 5,567
Eighth Ward 2,808
Ninth Ward 5,304
Total 44,004
The number of propellers running between Buffalo and Milwaukee
in 1857 was as follows :
American Transportation Co., J. J. Tallmadge, agent 8
Western Transportation Co., J. J. Tallmadge, agent 10
New York Central, Dousman & Co., agents 8
Oswego Line, Dousman & Co., agents 3
People's Line, Dousman & Co.. agents 5
Northwestern Transportation Co., L. J. Higby, agent 7
Northern Transportation Co., Barclay & Hale, agents 13
Total 54
More than there are to-day.
milwaukee under the charter. 241
Egbert Herring Smith Outdone.
The following affecting poetical stanzas are given here in order to
show that if Milwaukee could boast of a Smith, Racine was not
wholly destitute of a poet :
A Feeling Vaijentinr
We have been shown the following valentine, which irfveB out odors
of affection like a poppy in a flower-oed. It is orief, sweet and aflfect-
ing, and perfect poetry :
Whose hart is always beeting against the bars of its busom
Whose hart is wretcheder than tung can tel ?
I luv one and I feer I shall loose him.
Can yu tel who tis, can yu tel ?
He is jgentil an kin and butiful two —
Oh in the spring im goin to Calyforneyl
Shal I Ko aloan or shall I go along with yu
My fat is in your hans--Your retched
Aribelly Sofrony.
The Old First Ward Cemetery.
The one mentioned in Vol. I., page 8i, as being the first one upon
the eai-t side, i. e,^ an American one, and bounded by Racine, Astor,
Kewaunee and Brady streets, was graded off (or rather the streets
surrounding it were), thereby exposing a large number of bodies,
which brought the following from the Sentinel:
The Old Burying -Ground in the First Ward.
Has there been anv stop put yet to the outrageous and heathenish
ravages made upon the aoove spot? A gentleman informs us that a
few days ago he was up there, where they were digging the streets
through, and he counted the relics of as many as six or seven coffins
lying open to the sight. There were also the bones of human beings
scattered about. Some of the accounts we have heard, about the work-
men breaking into the coffins with their pick-axes, and committing
other similar Darbarities, are perfectly sickening.
Are we civilized or not? The remains of some of the best of our
early settlers are, or were, in that burying-ground. One of the earliest
territorial iudges was deposited there. And we, like vandals, are dig-
ging into tneir sacred resting-place and committing offenses which are
too revolting to relate. We trust that the workmen have been stopped
and that, if it is necessary to have a street through there, the remains
of the dead will be removed in an orderly and Christian-like manner.
The writer of that article further states that in passing over the old
ground a short time previous, his eye fell upon the grave of a most
estimable lady, whose niece was then (1857) the wife of one of our
^2 MiLWAUItEE UNDER THE CHARTER.
wealthiest citizens, while near by lay the remains of a young man,
who, a few years previous, was one of our most prominent business
men, and whose parents then occupied one of the beautiful brick
residences in the Seventh ward, and jusc beyond that one was the
grave of an elderly gentleman, whose children he often saw passing
along those streets, and all of whom seem perfecdy indifferent to this
wanton desecration of the graves of their friends and kindred.
I remember this occurrence and have myself seen the ends of two
coffins exposed on the Racine street side of the block as late as
1865, if not later.
CHAPTER V.
1858.
Opening Address — LegislatiTC — Municipal — Report of Tax-Payers' Committee at
Albany Hall— Tabular Statements— The Effect of the Report— The Fight
Between the People and the Council — Jackson Hadley, Sicetch — Taxation —
Milwaukee vs. Detroit — ^I'he Harbor Question — Alderman George S. Mal-
lory's Speech — More Meetings at Albany Hall — Letters from Tax-Payers —
The Spring Campaign — Tne Fur Flies — William A. Prentiss Nominated for
Mayor on a People's Ticket — Result of Election — Vilification — Council Pro-
ceedings — License — A Tidal Wave — Hi^h Water — ^The Cordes Black Falls —
July 4, and Its Results — The Council Takes a Tilt at the Common Schools —
Alderman J. A. Phelps, Sketch — ^J. P. Kundle, Sketch — Opening of the At-
lantic Cable — The Jail — Judge H. M. Wells Dies — Memorial Sketch —
Charter Revision — Attempt 10 Remove the Court House — Rufus P. Jennings
— Police Court — The Fall Campaign — A Bitter Contest — The Land Grant
Steal — ^Jud^e Hubbell Buys a New Milch Cow — ^Chamber of Commerce Or-
ganized — List uf Its Presidents to Date — Matthew Keenan Retires from the
Office of Clerk of Circuit Court — Political — ^Councillor Jackson Had ley Goes
for Mayor Prentiss — Mayor Prentiss Replies — Comptroller Hathaway's Esti-
mate — ^I'he Election November, 1858 — Hotel Wettstein Opened — The Young
Men's Christian Association vs. The Literary Club — ^The Weather — Early
Ship Building — Wolf & Davidson, Sketch — S. R. Smith, Sketch — Early She-
boygan Houses — Improvements.
The winter of 1857-58 was, as the reader has already seen, an un-
usually mild one, there being, with the exception of the slight freeze
in November mentioned at the close of the previous chapter, no
snow or ice throughout December, 1857, January and a part of Feb-
ruary, 1858, the weather during all this time being almost one per-
petual Indian summer.
Balmy and soft as summer's eve
Were those December days in '57.
Out from the grand old lake,
Guardine Wisconsin's eastern side.
Like molten clobe of fire,
The king of day at morn arose,
Gilding both land and sea
In his bright golden beams,
As through the shortening day
He journeyed to his western "bourne,
Where, 'neath a bank of crimson clouds,
He sank from view,
While Luna— beauteous queen —
Throughout the lengthening nights,
Shed o'er her mother earth
Her silver rays.
244 MiLWaUJCEE tJNt)Ete tHE CHARTER*
There has been no winter like it up to 1877 and 1878, during
which, as stated in Vol. II., page 227, there was no frost, dandelions
blooming in January and nearly all the fruit trees budding in Feb-
ruary, the difference between the two winters being in the amount of
fogs and dampness mainly, of which (dampness and fogs), owing to
the almost total absence of frost, we had an unusual amount in 1877
and 1878, while in 1857 and 1858 the weather was clear, with about
the usual November frosts, the sun coming up as clear nearly every
morning during the months mentioned as it does in July. There
was no ice in sight in the lake, and on the 2 2d of January there were
four sail vessels in the bay, one of which, the schooner Harriet, of
Sheboygan, came up the river and landed her cargo, and the first ice
seen during all that winter (except the freeze-up in November, previ-
ously mentioned) was on the 31st of January, when it formed one
inch in thickness. This, however, all disappeared on the 2d of Feb-
ruary, and two government dredges were working on the new har-
bor, while the fishermen were setting their nets in the river in which
to catch suckers. The ice formed again, however, above Walker's
Point bridge on the 4th thick enough for skating, and on the 5th
some four hundred men and boys were sporting upon it, and on the
6th the ice men commenced cutting. But the best and thickest ice
was not obtained until March, at which time it had obtained a thick-
ness of twelve inches or more.
Legislative.
The members to the legislature from Milwaukee city and county
in 1858 were: To the senate, August Greulich and Patrick Walsh;
assembly, Dighton Corson, Alex. Cotzhausen, John Hayden, Duncan
E. Cameron, Mitchell Steever, Fred. R. Berg, Orlando Ellsworth,
Joseph Carney and Michael Hanrahan.
Mr. Hanrahan, who was from the town of Granville I believe,
was the one who, when the house was polled, answered " Here, sor,"
neither could such an answer as •* yea " or " nay " ever be got out of
him. He had been an old-time juryman too long for that.
This legislature convened January 13 and adjourned May 17.
F. S. Lovell, speaker.
milwaukee under the charter. 245
Municipal.
There was a meeting of the common council held on the loth of
January/ 1858, for the purpose of devising some means to revive
the city's credit, which, as has been seen in the previous chapter, was
at a low ebb. Nothing was accomplished, however, owing to the
want of harmony among the members, except to adopt, after a
lengthy discussion, the following report of the committee on finance,
viz., that the sum of $200,000 in Milwaukee city bonds, bearing 7
per cent., be issued under the act providing for a sinking fund, and
as an offset for these bonds so issued.
They further recommend a remission of 2 per cent, of the tax now
due ($129,000) and an extension of thirty days for the payment of
the balance thereof, a petition for which had been presented to the
legiMature (then in session), and that these bonds so issued should
not be sold for less than 75 per cent, of their face value, and that
when so sold the proceeds thereof to be paid into the city treasury
and applied as follows :
Firsts— To the payment of the interest of the bonded city debt, which
will fall due on the let of February next, to the amount of $11,725.
Second— ^To the payment of the sinking fund to be redeemed after the
Ist of February next, amounting to $18,850.
Third — ^To the payment of the notes of the city comptroller, now in
the hands of the Farmers' and Millers' bank, to toe amount of $90,000,
and of the Juneau bank, to the amount of $30,000, said notes falling due
in January and February, 1858.
Resolved, That his honor the mayor be and is hereby authorized
and requested to make and sign a memorial to be presented to the legis-
lature, and that our representatives be hereby earnestly requested and
instructed to procure the passage of an act authorizing the common
council of the city of Milwaukee to remit such portion of the city taxes
levied for the year 1857 as they may deem necessary, and to refund to
those parties or persons who nave already paid their taxes the same
proportion or part, as would be remitted by the common council to those
who have not paid, and also to extend the time for the collection of
said taxes for thirty days.f
FSRD. KUEHN,
J. Hadlky,
A. Gkeulich,
A. McCoBMICK,
Finance Committee.
^llie action of the board at this meeting, in relation to taxation, was no doubt
intended to soften the blow which they knew (or at least suspected) would fall
upon them, or such of them then in the board as had been members of the old
one, during which nearly all the rascality complained of had been p>erpetrated.
f I remember the excitement about this tax ; it was an enormous one, and had it
not been remitted in part it would not have been paid, as the exemption of the
Newhall House alone would have vitiated it. Four years more under the admin-
istration of J. 6. Cross et al. would have bankrupted the city forever.
248 MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER.
From the above it will be noticed that by the criminal neglect on the
part of the proper city oflFicers. several mortgages have been left unre-
corded. It IS proper to state tuat, at the request of the Committee, the
City Treasurer has promptly taken measures to have the mortgages
recorded in the several counties through which the Railroads are
located.
They also find the bonded debt, as appears by the books, to be as
follows :
Sinking Fund Bonds $187,000
Harbor 159,000
School 175,000
Dredging 50,000
Bridge 50,000
Fire Loans 11,850
" First Ward 1,400
" " Second Ward 500
Collateral Security Bonds 50,000
Total amount issued 1684,750
Of these Bonds the following are reported as yet unsold (viz :)
$50,000 hypothecated to Juneau Bank for loan, $30,000 of w^hich is
due in February. $10,000 Bridge Bonds in the office of Comptroller.
$3,000 in hands of Mavor. $10,S30 left by Mayor, and $16,000 left by
Comptroller with Wm, Shell & Co., of New York, for sale, and $2,000
previously pledged by them, for loan by Bell & Co. In all, 91 Bonds.
And that the Mayor and Clerk have the power, at any time, to execute
additional School Bonds to the amount of $40,000. Of these bonds issued
since August, 1856, the Mayor has received $440,000. He reports sales
of $220,000 at $161,763.07 net proceeds. He sent $140,000 to Wm. J. Bell
& Co., who report sales of $120,000 from March to July, 1857, at about
80 per cent*, less commission. The other 18 were pledged or transferred
for sale to wm. Shell & Co., in October last, and on the 2l8t of October
the Mayor left with the same house 76 other bonds for sale, receiving
an advance of $10,000. 66 of these bonds have been sold for $34,924.27,
less commissions, and $25,000 of this amount drawn, as he states, by the
Mayor.
The report also further states, that the tax levied for 1857, for
general city purposes, and now in the hands of the city treasurer for
collection, is $4.^4,735.59, an amount greater than for the five pre-
vious years put together, and the amount levied tor specials was
$253,762.59, a total of $688,498.28, an amount twice as large as the
whole State tax for the State of Wisconsin, and larger than the whole
city tax for the three previous years, that of last year being only
$122,171.22, showing an increase of 150 per cent, in one year, the
increase in the State, county and school, for the last five years, aver-
aging 20 per cent., and the general city 22 per cent., showing the
increase of this year to be seven times the average of the last five,
an increase of the peicentage in every ward, but the Seventh, from
MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER.
249
5^ to 4 and 5 per cent., being in amount five times as large as that
of Detroit, a city of much greater weahh as well as popoulation,
showing a state of affairs, says the report, for which a parallel cannot
be found, when wealth and population are taken into account, in any
city on the globe.
On a valuation doubled, the total tax is about seven per cent., and
is divided as follows :
County, State and School about 2 per cent.
Ward tax, except in Seventh ward 2 "
General City Expenses
Old Debt and Interest , 1:
Sinking Fund
it
it
Total.
it
Tax for current City Expenses $48,738 79
Expenses estimatea by CJomptroller 102,000 00
In order to pay the salaries of officers, the City borrows from other
funds, and the Mayor has used trust funds to pay himself and the rest
of the City Officers.
Statement of Taxes Levied in the City op Milwaukee por the
Years 1852 to 1857, Inclusive.
1852.
1853.
1854.
1855.
1856.
1867.
General City purposes.. S15.853 70' SI6.654 51 S26.900 00 921.476 78 928.975 95
Intereston Bonds, of... 15,68109' 16,550 84 20,015 60 2b. 563 17 81,967 93
First Ward purposes...., 5,076 01 6,709 67 9.705 60 lv,272 50 6.278 52
Seventh "
Second •*
Sixth
Ninth
Third
Fourth
Fifth
Eighth
ii
<i
ti
it
<t
it
11
ti
• i
Ii
it
ii
it
•t
2,618 33, 3,179 61 3.101 40 8.161 84
18.111 11
6.150 79
3,985 72
7,452 47|
'2Mi 75!
2,472 55
Sinking Fund.
51,888 90
State Fund 7,619 91
County Fund 22.206 59i
School Fund 5.44*J hO
6.3H5 92
5.9n9 50
8,643 87
9,095 05
(;.820 56
5.014 87
7,096 50
6,581 50
6.832 34
16.666 70
10.835 10
9,784 63
S48.738 79
113,728 85
11,647 00
18.863 66
12 075 68
4,679 38
6,056 96
29,449 02
18.014 27
17.224 80
4,596 45
59,073 45 80.653 08, 98.254 63 122.756 45
280.071 16
32,492 58
13.5;W 62
28.220 66
5.G46 53
21.367 59
41,625 18
5,550 03
30.185 17
45.277 76
7,646 29
22,377 55;
47,951 89
9,590 3K|
24,694 82
84.480 57
12,997 01
Total 35.219 30 47,405 81, 68.542 80 83.009 22 79 919 8 2 122,171 90
Street Commissioner's Certificates.
1853.
1852.
1854.
1855.
1856.
1857.
First Ward 40160 2,607 88 11,162 11 12,440 44 11,J87 61
Seventh Ward 15.698 50
Second Ward \ 735 07 4. 270 67 8 305 18 9,600 20 8,992 08
Sixth Ward 1 10,141 00
Ninth Ward
4,2f0 56; 10.515 30 12,.'i60 38 14.388 26 20.169 57'
364 38 14.313 75 12.113 21 17,971 58i 8,\828 94
686 37 11.282 01 10,300 16 18,953 74' 3i,797 06,
Third Ward...
Fourth Ward.
Fifth Ward....
8.412 18
69,695 72
16.839 12
8.155 to
15,719 71
58, 46 11
W,7:i9 79
h8.128 71
Eighth Ward r...-. 18,(M4 45
11.477 98 42,994 61 54,441 03 78,354 22 134,264 66 253.762 69
Total. 998,636 189149,473 879203.646 919254,618 07^326,940 939688,408 28
250
MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER.
General City Expenses.
Salaries.
Estimated.
1852.
1853.
1854. I 1855.
1856.
1857.
Comptroller 92,000 0092.000 0092.000 0092.538 00'92.846 00 94.000 00
City Clerk , 1,879 68, 1,800 00 2,126 27 2,533 OOj 4,048 25 4,000 00
City Attorney 1 600 00' 600 00 7rO0O
405 00
40 00
1.110 35|
680 00
100 00
City Assessor
Contingents
City Treasurer
For col ecting city taxes
Commissioner of Sun^ey
Commissioner of Ordinances
Police
City Marshal
Police Justice
Watchman
Deputy Marshal and Police..
Constables ; 824 77
Marshal for collecting business
Surveyor, etc
Chief Engineer i
875 00 1.000 00
80 00 SO 00
767 52 1,990 12
800 001
668 18>
, I.
800 00
501 28
92 50
670 00
856 00
395 00
257 98
243 00
800 00
1,300 00 2.183 00,
1,000 00 1,400 00
2.800 00
2,250 00
3.004 06i 3,627 58
278 00
1,659 75
324 73
190 00
4^554
4.600 00
.1.
800 00
(2,800 00
3,195 1013,548 12 17,000 00
578 00
800 00
440 00, 1.000 00
800
ool
800 00
POLICB.
Chief of Police
Inspector of Buildings.
Inspector of Bridges
Superintendent of Bridge
Salary for burying nuisances.
1852.
1853.
1854.
1855.
800 00
460 00
1856.
25 00
838,73
262 36
1857.
2,000 00
800 00
Condition op the General City and Ward Accounts as Exhibited by
THE Ledger, March 26, 1857.
First Ward-
Debit, amount expended over lax levied ' ' 2,072 18
Add delinquent tax of 1852 to 1856 Inclusive
Second Ward-
Debit, amount expended over tax levied
Add delinquent tax as above
Third Ward—
Credit amount tax levied over amount expended...
Deduct delinquent tax, as above
Fourth Ward-
Credit amount tax levied over amount expended...
Dtiduct delinquent tax, as above. 2,915 07
Fifth W^ard-
Credit amount tax levied over amount expended... i 2,330 11
1,141 57To'ld'bt 3,213 70
152 84
1,192 02
To'ld'bt
11,015 30
1,139 99, 9,875 81
737 96
Deduct delinquent tax.,
Sixth Ward-
Debit, amount expended over tax levied.
Add delinquent tax
Seventh Ward-
Credit, amount tax levied over expenses..
Delinquent tax
General City Fund-
Debit, amount expended over tax levied.
Delinquent tax
1,829 96
To'ld'bt
1,844 86
500 15
2,177 09
114 00
1,660 28
632 13
919 25 1,551 38
19.375 46
Old debt. Interest Fund-
Credit amount tax levied over expenditures 33,569 64
Delinquent tax. 5,4 2 6 9228,142 72
Amount of interest due or paid, not a^scertained,
32,703 91
4.500 7537,210 66
47,048 97
MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTEF*
251
Genbral City Prditihq, Etc.
1862.
1863. I 1854.
1866.
1866.
Printing
Bridge repairs.
Bridge tending
Books and stationery
Contingent expenses
Bentof conncil room, etc
General city, contingent.
Fire department
Election expenses
Furnishing council rooms and
city offices
278 08
668 22
702 50
315 27,
6.S1 40
825 00
454 16
1,236 67
568 38
179 47,
727 90
862 50
2,421 41
3,535 10
858 50,
1,113 00
1.486 66
746 19
188 70
2,249 37
325 00
4.284 r>2
5,868 46
448 24
2,175
3,872
1,438
124
8,646
450 00
4,940 46
6,690 76
728 27
75
94
35
70
iO
Total 13,794 6614,691 47
4.262 34
6.514 47
1.757
621
2,876
450
3,854
9.968
941
1867.
82
35
22
00
67!
~i
49
6.000 00
14.000 00
4,000 00
1,000 00
8.400 00
2,600 00
12.000 00
12,000 00
6,097 02
101,647 08
Stateicbnt of Tax Levied for "Street Comhissioner's Certificates,"
FOR Several Years, and the Amount of Delinquent
Tax on Same, in April, 1867.
First Ward, levied
Delinquent
Second Ward, levied. ...
Delinquent
Third Ward, levied
Delinquent
Fourth Ward, levied
Delinquent
Fifth Ward, levied
Delinqueiit
Sixth Ward, levied
Delinquent
Seventh Ward, levied...
Delinquent
1852.
1863.
1864.
1855.
401 60 2.607
5,735 07,
9 79i
4,290 66
TOO 70
364 88
686 37
129 52,
4,275
408
10.515
247
14,313
782
11.282
2,253
88.11.162
301
8,.305
1.456
12,560
8.677
12.113
8,300
10,800
2,360
11 12,440 44
67
55
80
99
75
95
01
92
17 50 .
647 55
50
18
35
.S8
65
1856.
1.805 75
9,600 20'
1.129 35
14.388 26.
5,312 04!
21,17,971 681
94 3,784 42,
1518,953 74!
49 5,910 81
'67
2.676
57 2,027 64
76 1,583 59
11.637
7,020
8,992
M72
20,169
7.355
35.828
15.484
81.7^7
19.541
10.141
2.924
15,698
9,514
Total I Total
levied. | dellnqt'.
51 38,249 54,
62 I 9,215 87
08 86,908 20 .^
57 61,924 07;
97 '
94 80.691 86^
29'.. ....• , 28,852 60
On 78,019 S8{...
I 30,225 78
5,737 69
04
00
88
50! 15,698 50
26l i 14,272 16
Total levied 11,477 9642.994 61 54,441 03 :8,354 22184,264
Total delinquent ■ 857 51 4,240 96 14,541 26 21,623 60 67.013
66816,682 50
86 108,277 19
The reading of this report produced a profound sensation in the
community, and the necessity of having the amendments offered at
the November meeting (1857) incorporated into the charter at once,
was apparent to every one having the good of the city at heart.
Three meetings more were accordingly held, the first March nth, at
which Messrs. Chas. K. Watkins, S. M. Booth, Gen. Jas. H. Paine,
Jas. S. Brown, and Hans Crocker advocated their passage, while
John L. Doran, Ed. McGarry, and Jackson Hadley opposed it This
meeting was a stormy one, as Mr. Hadley, who foresaw in iheir
adoption the defeat of all his plans, as well as the curtailment of his
powers as the head of the Board of Street Commissioners, also
opposed them bitterly, while the mass of the people, now that they
saw the pit into which they had fallen, financially, were just as deter-
mined that they should pass. The result of the fight at this time was
1
252 .MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER.
an adjournment to the 17th (in order that the amendments might be
printed), when they had another circus and adjourned to the 20th,
at which the reformers, as the people's party was called^ won the day.
They came very near being beaten, however, as after it was all done
and the amendments declared adopted, Mr. Hadley played his last
card, by offering a resolution to postpone the whole matter for twenty
days, in order, as he said, to give the dear people, whose interests he
had so much at heart, time to read them. This was a sharp move
on his part, as it would, if adopted, have postponed the whole matter,
not only until after the adjournment of the legislature, but until after
the coming charter election also, which would have given him as well
as his followers full control of the city offices for another year, by
which time he would have had the taxpayers where Boss Tweed had
the New Yorkers.
So smooth was IiIh touc^ue,
And his manner so bland
As to near beat the taxpayers
Out of their land.
But the people saw through the move and at once voted it down,
after which there went up such a shout from that assemblage as was
never heard in.Albai.y Hall before, such was their joy that the vic-
tory was won. This done, a committee, consisting of Wm. P. Lynde,
Jas. Kneeland, Doct. Chas. E. Wonderly,* John H. Tweedy, and
Doct. Jas. Johnson, were at once appointed to proceed to Madison
and urge the immediate passage of the proposed amendments,! which
also was done. But although beaten in a general engagement with
the people, Mr. Hadley, with the aid of his friends, carried on a
regular guerilla warfare in the council for the next two years, as will
* This gentleman was a promininent German doctor, a politician, and, as the
reader has .seen, was one of those who took an active part in the investigation in
1857. His homestead was the present well-known property adjoining the South
Side Brewery of Ph. Best & Co., where his widow yet resides. This property
still retains ihe primeval grade. He died February 21, 1859.
f One of the proposed amendments was the change from three aldermen in
each ward to one alderman ami two councillors, and the appointment of a board
of three, one from the liast, one from the West, and one from the South Sides,
who in connection with the comptroller, city attorney, and treasurer, were to con-
stitute the Board of Reform or Commissioners.
This was the nucleus of the present Board of Public Works, the first appointees
upon this Board being Daniel Schultz for the West, Thos. Keogh for the East,
{11)4 Hiran> Merrill for the South Sid^s.
MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. 253
be seen in due time. He had a strong following, particularly among
the contractors and laboring classes, and with their aid came very
near winning the day.*
Biographical.
Jackson Hadley, who came to our city in 1844, was without ex-
ception one of the ablest men who ever lived here, and was, from
the day of his arrival to the day of his death, one of the most active
as well as influential Democratic politicians in the city; neither
would he play second to any one. He went in for a front seat al-
ways, and if ousted from that would never fail to make it exceedingly
warm for his opponents. He was a first-class diplomatist, suave in
manner, and could usually do whatever he hsted with those with
whom he was associated politically or otherwise. He was the
most aggressive man in that direction in the state, Byron Kil-
bourn — who, in the ability to plan as well as carry out vast
schemes for public improvement as well as for self-aggrandisement
he much resembled — not excepted, and left no stone unturned
that if turned would enable or aid him to accomplish his purpose,
and in such contests there was no friendship. While he would grant
a friend any favor of a pecuniary nature, if within his power, freely,
he would, if pitted against that friend for office, beat him if possible,
no matter bv what means, and think it all fair. In such a contest
that friend would find, as did the Scottish King, Fitz James, in his
contest with Roderick Dhu, so poetically described by Sir Walter
Scott in his " Lady of the Lake :"
It was no play to hold his own
With Hadley^s arms around him thrown.
Whose vice-like grip his fi-ame might feel
Through bars of brass or triple steel.
This, of course, made him many enemies, for which, like Mr. Kil-
* It is not surprising that Mr. Hadley should oppose the amendments to the
Charter, particularly the one which placed the street work in the hands of three
commissioners, as he could then no longer march his army of graders to the
caucus, or the polls, to carry his own election, or to Albany Hall to break up a
taxpayers' meeting. There were other officials, also, who mi^ht find themselves
deprived of the little kites (to which thev formed the tail), and unable any longer
to dictate to the democracy, or dragoon tneir constituents into carrying out their
^mes lor plunder.
16
254 MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER.
bourn, he cared very little, never slacking his efforts in the least on
that account.
Politically he knew no North, no South, no East, no West, and
cared for no one but himself,
The writer was well acquainted with Mr. Hadley, and outside Of
politics would never wish for a better friend. He was a power in
Milwaukee while he lived, socially and politically.
Mr. Hadley took an active part in the organization and construc-
tion of the old La Crosse Railroad, being at one time its secretary,
and as has been seen was much in office. He was a very active
member of the common council from 1852 to 1858, as well as in the
school board. He also represented his ward (the First) in the as-
sembly in 1854, 1865 and 1866, and his district in the senate in 1855
and 1856, and was re-elected again in 1866 for two years more, but
did not hve to serve out his full term, dying literally in the harness.
He was a splendid-looking man, not one in a thousand in any coun-
try possessing as fine a physique as did Jackson Hadley. He was
finely educated, was a fluent speaker, a ready writer, and a polished
gentleman. In the portrait gallery at Madison is what purports to
be a likeness of him, but it is far from doing him justice. . He was
born at Livonia, Livingston county, N. Y., May 22, 18 15, and died
March 3, 1867.
Taxation Again.
The Sentinel of January 14, 1858, contains the following article
from a tax-payer, which speaks for itself, and besides showing pretty
plainly where a part of the evils of our financial system lie, makes a
comparison of our city with Detroit, after which he gives some good
advice in reference to what should be done.
He proceeds to state that Detroit, with a population about equal
to ours, has never sold a bond for less than 3 per cent, premium, and
that her taxes do not exceed i J^ per cent. He then compares the
salaries of our city officials with Detroit, showing that ours cost
$22,000 per annum more than Detroit, and proposes to reduce ours
to the same. He also proposes to abolish the police department
entirely, as well as the comptroller, sell the furniture in the school
commissioners' rooms (he was right about that), then attach the
MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. 255
property of Alderman Jonathan Taylor to reimburse the city for
what he had stolen, and in short to put the city on the same basis
financially as a business man would his own private affairs, and he
would guarantee that our bonds (if we found it necessary to issue
any) would not be at a discount.
It was not done, however, and our taxes to-day are double those
of Detroit, and will continue to be until politics are entirely ignored
in the selection of men to fill our municipal offices. Will it ever be
done?
There was an attempt made to do this, as far as the salaries of the
city officers were concerned, at the meeting of the council held on
the 2d of January, by Alderman John Plankinton, who offered a
resolution to reduce the salaries of the comptroller to $2,500, out of
which he was to pay his own clerk, city attorney $1,500, chief of
pohce $1,000, bridge superintendent $400, and policemen from $50
to $35 per month. Laid over under the rules, and never heard of
again.
The harbor question* also came up at this meeting, as per agree-
ment at which time the joint committee made a report, recommend-
ing that the city issue $95,000 in bonds as a final settlement of the
matter. 'I'his proposition, however, after a lengthy di.scussion, was,
on motion of Alderman William A. Prentiss, also laid over until the
next meeting (February 3), when it was expected the outside com-
niittee,t consisting of Messrs. Geo. W. Mygatt, John Rugee, Edward
P. Allis, John Sercomb and John Fellenz (appointed at a previous
meeting) — after a bitter opposition from Aldermen Hadley and Mal-
lory, and strongly advocated by Alderman Wm. A. Prentiss — were
expected to report.f But instead thereof a motion was made by
Alderman Alex. Johnston that the present harbor committee and the
*It was not the intention of the writer to have said anything further upon this
subject, having given what he considered a sufficient account of it in Vol. II.,
pages 140 and 141 ; but as it looms up again as an important factor in the report
of the investigating committee made January 12, as well as in some of the coun-
cil proceedings of 1857 and 185S, he can not very well avoid referring to it again
in this connection.
fOr referees, as they were called.
JThe appointment of this outside committee, or the referees, as they were
called, became a firebrand among the alres^dy over-heated contestants, and no good
pime of it to either party in^interest.
256 MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER.
city engineer be added. This was supplemented by one from Alder-
man D. C. Reed, that Messrs. Tweedy, Crocker, Huebschmann and
Waldo be also added (done solely to break it up), after which the
whole matter was postponed for one week (February 9), at which
time the committee offered a lengthy and somewhat one-sided re-
port, recommending that ninety-five harbor bonds of $1,000 each,
and a city order for $264.33, be issued to Isaac Hasbrouck in full of
all claims for the construction of sections i, 2 and 3 of the straight-
cut harbor. This report was signed by F. Kuehn, George S. Mallory,
J. Hadley, A. McCormick, committee on finance ; J. Hadley, D. C.
Reed, George S. Mallory, Ferd. Kuehn, S. Wagner,* A. McCormick,
G. G. Loeffler, harbor committee.
Which, after being discussed by Aldermen Hadley, Plankinton and
Alex. Johnston, was finally laid over for another week, as the referees
had not joined in the report.
Alderman Geo. S. Mallory on the War Path.
At this meeting of the council, held February 9th, Alderman Geo.
S. Mallory arose in his place, and, after a few preliminary remarks,
proceeded to relieve himself of the contempt he entertained for the
"anti-harbor" portion of the board, as well as the investigating com-
mittee generally ,t and Messrs. Aldermen John Plankinton, August
Greulich, the "Jenny Lind Club," and the newspapers particularly,
thusly :
I am down on newspapers in general and the "Jenny Lind Club,"
who he claimed were trying to bring the action of the council into
disrepute for political effect in particular. He was surprised to hear
the gentleman from the Fourth ward (Plankinton) take up the outside
cry of fraud, and claim that $25,000 was all that Mr. Hasbrouck was
entitled to, when a committee of the council had just recommended
that $95,000 be paid him, particularly as his late colleague and co-
worker, Jonathan Taylor, had just been indicted, and whose conduct
had brought all this disgrace upon the council. The gentleman from
*I think this is a mistake, as there is no such name in the directory or in the
official reports for that year, although there was an Alderman Wergen from the
Eighth ward in 1857.
f Meaning J. H. Tweedy, Olis H. Waldo, Chas. K. Watkins, and others, who
had been active in unearthing the rascalities of the two previous years.
MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. 257
the Fourth ward occupied a delicate position and should keep still.
His action in this matter looked to him (Mallory) like a man kicking
himself, and he was ashamed that any gentleman should support such
a resolution as that offered by the gentleman from the Second ward
(Alex Cotzhausen).* He (Mallory) was not surprised that that gen-
tleman had been made a tool of by his colleague (Greulich) to pre-
sent such a resolution,! as he (Cotzhausen) did not probably know
when he was kicked.| Mr. Cotzhausen might be an agent of the
Jenny Lind Club for all that he (Mallory) knew, but if he was expect-
ing political preferment at the hands of the people, he. was getting
such a load on his shoulders as would break them. He then went
for the committee. Look at them, he says (meaning the investigating
committee), their report is so shameful that not one of them dare
sign it. He (Mallory) was for having some respect shown to the
council, and thought them perfectly competent to investigate their
own acts. Hoped the gentleman from the Second ward would stand
on his resolution, but did not think it would pass.
Mr. Mallory was severely censured by the mayor, Wni. A. Prentiss,
for this speech, and for attempting to blacken the character of the
committee, who he said were men of good standing in the commu-
nity and among the early settlers of the city, men of good character,
and that such remarks were very foolish. §
" This report, made January 20th, was pretty severely commented
upon in the Sentitiel of February 8th, by a taxpayer, in which, after
displaying some legal acumen in defining his points, he proceeds as
follows :
* A resolution for a new committee, who were to go over the whole ground
again, from the letting of the first contract to Abel Ilawley to the completion of
the work by Messrs. Hasbrouck & Conro.
f Intimating that the resolution was written by Greulich, and offered by CotZ'
hausen.
{ The Germans were strongly opposed to paying $95,000, for what such men as
John Plankinton, William A. Prentiss and others, claimed did not cost over
$45,000, and which could have been settled for $65,000. And the reason Mr.
Cotzhausen gave for his action was, that he had been informed that one of the
committee (Hadley) had an interest in the contract, which from the anxiety he
manifested to get the $95,000 allowed, strengthened his belief in the assertion.
2 Alderman John Fuldner, who many yet living must remember, was present
at this meeting, and when asked by one of the disputants what he propased to do
in the matter, answered that he did not know " sumdings." He was right.
258 MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER.
There appears to be much difference of opinion among the different
members of the council as to the propriety of any further legislation
or investigation into the harbor contract. They object — (/. <r.) the
present committee — to any plan that would take it out of their juris-
diction, while the chairman ( Hadley) prefers to take the report of the
committee* as his guide. Another (Plankintont) pins his faith upon
the report of the engineer, while Mallory wants to keep the matter
within the control of the council, for the purpose, I suppose, of
maintaining its dignity. Does the gentleman think there is any dig-
nity remaining in an institution, one of whose members (Jonathan
Taylor) has lately been indicted, and is now a fugitive from justice,
while the people are daily looking for a stampede among those re-
maining. We must have a committee, Mr. Editor, not members of
the council, or of architects,^ but a committee of engineers, with
Mr. Gunnison, the government superintendent, at its head, and then
and not until then will the people get at the facts in this matter.
An injunction was finally put upon this referee business March i o
by Judge Byron Paine, at the request of Anson Eldred, Hans
Crocker, Jas. Kneeland, Lester Sexton, Josiah A. Noonan, John H.
Tweedy, Dr. F. Huebschmann, E. B. Dickerman, Alpha C. May,
Jno. J. Orton, David Ferguson, Henry C. Heidie and Doctor Lemuel
W. Weeks, in order to prevent any further action by the officers of
the council. The attorneys for the city were E. G. Ryan and Nor-
man J. Emmons, and for Messrs. H. and C., John L. Doran and
Jas. S. Brown.
The case was argued March 12 and reported in the Sentinel ot
the 13th. The injunction was sustained.
It is sufficient to say in closing that after some twelve years litiga-
tion the city had to pay $484,000 to Messrs. Hasbrouck and Conro,
* Whatever faults were charged against Jackson Hadley (and there certainly
were some), in connection with the construction of the present harbor, and the
settlement with Messrs. Hasbrouck & Conro, justice to him requires me to say,
that the fact of the city having been compelled to pay, at the end of a long litiga-
tion, nearly half a million for what they could have settled for less than $100,000,
in 1858, is not chargeable to him, as he certainly did recommend the acceptance
of this report as a final adjustment of the matter.
f Alderman Plankinton was for giving them $25,000, and William A. Prentiss
was in favor of giving $45,000.
J Meaning Rugee and Mygatt.
MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. 259
for what could have been settled in 1858 for $75,000 at the outside.
But such is often the case in this country, where so many different
interests are at stake and the chances for plunder are so common.
Milwaukee has suffered beyond comparison, and is now (1885) in
chains, wholly on account of not putting the right men on guard.
Will her citizens ever learn wisdom from past experience ? I fear
not.
The Fur Flies.
As the time for the charter election drew near in 1858 the people
became excited as they never had been before, and among the lead-
ers of the different parties the excitement was intense. More lies
were told in one day than the newspapers could contradict in a
week. Even that virtuous Democrat, Jonathan Taylor, wrote from
his forced retreat in California a letter intended to blacken the char-
acter of Cicero Comstock and Robert Whitehead, both of which
were answered in a way calculated to cause Mr. Taylor to crawl into
his hole and pull the hole in after him. It put him in the front rank
as a campaign liar.
A call was made for Wm. A. Prentiss to run for mayor on a peo-
ple's ticket by the reformed Democrats.*
At the people's convention, held March 24, William A. Prentiss
was nominated by the following majorities :
First Ward 201
Second Ward 288
Third Ward 108
Fourth Ward 215
Fifth Ward
Sixth Ward 118
Seventh Ward 860
Eighth Ward 122
Ninth Ward 144
Cicero Comstock was also nominated for comptroller, Herman
Schwarting for treasurer, and Geo. Woodward for attorney.
Third Ward Nominations.
The regular Democracy of the Third ward, at their caucus on Satur-
*Smgular as it may appear there was a democratic reform meeting (and there
was need of one) held in the Sixth ward, at which, among other suggestions
made, was one declaring it improper for any alderman to be a school commissioner
or a member of the legislature, and that no officer of the council should serve as
a juror. But, like other spasmodic efforts at reform, it all ended in wind.
260 MILWAUKEE UI^DER THE CHARTER.
day, after electing six Irishmen and one German to represent them in
the city convention, proceeded to nominate the followmg ward ticket:
Alderman for two years — Michael Bray.
Alderman for one year— Dan Kennedy, Sr.
Justice of the Peace — Wm. Holland.
Assessor — John H. Dolan.
Railroad Commissioner — ^T. H. Eviston.
Constable — William Hurley.
All of the nominees, we believe, are sons of the Emerald Isle. The
News, as in duty bound, indorses the nominations as excellent ones, and
enjoins upon all true Democrats to support them. Hoping we don't in-
trude, we should like to have the News inform its readers and the public
if Dan Kennedy was not a member of the common council a year or
two a^, and what befell him there.* It may help the tax-payers of
the Third ward to a realizing sense of what is in store for them should
these nominations be ratifiea at the polls.
Couldn't Wipe It Out.
Among other electioneering documents published just previous to
this election was one that appeared in the Sentinel of April 3, in-
tended no doubt to destroy the effect of the investigating commit-
tee's report of January 12, by a reference to that of the one from
the common council.t But if that was the object, a more complete
failure could not well have been made, as it did not refute a single
statement in that document, but, on the contrary, admits the truth of
each and every allegation there made. It was entitled by the Senti-
nel " Hadley's Whitewashing Report," which would imply that if
not written by him, it was written in his interest, as he was then run-
ning for and was elected to the board of councillors. It is certainly
a curious document, and had it been written by Emanuel Sweden-
borg, would have been all right, as it explained nothing, neither did
it make any point, but after wandering around a while in the land
of shadows finally came out at the same hole where it went in.f
"^his has refereDce to a little toot the alderman indulged in one hot summer
day, during which he became so boisterous as to necessitate his being locked up,
and resulted in his expulsion from the board He was a terror when in that con-
dition, and when arrested upon that occasion raised such a row that it took five
men to convey him to the jail. He was very large and as strong as three ordinary
men. I remember that arrest. He died many yeara ago.
fllie council had, of course, appointed a committee of investigation directly
after the meeting at Albany hall, November 18, 1857, who, of course, found noth-
ing wrong in the then state of the city finances, and their report was simply
worthless. Their object was to conceal and not reveal the rottenness of Mayor
Cross' administration.
JThis document was supposed to be the work of E. L. H. Gardner, but nothing
is certainly known about it.
MILWAUKEE UNt>ER THE CHARTER.
261
The election held April 6th resulted as follows :
Mayor— William A. Prentiss.
Comptroller — John L. Hathaway.
Deputy — William L. Hinsdale, appointed,
aty Clerk— Robert B. Lynch.
Deputy — Alex. Bolton, appointed.
Treasurer — Herman Schwarting.
Deputy — Moritz von Baumbacb, appointed.
Attorney — Geo. A. Woodward,
aerk— John O'Grady.
The following is the official vote :
Recapitulation.
Prentiss.
•
53
Hathaway.
Gardiner.
Schwarting.
•
a
§
1
cc Woodward.
Corson.
•
1
First ward
405
292
383
313
541
156
318
51
Second ward ..
587
242
528
391
3:^4
567
12:^
321
474
Third ward
585
498
634
448
860
192
881
131
70
Fourth ward ..
540
267
513
245
357
404
198
230
347
Fifth ward
437
:«6
291
410
650
307
241
464
68
Sixth ward....
289
26;^
288
262
229
396
m
2*16
220
Seventh ward
755
245
722
271
698
282
903
203
80
Eighth ward ..
169
225
94
238
296
37
81
237
16
Ninth ward
339
475
319
489
458
344
161
491
159
Total
4022
2998
3772
3097
4427
2895
2759
2681
1257
Aldermen.
First ward — Matt. Keogh.
Second ward— Joseph A. Phelps.
Third ward— Thos. Carroll.
Fourth ward — John Plankinton,
Fifth ward — Geo. G. Dousman.
Sixth ward — William H. Lindman.
Seventh ward — Samuel S. Daizgett.
Eighth ward — John C. U. Nemerinan.
Ninth ward — John W. DeVose.
J. A. Phelps, President.
R. B. Lynch, Clerk.
Councillors.
First ward — Frederick Heineman and Jackson Hadley.
Second ward — I. A. Lap ham and Jobst H. Buening.
Third ward — J. McGrath and A. McCormick.
Fourth ward— ^ohn H. Tesch and Hiram R. Bond.
Fifth ward — Henry Kroeger and Francis Conrad.
Sixth w^ard — Carl Busach and Joseph Walters.
Seventh ward — Victor Schulte and Otis H. Waldo.
Eighth ward — Frederick Vogel and Edward H. Hayden.
Ninth ward — John Leubenheimer and Matthias Human.
J. Hadley, President.
R. B. Lyncli, Clerk.
262 MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER.
Board met in Cross' Excelsior Block, northeast corner East Water and
Huron streets.
School Commissioners.
First ward — Silas Chapman, Dennis Culli«in and Henry Bunkle.
Second ward — Chas. F. Bode, Andrew j. Langworthy and Jas. B.
Selb^» Jr.
Third ward— John Horan, Ed. O'Neill and John Shortell.
Fourth ward — Alex. H. Johnston, John A. Seger and Samuel C. West.
Fifth ward — Edwin DeWolf, Chas. H. Larkin and Duncan C. Beed:
Sixth ward — Cicero Comstock, Daniel Daggett and Ferdinand Kuehn.
Seventh ward — Albert Bade, Kufus King and Geo. S. Mallory.
Eighth ward— Geo. Burnham, Geo. B. Bingham and Chas. r. Melms.
Ninth ward — Samuel Brown, Dirk J. Doornick* and Henry Hilmantel.
Geo. S. Mallory, President.
J. A. Seger, Secretary.
Police.
Chief of Police — William Beck.
Number of Police— Eighteen, (viz:) P. W. Dodge, William H. Garlick,
Labron Capron, J. B. Kodee, Albert Beck, Thos. Shaughnessy, Thos.
Bohan, John McCarty, Peter Smith, William H. Perrigo, Thos. Poulter,
Jere O'Connor, Fred. Kessler, Adam Just, Adam Bingenheimer, Paul
Schuen^el, Geo. Gruber and Peter Dusolt.
Of this number Peter Smith and Jerry O'Connor are yet on the force .
Commissioners op Survey.
Herman Haertel, Ira E. Goodall, Sanford B. Grant, F. Schumacher,
D. W. Keller, Otis B. Hopkins, Elisha Eldred, Andrew Mitchell, A. C.
Bergeld and John Ogden.
Assessors.
Ja«. Johnston, Christian W. Schwartzberg and Stoddard H. Martin.
City En(4ineer.
City Engineer — Fred. Schumacher.
F. S. Blodgett, Deputy, appointed
Sealer of Weights and Measures — Christian Meyer, appointed.
Justices of the Peace.
First ward — Jas. B. Turk.
Second ward — Chas. F. Bode.
Third ward— William Holland.
Fourth ward — D. L. Deyo.
Fifth ward— C. C. Meyer.
Sixth ward — C. Wichelhaus.
Seventh ward — Albert Smith.
Eighth ward — William A. Tucker.
Ninth ward — F. R. Berg.
Constables.
First ward — J. SchoeflFel.
Second ward— Chas. Neuman.
Third ward— M. Purtill.
Fourth ward — Edward Mallon.
Fifth ward — F. Holzenger.
Sixth ward — M. Schwiel[)inger.
* Mr. Doornick must have been a hard one. It is suggestive.
MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. 263
Seventh ward — H. Guenther.
Eighth ward— N. IT. Ulman.
Ninth ward — Christian Maas.
Bailroad Commissionbrb.
First ward — Philip Acker.
Second ward — F. W. HundhauBen.
Third ward — Thos. Eviston.
Fourth ward — Perry Ray Isham.
Fifth ward— C. T. Stamm.
Sixth ward — Adam Portner.
Seventh ward— Christian Preusser.
Eighth ward — Chas. T, Melms.
Ninth ward — F. Foertsch.
Fire Department.
Chief Engineer — Daniel Schultz.
First Assistant— 0. M. Hoflford.
Second Assistant — J. H. Butler.
Third Assistant — John Larkin.
Fire Wardens.
John B. Meyer, Chas. May, Wm. Spence. W. H. Holland, L. Buen-
ning, Morris ]x)ui8, Casper Dusolt, T. P. Kelly, Chas. W. Bierhach and
Wiluam Perrigo.
Districts.
There were five districts. In case of fire the alarm shall be as follows:
First^ 10 strokes of the bell, preceding the strokes for the number of the
district. First ward, 1 stroke ; Second ward, 2; Third ward, 8; Fourth
ward, 4; Fifth ward, 5.
County Officers.
Sherifi"— Herman L. Page.
Clerk of Court — Matthew Keenan.
Under She riff"- William Beck.
Deputies — Robert Wasson,* Ava B. Page, Henry Hillmantel, John
Mitchell and John Shortell.
Register of Deeds — Abert Bade.
Treasurer — Garrett M. Fitzgerald.f
Surveyor — John Gregory.
Coroner — Robert Wasson.
* It would appear from the record that Mr. Wasson was both deputy sheriff
and coroner.
t The election of Mr. Fitzgerald to the office of county treasurer proved a dis-
astrous affair to the county, as he became a defaulter for a large amount, a full
report of which can be found in the proceedings of the County Board, held April
1st, 1859, and reported in the Setttinel o{ the 22d. Mr. Fitzgerald was a man of
generous impulses, and nu doubt entered upon the duties of his office with hon-
esty of purpose, but so completely was he in the toils of the unscrupulous leaders
who dt that time ran the democratic machine, that he fell. I remember Mr. Fitz-
gerald well, and often think of him as he appeared in his palmv days, and his un-
fortunate end only furnishes another example of the corrupting influence of
American politics.
264
MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER.
Supervisors.
(The Aldermen of each ward were ex officio Supervisors.)
Towns.
Wauwatosa— Thomas Tobin.
Grannlle— -J. F. Brandt.
Milwaukee— Chas. G. Everts.
Lake — Andrew Douglass.
Greenfield— Patrick Walsh.
Oak Creek— N. Howes, Jr.
Franklin— Michael J. Egan.
Thos. Tobin, Chairman.
Chas. F. Casten. Clerk.
Henry Gosch, Deputy.
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In commenting upon this election, which resulted in a clean thing
for the people's ticket, the Sentinel gives the old Third — then a
Democratic stronghold — a high compliment for the gallant manner
MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. 265
in which they had aided in breaking the chains which the former
officials had placed upon the people, ending with the following :
Shout the glad tidings
O'er land and o'er sea.
The people have triumphed,
Milwaukee is free.*
Vilification.
No sooner had the new board got fairly organized that the Doily
News^ as might have been expected, commenced to abuse the new
mayor. But it did him no harm, as the people not only knew Mr.
Prentiss, but they also had some slight knowledge of the character
of the NewSy as well as of its then proprietors, consequently its
power for evil was gone, at least for a season, and its bark, like that
of a snarling dog, was all that was left of it. Its columns, however,
continued to be filled with the vilect abuse of everything not Demo-
cratic. It was certainly a vile sheet in those days, neither was there
anything of a political nature too mean for its then editors to do or
say.
Taxation.
The joint committee of the boards of aldermen and councillors on
finance, to whom was referred the resolution introduced by Alderman
Phelps, on the 6th, levyinjj the city taxes for the current year, upon
examination of the financial condition of the city, particularly as set
forth by the comptroller in his late report to the council, recommended
the adoption of tne following as a substitute for that resolution:
Resolved, That there is herebv levied on the real and personal estate
within the city of Milwaukee ana the several wards thereof the follow-
ing taxes, at the rate hereinafter specified, for the year 1858, upon the
assessed value of said estate as aforesidd, as returned by the assessors
of said city, revised and corrected as required by law in said year, to-
wit:
For the purpose of paying the annual interest on the city debt, and
for the sinxing fund for the extinguishment of the funded debt, a tax
of seven and seven-eighths mills on each dollar of the assessed valua-
tion.
For the pa)^ment of the current expenses of the city for said year a
tax of four mills on each dollar.
For ward purposes in the several wards to- wit:
In the First ward a tax of 4 mills.
In the Second ward a tax of 2| mills.
In the Third ward a tax of 4 mills.
In the Fourth ward a tax of 1} mills.
In the Fifth ward a tax of 6| mills.
In the Sixth ward a tax of 5} mills.
In the Seventh ward a tax of 2 mills.
^He was mistaken, the battle was only half wod.
266 MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER.
In the Eighth ward a tax of 4^^ mills.
And in the Ninth ward a tax of 4 mills on each dollar of assessed val-
uation as aforesaid.
Upon which Councillor Waldo gave notice that, under the charter
no greater sum than $175,000 could be levied for general city pur-
posas.
License.
One of the first things to come before the new board was that all-
absorbing and ever-present conundrum, the license question — a bone
of contention then as now. The aldermen fixed it at $50, and the
council reduced it to $15, which the aldermen would not concur in,
and it was finally fixed at $25.
Gas Explosion at Young's Hall, May 24.
A terrific explosion took place in Yonnj^^s new building last evening,
about 7 o'clock, caused either by the ignition of escaped gas or the ex-
plosion of one of the pipes. Luckily that portion of the building where
the accident happened was unoccupied, and no lives were lost. The
explosion seems to have taken place in the center of a partition wall
near the north end of the third storv, tearing the wall to atoms and
bursting out the floors both above and below. Two doors were blown off
their hinges, and heavy pieces of timber were shattered to splinters,
and a general smash made of the windows. The whole building was
shaken by the explosion, and the report was heard at a distance of
three blocks off. How the explosion occurred is a mystery to us, and
it was impossible to ascertain precisely last night, owing to the ruins
caused by the accident. One of^the managers ot the gas works thought
some fire or light must have been communicated to a leaking pipe. The
matter will probably be investigated and explained.
This accident was caused by the carpenter breaking one of the
pipes while making repairs, by which means the escaping gas came
in contact with a lighted candle.
A Tidal Wave, April 14.
See annexed :
Quite an Accident. — ^The swell through the straight cut caused con-
siderable excitement along the docks yesterday. About 12 o'clock it
came rushing in suddenly and with considerable velocity. The current
up the Meiiomonee was very strong, and in less than a minute the
water had raised a foot or more. Such was the force of the current
that the rope-ferry across the Menomonee, in the place of the bridge
for the present, which was just crossing the stream with nine men
aboard, was capsized and all thrown into the water. Fortunately they
all clung to the rope and were soon pulled out, with no damage done
save a cold bath. So quick was it done that those in the water did not
know what caused it until they saw their hats going up stream with the
current at the rate of ten miles an hour.
MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. 267
This tidal wave was more marked on the beach the lake, by
Messrs. Theodore Bilty and Jas. L. Mitchell, residing at the foot of
Huron street, who noticed a sudden fall of the water in the lake. The
water which a few minutes before was within three feet of the floor
of Kellogg & Strong's warehouse, on the middle pier, commenced
receding rapidly, leaving the ground dry ; but in twenty minutes it
returned with such power as to force up the floor, a difference of six
feet ui thirty minutes. Was it an earthquake ?
There was also a tremendous rainfall on the ist and 2d of June,
which raised the river to a height not witnessed before by the oldest
inhabitant. Part of Chestnut street bridge was carried away, all the
cellars along the river were also flooded, the Menomonee marsh was
a perfect sea, and, taken as a whole, it was one of the worst ever wit-
nessed since the to^n was settled.
Among the sad accidents occurring this year was the falling of the
building known as the Cordes block, a large wholesale grocery house
standing at what is now Nos. 83, 85 and 87 Detroit street, by which
two men were killed and three badly wounded. Cause, imperfect
construction.
Joseph Cordes was for many years a very prominent merchant.
He built the brick dwelling known as 592, 594 and 596 National
avenue, where he resided uniil his death. This was a very fine
house when erected, and might, as far as the private residences were
concerned, have very justly been called the pride of the south side.
It was pulled down in 1883 md the present elegant block erected in
its place. The store was also rebuilt, and is now the property of
Chas. D. Nash.
The Glorious Fourth.
This day was celebrated this year with great pomp by the various
fire and military companies, under the lead of General Rufus King
and Daniel Shultz.
Among the accidents, a certain number of which always happen
was the firing of a cannon loaded with beans into a crowd of small
boys, thereby causing their legs to resemble the worm-eaten columns
of the old temple at Pozzoli, Italy. Now, beans are a very useful
article of diet if taken the right way, but to have them fired into you
268 MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER.
from the mouth of a cannon is certainly not a good way to feed. I
would not be willing to pay thirty cents a year for board at the
Plankinton and be fed with beans (even if the wind was all taken
out) in that manner.
Municipal and Educational.
The common council took a tilt at the public schools this year,
the incentive thereto being a resolution offered by the member from
the Teutonia (Second) ward, Alderman Jos. A. Phelps (whose con-
stituents were always on the " bear " side on the school question
when money was wanted for their maintenance) to close them, and
which led to quite a newspaper warfare. But, as will be seen further
on, they were not closed.
Biographical — Alderman Phelps.
He was one of the few native-born Americans who was able to
obtain an office after the Germans (who were very numerous in his
ward) once got hold of the reins, and, of course, in order to do that
he was often compelled to do things which, under other circum-
stances, he would not have done. It was a hard place for an Ameri-
can, even if he were a Democrat with Republican proclivities (which
he had to some extent), to fill. I often think of Alderman Phelps
and the unpleasant work he occasionally had to perform in order to
keep in the good graces of those old-time German Democrats.
Joseph P. Rundle
Came to Milwaukee from Hartford, Conn., in 1858. Mr. Rundle is
one of our prominent wholesale merchants (plumbers, machinery and
gas-fitting supplies), the firm being Rundle & Spence (Thos. Spence),
their store and manufactory being at 89 and 91 West Water street,
where they do a large business and are known throughout the coun-
try as reliable business men.
Mr. Rundle is something of a military character, having served
three years in the Twentieth Wisconsin during the late unpleasant-
ness. He is a genial, whole-souled fellow, always smiling and always
happy.
Mr. Spence is of a more quiet turn of mind ; but as a Milwaukee
boy is an honor to the city which gave him birth.
MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. 269
May they have all the success they deserve. Mr. Rundle was
born in 1842,
The Opening of the Atlantic Cable
Was celebrated with a great noise in Milwaukee, August 17, 1858.
John S. Fillmore was appointed chief marshal. The following was
the order of the day :
Starting from Market Square the procession marched down East
Water street to Walker's Point bridge, across the bridge to Lake street,
up Lake to Reed street, up Reed to West Water street, up West Water
to Chestnut street, across Chestnut street bridge to East Water street,
down East Water street to Mason street, up Mason street to Main, down
Main street to Wisconsin street, down Wisconsin to East Water street
again, and up to Market Square, when the procession was dismissed.
The procession was arranged in the following order:
1. Squad of torch-bearers.
2. Brigadier-General and staff.
3. Milwaukee City Band.
4. Artillery company.
5. Hook and Ladder Cos. No. 1 and 2, bearing torches.
6. Great Western Band.
7. Green Yagers.
8. Company B, Light Guard.
9. Sui)ply Hose Co. and Liberty Hose Co.
10. Union Guards.
11. Merrill's American Comet Band.
12. Company A, Milwaukee Light Guard.
13. Engine Co. No. 1, bearing torches.
14. Milwaukee Light Guard Cadets.
15. KnalPs Band.
16. Engine Co. No. 2, bearing torches.
17. Another band.
18. Black Yagers.
19. Engine Co. No. 3, bearing torches.
20. Engine Co. No. 4, bearing torches.
21. Engine Co. No. 5, bearing torches.
22. Engine Co. No. 6, bearing torches.
23. Engine Co. No. 7, bearing torches.
24. Teams, and citizens generally.
It was a great day in Milwaukee, as well as marking the com-
mencement of a new era in the commercial world.
The Jail Again.
The want of mterest manifested by the supervisors in the condition
of the county jail, which as the reader has already seen had become
a twin brother to the Biack Hole of Calcutta, culminated finally early
in August in a citizens' meeting at Market Square, at which a
committee, consisting of E. P. Hotchkiss, S. H. Martin, J. A. Mal-
17
270 MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER.
lory, E. McGarry and Jas. Kneeland, were appointed, and who
reported that the jail was anything but a fit place to confine a human
being in, and recommended as the best means for present and imme-
diate relief that grated doors be put upon the cells, in place of the
present doors, and that if more room be required for immediate
relief of those confined, that a suitable building be obtained for the
jailor, and that that portion of the jail building now occupied by the
jailor be fitted up for jail purposes. The above is only recommended
as a means of temporary relief, your committee believing that the
only proper measure for permanent relief is the building of a work
house, or house of refuge, the speedy erection of which the com-
mittee deem of the utmost importance. And your committee would
further recommend that after such house of refuge shall have been
completed, the present jail be remodelled and repaired thoroughly,
provided it can by that means be made suitable for jail purposes.
Otherwise, that an entire new jail be erected. Your committee,
therefore, respectfully submit the following resolutions:
Resolved. That the civilization and Christianity of the ase demand
that the aeveritieb of human laws should be tempered with kindness
and humanity, in those who are directly or indirectly charged with
their execution upon the criminal.
Resolved, That the Milwaukee County Jail having been twice indicted
as a nuisance by the grand jurors of the county, and havine been
declared by the jailor unfit for any of the purposes for which sucn insti-
tutions are intended, has at last, by the larsie number confined there,
and the unusual heat of the season, oecome an instrument of cruelty to
the prisoners and a disgrace to the people who tolerate it.
Resolved, That some speedy means of relief for the inmates of the
Milwaukee Jail, are now imperatively demanded on every consideration
of decency and humanity. That a committee be appointed and in-
structed to present the action of this meeting to the Board of Super-
visors, and request the immediate preparation of additional temporary
accommodations for a portion of the prisoners.
Resolved, That the establishment of a Workhouse, for the reformation
as well as punishment of that large class of offenders, sentenced to im-
prisonment by the Police Court, for drunkenness and disorderly con -
auct, is one of the most serious wants of the city, and that in the judj^-
ment of this meeting, such an institution, properly managed, would be
rather a source of income than a burden upon the community.
Resolved, That the board of supervisors (past and present), are
mainly responsible for the evils of which we complain, and we respect-
fully request them to jjive the subject their immediate attention, and
devise some measures of relief.
Resolved, That should this duty be negrlected or delayed, and should
we fail to find relief at the hands of the judiciary, we will appeal from
the office-holders to the people above them, feehng assured that sucli a
tribunal will extend justice Doth to the guilty and unfortunate confined
there. E. P. Hotcukiss, Chairman of Committee.
MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. 271
This was sound doctrine, and Anally brought the supervisors to a
sense of their duty. But it would have been better to have shut
them up in that paradise of bugs and fleas for a while as a punish-
ment for their sins of omission in this direction.
Judge Wells Dies.
The Milwaukee Sentinel of August 20 has the following notice
of this remarkable man :
It becomes our painful duty this morning to record the death of one
of the pioneers 01 Wisconsin, the Hon. Horatio N. Wells, who expired
yesterday, in this city, aged fifty-six years. Mr. Wells caiue to Mil-
waukee m 1836, and was at the time of his death in the zenith of his
power. He was early in office, having been elected delegate to congress
in 1837, and during the last session of the territorial legislature was
E resident of the council, where, in comfjany with Jonathan E. Arnold,
e battled hard against the first constitution. He was also county judge
and judge of probate from 1850 to 1855.
As a lawyer Mr. Wells stood in the front rank, and it could be truly
said of him that he was a friend to every one but himself.
He was buried at Forest Home, the pall-bearers being J. E. Ar-
nold, E. G. Ryan, D. A. J. Upham, J. H. Tweedy, A. D. Smith and
William A. Prentiss. Of these Messrs. Tweedy and Prentiss alone
survive.
Mr. Wells was buried on the lots belonging to the bar, which were
purchased at that time by a committee consisting of D. A. J. Up-
ham, J. H. Van Dyke and A. R. R. Butler.
Charter Revision.
The following was the notice issued for an election of delegates to
a charter convention, to be held August 3 :
ELECTION NOTICE.
SPECIAL ELECTION.
^ OTICE is herebv given that, in accordance with section 63 of the
"^^ amendments of the city charter, " approved March 27, 1858," an
election will be held in the several wards of the city of Milwaukee on
Monday, the 2d day of August next, and that polls will be opened at
the following places, to- wit:
First Ward — At the house of Peter Teis, corner of Jackson and Ogden
streets.
Second Ward — At the \a Crosse & Milwaukee Railroad house, corner
of Chestnut and Fourth streets.
Third Ward— At the Louisiana House.
Fourth Ward — At the engine house of Co. No. 5.
Fifth Ward— At the Rochester House.
Sixth Ward — At the house of P. Altpeter, comer of Third and Sher-
man streets.
272 MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER.
Seventh Ward — At Best's beer hall, on Market street.
Eighth Ward — At John Nolden's, on Elizabeth street.
Ninth Ward— At the house of Mr. Baker, on Twelfth street, between
Gralena and Walnut streets.
For the purpose of electing three delegates (being tax-payers of the
city) from each ward to revise, modify and amend the city charter and
the amendments thereto.
Jte^ Polls will be open from 10 o'clock a. m. until 4 o'clock p. m.
Council chamber, Milwaukee, July 24, 1858.
R. B. Lynch, City Clerk.
These delegates met (at the common council rooms) on the 17th,
when the following proceedings were had :
Thb City Convention.
Mr. Jackson Hadley called the convention to order, and moved that
Mr. S. B. Grant be appointed temporary chairman.
Mr. Jas. S. Brown moved, as an amendment, that the Hon. A. G. Mil-
ler be appointed permanent president of the convention.
The amendment was put and carried.
Hereupon several members insisted upon a ballot for president.
Dr. Huebschmann moved that the vote be taken viva vocty which was
carried.
The vote stood as follows:
A. G. Miller 13
J. B. Cross. 9
Scattering 3
Judge Miller, having received a majority of all the votes cast, was de-
clared duly elected permanent president of the convention.
A struggle next ensued upon the appointment of the committee, some
of the ** progressives" desiring to have a multitude of committees, while
the old heads favored a single committee.
Ultimately the views of the latter prevailed, and it was resolved to
appoint a comaiittee of one from each ward, with Judge Miller as chair-
man, to report a form of charter to the convention, and then the con-
vention adjourned till 10 a. m., February 19.
The following gentlemen were then appointed by the chair as
such committee :
First Ward— Wm. H. Jacobs.
Second Ward— F. Huebschmann.
Third Ward— Jas. B. Cross.
Fourth Ward — Jonathan Taylor.
Fifth Ward— Chas. H. Larkm.
Sixth Ward — Leander Comstock.
Seventh Ward— A. G. Miller, chairman.
Eighth Ward— Mitchell Steever.
Ninth Ward— Samuel Brown.
There was a warm contest over the appointment of this commit-
tee of one from each ward. Mr. Hadley, particularly, wanted it
done by the whole board.
The resolution of Alderman McGarry, to ignore all that had been
done at Albany HaU the previous winter, adopt the charter of 1852
MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. 273
and adjourn, was then taken up, and after a lengthy and somewhat
heated discussion rejected, by a vote of 19 to 3, which spiked Mr.
Hadley*s last gun on the charter question.
Removal of the Court House.
As the old court house began to show signs of decay, and the
necessity of a new one became apparent to the supervisors, its loca-
tion at once became a bone of contention between the east and west
sides, the west siders claiming that as the east side had the post-office
that they were justly entitled to the court house, and under the lead
of Aldermen A. J. Phelps and Huebschmann, carried on the war for
quite a while, and at one time it looked as though they would suc-
ceed. But the Seventh ward finally won the day, and the present
costly structure was erected. But it was a hard fight, and it is not
by any means certain that it may not go to the west side yet, as the
present one is no more fire-proof than a barn, and if burnt would
probably never be rebuilt upon the present site.
RuFus P. Jennings Drowned.
This accident cast a deep gloom over the community. Mr. Jen-
nings was a member of the then well known firm of Chandler &
Jennings, dry goods. His body was found September 5, but that of
his companion, J. H. Sullivan, was never found. Mr. Jennings left
two sons and a widow, now the wife of Dr. Jas. K. Bartlett.
This accident was the result of an attempt to navigate the lake in
a shell (canoe) during a storm, in which a good yawl would have
had hard work to live.
Police Court,
The police court was kept busy this month. There were 266 ar-
rests, 56 more than in August. Disorderly, 115; drunk, 59 ; grand
larceny, 10; petty larceny, 12; counterfeit money, 2; assault and
battery, 18.
Among other incidents occurring was the following :
Complaints of a Disorderly Quadruped.
A day or two since Policemen Dodge and Rodee were startled by an
unusual noise on the street, near the station house. Going to the out-
side door they were not a little amused to find a blustering, red-faced
274 MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER.
individual, attired in leathern breeches, elongated blue coat, with a
greasy cap coverinjg his cranium, hallowing lustily at a frolicksorae cow^
which^ with club m hand, he had been unsuccessfiilly attempting to
force into the station house! The cow did not at all appear to admire
the appearance of the place, and Long Coat foupd it utterly impossible
to get "boss" more than half way across the walk. When the police
inquired what the trouble was, Long Coat told them, with assumed
gravity, while the perspiration rolled down his cheeks, " Veil, dis cow.
he break jnine fence down and come into mine lot, and den he eat all
mine kraut. Mine neighbor she tell me drive him to dem station house
and him pe fine." Long Coat was considerablv taken aback by being
very unceremoniously ordered to get his animal off of the sidewalk or
else " him pe fine." Going awav he was heard to give vent to his rage
in such exclamations as, " Och, aundervetter!" " Der teufel!"
The Fall Campaign.
As the time for the state convention drew near the political atmos-
phere was filled with cyclones. A people's ticket was put in the
field, and war was the word. The places for holding the different
caucuses were for the First and Seventh wards at the court house,
for the Second at the Concordia saloon. Third at the Louisiana
house, Fourth at the Menomonee hotel, Fifth and Eighth at Melms'
garden, Sixth and Ninth at Altpeter's saloon.
There was a split in the Democratic ranks which caused the Daily
News to issue a fearful howl against the bolters, as it styled them.
The News was like the Irishman who, when asked how he was go-
ing to vole, replied : " Agin the government, av coorse." That the
Neu>s always voted against th*^ government would perhaps not be
strictly true, but that it always voted and used its influence (what lit-
tle it had) in the interest of the pro-slavery party was true.
Among the vulgar effusions of the Nfws during this campaign
was the following, replied to in the Sentinel, See annexed :
Mr. Potter and Mr. Brown.
"A man named Potter got into a drunken brawl, undertook to steal
Barksdale's wig, and ended the scene with getting a black eye. The
professedly anti-slavery Shanghais of " woody Wisconsin '* have evinced
tliat they are " proud of their rowdy " representative by renominating
him. But we opine that it will only be an emptv compliment The
people desire to oe represented by mmd, not muscle."
Mr. Potter needs no defense against such assaults. They only recoil
upon the party making them. Indeed^ they have already provoked
retorts from the Pree Democrat and Madison Journal^ which must forci-
bly remind the News of the old adage that "those who live in glass
houses should not throw stones.** Beriah, it seems, has also been a
fighter in his day, and the following article, from the Madison Joumal,
recalls some of the incidents of his pugilistic encounters:
MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. 275
Fighting Candidates.
The News attempts to make capital against Potter in the First District
by allusion to his prompt intervention in the Keitt-Grow affair, and
sneers about the " pugilistic candidate." That affair won't hurt Potter,
and we ad ise the News that the less it says on the subject the better for
Beriah. The latter is also a fighting man. He had two or three fights
when a citizen of this place, but invariablj'^ came off second best. Be-
riah is more of a fighting man than Potter^ but, unlike Potter, he gets
beautifully whaled every time he indulges m the luxury. What Madi-
sonian don't remember the extensive breaches his head made in the
glass windows of Col. Fairchild's store, under the vigorous propulsion
of poor Tim Burns' brawny arm ?
This onslaught upon Hon. John F. Potter brought the following
in the Sentinel of September 2, which had the right ring, and showed
the truth as to who took the corruption bonds.
After commenting upon the principles of the parties it proceeded
as follows :
The Two Candidates and the Two Conventions.
But a still more striking contrast between the two conventions will
appear in referring to the list of members and comparing the names
with those most prominent in the famous report of the Land Grant In-
vestigating Committee. The Democrats of the Granville and Milwau-
kee Assembly District, at their caucus to elect a delegate to the con-
gressional convention, adopted the following excellent resolution:
Resolved, That in case Mr. Brown (J. 8.j cannot be nominated after
a fair effort, that the delejf^ate from this district be then requested to
vote for some other candidate, who, like Mr. Brown, has not been im-
{)licated in the attempted forays upon the state treasury and the school
ands of this state, or been involved in accepting or tendering bribes to
members of the legislature or other public officers, or have received
corruption bonds, or deluded the fanners of the state into mortgaging
their nomesteads to heartless and soulless speculators, or in thrusting
out a fraudulent currency upon the tmsuspecting farmers for the pro-
ducts of their toil.
In the light of this resolution let us compare the two candidates and
the two conventions:
The Candidates.
La Crosse bonds received —
Beriah Brown, 'ieniocratic $52,000
John F. Potter, Republican None!
The Conventions.
La Crosse bonds received —
Jackson Hadley, Democratic $220,000
Byron Kilbourn, Democratic 75,000
Charles E. Jenkins, Democratic 25,000
Thomas Falvev, Democratic 20,000
H. T. Sanders', Democratic 5,000
M. SchoeflEier, Democratic 5,000
Total received by members of the Democratic congres-
sional convention $350,000
Total received by members of the Republican convention.. None!
276 MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER.
Grand total of La Crosse bonds received by Democratic con-
vention and candidate $407,000
Grand total of La Crosse l)onds received by Republican con-
vention and candidate None!
We commend the above comparative statement to the electors of the
Milwaukee and Granville district, who adopted the excellent resolution
above quoted, as well as to the notit^e generally of our Democratic con-
temporaries who have been so severely exercised during the past few
months about the " bribery and corruption " practiced at the session of
1856. Let us see if, after all their outcry, they are eoing to follow the
lead of the '* corruptionists." The opportunity is an admirable one to
test their professions, and the people, we fancy, will not fail to improve
it.
The News thought it very unfair and mean to arraign Mr. Kil-
bourn for the La Crosse Bond business, but all right to censure the
whigs for doing the same thing.* Neither were they in any wise
sparing of their comments thereon, even going so far as to intimate
that Alex. Mitchell, or Gen. King, were instrumental in getting Gov.
Bashford to sell himself for $50,000, and for which intimation it (the
News) got a severe castigation in the Sentinel of September 9th. The
News had forgotten the old adage, that those who live in glass houses
must not throw stones.t
And although the investigation by the State subsequently was
opposed by Kilbourn et ai,^ it went on all the same until the whole
crowd were brought to grief. May the State never be cursed with
the like again.
The late Judge Hubbell buys a new Milch Cow.
A man named John Nickel was arrested September 9th for swind-
ling. The old scoundrel had sold the judge what he claimed was a
new milch cow, but which proved to be a " mishtake." Mr. Nickel
stated, when asked for his pedigree, that he was a citizen of Wash-
ington County, and an honest son of toil. The cow looked all right,
and as the judge's well was about dry, and this being the only real
Simon Pure fresh one in the market, of course he bought her, and
drove her, with her calf, to the Hubbell mansion. He was not long,
however, in discovering that he had been " tuck in," as the phrase
* Referring to the $50,000 taken by Gov. Bashford, the only republican who
ever t(K>k a cent.
t llie Legislature of 1855 and 1856 appears to have been as corrupt a set as
ever disgraced a State. It they ever had a duplicate, history does not record it.
MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. 277
goes, as it took four men to milk her and get no milk then, as all
that part of the animal where the milk ought to be found proved to
be entirely artificial. It is proper to say that Mr. John Nickel got
badly nicked for that job.
Chamber of Commerce.
A meeting for the organization of a Chamber of Commerce was
held October 12th, at the office of David P. Hull, to take measures
to organize under the new charter.
Corn Exchange.
This Board held a meeting October i6th and established the fol-
lowing grades :
Extra Club, No. 3 Spring.
No. I Spring do. No. i White Winter.
No. 2 Spring do. No. 2 White Winter.
The samples upon which these grades were based were furnished
by William P. Young. This Board held a meeting on the 21st, L.
H. Kellogg in the chair, Benjamin Nute, Secretary, and resolved to
become a part of the present Chamber, which was done on the 2 2d.
The first officers were :
Lewis J. Higby, President.
William J, Whaling, Vice President.
L. L. Crounse, Secretary.
Orrin E. Britt, Treasurer.
Directors.
John Plankinton, Chairman; Levi H. Kellogg; David Ferguson;
John J. Tallmadge; A. L. Hutchinson; John A. Dutcher; A. G.
Van Schaik, Amos Sawyer, and Lester Sexton.
Arbitrators.
Horatio Hill, Angus Smith. Beiij. Nute, John Bradford, and L. H.
Kellogg.
Standing Committee.
Wm. B. Hibbard, Robert Eliot, John Bradford, Frank H. Terry,
S. T. Hooker, Wm. Young, and Edward Sanderson.
278 milwaukee under the charter.
Opening of the Chamber of Commerce.
The formal opening of the present Chamber of Commerce, at
No. I Spring street, November 22d, 1858, was a grand affair. The
opening address w^s by Hon. E. D. Holton, and although contain-
ing many errors,* was a masterpiece of its kind. He was followed
by Doct. L. W, Weeks and John B. D. Cogswell. t The whole pro-
ceedings (which were quite lengthv) can be found in Vol. IV., State
Historical Society's publications, where the curious reader who wishes
can find them.
A committee, consisting of L. Sexton, D. Ferguson, and R. P'
Elmore, were appomted to procure a suitable room, after which they
adjourned until the 23d, when Carlton Holland was appointed
inspector, he having received twenty-seven out of thirty-five votes.
The committee on rooms then reported in favor of leasing old
No. I Spring street, which was done, and the new Chamber of
Commerce (the present one) was bom.
Since 1863 it has been a custom, broken but twice, to give the
president two successive terms and then elect some one else to that
position. Robert Eliot completed his second year April, 1884. The
following is a lis^ of the presidents of the Chamber of Commerce
and the number of members at the close of each fiscal year since its
organization :
Fiscal Year. President. No. Members.
1858-59 L. J. Higbv 99
1859-60 John Bradford 122
1860-61 Horatio Hill 179
1861-62 Daniel Newhall 2:S9
1862-63 S. T. Hooker ;?03
186iV^ J. J. Tallmadge MS
1864-65 J.J. Tallmadge :«8
1865-66 Wm. Young a'^2
1866-67 Wm. Young 389
1867-68 John Plankiuton 371
1868-69 Edward Sanderson 3^5
* This .•peech, which was one of the best the writer ever heanl Mr. Holton
make, as stated above, contained many errors, particularly in the statistics given,
some of which at least were such as Mr. Holton should not have made. Hut it
was grand, nevertheless.
t John B. D. Cogswell was a lawyer from (Tape Cod, who came to Milwaukee
in I057. He was quite prominent in social circles. He also had a desire for
political glory. Hence his speeeh on this occasion, as he knew nothing about the
place. He finally, after a somewhat stormy career, returned to his native town,
where I am informed he still resides.
MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. 279
1869-70 Angus Smith 392
1870-71 Angus Smith 341
1871-72 F. H. West 338
1872-73 F. H. West 338
187:^74 O. J. Hale 442
1874-75 0. J. Hale 430
l87r>-76 N. Vankirk 569
187(W7 N. Vankirk 575
1877-78 Charles Rav 569
1878-79 Charles Rav 561
1879^80 M. Bodden: 561
1880-81 M. Bodden 5()1
1881-82 Chas. F. Freeman 561
1882-83 (^has. F. Freeman (>30
1883-84 Robert Eliot. 629
1884-85 Robert Eliot 628
The present incumbent is the Hon. John Johnston.
Retirement of Matthew Keenan from the Office of
Clerk of the Circuit Court, Oct. 19, 1S58.
At a meeting of the Milwaukee bar, held October 18, 1858, upon
motion of E. G. Ryan, a committee consisting of Messrs. Ryan,
Lynde and Gridley were appointed to draft resolutions appreciative
of the loss the bar would sustain in the retirement of Mr. Keenan,
and who reported the following:
Whereas, The present term of office of Matthew Keenan as clerk of
the circuit and county courts of Milwaukee county is about to expire,
and his connection with the bench and bar may have ended before an-
other meeting shall have taken place; theiefore,
Resolved, That we can not let the opportunity pass without testify-
ing our high appreciation of Mr. Keenan's services as an officer and of
his character as a gentleman ; that we have found him alwavs skilful,
intelligent, prompt and faithful in their discharge, uniformly urbane
and obliging in his deportment and upri^^ht in all his actions.
Resolved, That if we are to lose Mr. Keenan's services in the clerk's
office, it will be a loss of no trifling character to tlie bencli and bar of
this county; that the duties of the office have become like complicated
machinery, not to be understood in all their details without great expe-
rience, and that very few men have the patient intelligence and care to
become as familiar with them as has Mr. Keenan.
Resolved, That the secretary of the bar be requested to furnish Mr.
Keenan with a copy of these resolutions, and that the president be re-
quested to present them to the circuit and county courts at the earliest
opportunity.
All of which were unanimously adopted, after which the meeting
adjourned.
Political.
Among the various electioneering dodges in practice at the cam-
280 MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER.
paign of 1858 was the following offered by Jackson Hadley, at the
meeting of the common council held October 25, solely for the pur-
pose of making capital for himself and party. It was entided by
the Sentinel:
An Electioneering Document.
Whereas, On or about the 10th day of last May his honor the mayor,
Wm. A. Prentiss, and the city comptroller were directed, by action of
the common council, to proceed to New York city and try if any nego-
tiation could be made with the holders of the past due bonds and inter-
est coupons of the city, whereby such bonds or coupons could be paid
and the credit of the city thereby maintained ; and
Whereas, Three hundred dollars in money was taken from the city
treasurer to defray the expenses of such journey, the receipt forwhicn
still remains as a cash item on hand in the city treasury, ana is in words
and figures as follows, to- wit:
" Received of H. Schwarting, city treasurer, 1300 toward expenses of
Mayor Prentiss and self proceeding to New York, by order of city
council, the same to be accounted for in items upon our return.
rSij?ned] J. L. Hathaway, City Comptroller.
^* Milwaukee, May 10, 1858."
And whereas, No such account in items or otherwise has ever been
rendered by Mr. Prentiss or any one else, though more than five
months have elapsed since the date of such receipt; and
Whereas, On or about the 11th day of last August his honor the
mayor, Wm. A. Prentiss, took $100,000 in Milwaukee city bonds, num-
bered 500 to 599, both numbers inclusive, with him on a journey to
New York and elsewhere, notwithstanding an ordinance had been in-
troduced by Councillor Waldo repealing and canceling the authority of
the Mayor so to do ; and
Whereas, Mr. Ptentiss has never made any report or statement to
the common council of what he did with those bonds; and
Whereas, On the 13th day of last August $8,000 in money, and aeain
on the 27th day of the same month $2,193.74 in money, was taken from
the city treasury, as is believed, by the direction of Wm. A. Prentiss,
mayor, the receipt for the $8^000 specifving that the same was to be ac-
counted for in detail within sixtv aavs from the date thereof, and more
than sixty days have elapsed anS still no account or report has yet been
made by Mr. Prentiss or any one else ; and
Whereas, Daily inquiries are made by the holders of past due cou-
pons and bonds, issued by the city for municipal purposes, ot city offi-
cers and members of the common council why such interest coupons
and bonds are not paid, when it is understood oy such creditors 01 the
city that the mayor has caused money to be taken from the treasury,
and has taken from the city $1(>0^000 in city bonds for the purpose of
making such payments, and no satisfactory answer can be given to such
inquiries; therefore,
Kesolved, That his honor the mayor, Wm. A. Prentiss, be and is
hereby respectfully and urgently requested to report in detail, without
unnecessary delay, to the common council what disposition nas been
made of the $100,000 in Milwaukee city bonds, which he took with him
East in August last, and what disbursements have been made of the
$10,193.74, taken from the city treasury on the 13th and 27th days of
August last; also, what he did* with the city bonds which he received
from the Ocean Banjc some time in May last.
Councillor Waldo moved that the resolution be referred to the
MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. 281
finance committee, and in doing so took occasion to say that moder-
tion and thoughtfulness should be exercised in acting upon this reso-
lution, and that, although he was in favor of all such inquiries, he
hoped the board would not act upon it until the finance committee
had an opportunity to examine its details, and therefore he hoped
the reference which he moved would be made.
Councillor Hadley said he offered the resolution with the utmost
respect (!) to the mayor. He believed everything would come out
right by the statement he asked for, and he only thought that such a
statement should be made.
The mayor promptly and emphatically denied ever having re-
ceived a farthing from the city treasury, and wilh regard to the re-
ceipts held by the treasurer his honor stated that at the proper time
he would give what information he could upon the subject.
Councillor Waldo's motion to refer the resolution to the finance
»
committee was carried, when the board adjourned to Thursday even-
ing.
Mr. Prentiss Replies.
To the People of MHwauhee:
I deem it hardly necessary for me to address you in relation to the
subject matter of this card, and I only do so, at the request of many
friends, for the purpose of putting you on your guard in relation to cer-
tain insinuations that something was wrong, contained in the article of
the 27th, being accompanied by a single resolution, which was intro-
duced into the board of councillore on Monday by Jackson Hadley,
who is a candidate for the state senate, calling on me for a report in re-
lation to an issue of bonds and a sum of money, amounting to about
$10,000, drawn from the treasury by the city coinptn)ller, the whole ob-
ject of which is for political effect /intending, if possible, to gain votes,
oy alluring vou into the belief that something w^as wroujg, or that there
is danger of a default on the part of myself or of the (;ity comptroller.
The facts are that the bonds were issued to me under the authority of
law, and in accordance with an ordinance of the city (council passed' for
the purpose of retiring some portion of the past due indebtedness of
the city, and which, so far as they have been used, have been made ap-
glicable, dollar for dollar, for such indebtedness, and the balance will
e used for no other purpose and in no other way.
I now hold evidences of nearly i|560,(XX) of city indebtedness, which
has been taken up, and when a ne^tiation (macle six weeks ago) shall
have been consummated (which will probably take about thirty days to
accomplish), a report will be made to the common council wni(;h will
show that the city has suffered .very little by the arrangement.
The past due indebtedness of the cit^ to the present time, which has
accruea on matured bonds, and the interest ou others, all of which
were issued previous to the 6th day of April last, together with the sum
of $120,000, borrowed of two of the city banks during the summer of
1857 by the late comptroller, exceeds $200,000, much the largest part of
282 MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER.
which has been contracted under the lead of the man who is now ask-
ing vour votes to place him in the state senate, and who is the instigator
of the inquiry referred to. He is also the same man who made oath
before a legislative committee last winter that he received $220,000 of
certain railroad bonds, but could give no account of what he did with
the proceeds.
At the time of m}^ assuming the office of mayor the municipal debt,
exclusive of bonds issued to railroad companies, was nearly |»800,000,
and this is the legacy left to you by the preceding administration.
I am anxious to have all my official acts scrutinized by honorable
men, and while in office I shall use my best exertions for the interest
of the whole city. But with this heavv burthen and an empty treasury
I have been unable to accomplish but little up to the present time.
During the year ending March 20 last it appears by the printed re-
port of E. L. H. Gardner, late city comptroller, that the discount made
on municipal city bonds sold by my predecessors and others exceeds
the sum or $122,00: i. We have made no sacrifice as yet, and do not in-
tend that any loss of consetiuence shall be made by any negotiation
that we may enter into- William A. Prentiss.
Milwaukee, October 30, 1858.
It was brought up again, however, by Mr. Hadley on the 20th of
November, when he offered the following :
Resolve<l, That William A. Prentiss, mayor of the city of Milwau-
kee, be requested to render to the council on or before the 6th day of
December next a detailed statement, in writing, if any of the city in-
debtedness has been canceled since tlie Ist of May last by the |100,00C
Milwaukee city bonds then issued by the common council and given to
him, together with |IW,«i00 Milwaukee city l>ond8, then deposited in the
Ocean Bank of the city of New York, and also ordered to be given to
him; and also of the ^10,193.74 taken from the city treasury and not ac-
counted for.
Laid over under the rule.
This was amended in the board of aldermen by adding the words :
" Provided that the mayor shall deem it for the best inteiest of the
city to make such report." Concurred in.
But it did not bring the report, neither did it come until the mayor
was ready to give it.
Amount Wanted.
The comptroller's report for 1855 shows the amount wanted for
general city purposes to be :
First ward 1^6,000
Second ward 3,900
Third ward Il,fi00
Fourth ward 4,:^00
Fifth ward : 9,5(X)
Sixth ward 3,900
Stnenth ward 6,000
Eighth ward 2,950
Ninth ward 3,300
Total ^1,450
' milwaukee under the charter. 283
Election.
The election for members of legislature in 1858 was held Novem-
ber 2d. The annexed is a part of the res gestcRy as the lawyers call it,
of the proceedings had previous to the election, and go to sho«v that
the people were in earnest :
Republican Assbmbly Caucus for the First and Seventh Wards.
The court house was quite filled last evening, at the caucus for nomi-
nating a republican assemblyman for the First and Seventh wards. The
Hon. Byron Paine was ctalled to the chair, and J. R. Brigham appointed
secretary.
On motion of John H. Tweedy, the meeting agreed to adopt the viva
voce vote in nominating a candidate. S. S. Daggett and Chas. K. Wells
were appointed tellers, between whom each voter passed, and save his
name and his choice for the nomination^ which was recorded bv the
secretary. Mr. Edwin Palmer having received forty vot«8 was declared
nominated by the convention.
Mr. Tweedy then alluded to the fact that no nomination had yet been
made for State senator against Jackson Hadley. He alluded in glowing
language to the outrage that would be perpetrated upon common
decency if such an openly and notoriously corrupt man should be
allowed to run into the senate, without opposition, from this district.
The Hon. Wm. A. Prentiss followed in a caustic analysis of the character
and career of Jackson Hadley, and suggested the name of the Hon.
Nelson Cross, as a suitable man to run against him.
Gen. J. H. Paine made a warm speech upon I^ Crosse Bonds Hadley,
and proposed the name of Cicero Comstock, as the one to defeat the
wily demagogue. The suggestion was received with great applause, and
Cicero Comstock was nominated l)y acclamation. Mr. Comstock beinff
present, was called out upon the floor, and very handsomely thanked
the convention for the compliment, ana signified, his acceptance.
Committees were then appointed for challenging at the polls, and for
election duties, ten in each ward. Much enthusiasm and confidence was
felt, and expressed by the meeting, in the result of next Tuesday, and
w4th a three times three, for the candidates and the cause, the assem-
blage adjourned to meet at the polls and elect the ticket.
The election resulted in the defeat of both Hadley and Bade.
1 remember this election, and the excitement it caused among the
old Bourbons. The Ntivs nearly went wild over it. The Argus was
right. No party could carry such a load and win, and there was
wailing on account of it.
Hotel VVeitstein Opened, November 20.
Opening of the Hotel Wetthtein. — ^The new Hotel Wettstein, on
Market Square, of which Messrs. Wettstein & Hoeineer are proprietors,
was formally opened on Saturday, and a j^rand ball given in the eve-
ning in honor of the occasion. A magnificent supi>er was partaken of
by at least 3()() guests about nine o'clock, after which dancing and all
manner of merry making took place. The building is a large and com-
modious one, ancl is elegantly fitted up and furnished. Success to the
gentlemanly landlords.
284 MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER.
There was some trouble in the Young Men's Christian Association
this year resulting in a kind of breaking up, which some wag put in
the following shape in the Sentinel oi November 19th. The names
alluded to here, as well as the puns upon them, will be duly appre-
ciated by many of the n on -elect as well as by the elect.
For the Sentinel.
Obituary.
Died, on the evening of Thursday. December 16th, after a lingering
illness of six weeks, the Literary Club of the Young Men's Christian
Association.
Though watched by a Good " Shepherd," who would have gone to
the "Towns-end" to serve it, no "Taylor" could prolong its thread of
life. The ** Root" of its disease was too deeply seated, and having no
" Constitution" to fall back on, nothing coula save its " Bacon," and it
kerfiummixed. Its disease was a very painful one; for three weeks
previous to its death it never spoke, and finally perished of non etA
vYivenliM (which may be liberally, not literally, translated, nobody there).
Requiescat in pace.
" Facilis decensus Averni." Squix.
The Answer.
For the Sentinel.
The Literary Club op the Y. M. C A.
Mr. Editor; Fearing that the " Obituary Notice," which you pub-
lished on Saturday morning last, may mislead more, as I know it
already has a few of your readers, I take the liberty of requesting you
to inform the public that it was only the *' Literary Club" of the i. M.
C. A., and not the Association itself, which *'diea on the evening of
Thursday last," and that the last named society is as yet all Wright;
and having bidden Farewell to the Skel'ton of their illiterate club, and
employed a Boy'ntown (who was a Savage Young Man, by the way) to
Cleav'er Root from Branch, they procured a (Sirter (Johns *8on) to
Wheel'er for her Hide and Gall Down the Lane, through the Dale, over
the Bridges, beyond the Park, and out of the Parrish into the Cavern(o)
which stands one Rood and an El' more beyond the Dyke, near Towns-
*end ; where the Sexton gave her Fitt burial, with her Head to the West.
The association has thus cleared itself in all Menzies of any Taint 'or
suspicion of a disposition to Mix in Literary pursuits at any Price; and
though nothing could save the Bacon of that unfortunate club a String
'fellow^ can, and with Hemp 'shall bind us in the Bonds of brotherly
Love and keep us Ever'in'ham, while the Moody Freeman who refuses
to Holt 'on, now that our Chapman heralds the approach of Day, merits
a Whaling with a Branch of Beech 'er Cherry.
I w^rite myself an
Milwaukee, December 20. ASiSociATE Member.
The Weather.
The Sentinel of November 30 had the following upon this subject :
Autumn takes its leave of us to-day, and winter dates its reign from
to-morrow. We have no compliments to bestow this year upon our
MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHAPTER. 285
fall weather. Not to mince matters it has been abominable. True,
September was a fine month, as well as the first four days in October.
But from that time on it has been rain, snow and slush. Let us hope
that when the Frost King once takes the helm that he will give us a
regular old-time winter, like 1844-47 ^^^ '4^» ^^^^ plenty of good
sleighing.
River closed in 1858, November 15.
The Frost King did get control in a few days and gave the General
all he wanted. See annexed :
December 8 — Mercury at 7 o'clock a. m. 8 degrees below zero.
it
9
«
"
it
*
«
12
i(
2
«
above zero.
((
12
ct
7 o'clock p. M. 8
«
«
River closed, but opened again on the 13th below Walker's Point
bridge. The boys were skating above there on the 15th.
Early Ship Building.
Ship building in Milwaukee dates fi*om the infancy of its settle-
ment by the whites, the first vessel, the schooner Solomon Juneau,*
of ninety tons burden, having been built upon the east bank of the
Milwaukee River, at (or near) the intersection of North Water street
and Broadway, by Capt. George Barber, in the winter of 1836.
See Vol, I., Author's Pioneer History, page 86.t She was followed
by the little steamer Badger in 1837 (ibid, page 116), firom which
time the business was carried on to a greater or less extent by our
citizens at various points, without the establishment of any perma-
nent yard, prominent among whom was the late David Merrill,
George D. Oousman, Clark Shepardson, J. A. Helfenstein, Daniel
Newhall, Robert K. Caswell, Capts. James and William Porter and
*
She was the first two-masted vessel. 'I'here was a small sloop (or at least it
is claimed that there was) called the Wenona, of thirty tons burden, built by
Capt. Barber for William Brown, Jr., for a lighter, previous to that, but of the
truth of this I have no knowledge.
t It was there stated, upon what was supposed to be good authority, that this
pioneer craft was lost on Lake Ontario. This has, however, proved to be incor-
rect. She was lost at Milwaukee, at or near the foot of Chicai^o street, in the
fall of 1846, while in charge of the late Capt. Jas. Doyle, who, in attempting to
make the harbor, mistook a light in a dwelling on shore for the pier light, thus
causing her, after a varied life of ten years, to lay her bones at rest within less
than a mile of the spot from where she was laundied. Sic transit,
18
286 MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER.
Others, who built in all some fifty vessels prior to 1852,* when the
nucleus of the present mammoth plant, now known as
Wolf & Davidson's Ship Yard,
Was started by Jas. M. Jones upon what is now known as Jones'
Island,t upon that portion then occupied by the late Caleb Harrison
with a Marine Railway,! which Jones also purchased, and near
which he also erected a sawmill for the purpose of sawing ship
timber. This was the first mill ever erected in the citv for such uses.
Here Jones did an extensive business in building and repairing ves-
sels. Among those built by him at this yard, and other points,
were the Advance, barque Badger State,§ schooners Emily, D. O.
Dickinson, Milwaukee Belle, Norway, Fred. Hill. Adda, Indus,
May Queen, Undine, Odin, J. M. Jones, the barques Shanghai,
Hans Crocker, schooners Driver, Brilliant, and the propeller
Allegany.
Upon the advent of this propeller, the first one ever built here, the
Milwaukee Sentinel had the following puff:
The Propeller Alleghany.
ThiB new propeller, t!he first ever launched in our waters, is now ly-
ing in the river, about ready for sea. She was built by Jas. M. Jones,
Esq., for the American Transportation Company, to replace the old Al-
legnanv, wrecked in our bay last fall. Her dimensions are: 113 feet
long, 28 feet beam, 12 feet 6 inches depth of hold, measuring about 600
tons. She was moulded and constructed under the direction of John
W. Capes, and superintended, on the part of the companv, by Captain
S. Alexander. Captain A. S. Curtiss. of the former Alleghany, A\ill
command her, and she has been fitted out under his immediate super-
vision.
* For a complete list of the men who were foremost in investing their capital
in vessel property, in the infancy of the business, the reader is referred to the
table in Vol. III., page 485. Also for the names of the master mechanics who
built them. Of these, Capt. Stamuel Farmin is supposed to be living in Oregon,
or California, Capt. Geo. Barber died at Sioux Falls, Dakota, in iS»i, Jas. M.
Jones is carrying on the business at fDetroit, and Alfred Gilson is a resident of
Oshkosh.
t So called on account of his establishing a yard there.
X Caleb Harrison, who was always at something useful in a mechanical way,
had constructed a marine railway at that point, for the purpose of hauling out
vessels, no floating dock at that time having been constructed.
\ Built upon the south side of the Menomonee Kiver, where the present St.
Paul Freight House, No. 6. now stands. She was launched sideways. She was
built in 1853, for Thos. P. Williams and Chas. H. Wheeler, and is I believe sO'll
afloat. The frame of this vessel was drafted by John B. Merrill in the earret ot
the old John Childs' house, now the residence ot Hon. Geo. H. Paul, and known
as Nos. 321 and 323 Hanover street.
MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. 287
The joiner work, which will compare with any on the lakes, was ar-
ranged and put up under the superintendence of Mr. J. P. Wilson, of
New York. The ornamental painting and gilding was done by Messrs.
Lane & Corbusier, of this city, and is a first-rate job throughout, both
as to taste and finish. We do not think a more neatly painted cabin is
to be found on our seas. The carving is the handiw^ork of R. H. White,
of this city, and is a most creditable sample of his skill. The engine is
the one formerly in the old Alleghany, but it has been thoroughly re-
fitted, improved and put under the direction of Mr. Lawrence, the re-
pairs and alterations being made at the works of the Messrs. Lee. The
coppersmith ing and plumbing was done at the shop of Messrs. Read &
Felthausen. The furniture and decorations came from Bradford Bros,
and Seaman & Wing.
In short, the propeller was built, fitted and furnished complete by
the mechanics and dealers of our own city, and her neat, finisned and
tasteful appearance reflects credit upon all concerned in her construc-
tion and equipment. The result shows that we have everv facility here
for building and fitting out steamers as well as sail vessels, and we see
no reason why Milwaukee cannot henceforth successfullv compete in
this business with any citv on the lakes Certainljr, the Allej?hany and
the Hans Crocker, both launched from Jones' ship-yard this season,
can safely challenge comparison with anything afloat on our inland
seas, and are splendid specimens of Milwaukee-built steam and sail
crafts.
She was an unfortunate craft at first, as besides the accident at her
launching,* she got a hole stove in her shortly after and sank. See
annexed :
i
Propeller Alleghany.
This unfortunate craft lies on the bottom of the river, heeled over so
that the starboard side is under water, in front of the Chequered ware-
house dock. Every attempt to raise her so as to get at the leak seems
to fail. Two of the marine pumps have been tried and failed to clear
her. Floating docks have been applied without success. The schooner
Napoleon is now moored alongsicie, and large timbers passed across to
the arches of the propeller, so as to get a purchase upon her, but the
operation did not seem to succeed. It is a pity that such a fine craft
should be in jeopardy for want of a good dry dock at this port for ves-
sels of her class.
She was finally raised, repaired and ran for several years for
freight and passengers between Chicago and Bufialo, and s now
(1885) owned atTonawanda, N. Y., and running in the lumber trade
between that village and East Saginaw, Mich.
The money lost in the construction of this propeller, coupled with
the stringency of the money market in 1857, was too much for
*She was launched stern foremost, but owing to che shallowness of the water,
as well as the softness of the ground upon the island, her stern had liardly reached
the water before her ways spread and she stuck upon the ground, and where she
remained over a month before she was released. This accident cost Jones (in-
cluding demurrage^ over $10,000. The general foreman of this yard at that time
was William H. Wolf, while Theodore Lawrence had charge of the marine rail-
way, which Jones still used for the repairing of vessels.
288 MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER.
Jones, and he, with many others who were in debt, went into liqui-
dation, which virtually suspended the work in the yard (except gen-
eral repairing) until 1858, when the assets passed into the hands of
Buel B, Jones, who at once removed the plant to the site of the
present Elevator A, upon the Menomonee river, southeast corner of
Oregon and Hanover streets, where he built the brigantines Chas. G.
Breed, Tanner and Hanover, and in the winter of i860 and 1861 the
barques Constitution and Golden West, Thos. Davidson (who came
from the island as foreman for B. B. Jones in 1858) having charge
of the work in the construction of the Constitution, and J. M. Jones
of the Golden West. The success attending the building of these
vessels resulted in the formation of a copartnership by Lemuel Ells-
worth and Thos. Davidson with B. B. Jones, under the title of Ells-
worth, Davidson & Jones, which continued until the spring of 1862,
when Jones retired and the firm became Ellsworth & Davidson, who
carried on the business until the spring of 1863, wlien they bought
out the yards of Wolf & Lawrence,* at the foot of Biddle street, in
the present Seventh ward, to which they at once removed their Me-
nomonee yard, and where they carried on the business on a large
scale.
Among the vessels built there was the celebrated barquentiue Nel-
son, one of the finest as well as fastest ever built in Milwaukee. They
remained here until 1867, when Mr. Wolff repurchased Ellsworth's
interest, and the firm became Wolf & Davidson, under which tide it
has remained until the present time.
The new firm remained at Biddle street until 1868, when, having
outgrown their quarters, they removed to their present location at
♦William H. Wolf and Theodore Lawrence, mention of whom has previously
been made as foremen in the original plant upon Jones' Island, had, upon the
failure of Jones in 1857, formed a copartnership for the construction of fish and
yawl boats, which they carried on for a year or more in connection with vessel
work, when, wishing to enlarge their facilities, they built a floating dock, the
largest at that time upon the lake, which they had located at the foot of Biddle
street, and where they were doing a large business in general vessel work.
f Mr. Wolf, upon the sale to Ellsworth & Davidson in 1863, went into the same
business at Fort Howard, Green Bay, where he built among other craft the side-
wheel steamer G. L. Dunlap, the propeller Favorite, the schooners Columbia,
Winnie Wing, Lottie Wolf and the Minnie Slawson, besides doing a large busi-
ness in lumber, and where he remained until he returned to Milwaukee and re-
purchased his former interest, as stated in the text.
MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. 289
the foot of Washington street, thereby restoring the plant to within a
stone's throw of its birth-place, and where, under the good manage-
ment of its energetic proprietors, it his grown to gigantic propor-
tions. It now covers nine acres of ground,* upon which, besides
the buildings incident to and necessary for such a plant, they have
nine floating docks, besides one stationary dry dock 325 feet in
length, capable of holding the largest vessels upon the lakes ; they
also have a branch yard in Chicago, in which are two dry and sev-
eral floating docks, and where they also do an immense business.
Their average working force is two hundred.
Such, in brief, is the history of this mammoth ship yard, which
from small beginnings has grown to its present status, without a
break except as to ownership, and whose present proprietors were
among its first employees. Commencing at the foot of the ladder,
they have worked steadily up until they have reached the top^the
sure result of doing honest work, coupled with good judgment and
economy. Among the vessels constructed at this yard since the for-
mation of the present firm are the following : Schooners Resumption,
Ford River, Penokee, Geo. G. Houghton, Typo, and Lem. Ells-
worth; barques Angus Smith, Joseph Paige, Marengo, Alice B.
Norris, Saveland, Moonlight ; the steamships Minnesota, Business,
Jim Sheriff; sidewheel steamer Flora; the steamship Progress;
besides small vessels ad infinitum A And have now, January, 1886,
on the stocks, a 1,600-ton steam barge, to be completed about Sep-
tember I. She is intended for the market.^ Her dimensions will be
218 feet keel, 37 feet beam, and 23 feet deep. She is to be double-
decked, iron-strapped, and as strong as wood and iron will make her.
She is to have a fore-and-aft compound engine, which has not yet
*In addition to which they have a branch yard for the manufacture of deck
plank and cabins, and where they also do a general business in planed lumber.
t The localities where several of these vessels were set np (not previousyl
given) were as follows: The S. R. Marvin and the Michael Dousman were built
between the ndrth end of Clinton and the present Ferry street, at what is now
Nos. 264 and 266 South Water street; the Nucleus a little east of the Elevator
known as Angus Smith's A., and the Mary G. Bonesteel at the foot of Detroit
street; the Nebraska at the foot of Prairie street in the Second ward. Could the
exact locality where all these early vessels were built be obtained, it would form
an interesting scrap for some future historian. But it will probably never be
done.
290 MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER.
been contracted for, and steel boiler. Her cost will be about
$100,000.
Biographical and Personal.
William H. Wolf, the senior member, as well as the financial head
of this firm, is a native of Germany, having been born near the vil-
lage of Mientz, on the River Rhine, on the 7th day of August, 182S,
from whence he came to America in 1836, and to Milwaukee first in
1849, on an exploring tour, remaining a short time, after which he
visited other parts of the country, but finding nothing which suited
him better, he returned again in 1853 to stay, his first work, as pre-
viously stated, being at Jones' Island, first as a journeyman and sub-
sequently as foreman for J. M. Jones.
In person, Mr. Wolf is of the medium height, compactly built, is
very muscular, and capable of great physical endurance. He has a
large head, a large, expressive and somewhat protruding blue eye,
in which a mischievous smile will often be seen lurking, a florid
complexion, and in personal characteristics is wholly unlike his part-
ner. He has a strong, powerful voice, speaks very distinctly, is
brusque in manner, has a nervous temperament, and is no wise diffi-
dent in expressing his sentiments upon any matter in which he may
have an interest, and if opposed will be found on the ' bull " side
every time and always ready to face the music, and is a hard man to
beat. He is a keen observer of men, reads character readily, makes
up his mind what he wants to do and then does it. He has good
executive ability, is very aggressive, and, like Jas. Kneeland, always
acts upon his own judgment, never asking or taking advice from any
one, and consequently as a rule always wins. He is a very good
diplomat, seldom taken off his guard, is fond of argument, will often
have his antagonist badly tangled up before he is aware of it, and as
a repository of anecdotes (with which he is usually loaded to the
muzzle) is the Abraham Lincoln of the Cream City, and like him
always has one ready for every occasion. He is a genial companion,
has the faculty of making and retaining firiends that few who. are as
outspoken as is he can boast.
In political faith he is a thorough going republican, is an active
politician, and a very influential man in the party. He has served in
MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. 291
the Board of Alderroan, where his voice was always heard for the
cause of right and justice. In religious faith he is a liberal, his creed
consisting in doing what he conceives to be right. In short, the
golden rule is the guiding star with him. He is a good friend, and
if an enemy an open one. He is fond of music and works of art,
loves sociecy, has good conversational powers, and is a general favor-
ite with all who know him. Such are some of the leading charac-
teristics of William H. Wolf. He has reached a high plane as a
mechanic, made a good record both as a business man and citizen,
and is ranked as one of Milwaukee's representative men.
Mr. Davidson I who has the control of the work in the yard for his
department, is of an entirely different temperament from Mr. Wolf.
He possesses none of the brusque manner so natural to that gentle-
man, but, on the contrary, is one of the kind who, to use an expres-
sion common among railroad men, " goes slow around the curves."
He first saw the light among the heather clad hills of **Auld Scotia,"
having been born at Ayreshire, March 20th, 1828, and possesses to
a remarkable degree the cautious and methodical ways for which
that historic race from which he sprung are so renowned. He first
came to Milwaukee in July, 1855, his first employment after his
arrival being as journeyman for J. M. Jones, which continued until
the failure of that gentleman in 1857, and the sale to Buel B. Jones
in 1858, when, upon the removal of the plant to the Menomonee, he
was appointed to and accepted the position of foreman, which he
held until the spring of 1861, when, as already seen, he became a
member of the new firm of Ellsworth & Davidson, and B. B. Jones,
since which time to the present (with the changes in partners pre-
viously mentioned) he has continued in business the last eighteen
years, the firm having been Wolf & Davidson.
In person, Mr. Davidson is in height a little above the average,
weighs about 160 pounds, and belongs to that class of men whose
muscular development is perfect. He too has a large head, a large
face, square cut features, has a clear blue eye, which when conversing
with any one is fixed upon that person with a look that seems to read
his thoughts. He is not nervous, always cool and collected, is very
reticent, dislikes change, is fond of his friends, and will cling to them
to the last, often to his own disadvantage.
292 MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER.
He is also very conscientious and believes in doing right, is slow
to anger, but if once aroused the old Scotch blood comes to the
front and he will fight to the last for what he conceives to be his
right. His likes and dislikes are very strong. He is a splendid
mechanic, understands all the technical points connected with ship-
building, depends on his own judgment, keeps his own counsel,
wants every one in his employ to do just as he is told and ask no
questions, and will take no back talk from any one.
In political faith he is a Republican, but not a politician. In re-
ligious faith his motto is the Golden Rule.
Mr. Davidson, like Mr. Wolf, has reached the autumn of life, and
like him can look back with just pride upon the record he has made,
both as a business man and model citizen, and has won the respect
as well as the confidence of all who know him.
That his pleasant face and stalwart form, as well as Mr. Wolfs,
may be seen upon our streets for many years to come is certainly the
wish of all who know them.
This firm is noted for the length of time it retains its employees,
among whom is their confidential clerk, Stephen R. Smith. Mr.
Smith was born at Troy, N. Y., May 13, 1843, came to Milwaukee
in 1854, and went into his present office in 1863, since which time
to the present he has held the keys and is one of the fixtures. He
is a splendid book-keeper as well as an accountant, and handles a
pen with a rapidity and skill which makes him an invaluable acquisi-
tion. Few men in the city have filled a similar position for one
house for as long a period.
Besides Mr. Smith's qualifications as a book-keeper he is also a
fine musician, and has manipulated the keys of the organ in Hano-
ver street church for the last twenty years, a longer period than any
other organist in the city.
Mr. Smith, who is yet comparatively a young man, was also one
of those who went to the front in the late rebellion as a member of
the Twenty-fourth Wisconsin, and was wounded at the battle of
Stone River. He is one of the kind of men who are always ready
to do their whole duty, and is justly entitled to the position he has
attained both as a business man and useful citizen.
milwaukee under the charter. 293
Biographical.
David Merrill, whose name appears in connection with this sketch,
was a very prominent man among the early ship-builders and fur-
nished the funds, in whole or in part, to construct several vessels,
particularly the barque Nucleus, the schooner Michael Dousman,
the S. R. Marvin, and perhaps others. ^
He was a wide-awake, energetic man, and very aggressive, and
generally accomplished all he undertook, while at the same time he
was a very kind-hearted man. He disliked all sort of wrong-doing,
always acted on the square, and wanted no dealings with any one
who did not. He was no talker, but more of an actor, and left a
good name among his brother pioneers.
He was a native of the old Pine Tree state (Maine), and was the
father of our well known fellow-citizens, W. P. and J. B. Merrill, of
this city, and Hiram Merrill, of Janesville. He was born December
12, 1793, and came to Milwaukee February 25, 1837, where he died
March 12, 1872. He was buried in Forest Home. Peace to his
memory.
The Milwaukee Shipyard Company
(the old Allen McClellan yard) was chartered in 1874, with a work-
ing capital of $50,000. President, John Fitzgerald ; secretary and
treasurer, A. M. Joys. The master mechanics are Robert Allen and
Ix>uis Pahlow.
This yard is situated on Vogel's Island. Their working force
when in full blast is one hundred men. They turn out $100,000
worth of work yearly. Among the vessels built here since the or-
ganization of the company are the three-masted schooner Myosotis
and the steamer R. G. Peters. This company has two sets of sec-
tional docks and a dry-dock capable of lifting a vessel of fifteen
hundred tons.
A Correction.
The statement in the History of Milwaukee, published in 1881 by
the Western Historical Company, page 439, concerning the advent
of the old steamer Detroit, in 1837, would imply that she was also
built here. This is not so. She was an old boat when she came,
and was purchased for the occasion.
294 milwaukee under the charter.
Improvements.
The Jonathan L. Peirce and John Esh blocks, southwest corner of
Wells and West Water streets, was erected this year..
There were also seventy-five buildings, costing $88,000, erected in
the Fifth ward ; thirty-four, costing $50,000, in the Sixth ward ; fifty,
costing $358,000, in the Seventh ward, and fifty-four, costing $901,-
300 in the Fourth ward.
Some of these were commenced in 1857 but completed in 1858.
It is not claimed that this list is perfect, but it is as near correct (as
far as it goes) as can be expected at this lat^ day. The following
are a few included in this list of which I will make a special men-
tion :
First is the addition to the Albany, erected by the late James S.
Brown.
Addition to the Albany.
Among the many substantial and elegant buildingB commenced in our
city last fall and completed during the present winter, that erected bv
James S. Brown^ Estj., on Main street, south of and adjoining the Al-
bany, and of which it is to be a part, may fairly claim the palm for the
beauty, novelty and completeness 01 its interior arrangements. It is a
three-story brick building, 40 feet front by 120 deep, with a high peaked
and slate-covered roof. The facade is neat and plain, corresponding
very nearly with that of the Albany.
The first, or ground floor, is designed for a first-class restaurant, and
is provided with every convenience required for such an establishment.
The second story, which forms one single apartment, is to be occupied
and abundantly provided with gas lustres for the evening.
The walls and ceiling are painted in distemper by Mr. F. A. Lvdston,
late of Springfield, Mass., an artist of great promise, who is about to
make Milwaukee his home.
The third story of Mr. Brown's building is divided into a rotunda and
four side rooms. Two of these, on the front, will be occupied as family
rooms by Mr. Dickinson. One of those in the rear is intended for a
dressing room; the other communicates, by a dumb waiter, with the
restaurant on the first floor, and will be used as a refreshment room.
But the peculiar feature of this story, and the gem of the building, is
the rotunda. This is an oval-shaped apartment, with arched ceiling, of
artistic desien and most graceful proportions. It is 74 feet in length by
38 wide, ana 35 in the clear. The ceiling is dome-like in form, divided
into panels, and, with the walls, of purest white. At the top is a sky-
light of ground and' tinted glass, corresponding, in shape and propor-
tions, with the room itself. Around the walls are thirteen niches, 7J
feet high, 3 feet wide and H in depth, each of which is occupied by a
graceful and appropriate plaster cast, copied from models 01 Grecian
statuary. These figures are not only good in themselves, but greatly
enhance the beauty of the apartment. They are the handiwork of
MILWAUKEE UNDER TliE CHARTER. 295
Joseph Nicollet, whose residence is on Huron street, between Milwau-
kee and Main.
The room is abundantly lighted in the daytime by the skylijcht of the
dome, while at night forty-nine gas lustres will eclipse the brilliancy of
the day. This elegant apartment, certainly the handsomest we know of
anywhere, is deajmed either for a supper room in connection with the
grand ball room of the Albany, or for a picture gallery, or for a concert,
lecture or ball room, when not over five hundred persons are expected.
The rotunda communicates by two ample passage-ways with the Al-
bany.
The whole building is a credit to the enterprising owner and an orna-
ment to the citv. The masonry was done by James Allen, the carpen-
ter work by Babcock Brothers, and Mr. Dillenburg was the architect.
They may all well feel a just pride in this work of their hands and
monument of their skill.
This building stood directly south of and adjoining the Albany
Hall, its site being now occupied by the chamber of commerce. It
was an attachment in part to the Albany.
BonesteePs new store, now No. 381 East Water street, was built
this year and, according to the Wisconsin^ was the wonder of the
age. Nearly the whole of the front of the first story, says the edi-
tor, was of glass, immense plates, 3x2^ feet, costing $400, and it
contained two hundred feet of solid mahogany counters. But, alas,
all the primeval glories of that famous store have become a thing of
the past, and as I stood gazing upon it to-day (October 18, 1884)
the face and form of John N. Bonesteel came to view in memory's
eye. Its habits (/. e.j the store,) were regular. It opened every
morning (Sundays excepted) at 7 a. m. and closed at 8 p. m., old
style. J. N. Bonesteel is at present a resident of the city of Brook-
lyn, N. Y.
The Mabbett & Breed block,* northeast corner of Reed and Lake
streets, was built this year. It was £L wonder when built, but is of
little account to-day.
The Byron block, now Nos. 620 to 630 Grand avenue.
Elevator A (now C), by Jesse Hoyt and Angus Smith; 200 by 70
feet wide and 98 feet high ; master mechanic, Alex Miller. The
first cargo shipped fi-om this elevator was by the W. J. Whahng, No-
vember 26, 1858.
*Hinim Mabbett and Charles Breed.
296 milwaukee under the charter.
Organ Manufactory.
An organ manufactory was established this year by Chas. £. Le
Droit and John O'Brien. They erected the first church organ ever
built in Milwaukee, the one formerly used in the old First Baptist
church on Wisconsin street, where Chapman's store now stands.
Mr. Le Droit was from Montreal. He died many years ago. I
think Mr. O'Brien is still living.
Those Early Sheboygan Houses.
In the Milwaukee Seniiml oi July 13th, 1885, was the following:
All the Way from Sheboygan.
An Emigrant to Milwaukee Who Brought his Hoube Along with Him.
' '^ There are a number of old landmarks in Milwaukee that have queer
histories," said an old citizen yesterday, ''and among the roost cele-
brated of the lot is a house of fair appearance, located on Fifteenth
street, between Wells and Cedar. The house was built at Sheboygan,
in this State, in 1836, by Wm. Famsworth, one of the first settlers of
the country. He was a fur trader and a great friend of Solomon Ju-
neau's. In that year Sheboygan showed great promise of being a
leading trading post, and of eventually becoming a metropolis, but it
was a milure as a trading post, and as soon as the town showed signs of
weakness, those who had erected houses took them apart as much as
possible, placed them on scows and started for other points. Among
the lot was, the Farnsworth residence. It was landed at the piers here,
and hauled in sections to the spot where Alexander Mitchell's green-
house now stands, at the corner of Grand Avenue and Tenth streets.
It was again erected and sold to Judge A. D. Smith, who resided there
from 18& until a few years after, I don't remember how many, when it
was removed to its present site. The house was occupied until recently
by Louis Rindskopt and family."
This statement is incorrect. There were some four buildings re-
moved from Sheboygan, and one or two from Port Washington, to
Milwaukee, between 1837 and 184 1, one of which was the Wells'
Block mentioned, and cut given, in Vol. II., page 180, burnt in the
great fire of 1845. One of the old fi*ames, now standing upon the
southwest corner of Milwaukee and Michigan streets, was also
brought from Sheboygan by the late Richard Hackett. But the
Farnsworth buildings were placed upon Jackson street, at what is
now Nos. 419 and 421, and pulled down or removed about four
years since, to make room for the present double brick erected upon
their site.
MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. 297
It is true that Judge Smith li\ ed in one of these old Farnsworth
houses on Jackson street for a short time, and I believe Alex. Mitchell.
But the dwelling upon Grand Avenue and Tenth street was erected
by Judge A. D. Smith in 1850, at a cost of $1,700, see Vol. III.,
page 28, and was the first one ever erected upon that corner, where
he resided until his death in 1863, after which it was sold to the late
Alonzo Fowler,* who died there, and his son, William H. Fowler,
sold it to Alex. Mitchell, who, as there slated, sold it to Louis Rinds-
kopf for $850, who removed it to its present location. Mr. Farns-
worth never lived upon the West Side, and never spent a year in
Milwaukee all put together.
* This gentlemanVs name is given in Vol. III., page 282, as Chas. E. It
should have been Alonzo.
CHAPTER Vl.
1859.
Opening Address — ^The Weather — Political Trickery — Reports of the County Offi-
cials — Legislative — The New Charter, and the Fight on Its Passage — ^The
Result — The Mayor's Report — Comments Thereon — A Call for a Mass Meet-
ing at Albany Hall— The Result— An Attempt to Divide the Third Ward —
St. Andrew's Society Formally Organized — ^jas. Siddell — Grain in Store —
Horse Overboard — Swine Ditto— A Cow-Slip— The Spring Campaign — A
People's Convention — Candidates Nominated — ^The Democratic Convention —
The Result — Major Fut Wins the Prize — (Comments of the Sentinel Upon K.
L. H. Gardner's Nomination — New School Opened — School Census— Ought
to Be in School — And These Ought to Be Whipped — Report — Page vs. Pren-
tiss—Page Gets Left— The Plot Thickens— J. T. Perkins Wants More Light
—J. C. Starkweather Gets a Fall— The M. S. Scott Goes to Europe— The Ger-
mans in America — ^July 4th Celebration — ^The Hog Nuisance — Mr. Pat Mc-
Ginnis Makes His Maiden Speech — Likewise Did Misther O'Conner — Eldi-
torial Sparring — ^The Horse Railroad — Sam Piatt Gets a Bible — Father John
Rosebeck on the War- Path — ^The Arrival of the New Steamers, the Detroit
and Milwaukee — An Aflair of Honor — ^The Old Blind Singer — How a Mil-
waukee Carpenter Got a Floor Taken Up — ^The Eagle Mill, Sketch — ^The
Phoenix — ^The Brewing Interest — ^The Empire Brewery of Phillip Best & Co.
— Wm. P. Young's Block Burnt — l*he Sentinel Gets Spooney — ^Wouldn't
Call Him Judge— The Old Market House— An Attempt to Divide the Coun-
ty — Political — ^The Republicans Win — P. Van Vechten Scores the News —
Winter Coming — Population — Improvements — ^The First Town Election —
The Semi-Centennial — Statistical.
The winter of 1858-9 opened cold. The previous fall, as has
been seen, was not of the Indian summer character of 1857-8, or
even of the present one (1884-5).
True. September and a few of the first days in October were very
fine, but with the commencement of December the scene changed.
The thermometer began seeking winter quarters very rapidly, ranging
as low as 8*^ below on the 8th, which froze the river solid. It opened
again on the 13th below Walker's Point, but above there it remained
firozen until the last of the month, when it began to soften up a little,
and January 2 we find the following 'plaint fi-om General King in
the Sentinel* which reads as though it had thawed some. And it
had :
*The Sentinel czmt out in an entire new dress January i, 1859.
MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. 299
The weather still continues drop-sical. For a week we have had
scarcely enough sunshine to write by. We would this " winter of our
discontent" could be made ** glorious summer" for a day or two by a
little solar efinlgence, if it were only to thaw out the boused fair ones
and set the hoops rolling once more. As w^e write, there is every ap-
pearance of another rain (of terror). If those little mud fairies at the
crossings could sweep the India ink out of our sky with the same suc-
cess they display in scattering the mire of our streets, they might reap
a harvest of pennies, at least from the be-nicrhted editors.
The General refers to the subject again on the 6th, thusly :
O tempo, O mud! "Terra firma" is as unstable as an ocean of soft
soap.* Mother Earth looks like a badly compounded jelly — our streets
hardl)' passable. If we were a poet (which we are not), what a beauti-
ful ** thaw-it" might be composed out of the present state of the
weather. ^ White stockings dance over the crossings as though they
were afraid of being ad-mired, and the damp rasc^s who scrape the
crossinjjs with damp sponges have a very persistent way as they stick
out their little palms for the money.
Whereupon some modern Hiawatha, thinking this did not reach
the case, tries his hand at it in the following ditty :
The Weather Yesterday.
When we woke up in the morning
Janus over all, his banner
White and pure had just unfolded
And the summer air that recent
Made us talk of spring and flowers, '
Was dead and decked in white array.
But we mourned not as the snowflakes
Shrouded all our vernal wishings,
Mourned not at the death of sunlight.
But with prophet ken we uttered
Huge predictions for the morrow.
How tne cold and gloomy storm wind.
With itfi cold and oowny burthen,
Would not with the weijEfht of winter.
Smother out those promised sleigh rides,
Would not chill the cheery jingle,
Jingle of the fleeting cutter,
Witn its load of furs and wnalebone.
Then we laughed as fell the snowflakes,
Laughed ana rubbed our hands together.
As we watc^hed the tiny crystals
Building up the path of pleasure.
FIVE o'cix)CK p. M.
Now, alas for human wisdom.
All our hopes and all the snowflakes,
Like the promised joys of riches.
Like the visions of the school-boy.
All have vanished into tear-drops,
Leaving nothing but the sighing.
Sighing of the watery south wind.
*And the mud did resemble that article as far as its slippery qualities were con-
cerned.
300 MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER.
The river soon closed again above Walker's Point bridge, where
the youth of both sexes (and occasionally some who were not so
young) could be seen almost every day gliding over the ice. But
below the bridge it was kept open by the boats.
The river opened this spring April i, and April 2 brought us our
first boat from below, the steamer City of Cleveland, after which we
could truly say that spring had come.
Politically the past year had been a stormy one. A fearful amount
of lying, or, to put it in a milder form, prevaricating, had been done
by the Democratic papers, in order to shield the thieves then under
suspicion for robbing the public treasury, in which laudable eflfort
they had the aid of the leaders, or at least some of them, and who
were doing all in their power to prevent any further investigation.
But it availed them not, for the hands of the people were not stayed
until the whole villainy was exposed and the thieves, or at least some
ol them (the small fry), brought to justice and others driven from
the country.
But notwithstanding all this the amount of improvements during
the past year had been very large, and for those days some of the
buildings erected were quite expensive. But the financial crash of
1857, caused by the over-issue of bonds to railroads (all of which
were eventually paid by the city), and of city bonds for municipal
purposes, kept the tax-payers in irons, so to speak, for several years.
The business of the year opened with the reports of the different
city and county officials, prominent among which was that of the
jailor, who gave the number of commitments as 687, of which num-
ber 78 were females; of the whole number, 175 could neither read
nor write, and 82 of these were under sixteen years of age. As to
their nationality, 258 were Irish, 18 were Scotch, 105 were Ameri-
can (natives), 89 were English, 6 were Norwegians, 8 were Cana-
dians, 2 were Welshmen, i Dane, 3 were Hollanders, 174 were Ger-
man, 8 were French, 9 were negroes, 6 were Swedes, and i Bo-
hemian; of this number, 47 went to Waupun.
Robert Warren, jailor, December 31, 1858.
Legislative.
The members of the legislature for 1858-9, elected the previous
November, were :
MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. 301
For the Senate^— Cicero Comstock and Patrick Walsh.
For the Assembly — Exlwin Palmer, Chas. J. Kern, Thos. H. Evis-
ton, Jas. A. Swain, Wm. S. Cross, Jos. Walter, Frederick Moscowitz,
Jacob fieck and Edward Hasse.
This session commenced January 12, 1859, and adjourned March
21, 1859.
Erastus D. Caniield, Lieutenant- Go vemor, president of the sen-
ate.
William P. Lyon, speaker of the house.
The New Charter.
This document, for draughting of which mention has already been
made of the appointment of a committee, with Judge A. G. Miller as
chairman, was formally presented to the Council for examination,
January 3d, upon which Councillor Hadley offered a resolution that
the communication (as he chose to call it) of Judge Miller be placed
on file, and the Charter published six times previous to the 15th, in
the Doily NewSy Seebote^ Sentinel^ Wisconsin^ Free Democrat ^ and
the Grad-Aus, and that the clerk be instructed to call a special
election for the last Tuesday in January, for the purpose of its adop-
tion, and that the Aiias be also added to the above list.
The mention of the Ailas brought Councillor Andrew McCormick
to his feet, with a motion to amend by including the Tomahawk and
Scalping Knife* claiming that it was a prominent paper, and came
out every day with flying colors.t
To which Councillor O. H. Waldo objected, claiming that it would
be very improper to publish it in any but the official papers.
In this he was sustained by Councillor Hadley, who stated that
the paper mentioned was published clandestinely, and had no res-
ponsible head.
Councillor Lapham thought that if such was the case it had better
* A little 7x9 sheet, got up at the Light House (or some out of the way place),
but by whom no one but its author knew. It was a spirited little sheet, and a
perfect terror to evil-doers and snobs. It was supposed that the real editors
of that spicy little sheet were Alexander and John Corbitt. Will the last named
gentleman please rise and explain?
t A broad grin illuminating the Councillor's classic face as he made the propo-
sition. He was a great wag, and always on the watch for a chance to hit some
one.
19
302 MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER.
be included in the list, because if it had no responsible head there
would be no tail to it, and therefore no bill to pay.
To which Councillor McCormick replied, that the editor of the
Tomahawk and Scalping Knife was a prominent gentleman, and that
he was acquainted with him.
Upon which Mr. Hadley withdrew his objections. [Laughter.]
Councillor McCormick then moved the adoption of his amend-
ment, which was put by the Mayor, William A. Prentiss, a peculiar
smile illuminating his countenance as he did so. Lost.
Councillor Hayden then objected to the adoption of the resolution.
He believed the publication of the Charter in any other than the official
papers would be an unnecessary expenditure.*
Councillor Hadley insisted upon the necessity of having it spread
broadcast before the people. He thought it contained many excel-
lent provisions, but upon the whole was inadequate to the wants of
the city, from the fact that it made no provision whatever for the
payment of our debts. He wanted, therefore, that every taxpayer
should have an opportunity of seeing it before voting upon it.
Councillor Lapham inquired as to what would be the cost of having
it published as proposed.
Councillor Hadley said he had been informed that it would be
about $80 in each English paper, and about $100 in the German
papers.
Councillor Waldo said he had not supposed it could be published
for that amount, and he would vote for the resolution with the under-
standing that the cost did not exceed $80 in the English, and $100
in the German language.
An amendment to this effect was adopted.
At the suggestion of Councillor Biersach, the resolution was
amended by allowing $100 to the Seebote only, thus paying $20 for
translating, and the other German papers could copy from it, and
extending the time for publication to the 20th.
The resolution thus amended was adopted.
On motion of Councillor Waldo, that portion of the resolution
* This I believe was true, as the Judge's reason for omittini; such provisions
was, that he did not believe a city should ever create a debt. Pay as you go, was
his motto. A good and always a safe rule to follow.
J
MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. 308
referring to a special election was rescinded, and referred to Council-
lor Hadley to be drawn up in different form and reported at the next
meeting. After which the Board adjourned.
An Unkind Cut. — The New Charter.
The Sentinel of January 6th, contained the following upon this
subject, entitled :
Repudiation.
At the meeting of the Board of Councillors, held January 3d, Coun-
cillor Jackson Hadley characterized the New Charter as a repudiating
instrument. " The idea," says the editor, *' of Mr. Hadley accusing his
political Mend, Judge Miller, of getting up a repudiating Charter. Mr.
Hadley might as well accuse the Judge of assumption."
The vote upon this Charter, taken February i, was 392 for, and
1,093 against.
This Charter was not rejected so much for what it contained as for
what it did not contain. It was considered inadequate, inasmuch as
It made no provision for paying the city's indebtedness, which made
it look like repudiation.
Report of the Mayor.
The following synopsis of the report made by Hon. William A.
Prentiss to the Common Council, January 7th, 1859, is inserted here
as a proper part of the city's financial history, in connection with
and during the administration of Jas. B. Cross, and is copied from
the Milwaukee Sentinel oi January 8th, 1859:*
To the Common Council :
On the 8th dav of May, 1853, an ordinance was passed, authorizing
an issue of City "bonds, bearing interest at the rate of ten per cent,
per annum, payable semi-annually, to the amount of one hundred
thousand dollars, to be used or nisposed of only " in the payment of,
or in exchange for bonds, and the interest thereon, issued by the City,
and in the payment of debts contracted previous to the 6th day of
April, A. D. J 808, at not less than par value, as provided by law." At
the same time resolutions were passed, directing the Mayor and Comp-
troller to proceed to New York, for the purpose of making an arrange-
ment to retire some portion of the City debt; and in compliance with
the resolutions referred to. the undersigned, and J. L. Hathaway, Comp-
troller, soon after left for New York.
Immediately after our arrival, we proceeded to engage in the duty
* This is the document so persistently called for by Councillor Hadley at the
meeting of the Council held October 27th, 12^58, mentioned in previous chapter.
304 MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER.
assigned us; but soon found the credit of the City in such a condition,
owing to the non-payment of the principal on certain bonds, and the
interest thereon, then past due, ana also the interest on a large amount
of municipal bonds, previously issued, that no arrangement could be
made for the sale or new bonds which were authorized to be issued,
under the amendments to the Charter and the ordinance referred to,
nor could any exchange be made for past due City indebtedness.
The undersigned, and Comptroller, remained in New York nearly two
weeks, and made all possible exertions to dispose of the bonds author-
ized to be issued, with a view to restore the credit of the City to a healthy
condition ; but all to no purpose. Inquiries were made of us at all places
as to what amount City oondshad been issued, to aid in the construction
of railroads, and what provision had been made for the payment of the
interest coupons on the bonds issued to the several companies.
Our reply was, that no provision had been made, either for the pay-
ment of the principal or interest on these bonds, the city authorities
having entirely relied on the securities taken, and the plj^dges of the
officers of the several railroad companies, to meet the interest coupons,
as they fell due, and ultimately the principal. Finding all further enbrts
useless, the unaersigned returned with a view to await the collection of
the taxes of 1857, wnich had been extended by the Legislature, (»lIcu-
lating that if the interest and sinking fund taxes were paid in, a suffi-
cient sum could be realized to pay off the past due municipal indebted-
ness, and thereby to some extent we should be able to restore the City
credit.
After waiting until the 1st of August, and ascertaining from the city
treasurer that full one-third part of the city taxes were unpaid, and
deeming it important that a further effort should be made to restore our
credit in the city of New York and other places East, J cAUsed the
bonds to be issued, and with the comptroller entered into an arrange-
ment with certain parties to take up a considerable portion of the past
due city indebtt^dness, consisting of matured bonds, the unterest due
thereon, bills payable, and the interest which had already accrued on
the municipal bonds, the principal of which was not yet due. In the
arrangement we agreed to nirnish|20,CXX) out of the sinking f\ind levied
for 1857 and the other parties the balance, but owing to the default of
the tax-payers, only |10,CX)0 could be obtained from the treasury, which
sum was received by the comptroller and his receipt given therefor.
For the money thus taken the comptroller will render an account,
and return interest coupons and other city indebtedness taken up to a
larger amount.* For the labor and expense of taking up the indeoted-
ness referred to, the undersigned and comptroller agreed to pa^ a small
commission, not exceeding 4 per cent., in sinking fund bonas, which
had been placed in the Ocean Bank, New York, in March last, by my
predecessor. These sinking fund bonds could not then have been sol^
lor fifty cents on the dollar, but were to be received in payment of the
commissions at par.
Being unable to obtain the additional $10,000 from the interest and
sinking funds, we were obliged to close the matter up, and I herewith
report a statement of the city indebtedness in my nands, which has
been taken up by a sale of a portion of the new issue of bonds, and
also herewith return the remaining bonds, which I recommend be can-
celed.*
I deem it proper for the information of the tax-payers of the city to
advert to the manner in which a very large amount of city bonds were
disposed of by the late administration between the 22d of Mav, 1857,
and the 10th of January, a. d. 185S, and I herewith subjoin a schedule,
* This part of the report being wholly tabular has been omitted.
MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. 305
marked B, taken from the report of E. L. H. Grardner, late city comp-
troller.
It will be seen, from an examination of the schedule, that the sum of
$122,073.18 was discounted on the bonds -sold during that period to
maintain the city credit. During the same period a loan was made of
the Farmers' ana Millers' Bank, amounting to $90,000, and also a loan
of $80,000 of the Juneau Bank, but from the improvident manner in
which the public funds had been used during the preceding three
years, they failed to pay the indebtedness due the 31st of Marcn, 1858,
and the credit of the city was consequently brought into disrepute.
1857
May 22.— Discount on 94 bonds sold by J. B. Cross $20,376 31
July —.—Discount on 65 bonds sold by Mever & Strecken 13,000 00
July 16.— Discount on 31 bonds sold by Bell & Co 6,200 00
Aug. 4.— Discount on 25 bonds sold by Bell & Co 4,777 36
Aug. 14. — Discount on 1 bond sold by Bell & Co 103 11
Aug. 14. — Discount on 25 bonds sold by J. B. Cross 6,871 95
Aug. 15. — Discount on number not stated nor by whom sold.. 2,506 81
Oct. 22.— Discount on 5 city bonds sold by Schall & Co 2,341 63
Nov. 30.--Discount on 92 city bonds sold by J. B. Cross. 30,$)88 67
Dec. 2. — Discount on 66 citv bonds sold by Schall & Co 31,075 71
Sept. 2. — Discount on number not stated nor by whom sold... 697 60
1858.
Jan. 14. — Discount on 1 1 city bonds by whom sold not men-
tioned 3,135 03
Total amount of discount on the foregoing bonds $122,073 19
This exhibit does not show the commissions paid on the sale, and 1
cain find no statement thereof in the report of the late comptroller.*
"VV. A. Prentiss, Mayor.
January 7, 1869.
Several articles commenting upon the condition of the city finances
appeared in the Sentinel, following the publication of this report,
prominent among which was the following, from some one signed X. ,
in which the Mayor was very highly complimented for the laithful as
well as able manner in which he had performed his duties, in clearing
the city of the bad odor that had clung to her from the unwise, as
well as illegal, manner in which Mayor Cross had administered the
city government. The article stating, among other things, that now
our bonds were eagerly sought after by eastern capitalists, while three
years ago they were being hawked about the streets for forty-five
cents on the dollar.t
* Made to Council March i, 1858.
f It would appear from this, that little as Mr. Prentiss was able to accomplish
by this trip, it was sufficient to largely restore our city credit, and cause our bonds
to be sought after once mcire, which was true.
306 milwaukee under- the charter.
They All Defaulted.
As was prognosticated by many of our citizens when the city was
so willing to grant subsidies, in the shape of bonds, to aid in the
construction of the different hnes of railroads entering the city (upon
which both principal and interest was to be taken care of by said
roads), that said loans would in the end prove to be a gift, came to
pass, as they all defaulted, which led Mayor Prentiss to make a re-
port to that effect, to-wit, that the Milwaukee & Watertown, the Mil-
waukee & Horicon, the Milwaukee & Beloit, and the Milwaukee &
Superior, had all defaulted on interest due December 31, 1857, and
that the Milwaukee & Mississippi had done likewise upon that due
January i, 1859, thereby adding an additional burden to the already
over-tasked tax-payers, and which culminated in the following call in
the Sentinel of January 15 for a mass-meeting at Milwaukee's " Fan-
ueil Hall" (the Albany), on the 22d, of which the annexed is a
copy :
Call for a Mass Meeting at Albany Hall.
All persons interested in maintaining the credit and character of Mil-
waukee, and of the whole state^ and who believe that something should
be done effectually and speedily foi that purpose, are invited to meet
at Albany Hall, on Saturday evening, the 22a inst., at 7 p. m., to con-
sider such measures as will be called for by the present emergency.
E. Townsend, J. H. Rogers,
G. D. Douseman, John H. Tweedy,
J. A. Helfenstein, Alex. Mitchell,
A. C. Mav, H. Ludinifton,
Thomas L. Ogden, John H. Van Dyke,
L.W. Weeks, James B. Martin,
J. A. Phelps, D. A. J. Upham,
W. H. Lindwurm, James Kneeland,
R. B. Lynch, J. Taylor,
John Plankinton, A. F. Clarke,
J. Magie, J. Hadley,
P. Kane & Son, Bradford Bros.,
J. B. Cross, Chas. H. Larkin,
Sexton Bros., J. K. Bartlett,
Chas. F. lUsley. D. Ferguson,
John G. Inbusch, Geo. H. Walker,
James Johnson, A. R. Chapin,
John Finley, D. McDonald,
Levi Hubbell, Euiil Spangenberg,
C. D. Nash, A. R. K. Butler,
E. C:ramer, J. P. C. Cottrill,
G. Ptister^ J. R. Brigham,
Henry Williams, H. Crocker.
At which Mayor Prentiss presided, and at which the late Judge
k
MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. 307
Levi Hubbell made an eloquent speech upon the rascality that had
been practiced by the former city officials, and in consequence of
which our present mayor had been grossly insulted in New York
city while endeavoring to extricate our city out of the pit into which
she had been plun>;ed by the misconduct of these same officials.
He was followed by James H. Rogers and John H. Tweedy, after
which a committee was appointed, to act in conjunction with the
committee from the common council, and report at a meeting to be
held at the same place on the 24th, at which they reported as fol-
lows :•
First— That the people of Milwaukee were never in favor of repudia-
tion.
Second — ^That the city issue new bonds, running from twenty to thirty
years, bearing a less rate of interest, and refuse to issue any more or
contract any more debts.
[Milwaukee Sentinel, January 24, 1859.]
After which they adjourned.
A partial attempt was made this year to attach that part of the
Third ward from Wisconsin to Michigan streets to the Seventh, upon
which somebody got off the following :
A Sagacious Discovkry.
The Madison correspondent of the News has discovered that the ob-
ject of the biU to take a block from the Third and attach it to the Sev-
enth ward is to make the Seventh a Republican ward. The petition for
this change is headed by A. G. Miller. The idea of our Federal iudffe
being engaged in a plot to make his own ward Republican is a peculiarly
" Sioux '^invention.
This would have been a singular move on the part of the Judge
(with this object in view) but the truth is that the majority of the
people in that tier of blocks were the movers, as their status among
the unterrified democracy of the bloody Third was not a pleasant
one on election days in the olden times ; it is somewhat better now.
The St. Andrews society was formally organized this year, Jan. 18,
at the Newhall House. President, Arthur McArthur; Secretary,
Jas. MacAlister; Treasurer, James Murray.
Back Aoain.
We observe that our friend James Siddell, the well-known and popu-
lar grocery and provision purveyor, is back again in bis old business,
^^This meeting was the first of a series resulting finally in the readjastment act
of 1862.
308 MILWAUKEE ItNDER THE CHARTER.
after rusticating a year or so in the country. Mr. Siddell's new estab-
lishment is in the brick building, corner of Second and Wells street, a
few steps from the Oneida street oridge. He has a very neat store, well
filled with the choicest goods in the market, and it is enough to induce
a call, at least, from his old customers, to know that his sojourn in the
country has not at all changed his proverbially pleasant manners, and
that he sells groceries just <u cheap as of old.
Mr. Siddell has been quite a prominent grocer in his day, and has
accumulated a handsome fortune, the bulk of which was made dur-
ing the civil war. He is a good citizen and has a clean record. He
has now, however, retired from active business, in favor of his son.
Police.
Isaac Jacob8| a red man of ye forest, tasted of civilization to excess,
and his primitive constitution' couldn't stand it. In a word, the fire-
water he drank riled him considerably, and a policeman took him to the
Captain's office to settle. Fined |1.
August and Christian Smith were arrested for behaving in anvthing
but an august or Christian manner. The city attorney asked whether
they plead guilty or not guilty, to the charge of disorderly conduct.
Christian answered, nichts verstay. Miss , another member of the
family, then testified in a series of nichts verstaySy that it was a family
jubilee, or free fight, or something else of an entirely domestic nature,
and our city attorney, with his known abhorrence at meddling in the
private concerns of others, dismissed the case.
Grain in Store March 1st, 1859.
It has been stated by some of our merchants, that there are over
half a million bushels of wheat in store in this city. We think it some-
what exaggerated, and would suggest that they obtain the correcrt
figures. However that may be, t^t our warehouses have a capacity
for holding large quantities of grain, cannot be doubted. The Seniind
of this morning says:
The Badger State warehouse, owned by Dan'l Newhall, on Walker's
Point, has on the first floor 5,000 barrels of flour, while the upper part
of the building contains no less than 185,000 Dushels of grain, the
greater portion of which is wheat, making a grand total, includinff flour,
of 210,000 bushels of grain. Mr. Newhall has chartered the scnooner
L. J. Farwell to load from his warehouse at " going rates," upon the
opening of navigation. The Farwell drew up to the dock yesterday,
and is now taking in the first cargo of the season.
Horse Overboard.
A singular accident occurred March 2, 1859, to one of the horses
then belonging to the late firm of Butler & Post, foot of Mason
street (where Benjamin Mock now is) which as it showed the power
of endurance possessed by that noble but much abused animal, the
horse, I will relate. This horse took it into his head to have a bath,
and acting upon the impulse of the moment, slipped his halter, after
which he slipped out of the stable, and before any one was aware of
MiLWAUKEfe UNDER THE CHARTER. 309
his absence had slipped into the river and nearly reached the middle
of that classic stream without going under the ice ; and for the next
hour Spring street bridge, as well as the roofs of the adjoining build-
ings, were packed with an excited crowd, anxious to witness the
result of this Arctic bath. He was finally rescued, when nearly dead,
by G. W. Haack, P. N. Adams and Mr. Bower, by means of a
long boat, and was finally brought round all right by means of sev-
eral hot whiskeys and rubbing. I remember this affair as though ii
were but yesterday.
There were two more of a similar kind, see annexed, at nearly the
same time.
Sudden Fall in Pork.
Two adventurous porcine individuals (sometimes yclept " grunters")
foolishly ventured on the ice near Spring street bridj^e, Saturday after-
nooii, and when some distance from the shore thev broke through, and
one of them sunk to rise no more, but the other kept bobbing up and
down for an hour, to the amusement of an excited crowd on the bridge,
until a courageouB individual, by the aid of a plank, succeeded in res-
cuing it from a watery grave.
An Early Cow-Slip.
Yesterday, a cow, supposed by the spectators to belong to somebody,
fell into the river, and with true* animcU instinct, made for the Wisconsin
office. After paddling about in the vastv and nasty deep, she was fi-
nally rescued by several heroic individuals, one of wnom, we are
proud to say, is an attache of the distributing department of this
journal.
This was a cut at uncle Wm. E. Cramer.
A people's convention called for. See annexed :
Call for a People's Convention.
At the request of many of our citizens, both republicans and demo-
crats, we puolish, this morning, a call for a convention of the people,
without distinction of party (wbo are opposed to the nominations made
by the late tax -eaters' convention), to ne held at the Common Council
Chamber, to-morrow afternoon, at 2 o'clock. The friends of the move-
ment, ana all who are in favor of making independent nominations for
offices to be filled at the approaching Charter election, are urgently
requested to meet at tlie places named in the call, in tneir resuei-tive
wards, this evening, and nominate six delegates from each ward to the
citv convention.
5fo time is now to be lost, and if those who are opposed to allowing
the city government to pass quietly into the hands of the hungry poli-
ticians, who controlled the late convention, will onlv act promptly, they
will be sustained by the masses of our people, the credit of our city
maintained, and certain defeat will be the doom of the tax-eater.
The nominees to this convention, held March 30th, were for
310 MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER.
Mayor, John G. Inbusch ; Comptroller, Cicero Comstock ; Treasurer,
C. Cotzhausen ; Attorney, DeWit C. Davis ; Municipal Judge, Albert
Smith; Clerk, J. B. Zander.* S. S. Daggett was chairman, and Ed.
Townsend, secretary.
The regular democratic convention met the same day at the Court-
house, where the representatives of the democracy arrayed them-
selves in picturesque order (in the square), and of course the anxious
candidates improved this opportunity for laying pipe, in which lauda-
ble employment they all appeared to be ubiquitous. But in the amount
of craft displayed in the way of button-holeing the delegates, Major
Foote (or Phut, as the Irish called him,) appeared to distance all his
competitors, each delegate receiving a hearty hand shaking, as well
as a knowing wink, from that anxious patriot.
The convention was finally called tc order by the late Matt. JCeogh
from the First ward, after which Edwin DeWolf, that very intelligent
school superintendent, was made chairman, and Geo. A. Wardner^
secretary, after which a motion was made that each delegate vote
viva voce, whereupon one of the delegates arose, and, after blowing
his nose (he used no handkerchief), spoke unto the august assembly
as follows :
Misther Chairman, and I " mane" that they name the man [laugh-
ter j; concurred in, after which the committee on credentials reported
and were discharged.
One of the delegates then stated that in his opinion there was
altogether too much log-rolling going on to suit him, and made a
motion that all but the delegates be put outside, (carried), but not
carried into effect, as no one appeared willing to undertake it.
The balloting resulted in the nomination of H. L. Page, for mayor;
Erastus Foote, for municipal judge; Henry Hilmantel, for clerk, and
E. L. H. Gardner! for comptroller. After which they adjourned.
This convention, like most of the democratic gatherings in the
olden time, was a scene of noise and sometimes of a '• ruction.''
The great part of the confusion at this one, however, grew out of
the nomination of Erastus Foote for Police Justice. As his case
* There was a public call lor Mr. Lapham tu run for Mayor, and for Mr. Zander
for Clerk.
f Ezra L. H. Gardner.
MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. 311
came up for ballot when each delegate was to vote viva voce^ and at
the same time " name the man," the first one called answered Old
Foote, the next one Fut, and the third, who was pretty well set up,
and had gone to sleep, answered " Here sor." The next, thinking
he w:.s in a saloon, and that some one was going to set *em up,
answered Beer. It was a rich scene.
The Sentinel ot" April 6, in commenting upon the nomination of
Mr. Gardner, had the following :
For the Sentinel.
Who Shall be Comptroller?
Cicero Comstock was our first Comptroller. He took the office when
the city credit was at its lowest ebb; when city orders were held at fifty
cents on the dollar, and when the greatest confusion pervaded the city
finances. Under his administration order was restored and the city
credit raised to its highest point, the city bonds were sold at a premium,
and the expenses of the city government were only fifty -one thousand
dollars !
Under the administration of Mr. Gardiner the old confusion was
restored, and became worse confounded; our city bonds went down to
fifty cents on the dollar, and the annual tax for IS**)?, over and above
special taxes, was over four hundred thousand dollars. No man has
done more tnan E. H. L. Gardiner to reduce our city to bankruptcy*
and render Milwaukee the subject of contempt everywhere.
And who are the men who support Gardiner and oppose Comstock ?
The men of spoils — the men of contracts and jobs — men who, under the
administration of the late Comptroller, could get Street Commissioners'
certificates countersigned on contracts four years old — the men who
procured the certificates for cleaning the seweV in the Third ward — the
men who could procure Street Commissioners' certificates to be coun-
tersigned, and issued under contracts which bad been annulled, or when
the work had never been done.
Fellow-citizens! Under the Charter as it now is, all bids for jobs are
received and opened by the Comptroller. Would you prefer tnat deli-
cate duty, where fraud and stealing is so easy, to be confided to E. L. H.
Gardiner, or to Cicero Comstock ?
April 4th, 1859. A Taxpayer.
He was elected all the same. His medicine was too strong, as
well as the pipes too well laid, and the people had to suffer for a
while longer.
The election resulted as follows :
Mayor — Herman L. Pace.
Treasurer — Moritz von Baumbach.
Comptroller — E. L. H. Gardner.
City Attorney— Henry L. Palmer.
Police Judge — Erastus Foote.*
City Engineer — Fred. Schumacher.
Deputy— F. S. Blodgett.
• The vote for Police Judge stood, Albert Smith, 1,717. Erastus Foote, 8,264.
C. Walworth, 2,785.
312 MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER.
City Clerk— Robert B. Lynch.
Deputy — Alex. Bolton.
Clerk of Municipal Court— Henry Hihnantel.
City AsseHsor — Geo. Cogswell.
Chief of Police — William Beck.
Bridge Superintendent — Alanson Sweet.
Sealer of Weights and Measures — Chriptian Meyer.
City Printers — (English) Jas. Kerr. ((Terman) August Kavell.
Ofticial Papers — (English) Daily News. (German) SeetnAe.
Aldermen. I
First ward — Nicholas O'Neil. i
Second ward — Joseph A. Phelps. I
Third ward — Edward Smith. I
Fourth ward — Samuel C. West.
Fifth ward — Geo. G. Dousman.
Sixth ward — Joseph Philips. i
Seventh ward — Wm. A. Prentiss. !
Eighth ward — J. C. U. Niedermann. j
Ninth ward — J. H. Lippert.
S. C. West, President.
R. B. Lynch, Secretary.
Councillors.
First ward — John Lockwood, F. ileineman.
Second ward — Henry F. Buening, Louis M. Auer.
Third ward — Frank McCormick, John McGrath.
Fourth ward — Alex. A. Johnston, John H.Tesch.
Fifth ward-^John Roseheck, Henry Kroeger.
Sixth ward — Ernst Herzer, Carl Busach.
Seventh ward — William A. Noyes, Victor Schulte.
Eighth ward — Edward G. Hay den, Frederick Vogel.
Ninth ward — S. H. Rueckertt, J. I^ubenheimer.
W. A. Noyes, President.
R. B. Lynch, Clerk.
Council met in Cross's Excelsior Block.
Commissioners of Survey.
Herman Haertel, John Ogden, I. E. Goodall, Otis B. Hopkins, S. B,
Grant, Elisha Eldred, V. Schumacher, Andrew Mitchell, D. W. Keller.
A. C. Bergeld.*
Assessors.
City Assessor — Geo. Cogswell.
First ward — Stephen Hoft*.
Second ward — Jacob Gintz.
Tliird ward — Edward Hackett.
Fourth ward — Ambrose Ely.
Fifth ward— Patrick Mallen.
Sixth ward— Otto Fieburg.
Seventh ward — Jas. Murray.
Eighth ward — Daniel Keller.
Ninth ward — Mathias Human.
* This name is certainly misspelled, as no such name apjjears in the columns of
the City Directory for 1859.
MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. 313
Justices of the Peace.
Firgt ward — Jas. B. Tiirck.
Second ward — Chas. F. Bode.
Third ward — William Holland.
Fourth ward — D. L. Devo.
Fifth ward— C. C. MeyeV.
Sixth ward — C. Wichelhaus.
Seventh ward — Albert Smith.
Eighth ward — ^William A. Tucker.
Ninth ward — Abram Vliet.
Constables.
First ward — Geo. Berkel.
Second ward — Chas. Neuman.
Third ward — Patrick Fahey.
Fourth ward — William Burnes.
Fifth ward—F. Holzinger.
Sixth ward — Edward Klabatz.
Seventh ward — Gottfried Luther.
Eighth ward — Nathan Ulnian.
Ninth ward — John C. Maas.
Kailroai) Commissioners.
First ward — John Fertig.
Second ward — Bernhard Berchel.
Third ward — John Jennin^.
Fourth ward — Chas. Cunningham.
Fifth ward — Martin Olson.
Sixth ward — Peter Schram.
Seventh ward — F. A. B. Becker.
Eighth ward — Peter Buck hard.
Ninth ward — A. C Cron.
Fire Department.
Chief Engineer — Thos. H. Eviston.
First Assistant — John Larkin.
Second Assistant— Fred. Heineman.
Third Assistant — Jas. O. Byrne.
Fire Wardens.
First district — William Snence, John Keller.
Second district — C Dusoit, Hezekiah .Moore.
Third district— Jas. O'Brien, Jas. Hav.
Fourth district — C. W. Bierbach, P. Jacobus.
Fifth district— Pat. Mullen, A. Hallert.*
Trcstb&h Fire Department.
President — William H. Holland.
Vice President — Henry Middlelon.
Treasurer — Christian Preusser.
Collector — C. Reingaas.
County Officers.
Sheriff— Andrew J. Langworthy.
Register of Deeds — Sjimuel Wiegil.
* Evidently misspelled.
314 MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER.
Treasurer — Grsiret Barry.
Surveyor — John Gregoiy.
Coroner — Duncan C. Reed.
Under Sheriff— Wm. W. Brown.
Deputies— John W. Dunlap, L. Casper, Benj. F. Smith, F. W. Hund-
hausen, John C. Crilley.
Supervisors.
First ward— Nicholas O'Niel.
Second ward — Joseph A. Phelps.
Third ward— Edward Smith.
Fourth ward — Samuel C West.
Fifth ward— Geo. G. Dousman.
Sixth ward — Jas. Philips.
Seventh ward — Wm. A. Prentiss.
Eighth ward — J. C. U. Niedermann.
Ninth ward — John H. Lippert
Wau watosa — A ndre w Eble .
Granville— John Boyd.
Milwaukee— Chas. Haupe.
Lake — Peter Yates.
Greenfield — Peter Lavies, Jr.
Oak Creek — Richard Hearty.
Franklin — M. J. Egan.
M. J. Egan, Chairman.
Chas. F. Kasten, Clerk.
Police were the same as 1858.
School Commissioners.
Fii-st ward — Dennis Culligan and Nelson Ludington.*
Second ward — C T. Bona and A. J. Langworthy.
Third ward— Ed. O'Neill and John Shortell.
Fourth ward — John A. Seger and H. H. West
Fifth ward— Duncan C. Reed and Edwin DeWolf.
Sixth ward —
Seventh ward — Albert Bade and Rufus King.
Eighth ward — Geo. B. Bingham and Geo. Burnham.
Ninth ward — Samuel Brown and Henry Hilmantel.
Schools.
There were nine Public and two High Schools, the latter being in
the Second and Seventh wards, the Principals of which were :
First ward — A. Markham.
Second ward — F. W. Spaulding.
Second ward High School— E. P. Larkin.
Third ward — Fenimore C. Pomeroy.
Fourth ward — D. C Davis.
Fifth ward— J. E. Bateman.
Sixth ward— H. W. Spaulding.
Seventh ward — H. B. Coe.
Seventh ward High School — J. G. McKindlv.f
Eighth ward— J. Todd.
Ninth ward — G. H. Dimmick.
* There were but two from each ward this year.
f New School. — The New School buildinu', the present Seventh ward, was
open the first time for pupils January 13th, 1858.
MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. 315
List of teachers same as in 1858, nearly. There were also eight
select and secular schools.
School Census.
The number of children between four and twenty years of age, as
shown by a census taken by J. A. Segar, under the direction of the
school board, in 1859, was as follows:
185a 1859.
First ward..- 1,635 l,7a5
Second ward U^^ 1,293
Third ward 1,(539 1,588
Fourth ward 1,390 1,544
Fillhward 1,391 1,588
glxth ward 1,397 1,254
Seventh ward 1,584 1,711
Eighth ward 927 1,292
Ninth ward 1,998 2,058
Total 13,304 14,033
Showing an increase of 629.
Of this number 6,940 were attending school — 5,133 in the public
and 807 in private schools, the difference between the census report
and the school report being 2,162, 1. ^ , the census showed that only
5,133 attended the public schools, while the school report shows the
number to have been 7,299. '
Ought to Go to School.
Signs op thb Timeh.
Some of the enterprising tradesmen of the Second ward have taken
natural but not very pretty means to attract the attention of the world
to their several establishments. One — we presume he is a baker — re-
cently finished and displayed the following announcement:
"PISE AND KAKES."
Another, in Third street, between Chestnut and Prairie, has the fol-
lowing shingle :
" MENS AND POYS CLOTHING.
And these ought to be whipped soundly :
Mud Larks.
We call the attention of our gallant police to a bevv of dirty fairies,
otherwise "mud larks," that infest the stairs and landings of the Senti-
nel building, particularly on rainy days. We have long foreborne bring-
ing them into public notice, feefing sure that some day or other, when
sliding down those banisters, one of them would break his or her juve-
nile neck, and then we would have an item. Having waited long
enough for so devout a consummation in vain, and these nttle wretches
316 MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER.
having of late taken it into their precocious noddles to besmear the
hand railing with tar, whenever the spirit moves them, we now ear-
nestly, patlieticaliy, call upon Mr. Beck to transplant them to some more
congenial locality.
Chamber of Commerce.
No. 1 Spring street.
President — ^John Bradford.
Vice President — Horatio Hill.
Treasurer — Orrin E. Britt.
Secretary — L. L. Crounse.
Board of Directors — L. H. Kellogg, Amos Sawyer, A. L. Hutch-
inson, L. Sexton, J. Plankinton, D. Ferguson, E. Sanderson, J. H.
Crawford and Chas. H. Wheeler.
Committee of Reference — L. H. Kellogg, O. E. Britt, Wm. B
Hibbard, Angus Smith and L. J. Higby.
Standing Committee — S. T. Hooker, F. Layton, E. D. Chapin,
N. G. Storrs, Wm. Young. Robert Eliot and L. W. Weeks.
Mayor's Report.
At the last meeting of the old board, held April 15, Mayor Pren-
tiss presented the following report :
(teiiUemen of the Common Council :
The term for which we were intrusted with the duties of legislating
for and protecting the local interests of the people of this city having
expired, it becomes my duty to declare this common council dissolved;
but before proceeding to make such declaration I deem it not improper
brietly to refer to the policy and measures which we have labored to
establish during the past year. In my inaugural addrebS, delivered on
the Dth day of April last,! stated that the condition of the treasury,
the heavy burdens imposed upon our tax-payers, and the large amount
of outstanding demands against the city, required as great a reform in
our expenditures as would be consistent with a wise economy and the
urgent wants of public service.
To this ol:)ject I have devoted my energies throughout the year, and
although retrenchment has not been carried to the extent I desired,
yet I have confidence to believe that we have set an example of reduc-
tion in salaries and other expenditures which, if contiuuea, will enable
the incoming administration still further to reduce taxation for the
fiscal year ensuing.
For the purpose of showing to what extent the taxes for general city
and ward purposes have been reduced, I append a statement of the
amount levied for the years 1857 and 1858, bv which it will be seen that
taxation for 1858, on account of the eeneral city and ward expenses,
has been lessened the sum of $77,725.78. I also "append hereto a state-
ment of claims audited by the city comptroller and claims not yet
au<litod, which shows the current expenses of the year for ordinary
purposes, amounting to $115,147.60.
The last-mentioned sum covers the general citv and ward expenst^s
for 1858, and the remainder of the taxes, when collected, amounting to
MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. 317
about 160,000, can be used in payment of the interest and sinking fimd
debt
I should have been glad to have reduced the expenditures still further,
but circumstances render it impossible.
Statement of taxes levied for general city and ward purposes in 1857:
Old debt interest fund 1113,72^ 85
General city fund i 48,7:W 79
Sinking fund 32,492 43
$194,955 07
Forward purposes. 109,134 27
$304,089 34
Taxes Levied fob the Year 1858.
For general city purposes $59,037 96
For old debt, interest and sinking fund 116,230 99
For ward expenses 51,094 71
$226,363 m
Less in 1858 than in 1»>7 $77,725 68
The expenditures for If^ have been as follows, as appears by the
comptroller's book:
General city fund $5,808 86
Fire department 9,506 49
Police department 12,211 64
Bridge tending 2,152 63
Bridge repairs 5,591 46
School houses 7,591 96
Contingent 1,176 18
Printing 3,645 96
Books and stationery 790 66
Salaries 8,955 54
Property, etc 102 83
Total $57,534 21
General Fund.
First Ward $4,450 88
Second Ward 2,803 06
Third Ward 8,673 82
Fourth Ward 3,911 48
Fifth Ward. 11,267 70
Sixth Ward 2,514 01
Seventh Ward 4,289 89
Eighth Ward 2,646 03
Ninth Ward 2,056 52
Total $42,613 39
Aggregate of city expenses, as above $57,534 21
Aggregate of ward expenses, as above 42,613 39
Claims in hands of comptroller, not yet
audited 15,000 00
Total $115,147 60
The above amount does not include any portion of the interest or
sinking fund liabilities for the past year.
20
318 MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER.
At the time we entered upon the discharge of our duties the munici-
Sal debt of the city exceeded $750,000, and the liabilities for aid ren-
ered in the construction of the several railroads leading into the city
amounted to $1,614,000.
This heavy and nurdensome debt, connected with the previous loss
of the city credit^ rendered all efforts abortive to place our beautiful
city in the condition it should stand before the world, in relation to the
prompt payment of all its obligations; yet I have hopes that if a pru-
dent system of economy is entered into, and carried out for the next
four or five years, we shall be able to overcome all the embarrassments
connected with our financial matters.
It has been my wish throughout the year to bring the expenses of
the city to a more rigid basis of economy than haa heretofore been
practiced; but retrenchment is not so easy or agreeable a policy to es-
tablish as expansion, and at the commencement of our duties there
were peculiar impediments which rendered success diflScult.
Among others was the failure on the part of a considerable portion
of the property-owners to meet promptly the heavy tax levy for 1857,
thereby placing it out of our power to pay but a small portion of the
interest debt of the city. I am conscious,' however, that I have done
everything in mv power to bring about a restoration of the citv credit,
and am willing ttiat our constituents should decide whether all has not
been done that could have been under the circumstances.
I fee] under great obligations to you, gentlemen, for the kindness and
courtesy extended to me throughout the year, and the recollection of
the friendly relations which have existed between us will remain fresh
in my memory through life.
William A. Prentiss.
This report was commented upon by the incoming mayor, the
late Herman L. Page, in his inaugural, in which the statement was
made that in place of the indebtedness of the city having been de-
creased, it had in reality been increased $56,000, without any pro-
vision for its payment.
To this statement ex- Mayor Prentiss answered in the Sentinel of
the 16th, in which he gave Mr. Page the lie square, to which Mr.
Page replied on the i8th, endeavoring to substantiate his statement.
This was answered by Mr. Prentiss in a way that effectually silenced
Mr. Page, and which answer showed Mr. Prentiss to be not only an
honest man, but a smart one, and one who was not to be put down
by any little dirty political game like the one attempted by Mayor
Page.
Failing in this attack an attempt was then made by the News to
show that Mayor Prentiss should have discharged the whole police
force, and made entirely new appointments, claiming that it was an
inexcusable blunder on his part in not doing so, adding in closing
that, as to his administration —
MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. 319
To late we find
It leaves a real sting behind.*
The Plot Thickens.
This attempt not panning out just as they expected, another was
made by the then comptroller, E. L. H. Gardiner, to blacken the
reputation of the previous administration, by a failure (on his own
part) to submit the necessary estimates ($265,244.62) for the fiscal
year ending April i, i860, for which he claimed the administration
of 1858 was responsible. The fallacy of this charge was quickly
shown by Mr. Prentiss, by the following statement.
City Taxes.
[For The Daily Sentinel.]
Mb. Editor:— The city comptroller, on the 25th of last month, sub-
mitted his estimate of the amount necessarv to be levied for city and
ward purposes for the fiscal year ending April 1, 1860.
He states that the total valuation of property assessed in the city, is
$11,694,809.53, and recommends that the following taxes be levied:
To pay current expenses of city government $59,936 90
" Interest on municipal debt 59,935 90
Ward expenses 44,651 82
Part for construction of new school houses 5,000 00
It
$169,523 62
The common council in pursuance of this recommendation, have pro-
ceeded to levy the above taxes, and in addition a school tax of one mill
on each dollar of the assessment roll for the purpose of paying the ex-
penses of the public schools in the city for tne nscal year. Ine latter
tax will amount to $11,694.80, makizig the total levy for general city,
ward and schools, $181,218.42 Now 1 can show that this amount does
not cover the expenses of the city government for the fiscal year by a
large sum, as a very considerable amount required by law to be levied,
has been entirely omiUed.
An ordinance passed in August, 1856, and now in force, requires the
levy annually, 01 a sinking fund tax, equal to five per cent, of the city
indebtedness, and the amendments to the city charter passed in 1858,
also provide that the residue of the general city tax, aiter paying the
interest on the city debt and general city expenses, shall be applied to
sink the public debt. By an act of the legislature, passed in 1859, reor-
ganizing the board of school commissioners in this city, the common
council are required to levv a tax sufficient to pay the overdrafts of the
school board in 1858, ana also a tax sufificient to pay the annual ex-
penses of the public schools. The levy for these purposes, with the
'Mayor Page had discharged all the men on the force when he came in, and
placed them, upon being reappointed, under less pay, upon which Policeman
Dodge sued the city and recovered a judgment of $200, on the ground that the
pay of a city uflicial could neither be increased or diminished during his term of
office. And as he was one who held over, that he could not be discharged except
for cause. This being a test case, the result was thai the whole force bad to he paid
the same as formerly, thus scoring another for Mayor Prentiss.
820 MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER.
exception of the one mill school tax, has been entirely omitted. To
cover all the requirements of the law, it is absolutely necessary that
taxes be levied amounting to 1265,644.62, as will be seen by the follow-
ing exhibit:
Old debt interest (being municipal bonds and bank debt) $59,985 90
General city expenst^s 59,9:^ 90
Overdraft of school board (stated by comptroller) 25,834 00
Si'hool expenses of 1H59 (estimated by superin-
tendent, as stated by comptroller $50,075 00
Deduct a sum equal to the amount received from
state and county tax in 1858 22,787 00— 27,286 00
Special tax towards payment of new school houses 5,000 00
Sinking fund tax required by law for sinking
W public debt 1800,000 00— 40,000 00
ard tax for all the wards reported by comptroller 44,651 82
Amount actually necessary for the fiscal year 1859 |>2()2,643 62
The comptroller says that the amount of tax necessary for this year
is $61,840.02 less than the tax of 1858, and seems to be highly elated
with the reform. That his estimate is a fallacy, and a misrepresenta-
tion of facts, will be seen at once by the foregoing exhibit. Instead of
the tax necessarj' to be levied for 1859 being $61,8ft.02 less than in 1858,
it is really necessary to levv $84,426.20 more than is ebtimated for, as
will be seen from the foregoing statements. In 1858 the general city
tax levied for interest, sinking fund and current expenses was $175,000;
for wards, $51,094, making a total of $226,094, being less than what is
actually necessary this year. $.^9,550.62.
The comptroller imputes bad faith to the common council of 1858, by
charging that it omitted to levy a school tax sufficient to meet the over
draft of the school board. No such tax could have been legally lexaed,
as the amendments to the charter limited the amount to $175,000, ana
this sum would be entirely absorbed in paying the interest on the city
debt, current expenses of the year and the sinking fund.
The comptroller also says that ** the failure to pay the interest on our
bonded deot has been a source of much embarrassment to the city offi-
cers in retiring the past due bonds in exchange for a new issue. Now,
it will be recollected that when the common council came into power,
in April, 1858, a very small portion of the taxes of the previous year
had been paid, and the treasury was empty.
The precedinc: administration (Democratic to the core, with the pres-
ent comptroller as the financial officer) had failed to meet the principal
and interest on bonds which matured in March, thereby striking a fatal
blow to the city credit, thus rendering? the common council of 1858 pow-
erless in the matter of meeting any city indebtedness.
Was the administration of 1858 therefore blamable in these matters,
and is not this whole scheme of lev;i^ing a tax of onlj' about two-thirds
of the actual sum necessary for political effect? I have no doubt that
it was gotten up and carried through for that sole purpose, but whether
our tax-payers will swallow the pill thus sugared over will be deter-
mined on Tuesday next. Wm. A. Prentiss.
Novem])er 5, 1859.
The ability, as well as the honesty, that characterized the admin-
istration of William A. Prentiss, was a terrible eyd-sore to the democ-
racy. It was the only republican administration (up to that time)
the city had ever enjoyed, and the exposures it made of the rascal-
MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. 321
ities of the democratic leaders, was a hard thing for them to bear.
Hence their hostility. They were extremely anxious to wipe it out,
but no matter how much they lied, it could not be wiped out, and
Mayor Page* et al. were put to shame in every attempt they made
to smirch Mr. Prentiss or his administration.
They were a lovely crowd, those leaders of the Democratic party
in 1859. But their feet all slid in due time, and they passed down
the political incline to oblivion, where those who are now wasting
their strength in quarreling over the license question and turning the
meetings of the common council into a pandemonium are sure to
follow" Verily, the way of the transgressor is hard, and the wages
of political sin is political death.
John T. Perkins wants more light and gets it :
Office of Merchants & Traders' Insurance Co.,
Phtunix Building, Milwaukee, May 0th, '59.
Mr. John T. Perkins: — Sir: You ask my opinion of your new Portable
Gras Lamp. Well, I have used a good many different kinds of light in
my day, among which are rush lights,. sperm candles, tallow candles,
lard oil, whale oil, camphene, benzine, hghtning hugs, pine knots, and
kerosene, everything in fact, from a skillet of soap grease to the morn-
ing sun, and I say, without hesitation, after three months' trial, that
your Gas Lamp is the best and cheapest artificial light I ever used. In
this world I want nothing? better, and I'll have nothing else. But if I
get a little more light in the next, I shall not object. I cannot think of
anything more to say in favor of your light; if I could, I would say it.
Yours truly, etc.,
Sidney L. Rood.
Milwaukee Light Guard Visit New York.
Excursion op the Milwaukee Light Guard. — ^The Milwaukee Light
Guard, Capt. J. C Starkweather, leave our city, at noon to-day, on their
* Herman L. Page, who came to Milwaukee from Nunda, Livingston county,
N. Y., in 1844, was a very able man, but like all renegades, was twice as bitter
in his hostility to the party from which he had descried, than are those born in
the fold. He came to us an abolitionist, but having high political aspirations
(and seeing no other way in which to gratify them) he forswore allegiance to that
party and went over to the democracy, body and soul, where, as has been seen, he
obtained his reward. But as it happens to all who seek political fame, at the ex-
pense of their self-respect, so it happened to him. His feet slid in due time, and
he followed his predecessors down the political incline, to that political oblivion
(rom whence no politician has ever returned or ever will. He was a man of fine
presence, good business ability, very qu'ck to see any opening where money was
to be made, and while in office accumulated a handsome fortune. Socially Mr.
Page was a good representative of the American gentleman, well educated and
qualified to fill any position to which he might be called with credit to himself and
the community. He was a splendid presiding officer and a prominent Odd Fel-
low, very ambitious, and terribly aggressive. He died while on a visit to Ger-
many, I think in 1874 or 1875, and at his own request was buried there, I believe
at Dresden.
322 MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER.
trip East. They will be accompanied as far as Detroit, and perliaps
farther, by a number of our prominent citizens and, as is hoped, by the
Governor of the State and the Mayor of Milwaukee. We trust that
every member of the M. L. G., while on this somewhat extended tour,
will bear in mind, that not only the credit of the company, but the
reputation of our City and State, is more or less involved in the conduct
of the corps during their excursion. Milwaukee " expects every man
to do his auty."
The following is Capt. Starkweather's order of march:
Head Quarters Mil. Light Guard,
May 3(Hh, 1859.
Order No. 15-
First — Ck)mpany and Staff officers, privates and band, will be at the
Armory on the 6th of June, at 1C:30 o^ clock a. m. Company will leave
for the boat promptly at 11:15 a. m. Dress — Full fatigue, 'white cross
and body belts, knapsacks and shakos. Fatigue cap will be attached by
strap to left button of coat at waist in the rear. Overcoats will be packed
in and covered by flap of knapsack. Musket covers, with brush broom,
hair brush and comb and six pair of wliite gloves, will be carried in
knapsacks.
Second — Full dress uniform, with white shoulder knots, will be care-
fully packed in trunk, together with such citizen's clothing as each man
may desire to take.
Third — All bagga^ will be delivered to the baggage master at Armory
by 9:05 a. m., on 6th June, and names of persons owning same placed
upon his check book and numbered.
Fourth — Assessments and subscriptions for trip will be paid to Trea-
surer before 1 o'clock p. m. of 4th oi June.
Honorary. members will report to the Commanding Officer at Armory
on morning of 6th June at 10:130 o'clock.
John C Starkweather, Captain.
Capt. John C. Starkweather Gets a Fall.
There was a ludicrous incident occurred on the journey, in which
our esteemed fellow-citizen, Gen. John C. Starkweather (then the
Captain of the Milwaukee Light Guards) got a bad fall. John
was proud of his command, and well he might be, for a finer looking
or a better drilled company could not be found in the West, and of
course at every town where they stopped, while ^n routCy would put
them through their paces. Now it happened that the httle village at
the Falls of Niagara lay in their path, and of course they had a
parade, and while crossing the foot bridge into Canada, in order that
Her Majesty's loyal subjects might examine their uniforms, it occurred
to John that it might be well to see that the boys kept time, and for
that purpose he faced about and commenced " advancing backwards"
when some obstruction caugiit his heel, causing him to measure his
length upon the floor of the bridge with a force that came near part-
MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. 323
ing the cables, his " shako" landing some twenty feet ahead of him.
The boys were greatly amused at the mishap, but John wasn't.
The M. S. Scoti' Clears for Europe.
The schooner M. S. Scott, Nelson Blend, master, cleared for
Europe direct (Liverpool), via the St. Lawrence, May 31, 1859, with
a cargo of 170,000 feet of oak, black walnut, ash and maple lumber.
She was owned by John Thorson and M. Fosdick.
The Scott left Quebec June 30th, and made the run down the river
at a rapid rate. She was a splendid sailor. The speed she made
caused the pilot (a Frenchman) to remark in his patois, " By Gar !
how de shoer (schooner) do go troo de water." She made the run
from Quebec to Liverpool in nineteen days; thirty nine from Mil-
waukee to Liverpool.
The Addie also cleared for Providence, R. I , on the 28th, with a
similar cargo, from the yard of J. C. Stevens, St. Joseph, Mich.
This cargo was shipped by Messrs. Rufus Cheney and S. C. Hall,
of Whitewater.
There was quite a furor about these shipments at the time, many
believing that it was to continue, but as the canals were too small at
that time to allow the passage of any but a small class of vessels, it
was not repeated. But the time is not distant when it will become a
regular channel for a large part of the surplus of the West, and will
prove a much cheaper route than through New York Mrith its re-
shipments.
The Germans in America.
The writer has often been asked by his German acquaintances
why he does not say something about them and the effect the advent
of such a vast horde of the descendants of the old Teutonic races,
with all their national characteristics as well as social customs, so
different from those of the Puritans, as well as the more liberal and
free thinking portion of their descendants, will ultimately have upon
our civilization. This, although he does not think that the proper
time for such an attempt has come, or will before the close of the
present century, if then, he had concluded to do and had prepared a
short paper upon that subject. But the Milwaukee Sentinel of Oct.
324 MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER.
9) i^^3f contains an article from the pen of Hon. Horace Rublee,
that, although not lengthy or by any means covering the whole
ground, he has concluded to insert here as containing much that is
right to the point, and undoubtedly superior to anything he coukl
have written himself, only saying in addition, that for music Ger-
many beats the world.
She has also given to the world some of the brightest men it has
seen as scientists, and is a land where more intelligence is diffused
among the masses than in any other European State. It is also a
land where the laws arc made to be obeyed and not disobeyed, as is
too often done in this country.
The Germans in America.
The two-hundredth anniversary of the settlement of Germantown
was widely celebrated Sunday. Within the past two hundred years
some 8,U00,000 of Germans have come to this country, and with their
direct descendants they form about a fifth of the total population. For
several years we have received more immigrants from Germany than
from Any other country, and there is every reason to believe the annual
influx will increase rather than diminish lor some years.
The German thrives in America. With the habits of frugality devel-
oped by the conditions of life in Germany, he attains to a comfort and
to a wealth unknown to his class in his mother country. He has had an
influence on American social life, and particularly on the political life
of the country. He has been able to elfect a moaification of American
customs^ while his own have undergone a considerable modification.
The emigrant who comes with a ridiculously short coat, a china pipe, a
cap and (jueer old boxes, is likely to become the progenitor of a lusty
lot of young Americans. There is much in his appearance, in his cus-
toms and in his clannishness that inspires criticism. But while he is in
some respects very different from the ideal of the ultimate American,
he will have very much to do with shaping the destiny of that person.
It should be remembered that while there is much about the German
which is not at all to the taste of the American, there is also much about
the American that is distasteful to the German. There is absurdity for
absurdity, prejudice for prejudice, and bad habit for bad habit.
The conditions of life are so very different in German v and the United
Stated that we should expect what actually happens — that the people of
ea(;h nationality should criticise the other, and that the Germans, com-
ing into a strange land, should exhibit more or less clannishness, and
should resist in a measure the progress of assimilation ; that German
newspapers should be published, altnough they retard the progress of
the immigrants toward Americanization; that there should be German
societies of all kinds, which are only bodies for the obstruction of the
assimilative process; that the Germans should act more or less together
in politit!8 — in short, that they should form a distinct class. But in spite
of these natural exhibitions of exdusiveness— in spite of the difficulties
in the way of changing the character of their civilization — the progress
of assimilation goes on steadily and rapidly. With the strongest dispo-
uosition to adhere to the customs of the fatherland, with organizations
DOsed on nationality, and with an unusual mea.sure of political co-opera-
MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. 325
tion, the ways of the German's life are greatly modified and often
entirely changed by the conditions of American life.
On the other hand, the natiye-born citizen, in spite of his dislike of
German customs and his criticism of German frugality, finds his opin-
ions and his habits luodified by contact with Germans. The mutual
criticisms haye a use in producing happy modifications of character.
As the Grerman abandons the feather bed for the spring bed, as he
adopts the modern styles of dress and falls into the business ways of the
country, he also loses some of that spirit of nationality which is foreyer
struggling to raise a wall against New World customs. The American,
in contact with the German, loses something of the feverish restless-
ness, the absurd extravagance and the narrowness in morals which dis-
tinguish him among the people of the world. The ultimate American
will gain much from the German, while retaining that which is best in
the American character. Out of the combination of Americans whose
nativity dates back several generations, and of later arrivals from Eu-
rope, will come a magnificent man.
whatever may be his immediate influence on the political and social
life of the United States, the coming of the German is of incalculable
benefit to this country. He is daily losing such of his peculiarities as
are not adapted to the conditions of this country. A law of progression
is working out a future to which the presence of the Germans is highly
essential, and they should be welcomed as important contributions to
the grandest work of the ages— the evolution of the highest type of
man. The true friend of the race and of the Germans will labor to
remove all the obsti*uctions to the speedy Americanization of the immi-
grants — will frown especially on the political movements calculated to
Hold the Germans together as a body.
Celebration of the Glorious Fourth.
The Fourth of July was celebrated this year with the usual amount
of speech- making, exploding fire-crackers and accidents.
The following were those who officiated as committee of arrange-
ments : John S. Fillmore, S. S. Daggett, Caleb Wall, Christ. Preus-
ser, Thos. H. Eviston, Ed. O'Neill, Dennis Culligan, John Rosebeck,
Phillip Best and Alex. Johnston.
A procession was formed consisting of the fire department, the
Turners, city and county officers, civic societies, " Old Folks," Sons
of Malta in carnages, Revolutionary soldiers, the dragoons (horse
marines), butchers (mounted). Major- General John L. Hathaway and
staff", Brigadier- General Best and staff".
E. B. Wolcott, marshal.
The Sentinel^ in commenting upon this celebration, has the follow-
ing puff*:
The Rink-Tum Spoodle-Wh angers.
During the day a very amusing calvacade of " fantasticals'^ made its
appearance on the streets. Some of the talent and chivalry of the City
of Bricks, mounted on every conceivable modification of horse and
'
326 • MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER.
jackass flesh, and attired in satirical and oatra«eons wardrobes, de*
lighted to wind their devious way through town^ followed by the multi-
tude, the latter laboring under the clear conviction that after a due ex-
hibition of fun the former would triumphantly slide out of town on a
barrel of soft soap, as per announcement.
However, the company, like a sreat many others, &iled to perform
all on their bill, and after a kiln-ing display at the Newhall we lost sight
of them.
The same paper had the following allusion to that Very annoying
question :
The Hog and Cow Question.
There is a pleasant little village situated on the shores of Lake Michi-
gan^ not two hundred miles from Chicago, with over fifty thouaasd tai-
habitants. In this village the most distinguishing feature^— setting aside
its bricks — animate and inanimate, is the taste and cultivation displayed
in the ^^nnds attached to the residences. Another feature of this
town is its cows and hogs. The two features taken together (and they
generally are so found) form an interesting subject for statisticians^ and
measures have been taken to secure the invaluable services oi oar
friend Caleb Wall to compile the amount of damage sustained by each
ward through their very loolish practice of voting the freedom of the
city to such unworthy animals.
And thus the war went on, until finally the people called a mass
meeting at Albany Hall on the 13th, for the purpose of taking some
action in reference to this intolerable nuisance.
The meeting was called to order, when Caleb Wall opened the
ball in a neat little speech, stating, among other things, that the
meeting was not called, as some claimed, for the purpose of injuring
the poor man, upon which Pat McGinnis, f^n^ the Third ward,
backed by a crowd of his brother Celts, took the floor, and spake
unto the august assembly these fearful words :
Well, now thin, if yees don^t want to oppriss the poor, wli^t the
divil would yees be after doing the loikes or this for, be jabere. For
sure what is a poor man or a widdy to do wid her cow or pig, and ski^
not the schmeu av a pin to kape them in. Why couldn't yees get a
shilling's worth av nails and a boord and fix up yees' old gate, and not
be inaKin' sich a sphlatter as this?
He was followed by a gentleman by the name of O'Connor, who,
sans coat, sans collar, sans shirtsleeves, and for the last six months at
least had been sans razor, felt called upon to take a hand in aiding
Mr. McGinnis, which he did in a " nate a little spache," that no
reporter has ever been able to translate, to the great amusement of
those present (at least the American portion), and to the great joy
MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. S27
of Mr. McGinnis et al. Misther O'Connor was followed by Dr. L.
W. Weeks, who spoke as follows :
I can speak feelingly on this subject, for I have been soiled and sub-
soiled and manured. I have yet to liear one reasonable excuse for such
an intolerable nuisance. I have kept hogs and cows, and I know by
experience that it is more expensive to let them run at large than to
pen them up. The idea of making an agricultural field of our city on
which to run hogs, cows and pigs, is too preposterous a proposition to
be entertained.
Dr. Weeks then gave a scrap of hog history, eloquently pointing
to the halcyon days when hogs were not allowed on this side of the
river, and said :
If our citizen (Mr. McGinnis) of the Third ward is so jwor that
he must pasture his cows on the city, for Grod's sake let him go out
four miles where he can get land enough to raise cows and hogs right.
This is a beautifnl city and must be kept beautiful. I have planted trees
three times before my lot, and if I have got to box them up, I will let
them go; there are two out of fifteen left.
The cows come the whole length of ray sidewalk — drop, drop, all the
day; and though I instruct a man to clear the path off every afternoon,
so that ladies and gentlemen may pass by to the church, the same thing
occurs the next morning. I say mis is not to be endured in a city like
this. It is self-evident tliat no man has a right to keep property that
is an injury and nuisance to his neighbors. And I see but one way if
we w;ant our streets to correspond with our buildings and taxes, and
that is to take some decisive action immediately.
After alluding to the excellent regulation in Massachusetts, and
pointing out the benefits arising therefrom, he said :
The common council tax us all we can bear, and some more. Shall
we be taxed and have no protection from the people who pasture their
cows and hogs upon us ?
Mr. Aiken then made a few remarks, narrating how he discovered
a sow in one of the stores down town, with her head in a firkin of
butler, of which she ate ten pounds. He then read the following
resolutions, drafted, he said, immediately after driving two hogs out
of his yard :
Whereas, Our city government has long neglected to take proper and
efficient action in regard to the suppression of the disgraceful nuisance
of allowing cattle and hogs to run at large in the streets of the city, it
becomes necessary for the people, in their primary capacity, to act in
this matter, and demand of their servants such public action as the
exigencies reouire and the popular will demands. Therefore.
Resolved, That the neatness, beauty and good name of the city, as
well as the interests and convenience of its citizens, demand that an
ordinance be at once passed and enforced that shall entirely and for-
328 MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER.
ev«r rid the streets of all hogs, cows, and other animals found at large
therein. ,
Resolved, That the daily destruction of trees, shrubbery, gardens
and yards, by the hogs and cows that roam at large over the city, is so
extensive and annoying that our city government cannot delay' action
longer without forfeiting all claim to act as the representative's of the
people and the conservators of the public good.
Resolved, That no argument can be brought against the action re-
quested, that cannot be brought in favor of stealing and piracy; for the
man who will allow his cows and hogs to forage upon nis neighbors'
trees and shrubs, is worse than the thief who robs our houses of that
which money will readily replace.
Resolved, That such members of the council as favor the passage of
a strict ordinance on this subject are requested to press the matter to a
vote, that we may know who represent the people and who represent
the hogs.
Resolved, That when this meeting adjourn, it adjourn subject to the
call of the chairman in event immediate action is not taken by the com-
mon council.
The above were adopted tremendously if not unanimously, not-
withstanding the fortunate possessors of public cows, Mr. McGinnis
and friends, united in a very savage yell of " No."
I was present at this meeting, and remember the fun we had there.
It was the first regular blast against the cows and hogs, and culmi-
nated finally in their expulsion from the city.
Editorial Sparring.
There was a sensational item sent to the Sentinel concerning an
accident said to have occurred on the raging Milwaukee, by which
William E. Cramer came near going to Davy Jones* locker, to which
the Sentinel made the following reply :
The gross story sent us by an evil-minded person, that our friend of
the H wcoTwin, while rowing on the river, came near losing his life^ be-
cause there was a weak spot in the vessel and he put his foot in it, is
not true. The latter part of the '* yarn *' is especially incredible — that
he only saved the lives of the party by putting his head in the hole un-
til they were pulled ashore, thus stopping the leak. We don't believe
that would have stopped it.
It would appear from this that General King had some doubts
about Mr. X^ramer's head holding water.
The Horse Railroad.
There was a horse railroad called for in August, this year, upon
which, as usual, some chronic individual, who evidently was not
friendly to the enterprise, went for it Hke a bull at a red flag, and
MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. 329
•
who, if alive to-day, would advocate it as strongly as he opposed it
then.
Ground was first broken for this road on the 28th of November,
1859. See annexed:
City Railroads.
Mr. John Myers, the enjnneer and contra<rtor for our horse railroads,
will break ground on Monday for the road on the east side of the river.
Commencing about a hundred feet from Walker's Point bridge, the
track will be laid up East Water street to Wisconsin, and up Wisconsin
street past the post-office. It is not yet decided what street the road
will follow from Wisconsin street north.
The first trip on the new horse railroad was made from the foot of
Wisconsin street to Jefferson, up Jefferson to Biddle, up Biddle to
Van Buren, up Van Buren to Division, up Division to Prospect, up
Prospect to Albion, May 30, i860, cars (first trip) drawn by four
horses. The earnings the first day were $38;* earnings Sunday, June
10, $168.10.
Sam Plait Gets a Bible.
Prkskntatiox.
Last evening a very pleasing affair came off* at the Newhall. A 8ele<;t
number of friends assembled in one of the parlors, the occasion bein^
the presentation of an elegant Bible to S. K. Piatt (formerly ticket
agent of the Milwaukee & Mississippi Railroad), bearing; the following
inscription (m one of the clasps: **To Sam Keyes Piatt, by Messrs.
Wm. Taintor, H. O. Wilson, E. H. Brodhead, Fred. West and H. C.
Taintor." In presenting the book Mr. Taintor made a few pertinent
and feeling remarks, which were happily responded to by Mr. Piatt.
I remember Mr. Piatt very well. He was a genial fellow, loved
good cheer and all that it implies, arid probably needed that Bible.
He left here long ago, but some of his former boon companions are
on the ** war path " yet. Sara must have enjoyed that Bible
muchly.
John Lewis appointed flour inspector, the first one appointed, July
23 ; fees, 2 cents per barrel.
John Rosebeck on the War Path.
A Jolly Coi-ncili/jr.
Councillor Rosebeck is an anibitious Councillor, and withal a humor-
ist. Not content is Rosebec^k with the monotonous line of duty marked
out in the "order of proceedings" of the honorable body. He boldly
*The writer was one of the party who rode to Prospect street on this trip.
330 MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER.
marks out an entirely original path of his own. Instance the following
from the official report of the last meeting of the Board:
Councillor Rosebeck offered the following:
Whereas, The dignity of all men rests on the pillars of honesty, and
as the press shoula be looked up to as the maintainers of that principle,
which nas. to a certain extent, as yet been a failure in this city, *' espe-
cially by tne SerUind and its reporters."
Therefore, This Board is in duty bound to protest against all foul or
rotten machines, which the Sentinel has always so readily furnished;
and this Board can't stand any longer the encroachments of such; there-
fore be it
Resolved, That this Board has the fullest right of cleaning, cleansing
and ordering out, all such as have been guilty of any such offences; and
in case they do not leave on request shail be waited' upon by the police,
as the honor and dignity of this Board must be preserved.
On the motion of Councillor McCormick, it was referred to the Com-
mittee on Taxes and Committee on Licenses.
As our readers probably never heard of Councillor Rosebeck before
(and those who read the above will scarcelv want to hear from him
again), we will volunteer to throw a little light on the origin of the
emanation we have quoted. Some weeks ago Councillor Rosebeck vol-
unteered a heavjj speech on a very light subject, and the Sentinel re-
porter, appreciating as he supposea the humor of the thing, published
the speech verbatim, which was as follows:
On the question to refer, Councillor Rosebeck spoke as follows:
I hope, Mr. President, this Question won't be referred. I don't see
why we shouldn't take the bull by the horns; we have handled about
these lords long enough, and it's time they was told to mind their own
business. Some of the honorable members maybe is afraid, but I ain't.
I don't think there is nothing to be afraid of; and I hope the resolution
will be adopted. Motion to refer carried.
To this undue publicity of the irate Councillor's speech, we owe his
after-clap of Municipal wrath. The facetious old gentleman spent half
a day or more in running after the reporter, denounced his own words
as ^'an undue persecution," and threatened to stop the publication of
the paper, by virtue of some peculiar attributes ot his own, unless an
extra edition' was got out. retracting the fact. Councillor Riosebeck is
duly impressed with a salutarv sense of the awful dignity of his posi-
tion. Unfortunately, no one else is. Councillor Rosebeck is pecuharly
sensitive. Publicity galls him, and the reflection of his own sentimente
hurt his feelings. Councillor Rosebeck, as a man, undoubtedly is an
extra fine fellow, we don't doubt it for a moment, but as a Councillor,
we apprehend, not only in the eyes of his more intelligent fellow-mem-
bers, but to the public at large, he will be regarded henceforth and for-
ever as — to use the words of a popular writer — an " unmitigated ass."
Uncle John Rosebeck, who is yet ahve, was a wind-mill of no
small dimensions, and kept the pot a-boiling while the boys looked
on. This speech was a fair sample of his forensic abilities.
Navigation.
The new steamers, the Milwaukee and Detroit, arrived August 28,
upon which there was a great torch-light procession. This was a
great day for Milwaukee.
MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. 331
The Milwaukee was under the command of William S. Cross and
the Detroit of James McBride.
They were great favorites while they lasted, but had their day, and
like their gallant commanders have passed away, while other boats,
as well as other men, have taken their places. They were too ex-
pensive as well as somewhat unfortunate, the Milwaukee going
ashore November 29 at Grand Haven, getting off again December
24. They were better fitted for the ocean than the lakes.
An Affair of Honor.
Among the amusing scenes occurring in the olden time was an
afi^ir of honor, growing out of a dispute over billiards. See an-
nexed :
The Card- Writer in Trouble.
The card-writer Morrison, who was initiated into the mysteries of the
1001 when he first came here, last evening, we understand, got a glass
of ale applied to him externally, and the glass which contained the
contents came in collision with ois hat, and projected it violently out
doors into the street. It occurred at a billiard room, and arose from
the card -writer audaciouslv giving the lie to a gentleman he had been
pla^ring billiards with. Otherwise Morrison was uninjured, and to-day
ne IS as serene and tranquil as ever.
Mr. Morrison was of course very indignant when he saw this, and
answerjsd thusly :
Mr. Morrison Becomes Indignant and Indites a Card — A Duel on
THE Carpet.
Having mentioned yesterday, as an instance of what is occasionally
going on in the way of pugilism that does not get into the police c6urt,
the circumstance of the well known card-writer havinji^ been rouj^hly
treated by a gentleman he had been playing billiards with, because he
gave him the lie, Mr. Morrison writes us to-oay that some of our details
were untrue. The main facts, however, which he does not deny, stand
out in glaring and terrible proportions, and this being so the details are
of but Tittle consequence comparatively. We fear the affair is likely to
become one of national importance, K>r Mr. Morrison informs us that
he has been challenged by his antagonist, and he has accepted the
challenge, and selected pistols at ten paces, and his antagonist can
name tne place and time. Mr. Morrison has evidently ^t blood in
him, and don't mean to be hoodwinked. We publish bis card with
pleasure :
"August 18, 1859.
** Editor Wisconsin: Sir — I contradict the statement in your paper that
the card- writer was initiated into the order of 1,001, and that my hat
was, as you say. projected into the street the evening alluded to, or
even knocked off my head.
332 MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER.
"I therefore ask you to bring proof to the contrary, or admit that you
have published what is untrue, and what has been oasely concocted to
injure me. Yours, etc., S. H. Morrihon."
jB6^^''he duel will certainly come off if the parties can evade the city
officers.
As the boys saw fun ahead in this atfair, in order that it might not
fall through, sent Mr. Morrison the following :
Mr. M. — Dear Sir: The public insult you gave me last evening, even
after the rough handling I gave you on the spot, is not yet sufficiently
atoned for. I therefore demand of you the satisfaction aue to a gentle-
man, and if you are one you will arrange the preliminaries with my
friend, the bearer. Smith. "
Mr. Morrison's reply :
My Dear Sir : I consider myself as much of a gentleman as you are,
and stand ready to give you any satisfaction that you may require as a
gentleman in a manly way. I choose pistols at ten paces, the time and
place to be appointed by you. Yours, M.
Reply of J. S.:
Your weapons suit me. I therefore select, through my friend, a very
appropriate distance from the city on the shore of Lake Michi$^n, at '7
p. M. tnis evening. My friend will arrange as to the precise locality.
And while upon this subject it seems proper for me to give you a little
wholesome advice now, as I may possibly nevfer have the opportunity
again. Firstly, that by strict attention to your legitimate business of
card-writing and penmanship you can. make a better living and more
friends than as a billiard expert; and, second, do not confine your stu-
dies in the English language to the labels on brandy bottles alone, as
that was the main cause of your using the language for which I have
called you to account. Yours truly, S.
The duel was fought upon the lake shore, between Mason and
Oneida streets. At the hour appointed the parties were placed in
position, tacing north and south. This was afterwards changed lo
one east and west, as it was considered too dangerous to fire into the
city, particularly with the ammunition their pistols contained (hom-
oeopathic pills). Finally, after all was satisfactorily arranged, the
fatal word was given, when crack went the pistols, and both fell.
A stream of blood (red ink) at once flowed fi-om the breast of Smith.
This, however, did not ft*ighten Morrison in the least, nor did he run,
as he was strongly advised to do. But he was finally persuaded to
retire and await the effect of Mr. Durand's wound, which enabled
that gentleman to get off the field unobserved, after which the fol-
lowing appeared in the N^ws :
milwaukee under the charter. 333
The Duel on the Lake Shore.
Cards prom Morrison, the Card Writer.
Morrison, the young man who so nobly defended his honor upon the
gorv dueling field, Thursday ni^ht, requests us to publish the following
c»rds, which are particularly aimed and directed at Brick Pomeroyi
We must say Brick has got his match in Morrison, and Morrison means
every word of what he says. Morrison calls Brick a sardine, a dough-
heaci (Morrison spells dough, doe) and other crushing epithets, and says
D. (the enemy of Morrison) has bought up Brick with a glass of whisky,
to injure him. Things are working up hot between Brick and Morrison,
and to set the matter right before the public, we publish Morrison's
statement:
Milwaukee, Aug. 20, '59.
Editor of News — .Sir; I saw in vour paper of yesterday, a gross mis-
statement of facts relative to the duel of last evening.
It is not true that I said m^ hand was more used to writing cards, and
proposed to wait until morning. It is not true that after having fell mv
antagonist, I ran up the lake shore, or any where else. Nor will 1
shrink from ray duty under any circumstance or at any time, when
called upon the' field to vindicate my honor.
Now, sir, I hereby require you to make a public retraction of the
libels you have given publication to. And it is my o]3inion that if you
can find nothing with which to fill up your columns without publishing
gross falsehoods about a persou who comes amongst you as a citizen
seeking a livelihood in an honorable way, you had oetter discontinue
your publication.
Morrison.
Editor of Wi8(X)nhin — Sir: The above is a copy of the letter sent to
the editor of the NeivSj which he refused to publish, because it was not
signed by a responsible name. I consider my name responsible for
anything I write, which is more than the editor of the Netvs can say, as
he denies being present at the encounter between Mr. Durand and my-
self, which is false, as I can prove by responsible men that he was
present. He also accuses me of running, which is untrue, and I can
Erove beyond doubt, and I will here state to Brick Pomeroy , that unless
e makes a full retraction of what he has written prejudicial to my
character, he will have an opjportunitv of finding out whether I will run
or not. I have an idea that Brick's eyes were not straight, or that he
was not in proper shape to judge of my shooting when he stated that I
shot around a bank.
Certainly, he must be green in the use of fire arms, and green gener-
ally not to know whether a pistol will shoot around or straightforward.
S. M. Morrison.
Mr. Editor: You will confer a favor by publishing the above letters.
M.
This closed the scene, and with the exception of the celebrated
duel between F. A. Wingfield and Egbert Herring Smith, mentioned
in Vol. I., page 170, of the author's Pioneer History, is the only one
ever fought in the city. Both were of the homoeopathic order — red
ink and beet juice being the only blood spilt in both cases.
21
334 milwaukee under the charter.
The Way He Sang It and the Way It Reads.
A man eoes about the streets of Milwaukee at nights, with a bull's-eye
lamp stuck in his breast like an overgrown glow-worm, and chants, in a
snappish manner, popular airs while he grinds. Last evening he drew
up near the Sentinel office and discoursed the following eloquent and
touching language :
Thas man af laf as pas,
An efen cam as las.
As pring mas das treem af was hafiy das;
Af man fas as sas.
Upon das villach kreen,
Spatas mit das poor das tra.
Upon buying a copy of the ballad we managed to make out the fol-
lowing, which IS a literal translation:
The morn of life is past,
And even's come at last,
It brings me a dream of a once happy day ;
Of the manjr forms I*ve seen.
Upon the village green,
Sporting with my poor dog tray.
Many will no doubt remember the old musician of 1859.
How A Milwaukee Carpenter Got a Floor Taken up at the
Blue Warehouse, in October, 1859.
The annexed sketch gives a full description of this affair, as weU
as to illustrate the ventriloquistic powers of Mr. Davis, who is yet
living, as is also the boss of the gang who did the work (Owen Goss),
who swears a little occasionally, even now, when reminded of it, and
insists that Mr. Davis ought to pay for that work. But Davis says,
not a red.
How TO Take Up a Floor.
Not many days ago, one of the large warehouses, near Walker's Point
Bridge, had to' be elevated several feet^ and the job necessitated the
taking up of the floor. Our friend Davis, not of omnibi celebrity, but
of the Camera obscura notability, superintended this portion of the
work. Davis is a noted ventriloquist, and it occurred to his fertile
imagination that the gang of Milesians might be imbued with a zeal as
novel as it would be efficacious, by a little display of his vocal abilities.
It so happened tliat there was a large hole in the floor, already cut, and
as the crowd of hod-carriers, armed with crow-bars and axes, gathered
about it and peered down into the dark depths, a voice of stifled anguish
came up, and palsied them.
**Och, murdtheration, isn't there anyuv yee's '11 be afther getting me
out of this hole, before I'm kil't entirely. Och hone; oh Mary, Mary,
the blissed varjpn, have pity on the likes of me!"
** What's that?" said the crowd of brawny diggers.
'^ Be Dom, an there's a man benathe the floor, ejaculated the wises,
MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. 835
" Be lively, boys — an ye*B wouldn't be shtandin in that way, if ye*8 wur
in his fix, shure."
Two of them brought a girder and inserted it beneath the flooring,
and tore the boards up after the manner of a streak of lightning.
" Can ye's get out now, ye shpalpeen?"
" Och, ye're not anywhere near me," replied the incarcerated voice,
in a weaker tone.
'* And where the divil are ye, an^' way?*'
" Oh for the love of Saint ftitherick couldn't y is lower me down a wee
dhrop o' whisky, before the breath laves me inthirely."
The effect of thi^ appeal was not lost; the boards flew from the old
floor like lath, ana ibe sympathizing Irishmen worked as though their
own lives depended on their exertions, keeping up a continual strain of
consolation to the miserable wretch, such as,
" We're afther rachin ye now; be aisy, me boy; or what in bloody
murther brought ye beneath the floor?"
Just before the necessary lumber was all removed, the secret leaked
out in some way, and the shower of choice epithets which fell about the
eerson of the Cameraman, can be better imagined than printed. But
>avis declares it was the " quickest taken up" floor he ever had any-
thing to do with.
The Eagle Mill.
Prominent among the various establishments for the manufacture
of flour, located upon what was formerly known as the " Water
Power,"* and not previously mentioned, stands the Eagle Mill of
John B. A. Kern & Son. This mill was originally founded by Col.
John Andersont and Doct. Erastus B. Wolcott, who, in 1844, erected
the frame building yet standing at the foot of Poplar street (now
Spring Avenue), known subsequently as the Bertschy Mill, and
which went into operation October ist of that year. This pioneer
institution was known as the Anderson and Wolcott Mill until 1846,
when it was sold to Jacob Bertschy, formerly of Sheboygan, by
whom it was christened the Eagle Mill, and who with his son, John
Bertschy, continued to operate it until 1855, when Jacob Bertschy
died, and the business was continued by John Bertschy until 1859,^
* The old Canal, alias " the water power," has, during i883-'85, been filled
up, and its formei' bed converted into a street, to be known as Commerce street,
thereby obliterating every trace of what was once intended as the eastern terminus
of the contemplated, but never constructed, Milwaukee & Rock River CanaL
A project that, from the day of its inception in 1837, to its final decease in 1885,
has been a continual source of litigation between its projectors and those who
were unfortunate enough to own leaseholds under its officials. And its death is
not lamented. Sic transit.
f Col. John Anderson constructed both the Canal and the first dam in 1842
and 1843. I remember him well. He died at Racine the present year, 1885.
Peace lo his memory,
X I find it stated in the History of Milwaukee, issued by the Western Historical
and Publishing Company, of Chicago, in 1881, that Mr. Kern (who came in 1858)
8S6 MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER.
when the subject of this sketch, and Frederick Bertschy, a younger
son of Jacob (fomierly teller in the Second Ward Bank), purchased
the property of the estate (John retiring}, and continued the business
under the title of Bertschy & Kern.
The annexed cut is a.Jac simile of this pioneer flouring mill, as it
appears to-day, March i, 1886, except as to the warehouse seen in
the rear, wliich was not put on until after the mill passed into the
possession of Messrs. Bertschy & Kern.
The new firm commenced with three run of stone, a large mill for
those days, (there had previously been but two,) their average daily
out-put being about 200 barrels. This continued until 1861, when
Fred. Bertschy retired and John became a partner, Fred, erecting a
new mill on River street, now known as the Gem Mill, where he con-
tinued to do business until his death, a few years later.*
wu iKil ■ partner antll 1861. This is incorrect, as he came from Philadelphia,
where he had previously been in business, for the express purpose of C.iking an
interest, he having, in 1855, married Miss Lena Bertschy, and whose interest, in
connection with his own, he also represenled,
• Frederick Bertschy was a wideawake, go-ahead fellow, full of life and ambi-
"■'-— I remember him well. He did a large, but not a very profitable bnsini
--■"• ■ He never liked I. ■ ■ - •"
wanted hi
MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. 337
The new partnership {t. e., with John Bertschy) continued until
1866, during which the business was pushed to the utmost limit of the
old mill, when Mr. Kern, becoming satisfied chat there was a bonanza
concealed in the milhng business if properiy handled, and wishing
to paddle his own canoe, dissolved the partnership, and as more
room was wanted, the present location, foot of Vliet street, was se-
cured and a building, 40x130, the nucleus of the present structure,
erected thereon, into which he put seven run of stone, an immense
mill for those days, and the real work of his life as a miller began.
He now pushed the business for all there was in it, and commenced
to make money rapidly.
Indeed, such was his success, that three additional run were added
before the close of the first year, and as the business continued to
increase additions were not only made to the mill, but run after run
of stone were added, until the number reached thirty-five, making it
one of the largest, if not the largest, mills in the country.
This continued until the introduction of the roller system in 1878,
when, notwithstanding all this vast outlay then just completed, the
whole interior was again remodeled, as well as the mill itsell enlarged
until, in place of the original plant of 40x130 and two stories in
height, it has grown to the mammoth proportions of 1S0X13S, with
a height of six full stories (see cut), and has in operation 150 sets of
338 MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER.
the patent rollers (or crushers), besides eleven of the original thirty-
five run of stone, employs 125 men, and has a daily capacity of
1,500 barrels of flour.
Such, in brief, is the history of the founding, growth and present
status of the Eagle Mill of John B. A. Kern & Son, the largest pri-
vate institution of the kind in the city, and one which has a record
for manufacturing a brand of flour that few other mills in the coun-
try have ever equalled, and which none have excelled.
Personnel.
John Baptiste Adolph Kern, whose business history has ju«t been
given, is of ihe medium height, stoutly built, and must, when in his
prime, have possessed wonderful powers of endurance. He is a
man of great energy and industry, and keeps things moving. He
has a large head, face slightly oval and beardless, a florid complexion,
auburn hair and blue eyes, and is one of the most even-tempered
men in the city. His executive abilities are of a superior order, as
his success fully shows, and, like Plankinton or Newhall, will go long
or short on wheat, real estate or stocks for almost fabulous amounts
with a nonchalance that is wonderful, and whether on the winning
side or not his countenance will always retain the same mobile ex-
pression.
He is not much of a talker, dislikes all kinds of sham, as well as
change, and has men in his employ who have been there from boy-
hood, and in whom he has implicit confidence. He greets every
one with a pleasant nod, has an unusually pleasant voice, and carries
within his breast a heart full of the milk of human kindness.
He is very conscientious, careful of what he says as well as what
he does, loves justice, hates deceit as well as unfair or dishonest deal-
ing, and if once deceived by any person will have nothing more to
do with that person.
In political faith he is an independent, and his religion is the
Golden Rule, to which he adheres in all his dealings as closely as it
is possible for a business man to do and live.
The writer has been acquainted with Mr. Kern since he first came
to our city, during all of which time he has watched him very
closely, and will venture the assertion that few business men can be
MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. 389
found who can show a cleaner record for honesty, probity and busi-
ness ability than can he.
He has raised himself unaided by friends, from poverty to afflu-
ence, from obscurity to prominence, and is justly entitled to be
ranked as one of Milwaukee's solid and most respected representa-
tive business men and useful citizens.
He was born at Bavaria, Germany, September 29, 1829.
The Phcenix Mill, of Sanderson & Co. (Edward Sanderson and
Isaac Van Schaick), is the next in size, it having a capacity of 1,400
barrels, and, like the Eagle, has been remodeled until scarcely a trace
of its original shape can be seen.
This mill was founded by Cicero Comstock in 1848, who put it in
operation with two run of stone, and of whom it was purchased by
William and Edward Sanderson. William died in 1868, since which
time it has been operated and known as the Phcenix Mill, of E. San-
derson & Co., and, like the Eagle, has made a good record as well
as a large amount of money for its enterprising owners.
Edward Sanderson, the senior member of this well known milling
firm, is a man of wonderful energy and business capacity, and has
from the day of his landing in Milwaukee to the present time been
one of the most influential as well as successful millers in the West,
and is now, although entering upon his autumnal years, as full oi
energy and ambition as when he first came. He was also one of
the first to help organize the present board of trade, and has always
been among its most prominent and successful operators.
Like Plankinton or McGeoch, he will go long or short for large
amounts, and is almost invariably found upon the winning side. He
has a nerve like steel, and a will that stops at nothing short of ac-
complishing all he undertakes. There is no compromising with him.
His perception is quick. He is also quick to decide, prompt to act
and, like James Kneeland, always acts upon his own judgment.
In politics he is a Republican, and the acknowledged leader of the
party in Milwaukee. He is a good wire-puller, a bom diplomat, and
understands the modus operandi of running a campaign perfectly,
is a hard man to beat, and has doubtless spent more time, as well as
money, for the benefit of the party than any other one man in the
county, if not in the state. He has hosts of friends, and outside of
MILWAUKEE UNDER THK CHARTER.
politics, as far as the writer knows, no enemies. He is generous to
a fault, and has the respect and confidence of his feliow-cilizensof
all classes and creetls, lias made a good record, and is justly entitled
to rank among Milwaukee's solid men.
The thir<i in rank of the pioneer mills, located upon the water
power, nee old Rock River Canal, was the one originally called
the Kilbourn .Mill, built in 1850. This mill has passed through many
changes. From Mr. Kilbourn it passed to the late Col. Amos Saw-
yer, who operated it with fair success until his death, February 16,
1878, after which it was sold to Edward Sanderson and Edward P.
Allis, who converted it into a Roller Mill at a cost of $100,000,
christened it the '■ Daisy," and who o|>erated it in partnership for a
short time, when Mr. Allis purchased Mr. Sanderson's interest, placed
L. H. Hurd* (to whom he had sold a fourth interest) in charge as
• Lou H. Hurd.
MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER.
manager, who built up a large business, and who continued to run it
until December 8th, 1885, when it, together with its cmgener the
Empire, was burned.
But, nothing discouraged, Messrs. Allis & Kurd purchased the
New Eta Mill, erected in 1 880 by B. Stem, foot of Washington street,
which they are remodeling and converting into a 1,000 barrel mill,
and which will doubtless, under the wise management of Mr. Hurd,
fultill all the expectations of its owners.
The cuts here here given represent this pioneer mill as it appeared
both before and after the fire, adjoining which, on the north, can be
seen a portion of the old Empire Mill. The small frame, seen in the
foreground, is the office of the Daisy.
Sanger, Rockwell & Co.
Among the establishments devoted to the manufacture of building
material, and which from small beginnings has grown to mammoth
proportions, is the sash, door and blind factory of Messrs. Sanger,
342 MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER.
Rockwell & Co., northeast comer of Park street and Sixth Avenue.
This firm is composed of Casper M. Sanger, Henry H. Rockwell,
and Chas. H. Moss, and commenced business at the present location
in 1873, with a cash capital of $40,000. Mr. Sanger, who was wholly
unacquainted with the business, placed Mr. Rockwell (in whose
capacity he had the utmost confidence) in charge as manager, and
through whose good management it has grown to its present status.
This factory was founded in 1858, by the late John Hiles, the
original plant being a small frame building located upon the north-
west corner of Reed and South Water streets, in which was a planmg
mill and a basket factory. Here it remained until July 12, 1861
when the mill was burned. Shortly after this disaster Mr. Hiles
formed a partnership with the late Truman H. Judd, and a new one
was erected upon the same site, where they did business for a short
time, when the ground being wanted for a railroad yard, the buildings
(or a portion of them) were removed to the southwest corner of West
Water and Clyboum streets, where they carried on the business, add-
ing thereto that of manufacturing sash, doors and blinds. Here they
made money rapidly until March 19th, 1871, when the whole plant
was destroyed by fire. This dissolved the partnership, after which
Mr. Hiles built the original plant at the corner of Sixth Avenue and
Park streets, which was first put in operation in 1872, and operated
by Mr. Hiles until his untimely loss by the sinking of the Ironsides^
September 15th, 1873, ^^^^ which the plant passed into the posses-
sion of Messrs. Sanger, Rockwell & Co., as stated above.
The capacity of this now immense establishment has been increased
as business increased, until the original plant of 50 by 80 feet, with a
height of two-stories, has grown to 220 by 180 feet, with a height of
three-stories, and with a daily capacity of 1,000 doors, or its equiva-*
lent, and a working force of 300 men and boys.
This is the largest establishment of this kind in the State, and their
work is sent to all the Western States and Territories, including
Oregon. This plant has proved a bonanza to its enterprising pro-
jectors, and they are pushing it for all there in it. Casper M. Sanger,
the senior partner, is a man of wonderful energy, and has large in-
terests in several other ventures to which he devotes most of his time
(viz :) milling and mining, in all of which he is successful as a rule.
MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. 343
He is also quite a politician, and has been one of the few who have
held up the hands of Moses (to use a nietaphor) in the struggle
between the democracy and the republicans for supremacy in Wis-
consin. He is a staunch republican, and will back his friends with
substantial aid when required. He is a splendid friend, large hearted
and generous, a model father and citizen. He is fond of a good
horse, and is never without one.
Mr. Rockwell is of a more quiet demeanor, does not lovo excite-
ment, but prefers to run their factory, the details of which to the
merest minutiae he carries in his mind. Neither is anything likely to
go wrong where he presides. His eye takes in at a glance all that is
being enacted around him, whether it is his own business or not.
He is, although a republican, not a politician, and wants no office.
He is no talker, has no time to waste, attends strictly to business,
decides a matter quickly, seldom changes his mind, or plans, and in
this firm is the right man in the nght place.
Mr. Moss, the junior partner, attends to carrying out the details of
the work, both in and out of the factory, and is also the right man
in the right place and, like his co-workers in this plant, is coining
wealth very rapidly — the sure result where all the members of a
firm in any business conduct their affairs as do the Messrs. Sanger,
Rockwell & Co. (/. ^.), each take a part, for the success of which he
is held responsible, and then pull together.
The Brewing Industry.
But the industry which, as to time, magnitude and amount of
capital invested, has overshadowed all others, is that of brewing, or
the manufacture of malted or fermented drinks, more particularly
that of lager beer, the introduction of which into this country, it is
claimed, is due to the advent of the Germans. This may perhaps
be true as to the West, but certainly not as to the East, as our Puri-
tan fathers, notwithstanding the rigidity with which they enforced
their peculiar religious tenets upon all who came within their juris-
diction, were not temperance men, neither were they innocent of the
manufacture of both malted and distilled liquors, as he who investi-
gates will not only find that in addition to the <;arly erection of dis-
tilleries for the manufacture of New England rum, that a malting ap-
344 MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER.
paratus aud brewing kettle also formed an important item in the
household effects of every respectable New England family in Colo-
nial times, and that both were supplemented by large importations
of St. Croix and Barbadoes rum for the use of thosje stem men who
laid the foundation of this republic, and although tlie fires of Deacon
Giles* distillery,* in the good old borough of Salem, were banked a
half century ago, yet those of its congener, founded by the Messrs.
Trull,t are still burning, and under the direction of their successors
' this ancient establishment is still casting its bread upon the waters in
the shape of Medford rum as in days of yore. But I digress.
The first brewery in Milwaukee for the manufacture of lager beer
was erected on the northeast corner of Hanover and Virginia streets,
by Herman Riedelschoefer, in the spring of 184 1. The writer worked
upon this brewery (see Vol. 2, author's Pioneer History, page 116).
It was short lived, and as there stated, it soon passed into the hands
of John Meyers, then to Francis Neukirk, the father-in-law of Chas.
T. Melms, and thus became the nucleus of the present south side
brewery of Phillip Best & Co.
The second was erected in 1842, and as this plant has grown to be
the largest establishment of the kind in Arperica (if not in the world)
the writer has concluded to insert a short history of its growth, fur-
nished by its present enterprismg propiietors, Messrs. Frederick
Pabst and Emil Schandein, as a proper part of the business history
of our city.
As just stated, this now immense establishment was founded in
1842 by Jacob Best, assisted by his sons, Phillip, Jacob Jr., Charles
and Lorenz. All the woik of the establishment, to the very least
detail, was done by these five men. The product and sales of the
brewery were necessarily small, being limited to two or three hun-
dred barrels per year, and intended only to meet a local demand.
*rhe writer remembers to have seen a humorous poem upon this famous dis*
tillery some fifty years ago, when the temperance agitation first commenced in
New England. The Deacon, although a prominent church official, was at that
time also one of the largest distillers of New England rum (or Medford rum, as
it was sometimes called) in the country.
fThis establishment, founded by Moses Trull (I think that was his first name),
nearly a hundred years ago, has probably turned out more rum since its birth than
any other one distillery in New England. In the writer's boyhood days it was
one of the landmarks in the good citx of Boston.
MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. 345
After various changes the whole business passed into the hands of
Phillip Best in i860. The real foundation of the present immense
business were laid by that gentleman, whose name has become
famous the world over in connection with the products of the brew-
ery, and who, in his lifetime, gained a wide reputation as a man of
great business ability, sterling integrity and indomitable energy
After four years of hard work and increasing success, Mr. Best ad-
mitted Captain Fred. Pabst, his son-in-law, to partnership in the
business. About a year later Mr. Best, crowned with well-deserved
success, and honored by the confidence of the mercantile and social
community, retired, and Mr. Emil Schandein, his other son-in-law,
entered into partnership with Captain Pabst, the firm doing business
as Phillip Best & Co. By this time the demand for the brewery's
product had become so great that the facilities had beei. largely in-
creased, and the annual jiroduction had increased from the two or
three hundred barrels it first produced to nearly eleven thousand bar-
rels per year. Not only had the local sales grown enormously, but
a demand had sprung up all over the Northwest, and even in the
more remote parts of the country the product of the brewery was
fast coming to be regarded a best in quality as well as Best in name.
After eight years of energetic work and of prosperity, the form in
which the business was managed was changed again, and the Phillip
Best Brewing Company was incorporated under the laws of the com-
monwealth of Wisconsin. Captain Pabst was chosen president, Mr.
Schandein was wiade vice-president, and Charles Best, Jr., son of
one of the original founders of the business, was elected as secre-
tary.
The Recent Era.
With the incorporation of the company began the more r»icent era
of the great business of the establishment. The demand for the
products of the brewery had already exceeded the supplies made
possible with the greatly increased facilities of the establishment, and
in 1869 the well known Melms brewery, of Milwaukee, was pur-
chased, and its business and facilities consolidated with those of the
original plant. The newly purchased establishment was designated
as the South Side brewery, and the original concern was continued as
346
MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER.
the Empire Brewery. The demand for the bottled beer grew to such
dimensions that an immense bottling establishment was started in
1875 in connection with the South Side brewery. This branch of the
business has grown to large proportions, and is conducted as an in-
tegral part of the brewery work.
Interesting Figures.
A large volume would be necessary to give in detail the workings
of this establishment. In the limited space here afforded an idea of
the growth and present dimensions of the business may be obtained
from the presentation of a few figures. 'I'he present capacity of the
brewery is half a million barrels a year — larger than that of any
other establishment of the kind, not only on the American continent,
but the largest of any lager beer brewery in the world. For the
year 1883 the gross sales were 385,056 barrels. To manufacture
this enormous amount of beer over 770,000 pounds — or over 385
tons— of hops, and 1,115,168 bushels of malt are required. Fifteen
thousand tons of coal per year are used, and the brewery requires
250,000 kegs, barrels, half-barrels, etc. About 500 men are con-
stantly employed, and sixty teams are in use by the company.
The company have branch offices, store-houses, ice-houses, etc.,
in various parts of the country, but the buildings in Milwaukee alone
cover over ten acres of ground, besides the large yards, wharves, etc.
The immense malt and barley elevators of the company have a
capacity of about 750,000 bushels.
The following figures show the sales each year since 1862, and
convey an idea of the growth of the business :
Year. Barrels.
186;^ 3,677
1864 4,895
1866 10,908
1866 13,9()4
1867 18,015
1868 21,695
1869 23,392
1870 37,108
1871 60,668
1872 90,926
1873 100,028
1874 114,162
Year. Barrels.
1875 115,r>49
1876 120,aM
1877 120,732
1878 156,040
1879 213,285
1880 272,477
1881 .324,269
1882 371,302
1883 .385,049
1884 374,770
1885 380,830
1886 ( nearly )..400,000
Such, in brief, is the history of the founding, growth and present
•* b V «
k b tow
* b k «■
MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. 347
Status of this world -renowned establishment. Of Jacob Best the
writer can say nothing from personal knowledge, as he does not
recollect of ever pieeting him.
Phillip Best, whose portrait is here given, the writer remembers to
have seen many times, but had no personal acquaintance with him.
But that he was a man of great energy, good executive as well as
financial ability, is very certain. He was also somewhat noted as a
military man, having held the office of brigadier-general in the First
Brigade of the Wisconsin state militia in 1859 and i860, and was for
many years one of the leading Germans in Milwaukee. And al-
though now absent in body, he is present in spirit, as his name still
heads the house he was so instrumental in founding in the *' long
ago."
Mr. Best was a native of Germany (Mettenheim), and died there
at Altenglau, while on a visit, July 16, 1869, and was buried a^
Landsiuhl.
Of his successors, Messrs. Frederick Pabst and Emil Schandein,
it can be truthfully said that two more active or wide-awake business
men are not to be found in any other firm in our city.- They are
thorough in everything, and always ready to put their shoulder to
the wheel and do their part in every enterprise, whether of a public
or private nature. They are ranked among our most influential as
well as representative business men, and are destined in the near
future to become, financially, the Rothschilds of the Northwest, as
they are accumulating wealth rapidly. Their standing for probity,
honesty and fair dealing is unexcelled, and their word once given is
never broken. They are both splendid friends, and if enemies, open
ones.
As a further index of the magnitude of the brewery interest, I will
insert the following statistics of this one establishment, taken from
the speech of the Hon. P. V. Deuster, delivered in the House of
Representatives at Washington :
Capital invested |5;^,:«7,82o 00
Number of emplovees 64.S
Wages paid per year |5:J86,523 22
Number of horses in use 207
Number of wagons in use 112
Taxes paid in 188:^ $30,246 18
Revenue paid to the United States Government, after de-
ducting the 7i per cent, rebate $348,150 50
348 MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER.
Raw material purchased in 1883:
809,136 bushels of barley, at SO cents per bushel $(>47,308 80
800,314 pounds of hops, at 66 J cents per pound 1^532,208 81
2,362,000 pounds of rice, at 3 cents per pound $70,860 00
The latter all of domestic growth, raised in Carolina and Louisiana.
Ice used, 48,207 tons, at U per ton ^,207 00
The Schlitz Brewery.
The next in rank, as to wealth and amount of beer manufactured,
is the Joseph Schlitz Brewing Company, located upon the southeast
corner of Third and Walnut streets, and, like that oi PhiHip Best, is
the outgrowth of small beginnings. It was founded in 1848 by Au-
gust Krug, then located on Chestnut street, between Third and
Fourth streets, who operated it until 1858, when, upon the death of
Mr. Krug, it passed into the hands of Mr. Schlitz (a former clerk),
who removed it to its present location and operated it until 1874,
when it was incorporated, with Joseph Schlitz as president, and upon
his death, in 1875, it was reorganized with —
Henry Uihlein, president.
Alfred Uihlein, superintendent.
August Uihlein, secretary.
F. G. Uihlein, manager Chicago branch.
The output for 1884 was 345,000 barrels.
The Messrs. Uihlein are among the most prominent as well as suc-
cessful business men in Milwaukee. They are men who, to use a
Western pihrase, have their eyes in the front of their heads. Few
men can be found in any community who possess more executive
ability than does the president of this corporation. He is quick to
see, prompt to act, and never makes any mistakes, and like his com-
petitors, Messrs. Pabst and Schandein, does all his business on the
square, and like them is large-hearted and generous, and is accumu-
lating wealth rapidly.
The Blatz Brewery.
This large and well-known establishment, like its congeners already
described, is the outgrowth of small beginnings. It was founded in
1845 ^y John Brown, and known as the City Brewery, then located
upon the southwest corner of Main street (Broadway) and Division
MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. 349
Street (now Juneau Avenue). Here Mr. Brown carried on the manu-
facture of lager beer on what would now be considered an infinitesi-
mal scale until his death in 185 1, when the plant came into the
possession of Mr. Valentine Blatz (a former employee), who at once
commenced to build it up. The outlook for its future was not very
encouraging for its young proprietor, as its annual sales were at that
time only 150 barrels. But Mr. Blatz was full of energy, and the
little plant soon began to grow, and such has been its growth as to
make it the third largest in the city, its output for 1884 being
245,000 barrels. This brewery, like those of the Messrs. Best and
Schlitz, has a bottling establishment.
Mr. Blatz is a man of few words, but is a hard worker and watches
over his business very closely. He is of medium size, very muscular,
has a keen dark eye and, taken as a whole, is a very fine looking
man. He has a good reputation for honesty, probity and business
ability, and that he is possessed of good executive ability, his success
fully proves, and like his brother brewers has become very wealthy.
Mr. Blatz is a Bavarian, having been born at Mittenburg on the
Main in 1825.
The Franz Falk Brewing Company,
The next in rank, was founded in 1855, by Frederick Goes and
Franz Falk. Sen. Its present officers are Franz Falk, president; L.
W. Falk, vice president, and Frank R. Falk, secretary and treasurer.
Their output for 1884 was 75,000 barrels.
There are several others just out of the city, prominent among
which is that of F. Miller, which has about the same capacity as that
of the Messrs. Falk.
The amount of capital invested in the manufacture of Beer in
Milwaukee and vicinity is estimated at $9,000,000.
W. P. Young's Block Burnt, June 21, 1859.
This fine building had just been completed. It was the second
time Mr. Young had been burnt out on this corner, the first being
February T5th, 1852. (See Vol. HI., page 371.) There seemed to
be a fatality attending all this gentleman's enterprises, owing as
many thought to his stubbornness, and that the burning of these two
22
350 MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER.
blocks was not accidental, but the result of ill feeling on the part of
some of his employees who he had treated unjustly in the way of
pay. He was a man of strong will. The third block (a vast im-
provement upon the two burned ones) is yet standing, and known as
the Miller Block. It has been thoroughly rebuilt, however, as well
as internally remodeled, and is one of the most desirable pieces of
property in the city.
Wouldn't Call him Judge.
Among the many amusing scenes witnessed m Judge Phut*s
(Foote's) court while it existed, was one in which John Doe (an old
offender), who had been convicted of some crime, was called up for
sentence, when his counsel, one Mr. Van Deutch, who had knowl-
edge that said Court had been abolished, told him " to get," as there
was no such Court, and he got. And in the next case called, the
Judge told the same attorney not to ask a certain question, and was
told by said attorney that he should ask what questions he pleased,
at the same time addressing his honor as Mister Foote, etc.
Market House Remodeled.
The old Market House — the present City Hall — was ordered to
be converted into a Municipal Court Room this year, at an expense
not to exceed $6,000. It cost double that, however. The ordinance
authorizing it was passed May i, 1859.
An attempt (a second one) was also made to divide the County,
by making the City into a County by itself. Nothing came of it,
however, except the usual amount c f windy talk. But ii answered
for a hobby horse for some one to ride into the Legislature upon.
Political.
As the time for the fall election drew near, the fur began to fly in
earnest. The following, taken fi-om the Sentinel , gives a slight idea
of the hostility manifested by the Democratic leaders, and the News^
to the Republicans, who had commented pretty severely u^wn the
administration for permitting Governor Wise, of Virginia, to hang
John Brown. Here is wliat the News said about the affair, and the
SentinePs comments :
MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. 361
Not a Bit Scared!
The Republicans of the rural districts do not seem to be in the least
alarmed by the truculent threats of George Brass Smith, backed by
"Bob Acres'* of the News^ that the government would hang them all, as
it was about to hang old John Brown, if they dared to carry out their
principles. Hear the defiant reply of the Janesville Gazette to this
menace :
"Going to Hang the Republicans. — George Brass Smith, of fragrant
memory, proposes that the {government shall hang the Republicans if
they attempt to carry out their principles.
" The Milwaukee rf&tvs says:
" * Old Ossawatomie Brown was pointed at as a striking illustration of
the dangerous tendency of this slavery agitation; and he (Smith) very
truly said: "Whenever the Republicans undertake to carry out their
principles the government will hang them as they are about to hang
Old Brown." '
" George B. and all his miserable doughface crew whom he so fitly
re^esents had better say their prayers before they commence."
We think as much. We trust that every Republican of Milwaukee
will come to the polls to-morrow and carry out his principles by voting
the straight Republican ticket, as an invitation to Ueorge Brass Smith,
the New9^ and tne Government to commence their cotilion.
And they did.
A call was made for Ed. D. Holton to run for the assembly. See
annexed :
Independent Candidate for the Assembly — Fourth Ward.
A call, signed by 275 electors of the Fourth ward, has been addressed
to Mr. Edward D. Holton^ inviting him to become an independent can-
didate for the Assembly m the Fourth ward. Mr. Holton accepts the
invitation, as may be seen bv the correspondence in to-day's paper.
The names signed to the call ^ve great weight to it; and Mr. Holton,
as all men know, has ev^ry qualification to represent the ward faithfully
and ably.
James H. Paine was also nominated in the First and Seventh
wards.
A Republican caucus was also held in the Fifth and Eighth wards.
See annexed :
At a Republican caucus held at Melms* saloon last evening, on motion
S. H. Martin was chosen chairman and Wm. Goodnow secretary. On
motion the following delegates were chosen: H. Toser, Wm. Cook and
S. H. Martin from the Fifth ward, and R. Neukirk, Wm. Greenslade
and Wm. P. Merrill from the Eighth ward. The caucus was well at-
tended and the best feeling prevailed.
Moved that the proceedings of the meeting be published in the 8en-^
tinel. S. H. Martin, Chairman.
Wm. Goodnow, Secretary.
Election held November 8.
352 milwaukee under the charter.
Peter Van Vechten Goes for the Milwaukee " News."
Hear him :
Good for Number One!
The News of Saturday made a savage attack upon Engine Co. No. 1 , of
this city, for tolling their bell and setting their nag at half-mast on Black
Friday, as a mark of sympathy for John Brown. The Nems called upon
the mayor to disband the company, or remove the foreman, Peter Van
Vechten, Jr., one of the oldest and best members of our Milwaukee
Fire Department. To all of w^hich Peter, good fellow, makes answer as
follows:
Mr. Editor: — ^The News of Saturday morning contains an article headed
"An Insult to the City," in which it makes a personal attack on myself.
As to the detriment or credit any article published in that paper would
have upon my personal character, I care not, neither do I care for the
expression of a paper whose only existence is the city printing; but
that the matter may be set right before the public. I maxe this state-
ment:
I was informed that the other bells would be tolled, then I said I
would have the bell belonging to Engine Co. No. 1 tolled also.
The bell spoken of in the News belongs to the company exclusively;
the flag the city has not one cent interest in; even the rope which tolled
the bell belongs to the company, and was paid for by the private funds
of the company; so with all the property inside the house we occupy,
except the engine, hose-cart and hose.* We have even paid for our
torches.
If the mayor and common council wish to disband the company be-
cause I ordered the bell tolled, let them do so. I claim the right to
direct the action of my company according to the dictates of my con-
wnence, regardless of the opinion of the Neics. I shall continue to do
so as long as I have command. They cannot intimidate me with threats
nor tempt me with bribes. Unfortunately for the News my company,
with one or two exceptions, think as I doin this matter; there lies the
difficulty which the rfews cannot overcome.
In regard to breaking me of my office, the mayor and common coun-
cil may do it if they see fit. I shall exercise command of my company
just as I see fit as long as I hold the office of foreman. All that the
News can say about my ambition will not alter my views or change my
action. Yours, etc., ' P. V.vn Vechten, Jr. '
Of all the pubHc prints in the city in 1859 the Daily Ntwz was
undoubtedly the meanest. It was to the North what the Okolona
Gazette of to-day is to the South. If it ever told the truth (politi-
cally) it was wholly by accident. But it furnished just the kind of
food such men as Albert Bade, John White, Edward McGarry, Jona-
than Taylor, and a few others of the old-line Democracy, wanted, a
few fossilized specimens of whom are to be seen upon our streets to-
day, who have all the symptoms of havmg been palsied, and who,
politically, are petrified samples of the effect of that lying sheet dur-
ing the editorship of J. R. Sharpstein and Geo. W. Clason.
milwaukee under the charter. 353
Winter Coming.
River dosed December 3, upon which General King said winter
has come ; air is full of needles. Eight degrees below zero on the
7th. First snow fell on the 17th, six inches in depth, with nice win-
ter weather.
It remained cold during the month, not varying much until the
30th, when the frost king gave us 30° below zero, closing the river
from the mouth to the dam with ice six inches in thickness.
Literary.
The Milwaukee Advertiser^ a literary quarto, was started this year
by Messervey & Culbertson. The Wisconsin editor, in speaking of
it, says he doubts its success, but that, in the language of Governor
Randall, it has his prayers. This killed it, of course.
Population.
The population of Milwaukee in 1859 was 51,449. In 1857 it
was 44,524. A gain of 6,925. The only ward which fell behind
being the Third ; the cause claimed for which was the wasting away
of the beach by the encroachments of the Lake, causing quite a
number to migrate.
City Improvements.
The following statement of the amount of city improvements is
from the Sentinel^ and furnished to them by that wide-awake citizen,
now long since gone to his rest, Caleb Wall, who was indefatigable
in his lifetime in helping make Milwaukee a thing of beauty, as she
is to-day.
City Improvembntr.
From the tables prepared by Caleb Wall, which we have published,
it will be seen that the cost of the new buildings now in progress in this
city is |722,8o0; or, deducting difference in cost of labor, and >140,<)00
for public buildings, $:i3,850 in excess of the improvements of last year.
There are many small buildings not reckoned in and, in all probalJility,
$100,000 may be set down in addition to the above, on that account,
either now contracted, or to be so during the summer.
Second Ward.
Among the improvements in this ward were three brick dwellings,
northwest corner Fourth and Poplar streets by Geo. Abert, one on
Winnebago street, and the present Second Ward Bank building. This
354 MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER.
was built by a Mr. Wise at a cost of $15,000. The gross amount
known to have been built in this ward was $60,000.
Third Ward.
Seven stores on Main street (Broadway), by John McA. Lindin,
yet in use, and known as Nos. 185 to 195 inclusive; one No. 269
Broadway, and the old ruin known as Nos. 197 to 201 Broadway.
This building has never been a paying investment; it was built
twenty years ahead of time for that locality. Also three brick stores
on southwest corner of Broadway and Huron street (now the pro-
perty of Mrs. Samuel Chandler), and some thirty frames in various
parts of the ward — in all $100,000.
Fourth Ward.
Among the improvements in the Fourth ward were sixteen brick
stores' on West Water street, cost $100,000. Five of these were on
the southeast comer of West Water and Clyboum streets, by Jona-
than Taylor (Nos. 100 to io8 West Water). Two, Nos. 35 and 37
West Water, by E. D. Holton.* Nine, by Hans Reese, Nos. 130 to
146 West Water, inclusive. And a Jewish Synagogue on Fifth street,
cost $7,000. Five brick dwellings on Spring street; four on Eighth
street; two on Clyboum street; one on Sixth street. Seven frame
buildings on Spring street ; one on Tamarack street ; two on Fourth
street ; one on Wells street ; one on Seventh street ; one on Eighth
street ; four on Seventh street ; two on Seventh street ; one on Spring
street ; one on Clyboum street— costing in all $66,000.
The Sentinel gets spoony over Hans Reese's block. Hear him :
West Water Street is looking up. It would be difficult for bricks to
take a more imposing form than they have assumed in Hans Reese's
block. Look at it from any point it is grand, and to a person coming
down Micbiean street from Albany Hall at night, when tne moon falS
upon this pile across the river, and its long rows of windows are dupli-
cated in the water, it bears the appearance of an immense coliseum.
Five minutes walk from Spring Street Bridge, in either direction on
West Water street, will bring you to several significant improvements;
half a score of new buildings have grown up with the past summer, and
look bright and fresh across the river to the dusky walls on this side.
And these buildings are all massive and stylish, not mere shells run up
to order, but gifts from architecture to commerce ; monuments of beauty
and utiUty which are making West Water street advance with rapid
* I think the contractor for this block was a negro. There certainly was one
worked on it.
MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. 355
strides. Considerable progress has also been made in the grading, so
that the street may be saia to be rising in a literal as well as a figurative
sense.
West Water street may never attain to the picturesque dignity of a
Broadway, but we will hazard the assertion that it is destined to be the
business street of Milwaukee at some future time. The heavy street,
where Gunnvbags shall store his investments, and Mr. Firkin feel the
variations of stock, and where he can take tne horse cars at Spring
street and glide up the hill to his mansion.
This block, although yet in use, is, when compared with those
more modern, a ruin, and did it not occupy a prominent point for
business would be considered worthless and probably converted into
a depot for rags. It did not net its owner much rent for a number
of years after the erection, but pays well to-day. It is yet owned by
Mr. Hans Reese, and is in charge of Edgar J. Tapping, who is a sharp
business man.
Seventh Ward.
Of improvements in this ward, Caleb Wall says :
We presume it is well known that this ward contains all the finished
dwelling houses in our city (with a very few exceptions). Its situa-
tion is delightful, being principally along the shore, from which we
have a fine refreshing breeze. As we ourselves live in the Seventh
ward, it would not be in good taste to say much about it ; but one
thing we must say, and will say, that there are more hogs and cows at
large in the Seventh ward, which destroy trees and muck sidewalks,
than ought to be. I wonder what argument one can make use of, to
get our esteemed city council and aldermen to make a law to prevent
hogs and cows running at large. I (Caleb Wall) promise this : If
they will pass some law, to prevent hogs and cows from making so
much destruction, that a benefit shall be set up immediately in the
beautiful Albany Hall, to be expended at our Newhall House, for a
supper that has not yet been equaled. Now, Mr. Aldermen, what
say you to that ?
Improvements in the Seventh Ward.
Two brick stores on East Water street $3,000
One *' " " " 5,000
Two *' '* " " 10,000
Two " " Market street «,000
One *• " " :5,000
Two " " " 3,000
One " " Martin street 4,000
366 MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER.
Four three-Btory dwellings comer Main and Biddle streets. 16,000
One brick store hack of Juneau Bank
One handsome brick dwelling corner Martin and Cass streets... *10,000
Two brick stores on Milwaukee street 7,000
Three tine brick dwellings on Wisconsin street 20,000
Two brick dwellings on Jefferson street 12,000
Large brick addition to house corner of Oneida and Van Buren
streets 2,000
Two brick dwellings on Biddle street 6,000
One " *• on Jefferson street 3,500
One '* " on Van Buren street 5,000
One " "' " '* 2,500
Three brick dwellings on Milwaukee street 14,000
One brick dwelling ou Milwaukee street 3,000
Two brick dwellings on Jackson street 8,000
One small brick dwelling on Main street 800
One frame dwelling on Jefferson street 2,500
Two frame buildings on Division street 2,000
Total 1154,300
Besides these, the following were erected in the First ward :
Two frames on Ogden street, three on North Water, one on Lyon,
one on Jefferson, one on Milwaukee, one on Racine.
Six brick, the Hadley block, southeast corner Jackson and Lyon,
nine brick on Jackson northeast corner of Knapp, known as the
Grant block, two on Marshall street, cost ^17,000, one frame $8,000,
one brick on Knapp, one on Division, one corner of Marshall and
Knapp, and one on Prospect street by Hans Rees. Total, $80,000.
Besides these there were the Mayor Page residence, No. 2629
Grand avenue, now the property of Geo. E. Lyman ; the Keenan
mansion, Nos. 455 and 457 Jefferson; the old Levi Merrick house.
No. 420 Jefferson, and the present Sentinel building, and the build-
ing known as Union Hall (see annexed), were built this year.
Union Hall — Something New.
Our old friend and fellow-citizen, William Sivyer, has just completed
a new and handsome three-story brick block, on Main street, between
Huron and Detroit streets. Third ward. The lower story is divided
into two large and handsome stores, with spacious cellars beneath. In
the second story are dwelling rooms over one store, and a dining-hall,
or supper room, connected with the hall above, over the other. The
third story is the Union Hall, forty feet wide by eighty feet deep, with
convenient side rooms, and all nicely fitted up for concerts, lectures or
balls. The building is a neat and substantial one, and was put up un-
der the immediate supervision of Mr. Wm. Sivyer himself, who laid
the first brick and raised the first boy in this good city of Milwaukee.
That same " boy," by the way, is now a man, doing business on his own
* By John Harris.
MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. 357
hooky and offering a first-rate stock of family groceries and *' feed for
all " at the north store in the new block.*
The block on the northeast corner of Reed and Lake streets was
also built this year by Hiram Mabbett and Chas. G. Breed.
Mechanical, Mercantile and Professional.
There were in Milwaukee in 1859--60: 17 insurance agents, 12
houses for the sale of agricultural instruments, 7 architects, 3 salt
agencies, 4 steamboat agencies, 7 auctioneers, 38 bakeries, 3 billiard
table manufactories, 13 billiard saloons, 34 blacksmith shops, 5 blank
book manufacturers, 4 block and pump manufactories, 62 private
boardmg-houses, 4 boiler shops, 9 book binderies, 6 book-sellers and
stationers, 38 boot and shoe dealers (wholesale and retail), 52 shoe-
maker shops, 3 bowling saloons, 30 brewers, 9 brickmakers and deal-
ers, 27 master carpenters and mason builders, 32 carpenters only, 20
cabinet manufacturers, 5 oil-cloth makers, 16 crockery stores, 36 to-
bacco and snuff stores, 12 civil engineers, 29 wholesale and retail
clothing stores, 8 carriage manufacturers, 6 coal dealers, 64 commis-
sion merchants, 20 confectioners, 41 cooper shops, 2 copper-smiths,
10 dentists, 6 distillers, 17 dressmaking establishments, 26 retail drug
stores, 10 wholesale drug stores, 49 retail dry goods stores, 15 whole-
sale dry goods store, 9 who kept dye-stuflfe, 23 flour and feed stores,
9 flouring mills, 14 forwarding houses, 12 foundries, 12 fruit stores
(wholesale and retail), 11 furniture dealers, 5 gas and steam-Atting
shops, 22 gents* furnishing goods stores, 4 gilders, 4 grate, register
and furnace dealers, 224 retail grocers, 27 wholesale grocers, 20 hair-
dressing establishments, 17 hardware and cutlery stores, 12 harness
shops, 17 hat and cap stores, 12 hide and leather stores, 42 hotels
and taverns, 8 house-movers, 2 hub and spoke manufacturers, 7 iron
and steel warehouses, 7 lamp and chandelier stores, 73 lawyers and
law firms, 11 livery stables, 27 lumber dealers, 12 machine shops
(iron), 70 meat markets (retail), 27 milliners, 37 house and sign
•This was an unfortunate block. The alteration of the grade on Broadway soon
after it was built (by raising it) rendered it almost untenable, and Mr Sivyer sued
the city, and after an expensive litigation recovered $8,000, or about that. The
building, however, remained in that condition until 1882, when it was purchased
by O. D. Bjorkquist, who pulled it down and has erected a handsome block upon
its site for a boot and shoe store, known as Nos. 300 and 301 Broadway.
358 MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER.
painting shops, 64 physicians and surgeons, 62 produce dealers, 23
provision stores (only), 27 real estate brokers, 15 restaurants, 6 safe
manufacturers, 202 saloons, 60 tailors, 14 tanneries, 29 tin and cop-
per-smith establishments, 13 trunk manufacturers and dealers, 28
wagon shops, 18 jewelry stores, 51 wine and liquor stores, 5 wood-
yards, 9 wooden-ware stores, 6 wool dealers, 2 woolen manufac-
tories.
Correction.
On page 202, Vol. IV., when sketching E. P. Matthews, the
writer omitted to state, when speaking of the official positions he had
filled, that he also represented the Fourth ward in the legislature in
1880 and 1881.
They Are Passing Away.
This cut or diagram is a fac simile of the buildings* formerly
standing upon the southeast corner of Grand avenue and Second
street, and known (present numbering) as 119, 121, 123, 125, 127,
129, 131, 133, 135, 137 and 139 Grand avenue, and which, although
an eye-sore to the community for the last ten years, were as much
of an improvement when erected, over their predecessors (which
were small frames) as will be their successors when completed over
them.
The history of the erection of these buildings, as well as the occu-
pation of a portion of them, is substantially as follows :
The nucleus of the two seen upon the left, and known as Nos. 119
and 121 Grand avenue, present numbering, and 33 and 35 Spring
street, old numbering, were erected in 1847 t)y John Plankinton,t
who, in connection with G. W. Evins, had purchased May ii, 1846,
the north fifty feet of lot 18, block 71, Fourth ward, of J. L. Bean,
for $800. Evins sold his interest September 2, 1847, to Nelson H.
Northrop,} of Palmyra, N. Y., for $600, who built the next one, No.
*Now (May i, 1886) partly demolished;
fThese buildings stood directly west of and adjoining the alley, and were the
first brick ones ever erected upon that part of the block. This alley has now,
however, (1884) been vacated and occupied by a portion of the hotel.
^Mr. Northrop was the successor of John E. Cameron in the American House
livery stable. He was a brother-in-law of George F. Oakley, to whom he subse-
quently sold out, I think in 1853, and returned back to Palmyra.
MILWAUKEE UNDER TK£ CHARTER.
360 MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER.
37, now No. 123. These three buildings were partially destroyed by
fire June 6, 1850, while occupied by the common council in the up-
per story and by Doctor Malloy in the second. This fire also de-
stroyed a portion of the city records.
These buildings were, however, all quickly repaired, after which
Nos, 119 and 121 were converted into a livery stable,* 1. ^., the old
American House stable previously mentioned, then standing upon
the north end of lot 19, directly in the rear, was moved up to and
connected with them, they forming the carriage-house and office
part, in which condition they were occupied by Mr. Oakleyt until
the great fire of July 4, 1861, when they, with the American House,
were destroyed, after whichf they were rebuilt, as seen in the dia-
gram (Nos. 33 and 35, old numbering), by Mr. Plankinton, and No.
37 by Jonathan Crouch, who had purchased the Northrop interest,
and which he occupied as an undertaker's store below and as a
dwelling above until 1864, when he sold out the business (Mr.
Crouch going directly across the street and opening another store,
and where he was also burned out at a later period. Mr. Crouch
died many years ago), to Messrs. Judson & Morse ; John B. Judson,
who had previously been in the fruit business with Simon Stone, un-
der the title of Simon Stone & Co., and William Morse, who at once
removed the stock to No. 33 (now 119), the Plankinton building
(the Crouch building being converted into a millinery store), where
they remained until 1875, when they dissolved, Mr. Morse going to
Waukesha, and Mr. Judson, who is yet in the business, removing to
409 Grand avenue, after which these three stores were occupied for
various purposes until 1884, when they were pulled down by Mr.
Plankinton, who had also purchased the Crouch interest, and their
former side, in connection with the alley (vacated) occupied with the
extension of 1884.
The erection of the Plankinton House was commenced Ma>,
*The Northrop store being devoted to mercantile purposes.
fGeorge F. Oakley was a very prominent liveryman in Milwaukee for several
years, and but for the disgraceful conduct of a harlot who, in an evil hour, he had
made his wife, would have been (if livmg) at the head of the column to-day.
She was a terror, and soon drove him to the wall. He was lost on the Lady El-
gin, September 9, i860.
JFor full particulars of this fire see Vol. III., page 225.
UILWAUKEE .UNDER THE CHARTER.
1867, at which time all thai portion from 109 to 115 Gr,.iid -ivenue
inclusive, representing a fronUge of 115 feet with a Hepth of loo,
was completed, the master mason being Hiram R. Bond. It re-
mained in this form externally (ahhough internally it was remodeled
several times) oniil 1875, '^hen that portion known as the Arcade,
designated as Nos. 169 lo 177 West Water street, inclusive, repre-
senting a frontage of 100 feet, was erected, also by Mr. Bond. And
in 1879 that part known as the Birchard block, representing 85 feet
on Grand avenue and 100 on West Water, after being remodeled so
as to conform externally with that part of the hotel then completed,
was also annexed {under a lease), which was its status until 1884,
when, as has just been seen, the buildings Nos. 119, lai and 123,
present numbering [^^, 35 and 37 old numbering), were pulled
down, and their former site, together with the alley,* making an ad-
ditional frontage of seventy feet occupied by the hotel extension of
18S4.
The next, Nos. 125, 127 and 129, present numbering, were erected
by Simeon and Walter S. Babcock,1 and 131 and 133 by the laie
Lester G. Newbre (all in 1858 or 1859, I think) upon ground leased
from the late Elisha Eldred, who owned the 100 feet adjoining No.
"Previously stated as having been vacalcd.
tl am not auile certain about this, but think (hat these three stores were all
erected by the Babcocic Bros,
MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. 363
123 on the west, and from whose heirs (Mr. Eldrcd having, prior to
his death, come into possession of these buildings by purchase), No.
^33i with the ground (20 feet), passed to Henry Tischafer, and 129
to Edward H. Pantke, from whom, in 1885, they passed to Mr.
Plankinton, who also purchased 125, 127 and 131 from the heirs of
Mr. Eldred.
Nos. 125, 127, 129 and 131 arc yet standing, but will be pulled
down the coming season.
This brings us to the corner of Second street, the former site of
the old Unitarian Church,* which subsequently came into the pos-
session of Alex. Mitchell, who erected the building seen in the dia-
gram, viz., Nos. 135, 137 and 139 Grand avenue, as well as its con-
gener, standing directly in the rear, and known as Nos. 156 and 158
Second street, and from whom, including the buildings, the ground
also passed to Mr. Plankinton. These five stores, including 133
Grand avenue (the Tischafer store), have now (1885) all been de-
molished, and their former site occupied by a portion of the new
block now in process of erection.
There were also two small frames built by William Furlong, known
as Nos. 146 and 148 Second street, whose site is also occupied by
the new building, one of which (148) was the residence of George
Burnham during the winter of 1844 and 1845.
The demolition of these old relics of a former age, and the erec-
tion of their successors, to be known as the Metropolitan, might be
justly said, when taken in connection with the erection of Alex.
Mitchell's bank and Chamber of Commerce building (cuts of which
appeared in Vol. II., pages 135 and 243), the Plankinton library and
the new insurance building (cuts of which will appear in this vol-
ume), to have (geologically speaking) inaugurated the dawn of the
Miocene period of architecture in the Cream City.
The erection of the Metropolitan, and its connection when com-
pleted with the present Plankinton (at what is now 125 Grand ave-
nue), not only makes the block continuous from West Water to Sec-
ond street, but it also gives that popular caravansary a frontage of
♦Mentioned in VoL II., page 295, where, by a typographical error, it was made
to stand upon the northwest corner. It should have been on the southeast
comer.
MILWAUKEE ONDEK THE CHARTER.
3 feet on Grand avenue, zoo on West Water, and 140 on Second
^t, all of which, with the exception of the Birchard block, 85 feet
MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. 365
(previously mentioned), has been erected by Mr. Plankinton. The
whole cost of this immense plant, including the ground, has exceeded
$1,000,000, the Metropolitan alone, the upper stories of which will
contain sixty-four apartments, to be used for hotel purposes, costing
$350,000, making this not only the finest hotel in the state, but it
also stamps its large-hearted owner as one of the most public-spirited
citizens in Milwaukee, and one who has her best interests at heart.
That the same success which has attended all his former years
may continue, and that the day may be far distant when his well
known face and form shall be seen upon our streets no more, is cer-
tainly the wish of every citizen of our fair city, for whose develop-
ment and prosperity he has done so much.
The annexed cuts represent the different views of this famous ho-
tel. No. I gives a view fi-om West Water street up to and including
what was 123 Grand avenue; No. 2 gives an enlarged view from
West Water street up to the same point, and No. 3 gives a view fi-om
the West fi-om Second street to West Water, and have been inserted
here as an heir-loom of what the first half century fi-om the settle-
ment of Milwaukee by the Anglo-Saxous has produced in the way
of hotels.
Another Landmark Going.
The demolition of the old Kilbourn mansion, northwest corner of
Fourth street and Grand avenue (a cut of which, as well as of its
successor, will be found on page 116 of this volume), was com-
menced this morning (May 10, 1886), and will in a few days have
disappeared. Thus, one by one, the early landmarks pass away.
23
CHAPTER VII.
i860.
Opening Address — Police Report — Legislative — Horse Railroad Project — A Park
Proposed — The New Municipal Court Room — ^Judge Foote's (7ourt Abolished
—Sid Rood's Game Cock— The Pleasant Street Bridge— A Costly Wind— Ice
Lett the River — The Spring Election Brings Out Nlore Political Rascality —
Gardner & Lynch Arrested — Result of Election — ^Ja.«per Vliet's Safe Seized
by the Sheriff — Base Ball Discovered — Milwaukee's Third Great Fire — At
which a Mecklenberger Makes a Discovery — Marshal Jehu M. Lewis Tried —
The Public Schools—Gea G. Houghton Takes the Helm — Council Proceed-
ings — S. H. Martin Builds three New School Houses — Railroads — ^Jacob L.
Bean as a Prophet— The Third Ward Market House — Belden*s Old Home
Saloon Removed — The Cow Question — Caleb Wall Speaks — The Horse Rail-
road Craze — The editor of the Sentinel Threatened with a Licking — Political
RufHanism — More Skullduggery — ^The Herzer Resolutions — ITie Lockwood
Resolutions — ^Their Eflect — ^The Germans Protest — Meeting of the Union
Republican Club— Municipal Folly — Councillor Lockwood Brings the Mal-
contents to Time — Councillor Noyes Resigns — After which Councillor Rose-
beck Takes the Floor — His Speech — The Fall Campaign — A Republican
County Organization Effected — Election — First Snow Fall — Highway Rob-
bery — Fred. Wardner Garroted — Burning of Nichols & Britt's Mill — Burning
of Cross Block — Improvements — ^The Lady Elgin Goes Down— In Memoriam.
The winter of 1859 and *6o was a cold one, particularly the closing
month in 1859, during which, as has been seen, the thermometer
sunk to eight and ten degrees below zero nearly every day, and to
thirty on the last day, closing the river from the mouth to the dam
with ice six inches in thickness. Neither was there much abatement
of the cold during the month of January, the thermometer going
to thirty-two below on the fifth of that month.
Cheerless and cold were those
December days in 1859.
Veiled was the sun by clouds,
As through the shortening days
He held his wonted course, from
East to western bourne,
Often unseen by human eye,
While from the frozen North
Old Boreas sent his gelid breath
To strip the forests of their wealth of leaves,
And chill the earth with frost,
Causing both man apd beast
To flee for shelter from its icy touch.
MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTEP. 367
And in addition to all this, there was a large percentage of cloudy
as well as foggy weather, being in that respect like the present one>
1884 and '85, during a large part of which the ear-sphtting tones of
that mellifluous instrument, known in the vernacular as the Govern-
ment Fog-horn,"* have no doubt caused many of our citizens to
think , if they did not speak it. The writer will admit that he
has been troubled that way occasionally, during
" The wee sma' hours
Ayontthe twal."
Financially, the previous year had been a prosperous one, and,
except for the dark clouds of secession looming up in our southern
horizon, we had nothing of which to complain. But the agitation
attending the discussion of the slavery question, always an element
of discord between the North and the South since the foundations of
the government were laid, had now reached its meridian, and was
soon to involve this nation in a civil war, that for devilishness and
cruelty has never had a parallel in the history of any government,
but out from which she was destined to emerge purified as by fire.
But I digress.
Police Report.
The whole number of commitments for 1859 were: Males, 433.
Females, 87. Total, 520. Under 16 years, 53 ; unable to read and
write, 131. Nationality — England, 26; Canada, 7; Ireland, 183;
Scotland, 8 ; France, 8 ; Germany, 157 ; United States, 92 ; Spain, 2 ;
Nova Scotia, i ; Isle of Man, 2 ; Holland, 5 ; Sweden, 2 ; Wales, 4 ;
Norway, 2; Russia, i; Negroes, 13; Bohemians, 4.
A. J. Lang worthy, Sheriff.
The members of the Legislature, elected November, 1859, were :
For Senate — Cicero Comstock, Patrick Walsh.
Assembly — Henry L. Palmer, Louis A. Schmidtner, Edward
* I do not believe there is another city in America cursed with a Fog-horn,
that for pure, unadulterated cussedness can beat ours in tone. A full feline
orchestra on a moonlight night is like the music of the spheres compared to it.
No other Horn upon the whole chain of Lakes (not excepting the one at Cedar-
burg) can furnish another such a perfect representation of what might be sup-
posed to be the ** wail of the damned," as can ours. It is no doubt true that as
a city we are behind the age in many respects, but we own a Fog-horn whose
dulcet notes (when in good health) cannot be duplicated this side of '* Sheol.*' It
is the Boss.
368 MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER.
Keogh) Edward D. Holton, Edward G. Hayden, Matthias Human,
Patrick Dockery, John Ruan and Andrew Eble.*
This session commenced January ii, and adjourned April 2, i860.
Wm. P. Lyon, Speaker.
Among other enterprises started or contemplated this year was the
construction of a Horse Railroad from Week's addition in the pre-
sent Twelfth ward to Murray's addition in the present First ward, by
that wide-awake citizen, the late Caleb Wall, and on the strength of
which real estate in both sections mentioned took a big rise, but the
near certainty of the civil war put a stop to this as well as many
other new enterprises for a season. It was constructed, however, in
1877.
Public Parks Calljid For.
Father John Rosebeckt (who does not remember Father John)
wanted a Park. Hear his " spiel :"
Municipal Luncjs.
Councillor Rosebeck is not bo bad a man after all. He proposes to
infuse a little more oxygen into our city — to inflate the corporate town
with health, wealth and prosperity by means of a series of parks, located
here, there and everywhere. Whether Councillor Rosebeck, in the
exuberance of his femcy, intended these parks to be all *' Central
Parks/' with landscape gardeners at work on serpentine paths, and
parterres sprinkled with statuettes, and skating ponds, ana a great in
memoriam of the Councillor and father of the })lot himself standing in
plaster, like the Colossus at Rhodes over the main entrance — we cannot
say. But from what we have seen of the gentlemen's productions, we
consider him to be a man of rare picturesque ability, and suppose such
was his intention. Here we have the Resolution, as presented to the
Board of Councillors at their last meeting. Heralded with a musical
and not very comprehensible preamble, as the peregrinating vender of
yeast plays you a strain of *'the Star Spangled Banner" before he gives
yon a penny's worth.
Councillor Rosebeck offered the following:
Whereas, Health and prosperity adds greatly to the comforts of man,
and as the city of Milwaukee should be the pride of the State, and the
citizens in general are, as yet, not sufficiently aware of their own inter^
est, for reasons so plain to be shown, in the great lack of public parks,
market squares, etc. Therefore,
Resolved, The Board of Aldermen concurring, that all the Milwaukee
members in our present Legislature are hereby requested by the Com-
mon Council of Milwaukee, to do all in their power in oraer to bring
about a special act, as will enable all wards as are yet destitute of such,
or should apply for the enlargement of the same, and in that case the
* Died during the session, and Theodore Harting elected to fill vacancy.
f Father Rosebeck was what the Germans call a '* prick- staine," (i. e.), he was
solid for what he went in for.
MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. 369
city shall issue bonds for the amount, and the Comptroller shall be in-
structed to levy sufficient taxes in such wards, so as to pay the interest
yearly on the bonds so issued; also, the property so purchased shall be
mortgaged to the city until the final settlement of the same.
Councillor Schulte moved to amend so that the bonds should be issued
by the wards, and not by the city.
Which was accepted.
On the motion of Councillors Lockwood and Buenine. the resolution
was amended by inserting, after the word "Wards, the following
words: " Excepting the First and Second wards."
And the resolution was adopted.
It all ended, however, in talk, and although many have subse-
quently made the attempt, still we have no park to-day worthy of
the name, but any amount of beer gardens. It is a burning shame
to Milwaukee that it is so. Why will not our city fathers look to
this?
The New Municipal Court.
There was a large amount of windy newspaper discussion this year
in relation to converting the new Market House (the present City
Hall), mentioned in previous chapters, into a Municipal Court Room.
The West Siders claimed that inasmuch as they furnished the largest
share of the criminals to come before it, that they were entitled to it,
and it ought to be located on their side. It was virtually the old
Bridge War in a new role. One of the arguments against its being
converted into a court room was that it did not possess the requisite
strength, which was answered by architect Mix, as follows :
Thb Market House a Safe Building.
Editors of Sentinel — Geritlemen: At a meeting held in the Fourth
ward, at Kilbourn's block, a few evenings since, it was stated by one of
the speakers upon an avowed experience of twentv years as an archi-
tect and builder, that the building known as the Market House is a weak
and shabby affair of insufficient strength for the proposed alterations,
that the walls were but one foot thick and therefore not strong enough
for the support of the weight intended to be added to the floors, roof,
etc ; also s&ting that the intention was to remove the floor timbers of
the old building, thus weakening and shattering the old walls; that the
proposed changes were therefore unsafe, and it carried out would pro-
Dably entail on the community another edition of the Lawrence catas-
tropne; and, finally, that the cost of the alterations on the plan pro-
posed would not be less than $20,000.
In reply to the above, and for the truth's sake, I wish to say that the
Market House is at present one of the strongest buildings in the citv,
being substantially ouilt with brick walls from sixteen to twenty-eigtt
inches in thickness.
That the plans of the alteration do not contemplate the removal of a
timber of the present floor, and that the additions to be made, viz: the
370 MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER.
building of a new front and belfry, and the internal division of the
building by partitions to form the various offices, will tend rather to
strengthen tne building than otherwise ; and, finally, the contract for all
the proposed alterations being let to a responsible party for less than
$5,000, who has given good andsufficient bonds to fulfill the same. I am
at a loss to know how, even with his ripe experience, the gentleman can
support his figures.
I should not take the trouble to answer the above objections, did I not
suppose thev arose from ignorance of the facte of the case in the gen-
tleman making them, and that they might have misled some who take
things from hear-say instead of judging K)r themselves. Grood judgment
is often as serviceable as experience.
Respectfully yours,
E. TowNSEND Mix,
Architect and Supt. of City Hall.
The opponents of this measure finally brought the matter into
court on a writ of certiorari in March, i860.
The real trouble with these people (who were mostly contractors)
was that Mr. Mix did not make it cost enough ($20,000, as they
claimed it would, in place of $5,000), and out of which they could
get rich. But the change was, nevertheless, eft'ected, after which it
was used by the common council and city officers until the erection
of the new court-house in 187 1, into which they removed.
The municipal court, however, still continued to hold its sessions
at the city hall, where all seeking a position in the county chair fac-
tory (alias house of correction) as involuntary gue?ts can have their
passports thereto " vized " by Judge Jas. A. Mallory on short notice,
and as the Hibernian policeman once said, ** Divil a ha'porth will it
cost them for the journey out."
The police court was removed from the old police station on
Broadway to its present quarters, in the old city hall, September 3,
1867.
Judge Footers Court.
The reader who has perused the previous pages cannot have failed
to notice that great dissatisfaction existed among the people, particu-
larly the members of the bar, about this court and its disreputable
judge, and in order to get rid of him the question of the legaHty of
its organization was raised, which brought it before the supreme
court, who gave a decision against it, which threw him out.*
^Tradition has it that the news that his court was abolished came to him while
holding one of his morning levees, and that, after reading the document (for it
was official), he sprang to his feet and exclaimed, in his usual elegant style,
"This court is busted, by G— d!"
MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. 871
This decision abolishing it was rendered February 21, i860, after
which the following appeared in the Sentinel of the 25th :
Since Judge Foote was ousted by the supreme court our municipal
tribunal has been without a head. This deficiency should be supplied
without delay, and we hope that the legislature will at once pass a law
authorizing tne governor to fill the vacancy — temporarily at least'.
Which was done, and the governor appointed Jas. A. Mallory, who
has retained the office to the present time.
Mind Over Matter.
Ex-Chief of Police William Beck relates the following incident as
occurring in connection with this court. As might have been ex-
pected, Mr. Foote was highly elated with his position as municipal
judge, and put on airs accordingly. Now, it happened shortly after
his assuming the judicial ermine that our well known fellow citizen,
George W. Featherstonhaugh, was among the spectators at one of
his usual morning levees, whereupon the judge came down from the
bench, seized the colonel's hand, led him up, and gave him a seat at
his side, where the colonel remained a short time, after which he
arose, and waving an adieu to the judge, left the place, remarking to
Chief Beck as he went out the door, " Now, was not my being in-
vited up there a great triumph of mind over matter?" I think it
was.
Sid Rood's Game Cock.
That Cock Won't Fight.
One of our friends, who shall be nameless here, noted for his blufif
speech and love of sport, particularly an occasional cock fight, has a
friend, of the medicat profession, also a lover of the same sport, and
for whom he had been raising, during the past summer, a handsome
and thoroughbred game cock. The bird, by dint of great care and con-
siderable expense, had been brought to perfection, and was carefully
conveyed into town to be sent to the party for whom it had been
raised.
Our bluff friend beins somewhat in a hurry took the bird into a store,
where he was in the nabit of dealing, and requested that the store-
keeper would permit his porter, a German, to take the bird, which was
in a bag, up to the Doctor s house, at the same time naming the Doctor.
The latter part of the conversation it would seem the Dutchman did
not hear, but taking up the bag started on his errand. The same cock
was duly conveyed to the Doctor's house, but alas! not to the proper
one, but to the residence of a German doctor, living at No. street.
Here the same cock was consigned to the cook, the Doctor thinking,
doubtless, tnat some generous patient, in his gratitude for a cure, or a
light bill, had sent him the fowl as a present.
372 MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER.
Our friend who had raised the bird, not having heard from the Doc-
tor to whom he intended it should oe taken, inquired of the Doctor
how he liked him, when it was discovered that the Dutchman had
taken the game cock to the wrong place. A messenger was dispatched
to the German doctor's house for the game cock, when lo! the only sat-
isfaction obtained was that the rooster had been cooked, the cook re-
marking that *^ he was so tough as he could be,'' adding, ** I tink dese
Yankee shickens no goot for te table; vat you tink?"
This is thought by some to be the best joke on S d R d that has
yet been practiced'. S — — d's remarks on Dutchmen, on learning the
fate of the game cock, were particularly complimentary.
This has been inserted here as a part of the " res gestae," as the
lawyers call it, and as showing the inside life of the old settlers in
the days when we all went •* gypsying." The Cid did not "schwear"
much. Oh, no. He just said a few cuss words. But he did not
hear the last of that game cock for a long time.
The Pleasant Street Bridge.
See annexed ;
Will the voters of the Sixth and First wards tell why it is that the
city engineer, Mr. Schumacher, and Hon. Jackson Hadley are in favor
of building a bridge from the Sixth to the First wards, at a cost of at
least 160,000, and that in the meantime Mr. Hadley is a candidate for
Councillor of the First ward ? A Citizen.
This bridge was built in part, /. ^., the bents or piers were all put
in place, and the stringers put on ready for the plank, in which con-
dition it remained for a short time, during which the writer crossed
on it several times. It was to connect Pleasant street on the East
Side with Walnut street on the West Side, and was no doubt one of
Mr. Hadley 's pet schemes for improving First ward property, of
which at that time he owned a large amount.
It was to have cost $13,000 in place of $60,000. It was subse-
(juently all removed, and there are probably not twenty men living
who remember of its ever having been placed there.
A Costly Wind.
Spink & Armstrong's bank windows blown in and the money blown
out. See annexed :
The Gale op Sati^rday— The Advent of March.
The city was visited on Saturday with a violent southwesterly wind,
which commenced in the morning and continued throughout the day,
gradually augmenting its force until nightfall. Pedestrians were pretty
generally blown about like feathers, and those not wearing helmets
were put to serious annoyances with their head covering.
MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. 378
March Entereth tub Temple op Janus.
During the heighth of the " blow " the two large windows of MesBrs.
Armstrong & Spink's banking-house, on the southeast comer of Huron
and East Water streets, were blown in, and before any of the precious
papers, bills and currency could be secured Zephyrus had mingled
everything in a small whirlwind, and bank-notes and drafts all went
out and down Huron street in beautiful disorder. The counting-room
could not have been swept cleaner by a simoon, and clerks and porters,
with their hair on end, partly with fright and partly with wind, followed
after in the most frenzied attempts to reclaim the serial money.
Certain men and boys and loafers, whose destiny led theni to stand
about the corners of Main and Huron streets, instantly imagined some
good genii had emptied a cornucopia on the wind, ana began to gather
the 10*s and 5*8 with an alacrity they probably never before displayed,
congratulating themselves with the assurance that '' it was an ill wind
that didn't blow somebody good." However much these individuals
needed the free gift, it is out simple justice to say that a great portion
of the money was recovered by Messrs. Armstrong & Spink, and though
all the currency, amounting to perhaps $700 or 1800, was swept awav,
they will not lose over $470 or it. The windows, were immediately
boarded up, and the office protected from further damage.
I witnessed this occurrence. There was quite an excitement
about it for a short lime, as plenty of good little boys were seen to
grab the bills by the handful and disappear down the alleys.
Ice left the river March 5. It was open below Walker's Point,
however, most of the time after January 15 — kept open by the boats
running to Grand Haven.
The first boat from below was the propeller Prairie Slate, April 13.
More Political Rascality.
The exemption of the NewhaJl House from taxation by the com-
mon council for 1857 and 1858 proved to have been unwise as well
as illegal, as it resulted in vitiating the tax for both those years, and
in order to make capital for the Democratic party during the spring
canvass, and thereby get into power again, the statement was made
at one of the political gatherings by two prominent Democrats that
the city was put in that position by the reform party, meaning the
administration of Wm. A. Prentiss.
To which Mr. Prentiss replied that the ordinance authorizing it
was passed March 22, 1856, by a Democratic council, approved by
Jas. B. Cross, a Democratic^ mayor, and the suit to test its illegality
was brought by Dr. L. W. Weeks, also a prominent Democrat, and
that he could not consent that they should palm oft' the acts and do-
ings of a Democratic mayor and council of 1856 upon his shoulders
374 MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER.
in 1858, without showing up the falsity of it. Which spiked that
gun.*
Such was the course pursued by the leaders of the Democratic
party to screen themselves from the odium of the administration of
Jas. B. Cross, and to ex Mayor Prentiss were they particularly hos-
tile. His clear head and unswerving integrity made him a terror to
the thieves who were fattening upon the public treasury.
But justice prevailed in the end, at least so far as Gardner and
Lynch were concerned, although the principal actors, as usual, es-
caped.
Gardner and Lynch Arrested.
Robert B. Lynch was arrested on the complaint of Herman L.
Page, March 10, and E. L. H Gardner, on the i ith, on complaint
of John H. Tesch, and indicted in April. See annexed :
Indictments Against Gardner and Lynch.
The grand iury on Wednesday presented sundry indictments aguinst
£. L. H. Garainer and R. B. Lynch, as follows: Two joint indictments
for forgery, one joint indictment for embezzlement, and one joint in-
dictment for conspiracy. One indictment against Lynch alone for em-
bezzlement, and sixteen against Lynch alone for forgery. One against
Gardner alone for larceny, one against Gardner alone for embezzle-
ment, and thirteen against Gardner alone for forgery. Total, thirty-six
indictments.
During the afternoon Councillor Noyes was arrested on the complaint,
we understand, of Edw. P. Allis, foir complicity in the recent irauds,
and taken before Judge Mallory, where he gave bail in the sum of
$1,000 to appear at the next termof court and answer.
The Case of Gardner and Lynch.
Our ex-city clerk, Robert Lynch, was released from jail yesterday,
having at last obtained bail. Thomas Keogh and Mr. Miller became lus
sureties in the sum of $8,000— Lynch, we are credibly informed, having
first conveyed property to the full amount of the bail to the above-
named gentlemen. The affair was the general theme of remark about
the streets yesterday, eliciting a variety of comment, which in some in-
stances was not the most complimentary to the gentlemen through
whose agency Lynch was released. The ex-city comptroller, Gardner,
less fortunate, still remains in jail. Both are to have their trials in the
fore part of next month.
Lynch*s trial came off August 14. The jury were J. Weatherby,
♦There never was a man in this city whose public record is any cleaner than is
that of William A. Prentiss, and his name will pass into the history of both city
and state as one of the best men among all its official corps, while that of some of
his traducers will sink into oblivion, or if remembered at all will be remembered
only for their political dishonesty.
MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. 876
John Bistile, L. Stransky, John Hilkee, Jacob Kern, Joseph Hacrtel,
Gottlieb Hofiinan, Clinton Austin, Stephen Babcock, John B. Mer-
rill, Henry Wieland and Joseph Deuster, by whom he was found
guilty. Lynch's attorney was the late Malt Carpenter. The attor-
neys for the city were the late Judge E. G. Ryan and A. R. R. But-
ler. Gardner, who had fled to California, returned in order to save
his bondsmen from harm, when, by some political influence, the
suits against him were discontinued, and poor Lynch had to All the
gap.*
Some wag of a poet got off the following, which is inserted here
as a part of the case :
The Devil's Visit to Milwaukee.
'Tis said that Satan makes his regular jaunts.
Monthly or yearly, to the various haunts
Of men, whene'er they wax so moral
The Devil thinks his kingdom in peril.
Residents of the &ir white city,
Who chance to read this homely ditty.
Dry your tears
And hush your fears,
Beelzebub hasn't been here for years.
I haven't really the hardihood
To boldly assert we are so good —
So far removed from sinful enjoyment
As never to give Old Nick employment;
But simply to say
In a dehcate way,
He can find work that will really pay
Him better; for any way
He is sure of Milwaukee on judgment day.
But " apropos " —
That's French you know —
Well, really, the meaning I cannot tell ;
But in this case it relates to well
A place underground
Wnere can be found
A good hot fire all the year round.
Well, after an absence of several seasons,
The devil thought he would take a peep
At this fair city, which for various reasons
He had left so long in a sort of sleep.
♦Robert B. Lynch, after a long imprisonment in the County Jail, was finally let
of! on condition that he would enlist in one of the Wisconsin regiments during the
war of the rebellion (the Twenty-fourth, I think), which he did. And thus
Waupun was saved the disgrace of his company. He came off, however, without
a scratch, and died (I am informed) a few years later at Washington, D. C.
376 MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER.
And for his absence to make amends —
As an old crony should,
Or naturally would —
He went making calls on all his old friends:
Givinfr some word of ap^eting to each,
Somtj friendly nod or friendly speech.
He sighed in the ear of B B n:
What a misfortune that bonds went down.
If they hadn't, by my help you would have made
A handsome thing from our railroad trade.
He whispered to S n: What a shame
That for the use of your valuable name
A thousand was all you obtained. I declare
It's enough to make you almost swear,
And feel inclined in despair to tear
Handfulls out of your fine head of hair;
When the fact of the matter is, that you.
Who did dirty work even I wouldn't do,
Should, after *all{ be so poorly paid;
But we'll make it up below, my blade.
And so his majesty wandered around.
Talking to all the old cronies he found —
A-n-d and O-t-s and C-r-s and others;
K n and Hi— — d, the railroad brothers,
And many more of his private friends,
Who will some day come to very bad ends—
Until chance conducted him up the stair
Of Cross' block, to the places where
The citv fathers in council a|?ree
To— I'll tickle you and you nckle me.
But growing short of wind, they say
He ^ppedto rest himself on the way.
And seeing a certain office near
He concluded to repose for a time in there.
And giving (i r some knowing looks.
Commenced looking over the city's books.
But as he examined, a terrible frown
O'erspread his features, and looking around,
Said he: In my residence under ground
I have some men who for regular fobbing,
For systematic and wholesale robbing,
I would have backed without hesitation
Against any official in all this nation;
But here I declare
And solemnly swear
By all that a decent devil holds dear
Here upon these volumes kneeling:
I swear that for regular up and down stealing
For going in anyhow, hit or miss.
We have nothing in h — 1 that is equal to this.
Then giving the floor an awful stroke
With his caudal appendage — he vanished in smoke.
MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. 377
The election held April 3 resulted as follows :
Mayor — ^William Pitt Ljmde.
Comptroller — Ferdinand Kuehn.
Treasurer— John H. Tesch.
Attorney — Joshua La Due.
Engineer — Frederick S. Blodgett.
Municipal Judge — James S. Malloiy.
City Pnnters-Starr & Son. Official: English, Daily Neuw; German,
8e^>oU.
Aldbrmen.
First Ward— Nicholas O'Neill.
Second Ward — Francis Huebschmann.
Third Ward— John J. Crilley.
Fourth Ward— Edwin Hyde.
Fifth Ward— Charles H. Orton.
Sixth Ward— Joseph Phillips.
Seventh Ward— William A. Prentiss.*
Eighth Ward— J. C. U. Niederman.
Ninth Ward— John De Vos.
F. Huebschmann, president.
Councillors.
First Ward — Andrew Argus and John Lockwood.
Second Ward — August Greulich and Henry F. Buening.
Third Ward— Timothy O'Brien and Andrew McCormick.
Fourth Ward — John Plankinton and Alex. H. Johnston.
Fifth Ward — Patri(;k Mallon and John Bosebeck.
Sixth Ward — Jacob Oberman and Ernst Herzer.
Seventh Ward — Nelson Webster and William A. Noyes.
Eighth Ward— Fred. Vogel and Wm. P. Merrill.
Ninth Ward — Chas. Schroeder and S. H. Rueckert.
Nelson Webster, president.
County Officers.
SheriflP— A. J. Lanffworthv.
Under-Sheriff— Wuliam W. Brown.
Deputies — ^John W. Dunlop, Laben Capron, Benj. F. Smith, Fred. W.
Hunahausen and John J. Cnlley.
City offices in Cross' block, northeast corner of Huron and East Water
streets.
*^Cyrus D. Davis was elected, but declined to serve, and a special election was
held on the i8th. See annexed:
Seventh Ward Special Election — A Signal Triumph.
The special election for alderman of the Seventh ward cime off yesterday, and
was most vigorously contested. The Republicans nominated William A. Prentiss
and the Democrats, John C. Starkweather. Both parties worked harri, and a very
heavy vote (999) was polled. The result was as follows:
Prentiss (Republican) 557
Starkweather (Democrat) 442
Majority for Prentiss 115
At the charter election, three weeks a$;o, the Democrats carried the Seventh
ward by 65 majority for mayor, 13 for alderman and i for councillor. Now the
tables are liandsomely turned. Good for the gallant Seventh!
878 MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER.
SUPERVISOBS.
This ofRce was filled in the different wards by the aldermen {ex-
officio).
Towns—
Wauwatosa — Henry Crawford.
Granville — S. C. Enos.
Milwaukee — Fred. Moscowitz.
Lake — Orlando Ellsworth.
Greenfield — Peter Lavies, Jr.
Oak Creek — R. Haerty.
Franklin — M. J. Egan.
M. J. Egan, chairman.
Justices of the Peace.
First Ward — Chas. Rattinger.
Second Ward — Alex. Cotzhausen.
Third Ward— R. B. OTlaherty.
Fourth Ward— W. B. Bloomfield.
Fifth Ward-€. C Meyer.
Sixth Ward— C. Wichelhaus.
Seventh Ward— E. P. Hotchkiss.
Eighth Ward— W. A. Tucker.
Ninth Ward— Abram Vliet.
Fire Department.
Chief En^neer — H. F. Buening.
First Assistant — None.
Second Assistant — Phil. Daily.
Third Assistant^-Thos. Kerr.
Fire Wardens.
First District — Wm. Spence, John Koehler.
Second District — H. Moore, H. Rein el.
Third District— Jas. O'Brien, P. Hanley.
Fourth District — P. Jacobus, J. Marcus.
Fifth District— Chas. McDermott^ Adam Hupbert.
Number of engines same as previous year.
Constables.
First Ward — Daniel Campbell.
Second Ward — Adolph Sulzer.
Third Ward— Vacant.
Fourth Ward — H. C. Gravinger.
Fifth Ward— S. Holzinger.
Sixth Ward — Edward Koebatz.
Seventh Ward— Gottfried Luther.
Eighth Ward— Frederick Hett.
Ninth Ward— J. C. Mass.
Railroad Commissioners.
First Ward- Thos. Burke.
Second Ward — Henry George.
Third Ward— Wm. H. Holland.
Fourth Ward — Samuel L. Elmore.
Fifth Ward — Herman Toser.
Sixth Ward — Peter Schram.
Seventh Ward — August Ehlebracht.
Eighth Ward — M. Ambacher.
Ninth Ward — M. H. Schwarzenburg.
MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. 379
ASSESHOKS.
First Ward — John Esch.
Second Ward — Jacob Gintz.
Third Ward— Edward Hackett.
Fourth Ward — Daniel Schultz.
Fifth Ward— John C. Smith.
Sixth Ward— Otto Fiebinjg.
Seventh Ward— James Murray.
Eigth Ward — ^Joseph Dressier.
Ninth Ward — Jacob Toennessen.
School Commissioners.
First Ward — Alonzo D. Seaman, Nick Ludwig.
Second Ward — F. A. Urban, Jacob Best.
Third Ward— John Shortell, Ed. O'Neill.
Fourth Ward — Jonathan Ford, H. H. West.
Fifth Ward— Wm. Kendrick, Ed. De Wolf.
Sixth Ward — Geo. G. Houghton, F. Schloemilch.
Seventh Ward — J. N. Mason, Rufus King.
Eighth Ward — Geo. Trentleage, Geo. Burnham.
Ninth Ward — Chas. Quentin, H. Hilmantel.
President^Ed. O'Neill.
Superintendent — Jonathan Ford.
Chief of Police — Wm. Beck.
Roundsmen were twenty-three, viz:
Albert Beck, Casper Borgelt, Theodore Buecliner, Michael Duffv,
William Dever, Peter Dusolt, M. J. Eviston, Geo. Fisher, W. H. Garlick,
Geo. Gruber, Adam Just, Daniel Kennedy, Jr., Cbas. Kruecke, C. H.
King. F. Kessler. John McCarty, Jerry O'Connor, J. B. Rhodee, Isaac
Rhodee, John Regan, Peter Smith, Thos. Shaughnessey and Peter
Weber.
It was a close fight. The republicans carried the First, Fourth
and Eighth wards with a good majority, and lost the Fifth, Sixth and
Seventh by about a dozen votes each. The Seveiith was very hotly
contested, upwards of 1,200 votes being polled.*
in commenting upon this election, the Sentinel of the 4th has the
following :
In the Third Ward yesterday, the democrats had full sway at the
polls. We had a brawny individual, whose breath did not smell a bit
like aquafortis, but verv much like the bottomless pit, thrust his fists
into our face and called us a d d republican, and warn us away. We
also saw the republican band wagon stoned, tne driver assaulted, and
compelled to drive hastily away. Liberty of speech and action pre-
vailed all day in this model ward, and where liberty is, there is tneir
home.
By the following official returns it will be seen that there were
more republicans than democrats :
* This was the time when a special election was held for Treasurer, as stated
in Vol. III., when sketching Mr. Tesch.
380 MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER.
Mayor.
Republican. Democratie.
First Ward— Walker 578 First Ward— Hadley 372
Second Ward— Waldo* 374 Second Ward— Lynde 508
Third Ward— " 162 Third Ward— '* 859
Fourth Ward— " 482 Fourth Ward— " 442
Fifth Ward— '* 397 Fifth Ward— " 414
Sixth Ward— Tesch 417 Sixth Ward— Dousinan 23H
Seventh Ward— Waldo 563 Seventh Ward— Lynde 021
Eighth Ward— *' 259 Eighth Ward— '* 192
Ninth Ward— Tesch 783 Ninth Ward— Dousman 325
Total 4,015 Total 3,969
Actual republican majority, 46.
This was close work, and showed that republican seed was begin-
ning to take root in the barren and sandy soil of democracy.
The salaries for the different city officials were fixed this year as
follows, on the 15th of April:
OlerkJ 12,000
Comptroller 1,800
aty Attorney 1,600
Deputy Comptroller 800
Assistant Deputy 6(K)
There was an exciting discussion at the meeting held April 28th,
when Wm. A. Prentiss took his seat and offered a resolution based
on the decision of the City Attorney, that no member of the Council
could hold the office of First or Second Assistant Engineer of the
Fire Department, declaring both those offices, then held by city
officials, vacant. Which was adopted — 22 to 3 — and thus another
wedge to split the ring was driven.
Jasper Vliet's Safe Taken.
The safe of the Horicon Railroad Company, Jasper Vliet, president,
was attached April 28th, by Sheriff Herman L. Page, and the sum
of $20,000 found therein, which was paid over to the creditors.§
* Running for Mayor. f Running for City Treasurer.
J Among the aspirants for City Clerk were ex-Judge Foote and Joseph Lathrop.
Of the latter the Sfntin€l had the following puff :
Clerk of the Common Council. — We hear of quite a number of candidates
for this responsible office; among them, Judfi;e Foote, Mr. Herzberg, and Col.
Lathrop of the News. We can safely say, without disparagement to others, that
Col. Lathrop is admirably quahfied for the post, and would, we are confident, dis-
charge the duties of the office creditably to himself and acceptably to the public.
It would appear from this (which was true), that Judge Foote was willing to
aecept any position, even that of Clerk in the same Court where a short time pre-
vious he had sat as its Judge. All he cared for was an office.
{ This was after the failure of the road. The creditors were clamoring for their
pay, and Sheriff Page, feeling sure that there was money somewhere, concluded
to try that safe.
milwaukee under the charter. 381
Base Ball Discovered
April 5th, i860, and a club organized. Rufus King, President;
Alpha C. May, Vice President ; C. H. Allen, Secretary; J. W. Led-
yard, Treasurer. Play grounds on Spring street hill.
The rules and regulations of this Club occupied one entire column
in the Sentinel of April 7th, the Constitution alone containing thirty-
eight sections. No wonder it died of plethora or something.
The Great Fire of March 20, i860.
This fire, the third in magnitude with which Milwaukee had up to
that time been visited, although very destructive, as fires usually are,
proved in the end to have been a blessing, as it cleared the then best
business portion of our city of a lot of old frame " rookeries," which
had outlived their usefulness, and should have migrated to the out-
skirts or been pulled down long before.
This fire was first seen at 11:30 a, m.,^ in the jet,t or return of the
cornice, in the old frame standing upon the southeast comer of East
Water and Wisconsin streets, now No. 400 East Water street, being
one of the four then owned by the late Elisha Eldred, and where for
several minutes it burned very slowly, so slowly in fact that several
who witnessed it remarked that they never saw a fire start that
appeared so undecided as to whether to proceed or go out as that
one. When first seen it could have been extinguished with a pail of
water, or even with snowballs had there been any snow. But the
firemen were determined that inasmuch as Mr. Eldred would neither
pull them, down nor rebuild, that they should burn, and they did.f
They were a long time in getting ready to work, and when they did
could not seem to find the fire. They sent one stream down the
* The writer was seated upon the steps of the old stage office, at what is now
88 Wisconsin street, con vef sing with Isaac Selleck, who for su many years acted
as agent and derk for Messrs. Davis and Moore (stage men), when the first flash
was seen, and where he remained until the 5re was well under way, from which
point he witnessed all the heroic efforts made by the firemen not to put it outy and
which were certainly Herculean.
t A term in architecture applied to that point where the cornice upon the sides
of all the early buildings is returned round the end in order to make a finish.
X Two of these buildings, Nos. 398 and 400. were built in 1836, and of course
were at that time not worth pulling down for kindling, but on account of their
location would rent for a large amount, much more in proportion to their value
than does their successor, the Iron Block. The others, Nos. 394 and 396, were
built by Mr. KIdred at a later day.
24
382 MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER.
alley in the rear, until the water ran out on Michigan street like a
spring brook, while at the same time another was sent down the
chimney of No. 400, in order, I suppose, to keep that from getting
overheated, everywhere, in fact, but on the fire, until it was certain
that the thing was a bird (as the saying is), after which they went
to work in earnest (and there was need of it) to stop its further progress.
As during all this time it had spread faster than a bad reputation, or
a campaign lie before election, had extended to Uncle Ben Throop's
hat and cap store on the south, now No. 382, then No. 180 East
Water street, and east to Broadway, from where it was rapidly working
its way south to the Newhall, but by hard work its further progress
in that direction was checked, as well as upon East Water street.
Twenty -two buildings in all were consumed at this fire, with the fol-
lowing amount of losses as near as can be ascertained :
Jessel, about $6,000, fully insured.
Eldred, on stock, about $300.
Caleb Wall, $1,000; insured for $500.
D. A. J. Upham, $400; insured.
Morse Brothers, $500 ; insured.
Goodman, about $1,000; insured.
Sigerson— trifling.
Mossin & Marr, $25.
Cinders from this fire were carried several blocks, setting fire in one
instance to a shawl on a gentleman's shoulders at the corner of Wells
and West Water streets. See annexed :
A GENTLEMAN who was watchlng the progress of the fire on Tuesday,
and who afterwards went over Spring street bridge and up West Water
street, was suddenly stopped in the street by a person who called his
attention to his shawl, which was burning. On taking the article off, a
hole about the size of a small dinner-plate was visible, and BtHl burning,
caused, doubtless, by a falling cinder.
Among the buildings destroyed was the old house with the pillars,
the Wilham M. Gardner Homestead, built in 1836, upon the south-
west corner of Broadway and Wisconsin streets, which had been
moved south to the rear of the lot by D. A. J. Upham, who had pur-
chased the property, where it was doing duty as a trunk shop, and
occupied by John R. Cocup.
The annexed list of the names of the sufferers at this fire, copied
MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. 383
from Peter Van Vechten's sketch, published in the Wisonsitiy of
March 20, 1885, is inserted here by permission :
The southeast corner of Wisconsin and East Water streets, by H. E.
Sawyer as a union ticket office, and Win. Schenck, who was at that time
the agent of the Pittsburg & Fort Wayne Bailroad, had his office with
him. G. A. Jessel had an auction and commission store in the same
building. Next south on East Water street, 198, was occupied by C. R.
Mabley as a clothing store ; then came J. L. Eldredge's boot and shoe
store, adjoining which was Edward R. Pantke and Oscar Barker's bat,
cap and fur store. The stores on the south were occupied by A. C. Muri-
son, dealer in confectionery; Moses Abraham, clotnine' Henry Free-
man and Charles Bigelow, boots and shoes; West Eliot's Golden Gate
Saloon; William Mabley, clothing; Joseph Baker, jeweler; William B.
Morse and Levi Morse, tobacco and cigars. The firms burned out on
Wisconsin street included Christian Bautz, bootmaker; John Siege rson,
news depot; Lindeman <& Hanson, merchant tailors; John Goodman,
manufacturer of camphene and burning fluid; P. L. Mossin and John
Marr, engravers; James Cauipbell <& Sons, boot and shoe dealers; Wil-
liams & K dney, real estate dealers; Thomas Rodway, saloon; M. C.
Cook and Ralph Church, fruits: Mrs. J. W. Goings, barber shop and
hair dressing rooms; Weld & Baldwin, real estate.
Chief Foley, who at that time was in his sixteenth year, was a
member of Engine Company No. 6, and participated in the ** fun "
of putting out or trying to put out the fire, related by Mr. Van
Vechten. In the fall of the same year, i860, the city purchased the
first steam engine, and a regular paid department was soon after
organized.
But en resume :
There were some discoveries made during the progress of this fire,
by that class of relic hunters who usually congregate on such occa-
sions, one of which will not probably be forgotten by the discoverer
while he lives, unless his memory gets out of order. There was a
small building* standing in the rear of Nos. 398 and 400, the vault
to which, about five feet in width by twelve in length and six in
depth, was full. This building had also burned, the ashes from which,
falling directly upon the vault, had completely hidden it from view.
This man-trap was soon discovered by one of the small boys (se\ eral
of whom were flitting around) falling partially into it, whereupon his
companions (he having scooted), seeing fun ahead for them, quickly
sprinkled firesh ashes over the fatal spot, upon which they placed a
penny and awaited the result. It was not long before a tall, lean
* This was before the days of modern improvements, falsely so called.
384 MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER.
specimen of the genus homo, known in the vernacular as a Meek-
lenburger, with his sawbuck, saw and axe upon his shoulders, came
sauntering along, hunting for spoil in the shape of old iron and things
(and he got spoiled), who seeing the penny, which these good little
boys had so kindly placed there for his especial benefit and which
they were not at all negligent about calling his attention to, went for
it and was quickly immersed in its murky depths clear to his neck.
He was pulled out and wet down by the firemen, after which he
made some remarks to the crowd in pure Mecklenberg, said by those
who understood that melodious tongue, to have had reference to the
certainty of riches taking to themselves wings and fleeing away
(occasionally) and the innate cussedness of the small boys.* It was
awfiil.
But en resume.
Marshal Jehu M. Lewis tried for illegal voting before Judge Mal-
lory, May 7, and acquitted. Verdict ; Didn't know any better.
The writer was present at this trial, and will never forget it. Mr.
Lewis was arrayed in a new suit of indigo blue, with brass buttons
(his head was brass any way), yellow kids hid his immense hands from
sight, while upon the table lay his old-fashioned white bell-crowned
tile, and taken altogether he looked like a mixture of horse jockey
and slave-driver combined. All that was lacking to make the pic-
ture complete was a pair of Mexican spurs and a whip.
The case was opened by the late General James H. Paine, who
offered as evidence the fact of Mr. Lewis being United States mar-
shal, and that this of itself was sufllicient to prove that he must know
where he was entitled to vote. This brought the late Matt H. Car-
penter, who was counsel for Jehu, to his feet with the following re-
joinder: "We admit, your honor, that this man (here he cast a
pitying look at Jehu) is a United States marshal. No use in arguing
that point. (Here he cast another pitying glance at his client, and
continued.) Government can confer office, but it can't confer
knowledge. And the fact that my client is United States marshal is
* These young hoodlums had succeeded in getting seven men and boys into
that pit before the police discovered what they were about. The last victim being
a young lad in the employ of Messrs. Terry & Cleaver (books and stationery) who
was on his way to the bindery with some magazines, and who in his anxiety to
obtain that penny, went in books and all. That closed the show.
MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. 385
no proof that he knows anything." So said the jury, and acquit-
ted him.
It was by far the most amusing trial I ever attended in Milwau-
kee, and often comes to mind even at this late period. Amusing
from the fact that Mr. Carpenter despised him as much as General
Paine did. The marshal died many years ago.
The Public Schools.
There was trouble in the school board in i860. The lavish man-
ner (to call it by no harsher name) in which the school money had
been expended by the former boards, in litting up elegant apartments
for the commissioners and other things, had increased year by year,
until the expense account had reached $70,000 per annum, or nearly
that — the item for wood alone amounting to 1,100 cords. The
threat made by a member of a former board that the office of school
commissioner should be prostituted to politics, the same as any
other, had borne its legitimate fruit, and the treasury was bankrupt,
and as the common council, though strongly importuned, would
grant no supplies, but at the session of the board of councillors, held
May 15, adopted the following preamble and resolutions:
Whereas, The population and financial condition of the city of Mil-
waukee does not warrant the maintenance by the city of two high
BchoolB, and
Whereas, The interests of education require that the present system
of high schools be continued, and
Whereas, It is understood that the present popular principals of our
high schools are willing to take upon themselves the burden of continu-
ing the system at their own risk and expense, therefore,
Resolved, The board of aldermen concurring, that we recommend
to the board of school commissioners that they close the Seventh and
Second ward high schools, and make an offer of the free use of the
rooms and apparatus of both high schools to the present principals of
said schools, upon the condition that the system, in all its departments,
be kept up to its present efRciency, and that whenever the city shall
determine to assume the control of said schools, the rooms and appara-
tus shall be given up after such notice as the council shall prescribe shall
have been made upon both principals.*
Resolved, That in case the principals of the high schools accept the
free use and occupation of apparatus and rooms now used as high
schools, they shall make such arrangements as the board of school com-
*In commenting upon this proposition the Sentinel had the following: <* The
plan is undoubtedly a good one; it will test the question whether the high schools
are wanted, and it will put a quietus on the schemes of certain interested parties,
who have been working most assiduously to close our high schools and at the
same time establish some kind of a new-fangled central-normal fund high school,
by which they might keep their disinterested fingers in the pie."
386 MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER.
miBsioners may direct, by which said principals shall bind themselves
to return the rooms and apparatus in as good condition as when taken,
damages by fire and ordinary wear excepted; and that the board of
school commissioners have the privilege , at any time, of visiting said
rooms for the purpose of looking after tneir condition.
Which was carried out.*
This action on the part of the council left the board of school
commissioners no alternative, and at their meeting on the i8th the
following resolutions were offered by Geo. G. Houghton, the mem-
ber from the Sixth ward, and adopted :
Resolved, That the board of school commissioners have taken all
proper measures for the opening of the public schools at the earliest
day possible ; and
whereas, All proper means were also taken to carry them on in the
most economical manner, by grading the number of teachers and the
scholars thereof ; and
Whereas, The common council were duly informed of the action of
this board, and have neglected to take any measures as will enable this
board to carry out the plan they had adopted; and
Whereas, Section 5 of the city charter says the school board shal
not contract any debts or incur any expense greater than the amount o
the school fund, without a previous ordinance or resolution of the com
mon council; and
Whereas, The common council has failed to take any such action as
would warrant this board in opening the schools on Monday, February
^.according to law; therefore,
Resolved, That this board, though with the greatest reluctance, feel
compelled to further postpone the opening of the public schools, \^ith-
out awaiting the further action of the common council.
This action brought the council to time, and the schools were
opened May 28, as contemplated by the commissioners.
The high schools, however, were ran, as contemplated in the reso-
lution of the council passed May 15, on private account, by Messrs.
E. P. Larkin and J. G. McKindley.
The number of teachers in the public schools in i860 was sixty.
The highest salary paid was $800, and the lowest $300. Number
of scholars, 24,922. Total expenses, including incidentals, $32,000.
The appointment of George G. Houghton to a seat in the school
board, and his selection by the board as chairman of the executive
committee, was a wise move. It was then, to use a Western phrase,
♦Students who signified their intention to become members of the Seventh
ward high school, on Wednesday morning, and all others who did not, yet intend
to do so, are requested to meet at the high school room Friday morning, at 9
o'clock (May 25), to complete arrangements for opening the school on Monday,
May 28. J. G. McKiNDLEY.
MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. 387
the city "struck oil." The finances of the board were in a bad
shape. But under his firm hand order soon came out of chaos, and
the annual expense of running the schools was soon reduced from
$70,000 to $31,000,* and school orders, which had been selling for
forty-five cents on the dollar were soon at par, with a surplus of
$18,000 in the treasury, and we had better schools than ever before.
One of the first discoveries of crookedness made by the new com-
missioner was that the city had been shamefully swindled in the item
of wood purchased for the schools, which shortage he quickly com-
pelled the contractors to make good, the amount so recovered be-
ing, as Mr. Houghton informed the writer, nearly sufficient to sup-
ply the schools for another year.
Among the bills presented during his administration, and which
had been duly certified by the finance committee as correct, was one
amounting to some $400 (more or less) for printed slips or blanks,
but which, upon examination, proved to have been for refreshments
furnished the commissioners (the former board) at a picnic.
The following amusing colloquy occurred in connection with this
bill. The amount, as well as the character of the item for which it
was drawn (printed slips), looked suspicious, and its payment was
objected to by Mr. Houghton, who requested that it be laid over,
which was done.
After the adjournment of the board Henry Hilmantel, commis-
sioner from the Ninth ward, supposing, from Mr. Houghton's deter-
mination to examine it, that the fraud was discovered, remarked to
that gentleman sotto voce as they were leaving the room :
" Veil, Mr. Houghton, you schmell dot pill pooty quick oud."
And to which Mr. Houghton (who, if not convinced before that
the bill was a steal, was now) replied :
" Of course I did."
•* Veil," said Hilmantel, " I tell you some dings. Last year ve has
a school bicnic up in Vliet's grcve, and der gommissioners vas haf
some vine und peer und cigars off by demselves. Dis pill was fon
dat."
It is needless to say that " dot pill " was never paid out of the
school fund, at least while Mr. Houghton remained in the board.
*Thcse figures were furnished by Mr, Houghton.
388 MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER.
But en resume.
The following communication was received at the meeting of the
council held May 28, which explains it^jclf :
Common Council Proceedings.
At a meeting of the board of councillors, on Monday evening, among
others:
A communication was received from Herman Stewett, stating that
two years ago he applied for the office of wood inspector in the First
district, stating the reasons as follows:
"Being a tailor hy trade^ and my eyes now too weak to work, I
thought to make a living by it: and, secondly, as an old citizen and tax-
payer* I claimed the same right as others to hold office. But notwith-
standing this, some heartless men tendered the office to certain politi-
cal £Bkvorites, and I, a mere tailor, but independent citizen and voter,
laughed at!
'^his year I did not apply for this office, having understood that
Peter Huegin's contract would expire some time in June, and believ-
ing that under the proclaimed system of reform and retrenchment,
public notice would be given by the proper officers; but it seems I was
mistaken, and that the old system of favoring political friends gently
and secretly has been re-adopted by some reform councillors, and this
year, at the expense of the ward fund, the contract has been awarded
to Peter Huegin secretly, and for a smaller sum than the other men
offered.
" I am more astonished about this transaction as I see that men who
are hunting up the errors and delinquencies of others, do not hesitate
to do the same thine exactly, at the same time boasting of their effi-
ciency and honesty of purpose.
" But, to cut the thing snort, I hereby offer to pay |350 for said office
during the current year, $50 more than P. Huegin agreed to pay, bind-
ing myself to perform tne duties of said office honestly.'*
Laia on the table.
Although Mr. Stewett failed to get the appointment upon this oc-
casion, a more foolish thing than to have granted it has been done
since, as there certainly was both a tailor and a shoemaker appointed
to superintend the construction of a brick sewer not many years
since. How is that for civil service reform ?
Also the following in relation to the new school houses :
Communication from the Comptroller.
To the Honorable the Mayor and the Common Council :
In pursuance of a resolution, adopted April 30, 1 have advertised six
days to receive proposals for the sale of the school house lot in the Fifth
ward; I must, however, state that I have received no bids for said pur-
pose.
In addition. I beg leave to state that, according to the contract en-
tered into witn S. li. Martin, for the buildinfi^ of three school houses in
the Fifth, Eighth and Ninth wards, one-fifth of the aggregate amount
of the contract price for $35,400 was payable on the Ist of February,
1860; that the proceeds of the sale of tne' school house, however, were
MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. 389
to be applied on the payment of the first instalment; in anticipation of
the sale to be realized, a special school tax was levied of $4,805.01, of
which about $800 remained unpaid. The sale not having been effected,
there remains a balance still unprovided for of about ^,000, on which
your honorable body will please to take such action as you may deem
proper.* Respectfully, Fsrd. Kubun, Comptroller.
Keferred to a joint committee on finance and schools.
Railroads.
There was a call, May 24th, for the La Crosse, and the present
Northwestern (then the Chicago & Green Bay Railroad), to unite
and build a track along the beach in the present Third ward, upon
the same line where the Northwestern Railroad track is to-day.
Also a call, on the 29th, for a Central Depot, which contained the
following passage, viz :
There is but one way, and there never was but one way, for the
La Crosse Road to enter the city, the way pointed out by Jacob L.
Bean,t the then President of the company, and who lost his position
as President because he would adhere to his opinion in that respect,
(and for which a preliminary survey was made by his order,) turning
from the present line in the town of Granville, and passing by an
easy grade into the valley oi the Menomonee, above the village of
Wauwatosa, and so down that valley to the very pointf subsequent
experience has shown to be the natural location for a Union depot.
That was the line which should have been adopted as the permanent
line of the company, and would have been but for the individual
interests involved. These individual interests, however, were served,
and the road built on the present line. And althDugh Mr. Bean has
been dead many years, yet time has not only fully demonstrated his
sagacity in selecting that line as the one best calculated to subserve
the wants of commerce, both inland and marine, both having finally
asserted their prerogative in the construction of the present Union
depot on Reed street. Thus causing Mr. Bean's prophecy to come
true.§
*Mr. Martin took these school houses much ton low, and the consequence was
that an additioual appropriation of some $6,uoo had to be made in order to enable
him to complete his contract.
f Mr. Bean was the hrst President of the La Crosse Road.
X The present Union Depot on Reed street.
2 This, as has been seen in the previous chapter, is all changed now by the
construction of the New Depot in the P'ourth ward.
390 MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER.
This was sound doctrine. The natural inlet for all the roads
entering the city from the south and southwest is via the lower
marsh, and the natural outlet is via the Menomonee Valley, with a
Union depot extending from Reed to Greenbush streets, over the
present main track of the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railroad.
That outlet for the present Northwestern would have cost less, been
more convenient for both roads, as well as the public, than is their
present track along the beach. And would have left that beautiful
spot for a Park. Why was it not done? Echo answers — Why?
The Third Ward Market.
There was an effort made again this year to purchase ground for
a market in this ward, for which purpose a committee had been ap-
pointed, who made the following report, at an adjourned meeting
held May 26, of the feasibility of the place had under considera-
tion :
The committee to whom was referred the subject of inquiring into
the propriety of purchasing the one -half block for the use of a market
square in the Third ward, have had the same under consideration,
would respectfullv report the following to this meeting, the conditions
of the said half block being as follows:
The west half of block 25 cannot be bought except for one-half cash;
also the east half of block 16, on the same terms. The west half of
block 16, on which there is a three-story brick building, can be bought
for the sum of $24,000, as provided by the law passed by the legislature.
The north half of block 4^i can be bought for the sum of |19,500, on the
terms provided by the legislature for the same.
Thomah H. Eviston,
Paul Foley,
Timothy Carney,
John Eioner,
Henry Warncke.
Committee's report accepted, and the following resolution was offered
by Edward McGariy, and was discussed at length by Messrs. Baker,
Aletcalf, McGarry, Eviston, Jennings, and others:
Resolved, That the mavor and common council order an election to
be held in the Third ward, for the purpose of selecting a suitable half-
block for a market square, and that the west half of block 16 and the
north half of block 43 be referred to the voters of said ward to vote for
the location of said market square, and the half-block having a maiorit^'^
of votes in favor of locating the market square thereon, be purcnaseSl
by the proper officers, as provided by law for said market square and
building.
On motion the meeting adjourned.
John J. Crilly, Chairman.
Daniel O'Leary, Secretary.
Milwaukee, May 26, 18<K).
This election was held at the Louisiana House, June 19, and re-
MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. 391
suited in the selection of lots 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 and 12, in block 16. A
bill was passed in the legislature, authorizing the purchase of this
ground for the purpose of a market, but the ordinance was vetoed
by Mayor W. P. Lynde, on account of the poverty of the city, at
which the Third warders (who had really elected him) were very in-
dignant. But it availed nothing, and they have no market to this
day.
Belden's old Home saloon, now No. i Spring street, was removed
this year, July 14, to make room for the present block. It was
placed upon a scow, carried to the South Side, and placed upon the
west side of Reed street, near where the Union Depot now stands,
where it was subsequently burned. Sic transit.
The Cow Question Again.
The cow question came to the front again this year in all its in-
tensity, by an inquiry from some ink-slinger, under the nom de plume
of " Hard Pan," and who wanted to know whose cows were being
pastured on the public square (there were six of them), also what
had become of Caleb Wall. Have the rich felloWs down in the
Third ward •* spiked his guns," or what ? To which Caleb replied
thusly :
City Land Office, May 28, 1860.
Mr. Editor : I made one great omlBsion in nw report of the city im-
provements, and Bomething we have wanted for a lonf; time, and an
improvement which will be the cause of much rejoicing by all the Sev-
enth warders, particularly the ladies.
The improvement is to convert the court-house square into a pasture
for cows and hogs. It is central, it being equally convenient lor the
Third and Seventh warders. The grass is now in tip-top order, the
trees are in full leaf, and our cattle will find an abundance of food. Let
them enter by the northern and pase out by the southern gate.
The common council will, I presume, at tneir next session, appoint a
suitable person, whose duty it shall be to keep a plentiful supply of
water ana salt for the cattle, and also collect the droppings.
Let it be understood that it is a public pasture for cows and hogs, for
if it is so used it will be one of the preventatives to keep our own trees
from being destroyed. Caleb Wall.
This letter did the work, and the cows were driven elsewhere to
pasture.
The Horse Railroad Craze.
There was a regular furor on the horse railroad question in i860,
as the annexed will show :
892 MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER.
Still Another Horse Railroad.
Another horse railroad company, comprising some of our most enter-
prising citizens, has applied to the common council for permission to
construct, equip and operate a horse railroad, to be known as the Har-
bor, Main Street and Humboldt Horse Railway. It is proposed to run
it from the river up Main street, to Martin street, up Martin street two
or three blocks, and thence in a northerly direction to the Humboldt
bridge. This will accommodate a large portion of the Urst and Sev-
enth wards without coming in competition with the River and Lake
Shore Railway, and if not immediately, will doubtless before long prove
a profitable investment. We understand that it is the intention of the
company to have the railway in operation as far as the Humboldt bridge
as soon as possible, and to extend it to the village of Humboldt next
season.
There was also one known as the Cold Spring Railroad. Alex.
Mitchell, H. Crocker, E. B. Wolcott and O. Alexander, corpora-
tors.
Also, one known as the West Side Railroad. Samuel Brown,
Richardson Houghton, Robert W. Pierce, Joseph A. Phelps, Eno
Meyer, Hans Reese, J. H. Tesch and John H, Silkman were cor-
porators. See annexed:
Horse Railroad on the West Side,
An application is pending before the common council tor a horse rail-
road cnarter on the west side of the river. The corporators, Messrs.
Burnham, S. B, Davis, D. Ferguson, John Davis, James Bonnell, A. D.
Smith and V. Blatz, are men of means and responsibility. Their pur-
pose is to build a road from the Chicago Railroad Depot, through Tnird
street, to the city limits in the Sixth ward, with branches up Walnut
street to the Fond du Lac avenue in the Ninth ward and Melms' gar-
den in the Eighth ward. The project is a good one. It will promote
the convenience of the public, and no doubt be a paying investment.
We hope that the council will grant the charter asked for.
It is proper to say that none of these roads were built.
The Sentinel editor was threatened with a licking, and replies as
follows :
We are going to be licked. The man who is ^oin^; to do it is a fine-
looking fellow, although somewhat unfortunate in his manners. But
he threatens to lick h— 1 out of any one who differs from him in opinion.
Now, we would rather be licked than not. There is something grand
in being made a martyr to truth. We really want to be licked into the
middle of next week by a fellow who hasn't got strength enough to
keep his own foul tongue in chancery. Every editor ought to be licked
twice a day. So come on my boy, and do your duty.
But he came not.
Political Ruffianism.
There was an attempt made, July 12, to break up a Repubhcan
MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. 393
meeting by a few Douglas rowdies, in which a lad named Westlake
came near getting killed with a stone. The ruffian who did this
was promptly arrested by Chief Beck, and locked up.
The march of the Wide-Awakes was also interrupted and attacked
with stones, at the comer of Main and Huron streets. This out-
rage was, I think, with a few exceptions, entirely disapproved of by
the leading Democrats.
But so it has ever been. The average Democratic idea of equal
rights being to let no one but a Democrat live. At least that was
the way it looked in i860. But Old Abe was elected all the same.
But as a further illustration of the desperate straits the leaders
were in at this time, on account of the arrest of Messrs. Gardner
and Lynch, and the shameless means resorted to in order to conceal
the crimes of these thieves, and if, failing in that, to prevent their
punishment, I will insert the following proceedings, had at this same
session, and which read as follows :
Whereas, It is apparent that, in the recent payment of large bills of
costs and attorney's fees at the expense of the citv, that to eitherprose-
cute or defend is very expensive, while little public benefit is to oe de-
rived therefrom; ana
Whereas, Messrs. Ryan and Butler are now employed by the city,
at a great expense, to prosecute the late comptroller and clerk, the
former of whom has left the city (owing to ill-health*), with very little
prospect of his ever returninji;; and
whereas. It is more desirable to economizef and save from expense
than to vindictively follow any one for the mere purpose of making a
public example of such individuals, and thereby contract a larger debt
for the city to paj to the lawyers employed; and
Whereas, It is extremely doubtful whether Mr. Gardner, the late
city comptroller, will ever sufficiently recover to enable him to return
to the city (he had skipped) and stand a trial, his life being at present
despaired of; therefore,
Resolved, That in the opinion of the common council it is inexpedi-
ent and against the interest of the city to proceed any further in the
prosecution of Robt. B. Lynch, pro video that said Lynch will promptlv
pay to the city the full amount of the defalcation or indebtedness (if
any), or fully secure the same, to be paid within a specified time, as
thereby the public interests of the city, in its present condition, will be
better served .
Resolved. The board of aldermen concurring, that the joint finance
committee be, and they are hereby directed to as(!ertain, at their earli-
est convenience, the actual amount of the defalcation or indebtedness
(if anyt) of said R. B. Lynch, and if the sum so ascertained shall be
•He probably was a little sick.
fWasn't that pretty cheeky in them to talk of economizing ?
JThey were very careful not to admit that they knew there was any.
894 MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER.
promptly paid, or secured to the city to be paid, that then no further
proceedings shall be taken in the matter by the city.*
This, in view of the circumstances of which the gentleman who
drew up the above was in no wise ignorant,t was, to say the least,
pretty cheeky. But such was the hostility of the Democracy to any
exposure of this fraud, that these resolutions came within one vote
of being carried (the vote being a strict party one), thus preventing
the council from compounding a felony, which it was evident many
of them were not only willing, but anxious to do ; and had it passed
it would not have availed these thieves anything, as the matter was
already in the courts, and so beyond the reach of the council. U
was the same spirit which prompted the offering of the resolution
that, at the meeting of the council July 27, made so much trouble
about the bond of Jno. H. Tesch,| which was continued by Messrs
Greulich, T. O'Brien and John Kosebeck (who, as the reader has
seen, was eloquence itself), until brought to time by the following
resolutions, offered by Councillor John Lockwood, after which they
made haste to accept Mr. Tesch's bond and cry quits.
Whereas, The Constitution of the State, in Article XIII., Section 3,
provides that ** No person holding any office of profit or trust under the
United States (postmasters excepted), shall be eligible to any office of
trust, honor or profit in this state;" and the act amending the city
charter of Milwaukee, approved March 27, 1858, in section 61, provides
that *^ If any member of the common council shall, while a member,
be elected to any other office of said city, such election shall be void;"
and
Whereas, At the time of the late charter election John II. Tesch,
who received a majority of the votes cast for city treasurer, was a mem-
ber of the common council; and Joshua La Due, who received a ma-
jority of the votes cast for city attorney, was United States Commis-
sioner; and
Whereas, The city attorney has been heretofore requested to give
his opinion as to the eligibility of said Tesch; and it would be incon-
sistent for this common council, while scrupulously observing the stat-
ute, to disregard the constitution.
Resolved, That the city attorney be respectfully requested to inform
the common council, in waiting, whether, in his opinion, the oflSce of
*The member who offered these resolutions was Councillor Ernst Herzer. There
have been a large number of men elected to office in Milwaukee since 1846, who
were inefficient in every way. But it is no exaggeration to say that a more un-
mitigated ass (politically)— John Kosebeck not excepted — than Ernst Herzer hais
never held down a chair in the board of aldermen or councillors since the charter
was adopted. He was a gem.
fAlthough offered by Councillor Herzer, it was not the work of his brains.
He could not have drawn it up to have saved his life.
{Mentioned in Vol. 3, page 308.
MILWAURBB UNDER THE CHARTER. 395
United States *Commi88ioner is an office of trust or profit under the
United States, within the meaning of Article XIII., Section 3, of the
Constitution of this State.
Resolved, That the city attorney be, and he is hereby requested, to
g^ve his opinion, in writing, as to the meaning of the following quota-
tion from Article XIII., Action 3, of the State, as follows: "and no
person being a defaulter to the United States;" and whether a member
of the common council, who is a defaulter to the United States, can
le^Uy hold his office as such member; also, whether any ordinance,
bill, or city order signed by any member laboring under such a disabili-
ty, would be legal and binding on the city.*
Referred to the city attorney and joint committee of five, with
power to engage the additional services of counsel.
Resolved, That the city comptroller be and is hereby requested to
furnish a new bond, and present the same to the common council for
its approval, said bond to have two sureties, who shall each justify in
the amount of |20,000, said amount being tne penalty named in the
present bond.
Resolved, That Mr. Kennedy, clerk of the municipal court, be and
he is hereby requested to furnisn a new bond, and present the same to
the common council for its approval ; said bond to have two sureties,
who shall justify to the amount of $10,000, such amount being the pen-
alty named in tne present bond.
Referred to the city attorney.
In The Lobby.
After the council had adjourned, Councillors Rosebeck and Greu-
lich made a vocal descent upon the harmless representative of the
Ailas, who was present. Mr. Rosebeck distinctly, and in his usual
dignified manner, stated that Mr. Otterbourg ought to be rawhided.
Mr. Otterbourg did not coincide with him, but Councillor Greulich
did. These city fathers, however, did not lay violent hands on Mr.
Otterbourg ; they merely boasted of what they'd do, in their digni-
fied municipal way. A crowd was attracted about the lobby, and
the proceedings were almost as interesting as the official council do-
ings.
Reporters will do well to carry revolvers with them when they go
to the council chamber.
These shameful proceedings on the part of the council aroused a
feeling of universal indignation among the people, particularly with
the German Republicans, and resulted in a call for a meeting of the
*11iis hit Joshua in a tender spot, as he was at that time United States Com-
missioner.
396 MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER.
German Republican Club of the Seventh ward, a't the Kossuth
House, at which B. Domschkee was chairman and J. Dressier, sec-
retary, when, after scoring Jas. A. Mallory for some unjust decision
(as they claimed), and calling upon the citizens to petition the legis-
lature to abolish said court, they turned their guns upon such mem-
bers of the council as had been notoriously active in the matter of
Mr. Tesch's bond, upon which matter the following resolutions were
offered and adopted :
Resolved, That the board of councillors, by endeavoriDg to keep
John H. Teach out of an office to which he has been twice elected by
the people, in putting his sureties too hieh, beins actuated thereto by
revenge (or fear), that, if once installed, he would make some discov-
eries that would oe damaging to the leaders of the Democratic party,
was a gross outrage upon the people of this city.
Resolved, That although we are not citizens of the Ninth ward, we
are citizens of Milwaukee, and hereby express our indignation of
Councillor Ernst Herzer, who, to the advantage of swindlers, t}ut to the
disadvantage of the city, brought into the common council the resolu-
tion to withdraw the suit of the state against the former city clerk, R.
B. Lynch, and to settle with him.
Resolved, That we approve the action of the citizens of the Sixth
ward, who want said Herzer to resign his office as councillor,* as he is
unworthy the confidence of the people and forgetful of his duty.
Resolved, That we also perceive in the action of Councillor (Jreulich
to allow at pleasure alterations or omissions in the official recordf of
the common council — ^an attempt to deceive the community, and to
keep from the people the true condition of the affairs of our city ad-
ministration — ^an attempt which would not be remarkable or out of
place in a monarchy, and that would perhaps be rewarded with a title,
but which in a republic is entirely inadmissible and condemnable.
Resolved, That these resolutions be published in all the English and
German papers, and that the editor of the Seeffote (the official organ) be
requested to publish the same-t
Prominent among the speakers at this meeting were Messrs.
Domschkee, Winkler, Okerburg and John Lockwood.
B. Domschkee, president. J. M. Dressier, secretary.
There was also a meeting of the Union Republican Club held on
the 17th, at which the following resolutions were presented by John
B. Seaman, and adopted :
*A resolution to that effect had been passed at a meeting oi the citizens of that
ward.
fReferring to the meeting on the 20lh, when the resolution tn withdraw the
suits against Gardner and Lynch was made, and came so near being passed, and
at which Councillor Greulich did offer a resolution (and which was adopted), in-
structing the clerk not to include the Herzer resolutions in the published proceed-
ings. See Milwaukee Sentinel^ July 25, 1859.
JBut he didn't.
MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER 897
>
Whereas, The committee of investigation appointed by Mayor Lynde to
inquire into and report to the Common Council as to the frauds, stealings
and corruption of the city management, having closed their labors,
leaving much ground untouched by their investigations, which in our
opinion should have received a most thorough examination ; and
Whereas, One of the members of said committee, at the time their
report was submitted, stated to the Common Council that the majority
of that committee have shown a reluctance to investigate and a aesire
to screen the guilty, as well as exhibited a personal interest in hushing
it up (except as to the acts of those already exposed), and refused to
concur in the report; and
Whereas, We believe that an investigation, extended into the period
earlier than that recited by this committee, would unravel thieving and
knavery in city afikirs that will be of the utmost importance for the city
to know. Therefore be it
Resolved, That the Hon. Mayor of this city be and is hereby requested
to appoint another committee from the Common Council, if a sufficient
number can be found in that body who will serve honestly and faith-
fully. And if such a committee cannot be selected from that body, then
that he select such a committee from the people, or direct the people
to select their own committee, with full authority to act in the premises.
Adopted.*
Nothing came of this, however, but wind. The pins were too well
set up and plans too well laid for anything to be accomplished in this
way, which caused Councillor Lock wood — who had been vainly
endeavoring for the last three weeks to bring up a resolution before
the Board of Councillors in regard to the slackness of the said com-
mittee, and who had invariably been choked off and otherwise kept
in the back ground by a motion to adjourn, whenever it came up —
finally to inform the Council, that unless he was allowed to introduce
that resolution he would make some accusations at the next meeting
that would touch some of the members in a tender spot, which the
Council having failed to do, Mr. Lockwood did, at the meeting held
September 7th, offer the following preamble and resolutions :
Whereas, The late investigating committee have been in session for
the last three or four months, and did at the last meeting of the Board
of Aldermen make a report of their doings and ask to be discharged
from further labor, as such committee : and
Whereas, It is claimed and charged by one of the members of said
committee, that they had not honestly discharged the duty for which
said committee had been appointed, and that they had been partial by
not investigating into the doings of certain members who were equally
* The Council, at their meeting held August 26th, had a gay old time. It was
a sad commentary on the evils of bringing party politics into municipal affiiirs.
The only motion made during the evening was by Alderman McCurmick, for an
appropriation of twenty cents for beer. They spent the people's time in abusing
each other, and spitting tobacco jnice on the carpets. It was true, as Mr. Lock-
wood said, they needed investigating badly*
25
398 MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER.
giiilty with those who were uow under arrest for malfeasance in office,
and who are now walking the streets with brazen faces; and
Whereas, It is true that the said committee have neglected to investi-
gate into the doings of several of the ward officers that most needed it.
Therefore be it
Resolved, That a joint committee of three, consisting of John Lock-
wood and Nelson Webster, from the Board of Councillors, and Joseph
Phillips from the Board of Aldermen, and Charles Quentin and Andrew
Mitchell on the part of citizens and tax-payers, be and they are hereby
appointed such committee, for the purpose of investigating into the
doings and official actions of the Aldermen and Councillors of the sev-
eral wards, with power to extend said investigation as far back into
former years as tney may deem necessary ; and for that purpose shall
have power to examine tne books, papers and files of the several city
officers, as said committee shall think necessary, as well as to send for
persons and papers, and to report their doings to the Common Council
from time to time *
These, however, not proving very effective, he did at the session
held October 15, accuse Councillor Wm. A. Noyes of receiving from
Mr. Flertzheim $107, in connection with a contract for a sewer;
also of receiving orders from David George, and endorsing his
(George's) name on the back.
This led to a bitter fight, in which Mr. Plankinton took sides with
Lockwood in favor of having these charges investigated, and Messrs.
O'Brien and Greulich opposed it — they claiming that the whole
object of bringing these charges was to make political capital for him
(Lockwood).t
It struck sober minded men, however, differently, and that if such
was the case, that the quickest way to take the wind out of Lock-
wood's sails would be to appoint the committee. If a rat was in the
meal get him out, as it was idle to suppose than any new resolutions
could affect the reputation of the democratic party, and a most fool-
jsh piece of sentimentalism (says the Sentinel) to oppose the appoint-
ment now out of respect to its memory.
The discussion culminated, however, on the 19th, in the resignation
of Councillor Noyes (the place was getting too warm for him), after
* The main part of the opposition to the appointment of this committee (says
the Sftitinet) came from Councillor Greulich and Alex. Johnston. Whether ihey
were afraid it might hit them we cannot lell, but they were bitterly opposed to it.
ftt is needless to say that the re:iolutton to investigate these charges was voted
clown, as was the one to investigate the wood steal, 1,100 cords, which it was
stated had been purchased for the use of the Public Schools during 1857, a Large
portion of which it was charged had gone to the dwellings of the Commissioaers.
That crowd wanted no investigation — not if they knew it.
MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. 399
which the resolution calling for a committee was taken from the
table and, after being amended so as to hurt no one, adopted, when
Councillor Rosebeck went for Lockwood in a tone of voice that if
delivered through a tin horn would have split it from end to end, and
in order that its beauty may not be lost to posterity, I will give the
entire speech, verbatim et spellatim. Here it is :
The Common Council adjurnments Dodge Mr. Editor of the Sentinel
in your Isue of Sept. 19 last some sort of an induviduell has missrepre-
sented some of the Commen Council again, by stating everry thing to
suit to his own fancy, but as a Slanderus attack can only come out or an
evil Heart so it must fly in the wind and disapeare — the Press should be
the standerd of Truth* and gide for Honesty, but it is Sought by some
man that ware Jentelmens Cloths and are Systematically Trayned in
gitting up Slanderus atacks, such as will often times Decive I am sure
that you had no reporter there so it is got up by an outsider and as such
beings are unworthy of Notice, I will stop from inlareing on the same,
but as the Taxpayers ar anxious to know the facts in this matter, so it is
my duty to state them.
in the first place. I hold that the Commen Council shud never invesi-
gate there own acts for the reason that it never will be done correctly
on acount of the Existing Partiality.
2nd. No man should try to serve Two Masters at once for the reason
that Members ware Elected for pourpus to atend to there regular Buise-
ness and that needs all their leisure time.
3rd. That the Commen Council is mostly made up of Bussenissman,
and the best of Boockkiepers can not be found amongst them, therefore
it will take a langer time and cost a greates amount of manney, for
which the city will have to pay, for these reasons the Common Council
will never pass Mr. Lockwooas resolutions which are allready woorn
threadbare, and to much of an old tune that his own Friends wont alow
to be sang anney Longer.
4rd. Such apears as if got up for Honor-seeking Popularety, besides
these lang Preambles Resolutions motions and speches have to be
Printed at the Tax payers, exspence without saying much about the
Commen Council to be keept in Session until midnight on acount therof.
and frequently have to keep Two meetings in order to do the needfull
Business, which is crouded out on acount of the same, wheras the time
mi^ht be imploid for something more usefull, who has enough Patience
to indure all this, better let the admirers of the Jentleman go and Try
it themselfs.
5th. The Commen Council is in for a investigating Committee I never
heard one member to object to it but it shall be the right kind of a Com-
mittee, such a one that no honest man will object to it, it shall consist of
Capable Bookkepers, good honest and impartial man, selected by the
tax payers, but no Councilors nor Aldermen that perhaps bare an In-
vestigation on their own acts, wee want fare play and must have it, be-
cause what is Just is honest and what is Honest must be Just^ this is
what your Commen Council are resting on, and no false CoUenng will
distract them therefrom, as no notice will be taken of backsliders that
have no princible, but merely to git up a character for themselves at the
exspence of Innocent men, will People understand facts or shall the
Commen Council continually be abused and stabbed at, by such men
that hide themselves in dark corners,
—Sentinel of Sept. 22, John Roskbbck.
400 MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER.
This was a roarer — that is, it was a windy speech. Alas ! alas !
Uncle John, what a windbag you are.
A republican county organization was effected this yeai (August
15th) for the first time. S. S. Daggett, President. E. P. Hotchkiss,
Secretary. The first officers (or committee) were as follows :
Towns —
Granville — Amos Thomas.
Milwaukee — Chas. E. Haertel.
Wauwatosa — Abram Rouke.
Greenfield— Reuben Strong.
Franklin — Quincy P. Hart.
Oak Creek-— Simons.
Lake — Orlando Ellsworth.
Wards-
First Ward — J. H. Paine.
Second Ward — J. P. Seamans.
Third Ward— William Brown, Jr.
Fourth Ward- Winfield Smith.
Fifth Ward— F. A. Beecher.
Sixth Ward— Riidolph Matthews.
Seventh Ward— S. S. Daggett.
Eighth Ward — Geo. Trentlage.
Ninth Ward— Geo. W. Luitink.
Election November 6th.
In speaking of the election, the Wisconsin of the 7th, has the fol-
lowing :
Unfortunately the democracy have asain carried the county, but by
greatly reducea nmjorities. The republicans may well congratulate
themselves that here, on this Gibraltar of democracy, they have accom-
plished so much. One more election and the democracy will be wiped
out of Milwaukee. When we remember that Buchanan got 4,400 in this
county in 1856. and that now it is reduced to 1800, we can begin to see
daylight ahead. This regeneration cannot be done in a day. One more
turn, nowever, will fettih 'em, [And it did. — Buck.]
The following was the result in the several Towns and Wards :
First Ward— Douglafls 104
Second Ward— Douglass 260
Third Ward— Doug&ss 377
Fourth Ward— Lincoln 30
Fifth Ward— Lincoln 68
Sixth Ward— Douglass.... 78
Seventh Ward — Lmcoln 46
Eighth Ward— Lincoln 67
Ninth Ward— Douglass 313
Majority in the city for Douglass, 901, against 3,267 for Buchanan
in 1856. The towns gave 907 majority for Douglass.
The following were elected to the Legislature :
MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. 401
Senate — Chas. Quentin, Michael J. Egan.
House— Robert Haney. Geo. Abert, Ed. Keogh, Chas. Caverno,
John Rugee, Carl Winkler, William DaviF, John Hannon and Jas.
Riordan.
We were sorry to lose Mr. Lockwood, as he had been one of the
most efficient members in the Council the city ever had, and would
have made a splendid record in the Assembly. Jonathan Taylor was
scooped, and never came up again.
First snow fell on the 2 2d of November, at which time the weather
turned a short corner.
A Sharp Ch.\nob.— The weather tamed a very "short corner" on
Friday night. The river was entirely free from ice at sunset, Friday;
and on Saturday morning the boys were skating on it. The mercury, at
sunrise on Saturday, marked three or four degrees below zero, and kept
below freezing point all day.
Wood and Hay Market,
Established in the Third ward.
Wood and Hay. — On and after Mondav next, the wood and hay
market for the Third ward will be opened for the sale of those articles.
It occupies three blocks in extent, and is located on Huron street, be-
tween Milwaukee and Jefferson streets, also on Milwaukee, between
Huron and Detroit, and on Detroit, between Milwaukee and Jefferson
streets.
Highway Robbers in Milwaukee.
There was quite an excitement this year as the cold weather
approached, in consequence of several persons being attacked on
their way home (from the Lodge), one of whom was our well-known
fellow-citizen, Fred. Wardner. See annexed :
More Ruffianism in the Seventh Ward.
On Tuesday night two more cases occurred of assault and attempted
highway roboery in the Seventh ward. Mr. Fred. Wardner, Deputv
City Comptroller, while on his way home, about 9 o*clo<!k in the even-
ing, was attacked on Biddle street, between Main and Milwaukee, by
three men, knocked down, dragged into an alley, his pockets rifled and
bis person badly bruised. Fortunately, he had out httle money about
him. The thieves, however, took all that he had and the keys of the
Comptroller's office besides. Mr. W. was severely but not dangerously
injured.
An hour or so later, Mr. John C. Starkweather's coachman, on his
way home, was attacked by three men, doubtless the same three who
attacked Mr. Wardner, but escaped by hard running. The alarm being
given, Capt. Starkweather, Sheriff Langworthy . and other gentlemen,
made search through the ward for the ruffians, out failed to find them.
It behooves our citizens and .the police to be on the lookout for the
rascals.
402 MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER.
Now it SO happened upon this occasion that Fred, was just a trifle
short of the schedule amount required by the rules of the highway-
men's club, twenty-five cents being all the " gelt" he had about his
person, which so enraged these incipient Claude DuVals that one of
them knocked him down, then made him stand up and be bowled
over a second time, after which he was informed, in language more
forcible than elegant, that if they ever caught him out nights again
without a larger sum than twenty-five cents they would kill him.
This threat was supplemented by a kick, and an order to get, and he
got. Fred, thought it was pretty rough to be plundered of all his
pelf, if it was only twenty-five cents, and then be kicked right on the
end of his back because he did not have the schedule amount, and
never allowed himself to be caught out nights after that with less
than thirty cents.
Nichols & Britt's Mill Burned. Loss $50,000.
The checkered warehouse (the old Doctor Weeks warehouse),
occupied at this time by Collins & Andree. The Axtel House was
also badly damaged. The loss to Messrs. Nichols & Britt, above
insurance, by this fire, was $26,000.
This was hardly under control before the alarm was sounded for
the East Side, and which proved to be Cross' block, northeast comer
East Water and Huron streets, which consumed the entire block,
together with all the papers relating to the Gardner and Lynch
case.*
Mr. Summers at that time occupied apartments in the block, and
was then lying helpless on his bed with a broken leg, and who, with
his family, was rescued with great difficulty. The night was intensely
cold. But the saddest part of all was that six men were buried by
the falling walls (viz :) Wallace Caswell, Frank Bruce, Chas. McDonald
fireman, and three others whose names were unknown. This was a
* This fire (which was no doubt an incendiary one) set for the express purpose
of preventing any further investigation into the stealings of Messrs. Gardner and
Lynch, and their confederates (for they certainly had them), started in the Com-
mon Council room, located in the upper story of this block. It was well planned,
as all the papers relating thereto were accidentally left out of the safe that night,
an act of carelessness which never occurred before, the devilishness of which may
be imagined when it was well known to all the city officials that a family occupied
a portion of this block.
MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. 403
sad finale to this damnable act of some unhung scoundrel. The
total loss of the property at this fire was $143,000.
I
Improvementh in Milwaukee.
City Land Office, Caleb Wall. ) •
Corner of East Water and Michigan streets, May 16, 1860. j
The improvements in the Third ward are principally on East Water,
Wisc^onsin and Main streets, where the late fire was:
On tlie old corner, 40 feet on East Water street by 120 feet on
Wisconsin street, Mr. J. B. Martin will erect immediately a
magnificent block, four stories high, divided into stores on
Wisconsin street; banking house on the corner, 40x40 feet;
second story into lawyers' offices; third story, lawyers' offices;
fourth story J public hall; basement, two banking offices, all to
be finished m superior style, and will cost $40,000
Hassett & Chapman are now putting up a magnificent four-story
brick store. No. 396 East Water, with joins Mr. Martin's on the
south. It is 30 feet front and 120 feet deep. I am told that,
when completed, it will be one of the best-arranged stores in
the Western country. They expect to move into it by Septem-
ber 1, with an extensive stock of dry goods, adapted princi-
pally to the retail trade of Milwaukee' Their one-price system
must and will win them hosts of customers, and their store will
be so attractive that you cannot pass it without going in. It
will cost when fully cromjjleted about 15,000
Hunn & Crosby* are finishinfi* a neat two-story brick store imme-
diately below Hassett & Chapman's. 20 feet front and 120 feet
deep. I am sorry to see such small Duildings going up on such
valuable ground, but it answers the purpose for which it was
intended. The location was a desirable one for Hunn & Cros-
by, and they have such a building as they are satisfied with,
therefore it does not belong to me or any one else to find fault;
if they are satisfied, so let us be, and may success go with them
in their industry and enterprise. Their building, when com-
pleted, will cost \ 2,500
Several building have been raised b^ Mr. Noonan, on Wiscon-
sin street (southeast corner Wisconsin and Broadway), and ar-
ranged into stores; must have cost \ 1,500
Two small stores on Main street 2,000
Three brick buildings on Michigan street 8,000
One brick building on East Water street .3,000
Sundry small improvements 1,500
Total $73,500
Among the Fourth ward improvements were the Chapin block,
201 and 203 We.st Water street, cost $16,000. The Burchard block,
*This building was occupied by Messrs. Hunn & Crosby for a short time, after
which it was converted into a clothing store and occupied by the Messrs. Zimmer-
man Brothers. It was originally o7 two stories, to which now (August, 1 885)
two additional stories are being added. It is also to be ornamented with a glass
front. The removal of the false front (wood), put on by the Messrs. Zimmerman
about four years ago, revealed the old sign of Hunn & Crosby upon the original
brick piers, in white letters upon a red ground, put on twenty-five years ago, the
sight of which was quite a surprise to Mr. Crosby, the surviving member of this
once popular firm. Its present number is 384 bast Water.
404 MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER.
northwest corner of Sycamore and West Water streets, $20,000. Two
by Lay ton and Flankinton, Nos. 3 and 5 Grand Avenue, $10,000,
and two by Plankinton, 82 and 84 West Water street, $12,000. The
Silkman block, 222 and 224 West Water street, $10,000. Furlong's
block, southeast corner of Clybournand West Water street, $14,000.
Fifth ward — Van Dvke block, southwest corner of South Water
and Ferry streets, $10,000. Two on Reed street, northeast comer
of Reed and Oregon streets, $8,000. All of which are yet standing,
and several dwellings, amounting in all to $51,000.
Sixth ward — Amounting to $18,000.
Seventh ward — Costing $53,000, one of which, Mr. Keenan's, 455
and 457 Jefferson street, cost $18,000.
The John L. Davis store, Nos. 386 and ^^^^ East Water street,
built by Gabriel Shoyer. This was a famous store for several years,
under the control of Mr. Davis. It is now occupied for the same
purpose by the Messrs. James & Geo. W. Morgan, who do a large
business and are ranked next to T. A. Chapman in their line. They
are from^ the heather clad hills of Old Scotia, and are first-class men
in every respect.
Also the present residence of Mr. Washington Becker, southeast
corner of Grand Avenue and Thirty- Fourth street, and Hustis home-
stead, 1,922 Grand Avenue. The first by the late Chas. Gifford, and
the second by the late M. S. Scott. Making a total of $109,000 —
$36,000 more than in any other ward.
Rbcapitulation.
First Ward $23,700
Second Ward 36,100
Third Ward 72,500
Fourth Ward 109,500
Fifth Ward 51,700
Sixth Ward 18,000
Seventh Ward 35,700
Eighth Ward 8,000
Ninth Ward 10,000
Total 1365,200
The St. Paul Church (now a part of the Cathedral property),
corner of Division and Marshall streets, was also built this year.
The Lady Elgin Goes Down.
We come now to one of the saddest events that has occurred in
MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. 405
the history of our city, and which clothed it in mourning (more par-
ticularly that portion known as the Third ward) for a long time. I
mean the sinking of the steamer Lady Elgin, Captain John Wilson,
by the schooner Augusta, Captain D. M. Marlott, on the 9th of
September, i86o, while on her return from Chicago with a party of
excursionists, by which 225 of our citizens found a watery grave,
besides a large number of passengers en route for Lake Superior and
intermediate ports, many ot whose bodies were never recovered.
Among the military companies on board (who were lost almost to
a man) were the Union Guards (Irish), Captain Garrett Barry, and
the Black Yagers (German), Captain Pius Dreher.
Among the few yet hving who were fortunate enough to reach the
shore were our well known fellow- citizens Timothy O'Brien, Frank
Boyd and Fred. Snyder, the popular proprietor of that celebrated
resort for the thirsty known as Marble Hall, who has often related
his experience upon that eventful night.
As previously stated, the greatest number of these unfortunates
were residents of the Third ward, where, in one instance, that of
Jas. Rice, the whole family perished. It was a sad blow, and one
from which that ward has not fully recovered to the present. May
Milwaukee never be called upon to witness the like again.
IN MEMORIAM.
It may not perhaps be out of place to close this volume with a
few words in memoriam of those who have passed away since i88o.
And first of
Morgan L. Skinner.
Mr. Skinner came to Milwaukee, June 19, 1841. His first em-
ployment after his arrival was as a school teacher, and was the first
one employed under the public school system on the East Side (see
Vol. II., page 312). He was a bom teacher, and threw his whole
soul into the work. This he followed until, finding the remuneration
too small for the support of himself and family, he went into busi-
ness. But the crash of 1857 threw him off the track, after which
he went to San Diego, Cal., where he invested in real estate, hoping
to retrieve his misfortunes by the construction of the then embryonic
406 MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER.
Southern Pacific Railroad, at that point, its then contemplated ter-
minus.
This hope, however, was hot realized, and he returned to Milwau-
kee. The last letter the writer had from Mr. Skinner, dated Novem-
ber, i88t, contained the following passage:
«
I have this dav paid the last debt I owe, and am once more a free
man. And I did not go through the bankrupt court to do it. I can
look any man iu the face. Neither is there a man living who can say
that he ever lost a cent by me.
What a record. No showing of the white feather there. He
had, through commercial disasters, became deeply involved, and
although the gate of the bankrupt court stood wide open, within
whose portals he could pay all he owed with a stroke of the pen, he
would not, but paid every cent. He was a true man and a true
friend, as the writer can truthfully certify. He has gone to his re-
ward, but will live in memory for years to come.
Mr. Skinner left two sons, Charles D. and Lewis N., both of whom
are active and useful citizens. His widow lives at the old homestead
on Milwaukee street.
Mr. Skinner was born at Warsaw, Wyoming county, N. Y., Apri
19, 1821, and died November 30, 1881.
Lieutenant William Kendrick.
William Kendrick, although not a pioneer, was for many years
one of Milwaukee's well known citizens. He canie in 1855, and
went into the livery business, which continued until 1861, when he
sold out, and was appointed under-sheriff by Charles H. Larkin, the
then sheriff, which office he held until 1863, when he was appointed
firsr Heutenant of police. This he held continuously until his death,
January 19, 1882, and no man in the city could haye filled it better.
He possessed those peculiar qualities which belong to a good police
officer.
The writer's acquaintance with Mr. Kendrick commenced soon
after his first arrival, and continued without a break until his death.
He was a shrewd and keen man, one of the kind who go slow,
but sure, and would always win. He read a man quick, and was
seldom deceived in his conclusions.
MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. 407.
The writer could never wish for a better friend than Lieutenant
Kendrick. He was a safe man to counsel with always. He was
born at Darien, Genessee county, N. Y., October 8, 1816. He left
two sons, one of whom, William J., is now in Emporia, Kas„ and
Charles D., of the firm of Howard & Kendrick (Samuel Howard),
lawyers, and who is fast building up a reputation for business integ-
rity and honor which will make him a man of influence in the com-
munity in the near future, and if he makes as good a record as did
his father, it will be one of which he may well be proud.
John Furlong.
Mr. Furlong came to Milwaukee, May 6, 1836, and from that
time to the day of his death was identified with and largely inter-
ested in the growth and prosperity of the city. He secured a large
amount of real estate that has become very valuable, his practice be-
ing, like Mr. Eldred's, to always purchase, if he could, but never sell^
He was a warm-hearted and true man, conscientious to a degree not
usually found in business men, and would always do right, let the
consequences to himself be what they would, and, as the writer be-
lieves, led as pure a life as any man who ever lived here. He was
always at work at something, never idle, and has, besides his wealth,
left what Solomon says is better than gold, a good name, as an in-
heritance for his children.
Mr. Furlong's death was as he always wished it to be, sudden — in
a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, the gate to the great beyond
was opened by the dark angel, and he was ushered into his rest.
Neither was he unprepared ; he was always ready for a call. His
well known form and pleasant face we shall see no more on earth,
but with his brother pioneers his memory will remain as an oasis in
this life of toil and trouble, until we, too, shall have a similar call,
and life's fitful journey with us be o'er. He died December 26,
1883.
Priam B. Hill
Came to Milwaukee in 1842, and at once took a position as a busi-
ness man. He was one of the few men who always move smoothly
along and avoid many of the unpleasant episodes that fall to the lot
408 MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER.
of most men. He was a splendid accountant, was at one time act-
ing city clerk, and for many years the secretary of the old Milwau-
kee Mutual Insurance Company. He was a useful man, and lived
to a good old age. He died at Chicago, June 12, 1885, aetat eighty
years. He was buried in Forest Home by the Old Settlers* Club, of
which he was an honored member.
Mr. Hill led a pure life, and, like Mr. Lawrence, did right because
it was the best way, and not from policy. He was always cheerful
and full of mirth, was a pleasant companion^ a true friend, a sincere
Christian, a valued citizen, and will live in the memory of his brother
piont;ers until the last one of them shall have, like him, laid down
the burden of liie and entered upon their final rest.
Hubbard C. Atkins.
Among the railroad men who have passed away since the writer
commenced compiling Vol. IV., not previously sketched, was Hub-
bard C. Atkins, and as no better or more fitting eulogy than the one
delivered by Rev. Mr. Gordon, at his funeral, could be written, the
author has concluded to insert a synopsis of it as being more appro-
priate than anything he could himself have written.
He was a living sermon on the text, " Whatsoever thy hand iindeth
to do, do it with thy might." Obstacles tempted him, resistance
piqued him, and nothing put in his way diverted him from his pur-
pose. He did a thing because the thing had to be done, and proved
himself invulnerable where most practical men are weak. Many
very useful men give way easily to difficulties that are clearly seen,
and relinquish possible schemes through lack of courage. But Mr.
Atkins never used the words " It cannot be done." This made him
so trusted by the thousands who worked for him that they never
questioned any order he gave. The men on the road believed in
him just as they believed in the sun or the rain. They never dreamt
he could be mistaken. And when he ordered anything to be done,
no matter how difficult or dangerous, each and every man went at it
as if it was his own pleasure and the purpose of his choice. He
wielded great power over those who worked with and under his
charge. But he combined responsibility with power. When a work
was intrusted to anybody he carried the full responsibility of the
MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. 409
undertaking. Of course he often suffered in this way. But standing
in this way behind all those he employed, nothing was impossible.
He always stood by his men when he believed them to be in the
right, even when it took great moral courage to do so. No bloodless
servant of a bloodless corporation did he appear to those who served
under him, but a living, la* onng, sympathizing, trusting and trusted
friend ; capable of extracting the full legal quota of work from every-
body, and as much more as he was willing to accept, but sparing all
from extortion, oppression, and ill usage, never wearing a false cos-
tume of authority, nor assuming superiority of manners. All of which
is the same as saying that while he was loyal to those he served, he
was loyal to those who served him, never forgetting the sovereign
nature of justice.
His promotion from the ranks was rapid. Commencing as brake-
man in 1854, baggageman in 1855, conductor on Watertown Rail-
road in 1858. In 1863, assistant superintendent of the division from
Milwaukee to Portage, when that road became a part of the St. Paul
system. In 1865, superintendent of the Winona & St. Peter road in
Minnesota, which now belongs to the Chicago & Northwestern. Two
years later, in 1867, he became superintendent of the McGregor-
Weston line in Iowa and Minnesota, which road is now also a branch
of the Milwaukee & St. Paul system. Superintendent of the Prairie
du Chien division in 1869. To which was added division after divi-
sion, as fast as acquired by the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul, until
he became assistant general superintendent.
Such was Hubbard C. Atkins, a man of wonderful energy and
push, and who never neglected a duty, and who as a successful rail-
road man has left a record that few have equaled, and will Hve in
memory as the friend of the working man until the last of the St.
Paul employees shall have laid down his tools and joined him in the
better land.
Mr. Atkins died April 13, 1884.
The following committees had charge of the funeral preparations :
General Committee — Roswell Miller, J. T. Clark, C. H. Prior, L.
B. Rock, R. D. Jennings, C. H. Place, J. P. Whaling.
Committee of Arrangements — ^J. T. Clark, chairman: Floral
Offerings — S. J. Collins, R. B. Campbell, J. M. Lowry, C. P. Utley,
410 MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER.
Geo. O. Clinton, W. E. Kittredge, A. F. Merrill. Decorations — B.
G. Lennox, John Bailey, W. L. Stone, D. L. Bush, A. M. Ingersolli
D. W. Keyes, J. T. Crocker, G. B. Clason, W. N. D. Winnie. Musit
and Ceremonies — W. G. Collins, W. R. Morrison, P. M. Myer4.
Transportation — George H. HeafFord, F. R. Hartwell, John M.
Davis. Marshal — A. V. H. Carpenter. Aids — A. C. Bird, J. H.
Barber.
Mrs. Daniel Wells.
This pioneer lady, whose death occurred June 20th, 1883, came to
our city in July, 1836, then a young and happy wife, and at once
took a prominent position in the little community of women, con-
sisting at that time of Mrs. Samuel Brown, Mrs. Daniel Brown, Mrs.
John Childs, Mrs. William Sivyer, Mrs. Enoch Chase, Mrs. Horace
Chase, Mrs. John Ogden, Mrs. Joseph Williams, Mrs. Jacob and Jas.
H. Rogers, Mrs. Hubbell Loomis, Mrs. Joel Wilcox, Mrs. John Fur-
long, Mrs. U. B. Smith, Mrs. Paul Burdick, Mrs. David Hollister,
Mrs. Jas. Sanderson and Mrs. Alanson Sweet, which little band in-
cluded all (or nearly all) the married womep then here. A position
which her own private worth and beauty of character, as well as the
prominence of Mr. Wells, justly entitled her to occupy, and which
she held unchallenged until her death.
Mrs. Wells (who was the daughter of Doct. Bryant, of Anson, Me.)
belonged to that class of women for which New England has been
famed, who form the bed-rock, so to speak, upon which society rests,
and without whose controlling influence and guiding hand, morality
soon becomes the exception and not the rule in every community.
She was a woman of great dignity of demeanor, and who would
always command the respect, not of her own sex merely, but of the
sterner sex as well, at all times and in all places, and although blest
with abundant means, unlike many similarly situated, was always
averse to using it in a way that would give her prominence as its pos-
sessor. She was of a too retiring disposition for that. Neither was
there any place so dear to her as home. She abounded in works of
charity, of which the world was ignorant. She was a person of
peculiar modesty of demeanor. Neither could any person be in her
presence for any length of time without becoming aware that they
MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. 4ll
were in the presence of a lady in the full meaning of the term, and
one whom it was no eas^r matter to deceive, as she certainly possessed
the faculty of reading character readily. And if she was not favor-
ably impressed at the first interview, the person with whom that inter-
view was held would never gain her confidence. She would always
be polite, but nothing more. She has gone to the better land, but
will live in memory for years to come. She was married to Mr. Wells
November 23, 1831.
Mrs. Wells left one daughter, Fannie Wells, now the wife of Chas*
W. Norris.
Mrs. Sarah Childs.
Mrs. Sarah Childs, whose death occurred at Harper Hospital,
Detroit, May 18, 1880, came to Milwaukee with her husband, John
Childs, July 6th, 1835. She was among the first, Mrs. Samuel Brown,
Mrs. Doct. Chase, Mrs. Paul Burdick, and one or two more only
having preceded her. Her first home was in the old log tavern men-
tioned in Vol. I., page 25.* where they kept the first white man's
tavern in the place. She was a grand woman. Many a poor wan-
derer has had his last hours cheered by her gende voice, and his
dying pillow smoothed by her ntagic hand. My first home in Mil-
waukee was in her house, and no mother could be kinder than was
she to myself, and the memory of the happy days spent in her family
are among the cherished legacies of my early Milwaukee life. She
was a woman of commanding presence, gentle in manner, and a
perfect lady always. Neither do I ever pass the old house on Han-
over street, so long her home, without her well, remembered face and
form coming to mind, as it appeared when first I knew her in the
winter of 1836. Mrs. Childs was the mother of four children, two
of whom died in infancy. Of those who grew to womanhood, one,
Sophia, married Capt. Leander Waffle, and Angeline married Capt.
J. M. Jones. Both of them, however, preceded their mother to the
better land. Mr. Childs died in 1846.
* On the corner of the Alley, where Miller's block now stands, 1 12 Wisconsin
street. ** Lc Tendree*s" old cabin.
412 MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER.
AsAHEL Finch, Jr.
Asahel Finch, Jr., was born at Genoa, Cayuga county, N. Y.,
February 14, 1809. Came first to Michigan, when that now wealthy
state was a territory, when he soon came to the fi^ont as a leading
lawyer and legislator, and was a member of that body when the dis-
pute as to boundary arose between Michigan and Ohio, which re-
sulted in the former obtaining what is now known as the Upper
Peninsula, the richest mineral region in America, in exchange for a
worthless swamp, and which has made her one of the wealthiest
states in the Union.
Mr. Finch often spoke of that transaction and the part he had in
bringing it about, as one of his official acts in which he took great
pride.
From Michigan (Adrian) he came to Milwaukee in 1839, and
commenced to build up a business in which he was successful. Mr.
Finch was not only prominent as a lawyer, but he was also promi-
nent as a Christian, and was always foremost in every good work.
He was diligent in season and out of season, always ready to do his
part (and more) in building churches and founding schools, and has
performed more'work during the infancy of our city gratuitously, for
the furtherance of those objects, than any other member of the legal
fraternity who ever lived here, and his death left a void not easily
filled. His death occurred April 4, 1883.
Mrs. Mary Hollister.
Mrs. Hollister was one of the pioneer women of Wisconsin, hav-
ing come to Milwaukee June, 1836, where she at once took a promi-
nent position among her sister pioneers as a willing worker in every
movement calculated to exert a healthy influence upon the morals
of the embryo city.
The financial standing of Mr. Hollister at that time not only
gave her abundant means for works of charity, but it also gave her
position and influence in society.
She was possessed of a strong will, sound judgment, and a clear
perception of what was right ; neither would she allow any wrong-
doing to pass unrebuked that came to her knowledge. But, as has
MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. 413
been stated in the sketch of Mr. Hollister, in Vol. II., she was finally
compelled to leave her pleasant home and return to the East, in
1839. Neither did she visit Milwaukee again until 1869. The
death of Mr. Hollister, in California, in 1851, left her with a young
and helpless family to provide for, with no resources but her hands,
Mr. Hollister's fortune having all been swamped in that land of
gold. But when the storm came she was equal to the emergency,
and met it with Spartan fortitude, and has received her reward in
seeing her children grow up to be useful and honored members of
society, and who, by their love and kindness, have made her last
years to pass pleasantly away.
Her death was unexpected, and like the going out of a fire sud-
denly, the dark angel opened the door and she passed through to
the great beyond, fi-om whence no traveUer has ever returned, and
where, let us hope, she has met her husband, and the mystery attend-
ing his death is to her a mystery no longer.
She left four children, Mary Ellen, now the wife of John Allsdorff,
of Newark, O.; David and Joseph, in Kansas, and Junius S., at Mil-
waukee, where her last years were spent.
She died at Parsons, Kas., where she had gone on a visit.
Frederick Wardner.
Mr. Wardner died at his residence, 520 Jackson street, March 7,
1886. He was a native of Vermont, and came to Milwaukee
in November, 1836, when in his twenty-first year. Four years after
his arrival he associated himself with I^. J. Higby in the mercantile
business, which he subsequently carried on alone for a period of fif-
teen years, his store being at the northwest comer of East Water and
Michigan streets. He served one year as city comptroller and two
years in the council, and was assessor of the Seventh ward for eleven
years. For many years he was engaged in the real estate business,
and for a period of nineteen years occupied an office at 415 East
Water street.
Mr. Wardner received a slight stroke of paralysis in his right arm
two years before his death, since which time his health gradually
failed, the disease finally going to the throat and heart, and caused
his death.
26
414 MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER.
Mr. Wardner was married in 1842 to Miss Ekie M. Tiffany,
daughter of George A. Tiffany, an old settler. His wife and three
son?, James F., George A. and Edward B., survive him.
He was buried by the Pioneer Association, of which he was a
Worthy member.
Thus one by one the links are broken.
One more spirit passed away
Through death's dark and dreary portals,
To the realms of endless dav.
And now, kind patrons, I will retire from the arena for the pres-
ent, restmg assured that, notwithstanding the imperfections my work
contains, yet that at least it has the merit of truthfulness. The task
has been a laborious one. But if it should be found in the coming
years to be of any value to posterity, I shall be amply rewarded.
With this short valedictory, I will lay aside the pen and
Let some other man " spiel " it awhile —
About that wonderful siege of Barlisle.
I
APPENDIX.
THE ORIGINAL TOWN RECORDS.
In Vol. I., page 29, of the author's Pioneer History, is a partial
record of the first election of town officers ever held in the then
town, now the city of Milwaukee. This was furnished from memory
by Doctor Enoch Chase, the record book having, in some mysteri-
ous manner, disappeared.
This book was placed in the writer's hands January 13, 1885, by
the present county surveyor, Robert C. Reinertson, in whose office
it had laid concealed for many years. And as there are some slight
errors in the record given by Doctor Chase, one of which was giving
the date as September 17, in place of the 19th, the author has con-
cluded to reprint that of 1835 in full, as well as those of April, 1836
and 1837, of which, on account of the disappearance of this record
book, no official return could previously be given, in part,* which,
with those of October 5, 1835 (see Vol. II., page 29), and of Octo-
ber I, 1836 (see Vol. I., page 72, and Vol. II., page 47), for the
election of members of the legislative council and delegate to con-
gress, will complete the chain up to the adoption of the trustee
system, and the organization of the two sides of the river into the
East and West wards.t
This election of April, 1837, was the one spoken of in Vol. I.,
*llie onth of office in 1836 and 1837 being in all respects similar in form to
those of 1835, have been omitted, only the names of the officers elect for these
two years bemg given.
fThis record will be deposited in the State Library at Madison, where, if
wanted, it can doubtless be found by any future historian.
416 MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER.
pages 119 and 120, at which a barrel of liquor was rolled into the
street, the head knocked in, and the contents drank in a few minutes
by the thirsty voters. It was a big time. The writer voted at this
election. But here are the records:
Milwaukee, M. T., September 7, 1835.
Met pursuant to an act of the legislative council of the territory of
Michigan, to organize the township of Milwaukee.
First — Chose Albert Fowler, raoderator.
Se(X)nd— James Heath, clerk pro tem.
Third — Adjourned to Saturday, the 19th of September inst., at 9
o'clock A. M.
September 19, 1835.
Met pursuant to notice.
Elected George H. Walker, moderator.
'' James Heath, clerk pro tem.
** B. H. Edgerton, inspector.
On motion of B. H. Edgerton :
Resolved, That all actual settlers have the privilege of voting at this
meeting, and that our proceedings be referrea to the legislative council
for their approval, etc
Elected the follpwing township officers:
Supervisor — George H. Walker.
Town Clerk — Horace Chase.
Assessors-^ames Sanderson, Albert Fowler, Dr. E. Chase.
Commissioners of Roads— B. W. Finch, Solomon Juneau, Calvin Har-
mon.
Commissioners of Schools — Samuel Brown, Peleg Cole, Daniel Bige-
low.
Directors of Poor — B. W. Finch, Solomon Juneau.
Constable and Collector — Sciota Evans.
Inspectors of Common Schools — Dr. Jas. Heath, Dr. Enoch Chase,
Dr.Wm. Clark.
Path Masters— Enoch Darling, Barzilla Douglass, Wm. Smith.
Fence Viewers— B. W. Finch, Paul Burdick, Geo. H. Walker.
Pound Master — E. Chase.
Voted that the ballots be all received in one box at the next election.
Officers of the meeting— George H. Walker, James Heath, B. H. Edg-
erton.
Supervisor )
George H. Walker. /
I, Geonre H. Walker, do solemnly and sincerely promise and swear
that I will in all thin^, to the best of my knowledge and abilities,
faithfully and inipartially execute and perform the trust reposed in me
as supervisor of the township of Milwaukee, in the county of Milwau-
kee, and that I will not pass any account or article thereof without I
think the said county is not just chargeable; nor will I disallow any ac-
count or article thereof wherewith I think the said county is justly
chargeable. Geobob H. Walker.
CovNTY OP Brown, Ir g
Territory of Michigan, / ' '
Personallv appeared before me, the undersigned, justice of the peace,
George H. Walker, and subscribed and sworn to the above oath.
Albbbt Fowlbb, Justice of the Peace.
Milwaukee, September 21, 1835.
MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. 417
I, Horace Chase, township clerk, in the township of Milwaukee, in
the county of Milwaukee, do solemnly and sincerely promise and
swear that I will faithfully and honestly keep all the books, records,
writings and papers, by virtue of my saia office of township clerk, com-
mitted^ and which shall from time to time be committed, unto me. and
in all things, to the best of my knowledge and understanding, well and
faithfully perform the duties of my said office of township clerk, with-
out favor or partiality. Horace Chase.
Territory op Michigan, \t q
County of Brown, J
Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, justice of the peace,
Horace Chase, and subscribed and was sworn to the above oath.
Albert Fowler, Justice of the Peace.
Milwaukee, September 21, 1835.
We do solemnly and sincerely promise and swear that we will in all
things, to the best of our knowledge and understanding, well and faith-
fully, execute the trust reposed in us as commissioners of highways for
the township of Milwaukee, in the county of Milwaukee, without favor
or partiality. B. W. Finch,
Solomon Juneau,
Calvin Harmon.
Territory of Michigan, )▼ c
County of Brown, /
Personally appeared before me^ the undersigned, town clerk, B. W.
Finch, Solomon Juneau and Calvin Harmon, and subscribed and was
sworn to the above oath. Horace Chase, Township Clerk.
Milwaukee, September 21, 1835.
We do solemnly swear that we will faithfully and impartially do and
perform the duties of commissioners of common schools for tne town-
ship of Milwaukee, in the county of Milwaukee, during our continu-
ance in office. Samuel Brown,
Peleo Cole,
• Daniel Bigelow.
County of Brown, II q
Territory op Michigan, j
Pei'sonally appeared before me, the undersigned, town clerk, Samuel
Brown, PelegCole and Daniel Bigelow, and subscribed and swpre to the
above oath. Horace Chake, Town Clerk.
Milwaukee, M. T., September 21, 1835.
We, the undersigned, do solemnly affirm and swear that we, in all
things, to the best of our knowledge and understanding and abilities,
well and faithfully execute and perform the trust reposed in us as direc-
tors of the poor of the township of Milwaukee, and county of Milwau-
kee. Soix)MON Juneau,
B. W. Fjnch.
County of Brown, (l S
Territory of Michigan, S * ""
Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, town clerk, Solo-
mon Juneau and B. W. Finch, and subscribed and sworn to the above
oath. Horace Chase, Town Clerk.
Milwaukee, M. T., September 21, 1835.
418 MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER.
We, Enoch Chase and Albert Fowler, do solemnly and sincerely
promise and swear that we will honestly and irapartially assess the sev-
eral persons and estates within the township of Milwaukee, and county
of Milwaukee, and that in making; such assessments we will, to the best
of our knowledge and judgment, observe the directions of the several
laws of this territory directing and requiring such assessments to be
made. Enoch Chase,
Albert Fowler.
Milwaukee, M. T., September 24, ISJiS.
County op Brown, \t q
Territory op Michigan, j
Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, town clerk, Enoch
Chase and Albert Fowler, and subscribed and swore to the above oath.
Horace Chase, Town Clerk.
Milwaukee, M. T., September 24, 1835.
A crop and slit in the left ear. B. W. Finch.
September 21, 1835.
I, Sciota Evans, do solemnly and sincerely swear that I will, in all
things, to the best of my knowledge, understanding and ability, well
and faithfully execute and perform the trust reposed in me as consta-
ble of the township of Milwaukee, in the county of Milwaukee.
Sciota Evans.
Sworn and subscribed before me this 25th day of September, a. d.
1835. A. Fowler, Justice of the Peace.
Know all men by these presents that we, Sciota Evans, Barzilla Doug-
lass and Enoch Chase, shall jointly and severally pay to each and every
person such sums of money as said Sciota Evans shall become liable to
pa^ for or on account of any execution which shall be delivered to*
Sciota Evans for collection. The above obligation is such that if the
said Sciota Evans shall well and faithfully in all things perform and ex-
ecute the office of constable of the town and county of Milwaukee dur-
ing his continuance in said office, without fraud, deceit or oppression,
then the above obligation to be void, or else remain in full force.
Sciota Evans, [seal.^
Enoch Chase, seal.]
B. Douglass. [seal.|
Signed and sealed this 26th day of September, a. d. 1835, at Milwau-
kee, M. T., in presence of
Horace Chase, Town Clerk.
This certifies that Sciota Evans, Enoch Chase and B. Douglass have
this day given the foregoing security that all demands given said Evans
to collect shall be forthcoming according to law, ana the same is ap-
proved. Horace Chase, Town Clerk.
Milwaukee, M. T., 26th September, a. d. 18:^5.
A lope on the right ear and a hole in the left. September 26, 1835.
his
Joseph X Porthier.
mark.
Attest: H. Chase.
A slope off the under side of the left ear. Clybourn & Chase.
April 2, 1836.
MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. 419
Milwaukee, 4th day of April, 1836.
Pureuant to public notice the meetine was called to order at S. Ju-
neau's, and on motion of A. Fowler, Alfred Orendoflf was appointed
moderator for the day. A. Orendof} declining, Barzilla Douglass wa8
nominated and appointed.
On motion, G. H. Hosmer was appointed assistant clerk.
On motion, the meeting adjourned to Childs' Tavern.
On motion of E. Chase, N. J. White was appointed one of the board
of inspectors.
All the votes having been received and canvassed, it was ascertained
that the following persons were elected for township officers:
Albert Fowler, for register of deeds.
George C. Dousman, treasurer.
Enoch G. Darling, for coroner.
Supervisor — Alanson Sweet.
Town Clerk— A. O. T. Breed.
Road Commissioners — Solomon Juneau, Barzilla Douglass, Benoni W.
Finch.
School Commissioners— Samuel Brown, Daniel Bigelow, Samuel San-
born.
Poor Masters — Solomon Juneau, Benoni W. Finch.
Assessors — Alexander Stewart, George H. Ilosmer, William H. Skin-
ner, Talbot C Dousman.
Path Masters— William H. Skinner, William Burdick, William Smith.
Fence Viewers — Luther Childs, Joel S. Wilcox, Nathaniel Finch, Wil-
liam Burdick, Morgan L. Burdick.
Constable and Collector — Sciota Evans.
Constable — H. H. Brannan.
Pound Master — U. B. Smith.
On motion of George R. Dyer, Horatio Higgius, Win. Burdick and
Lorenzo Pixley were elected Hog Constables.
Horace Chase, Town Clerk.
MiLWAi'KEE, April :W, 1837.
Pursuant to public notice in the Milwaukee Advertiser ^ the qualified
voters in the Township and County of Milwaukee, convened at the
Court House in said Township, on Monday, the 3d day of April, A. D.
1837, for the purpose of selecting Township and County Officers for the
year ensuing, and on motion of G. R. Dyer, John T. Haight was chosen
Moderator for the day.
On motion, it was voted to choose seven Constables, seven Fence
Viewers, and one Pound Master for the year ensuing.
Proclamation was then made, that the noils would immediately open
for the election of Township and County Officers, and at 5 o'clock in the
afternoon the votes, taken as aforesaid, were duly examined, sorted and
canvassed by the undersigned, and the number of votes set to the
names of the following persons were given for the Officers, affixed to
their names respectively:
For Register of Deeds — Votes.
To Cyrus Hawley 201
" Albert Fowler 137
For Coroner —
To Enoch G. Darling 194
" Henry M. Hubbard 129
For Treasurer—
To Henry Miller 189
" George D. Dousman 142
420 MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER.
For Supervisor —
To Wm. Shaw 216
" Wm. Brown 193
" A. O. T. Breed 188
" S. D. Cowles 139
" S. B. Lander 180
" C. H. Peak 40
For Town Oerk—
To Geo. O. 'IWany 18:^
" Wm. A. Prentiss 153
For Assessor —
ToAh-in Foster 171
" John Manderville 182
" Barzillai Douglas. 184
" EUshaW. Edgerton 183
" Lucius I. Barber 181
" Thomas H. Olin 158
" Pleasant Field 154
** Samuel Brown 154
" Jonas Folts 155
" N. Whalen 154
For Collector—
To Andrew J. Vieau 176
*' James B. Miller 159
For Commissioner of Highways —
To Solomon Juneau 326
" Byron Kilbourn 183
" Benoni W. Finch 177
" Alfred Orendorf 165
" Enoch Chase 158
For Director of the Poor —
ToSaml. Hinman.. 332
" David 8. Hollister 184
" Wm. P. Proudfit 153
For Commissioner of Common Schools —
To Samuel Sanborn 332
*' Jonas Folts 181
" Isaac H. Alexander 200
'* Samuel Brown 153
" James H. Rogers 154
For Inspectors of Common Schools —
To Ell Bates 187
L.I.Barber 186
Geo. S. West 179
'' Worthy Putnam 178
E. D. PhilUps 176
J. M. Rogers , 149
Wm. Burdick 137
ElihuHiggins 127
ti
ti
It
MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. 421
MILWAUKEE'S SEMI-CENTENNIAL.
This historic event was celebrated with appropriate ceremonies at
Schlitz Park, Saturday,* September 19, 1885, that day being the
fiftieth anniversary of this first election of town officers in
what is now thr city of Milwaukee, the city and county
officers, the Milwaukee County Pioneer Association and the Old
Settlers' Club (several members of which first named asso-
ciations, who were present at and who voted at that first
election) participating. And as this was an event of no little im-
portance in the history of the Cream City, the author has thought it
proper to put on record the proceedings had upon that occasion for
the benefit of those yet unborn, who shall participate in the one
hundredth anniversary, when that day shall have come, and the lit-
tle band of pioneers, as well as the present city and county officials,
who were present in 1885, shall have crossed the Styx, and
Other hands their lands shall till,
Other men their places fill,
And they will be forgotten.
The propriety of celebrating this event originated with the Pio-
neers, whose suggestions upon the subject were published in the Mil-
waukte Daily Sentinel^ the Evening Wisconsin and the Milwaukee
Daily ydurnal, the first article of any length appearing in the Wis-
consin of July 29, under the caption of " A Local Celebration," and
which read as follows :
A Local Celebration.
Statements of the pioneers of Milwaukee and public records unite in
testifyinz that the foundation of this great city was laid by th^ organi-
zation of the township of Milwaukee upon the 19th day of September,
1835. To the very large jpopulation which has accumulated here, many
of the members of which consider themselves "old settlers," the
brevity of the time appears hardlv possible. Looking at results the
wonder grows, and it is probable that, however ^reat in wealth or size
this city may nereafter become, the progress made during the last half
century will never be duplicated.
But few of the fathers of the city of Milwaukee remain upon the
original field of their labors, and still fewer of the small band survive
It is a somewhat singular coincidence that this first election in 1835 ^"^ ^^^
fiftieth anniversary in 1885 fell upon the same day of the week, both occurring on
Saturday.
422 MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER.
elsewhere. To these men the inhabitants of the present ineusnificent
city owe a debt of at least gratitude and respect, wnich should be paid
as far as may be in some public manner. These hardy pioneers would
no doubt be glad also to unite with younger men in a celebration of the
greatness of a city which they commenced, but which all have done so
much to enlarge and improve.
The fiftieth anniversary of the first election which occurred in Mil-
waukee will be September 19, 1885. There should be some public re-
cognition of that date. The " venerable men who have come down to
us from a former generation " will not be here during many more anni-
versaries, and the coming September is the most appropriate for the
celebration if one is ever held. The Pioneers' Association and the Old
Settlers' Club should take the initiative in the matter, but the junior
men of the city will manifest an active interest. If public exercises
are held, they will be attended by men so young that at the centennial
anniversary held September 19, 1986, they would be able to say that
they attended the first celebration, and saw the men who founded the
great city of Milwaukee — a city wnich at that time will have grown to
an extent which each person can now estimate for himself.
This was supplemented by an order from the president of the Pio-
neer Association, Hon. Harrison Ludington, to the marshal and sec-
retary to call a meeting of the executive committee, who, in con-
junction with that of the Old Settlers' Club, met at the office of the
Northwestern National Insurance Company, in the Mitchell build-
ing, southeast corner of East Water and Michigan streets, July 31,
where, after a full discussion, the following resolutions were unani-
mously adopted :
Resolved, That the executive committee be requested to call the at-
tention of the mayor and common council of the city, and the board of
county supervisors, to the fact that the fiftieth anniversary of the first
election held in Milwaukee of town and county oflficers* will occur on
the 19th of September next, and to confer with them in regard to the
celebration of the day under official auspices.
Resolved, That should it not meet the views of those officers to pro-
vide for a general and formal celebration, this club will make arrange-
ments for a proper observance of the day by the club.
Adopted.
John P. McGregor, chairman.
Chauncey Simonds, secretary.
The proceedings of this meeting were pubhshed in the Evening
Wisconsin^ same date, with a short reminiscence of several of those
present, among whom were Alex. Mitchell, Daniel Wells, Jr., Doctor
Enoch Chase, ex- Mayor Horace Chase, ex-Governor Harrison Lud-
*It i.« perhnps proper to say that this first election was in fact an election for
county as well as town officers, as several of those elected certainly acted in that
capacity as far as was necessary.
MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. 423
ington, ex- Mayor William A. Prentiss, Chauncey Simonds, James S.
Buck, Edgar C. Jennings, Jno. P. McGregor, Hon. Jno. H. Tweedy.
William P. Merrill, Morillo A. Boardman, Daniel W. Fowler and
Uriel B. Smith, all of whom, with the exception of Simonds, Smith,
Jennings, Boardman and Fowler, have filled official positions in the
city government.
This was followed by the introduction of a resolution, by Alder-
man Horace Chase, at the meeting of the common council held
August 3, instructing his honor the mayor to confer with the county
board (who were to meet on the 4th) in relation to celebrating this
important event. Adopted.
The county board having convened on the 4th, the following com-
munication, drawn up by Hon. John P. McGregor, was presented
and read :
Milwaukee, August 4, 1885.
To the Honorable tfie Board of Supervisors :
The undersigned, the executive commiltee of the Milwaukee County
Pioneer Association, as directed by resolution of said association, beg
leave to call your attention to the fact that the 19th of September next
marks the fiftieth annual return of the date on which was held the first
election in Milwaukee of town and county officers, and to suggest for
your consideration the propriety of a formal and official celebration of
this anniversary, while yet a few of the persons are living among us
who took part in this first election.
We make a similar communication to the. common council^ in the
hope that the city and county authorities may unite in providing for a
due commemoratfon of a day now noteworthy in our annals.*
Alex. Mitchell,
Chairman Executive Committee.
Chauncey Simonds,
Secretarv Executive Committee.
Supervisor Von Trott moved to receive the above invitation, the
chair to appoint a committee of five to confer with the members of
the common council relating to such invitation — which motion pre-
vailed, whereupon the chair appointed Supervisors Von Trott,
Schweickhart, Leidel, Watts and Weidner.
The mayor, after consultation with the committee from the county
board, ordered a special meeting of the common council, to be held
August 24, at which the following gentlemen were appointed as a
committee of arrangements on the part of the city : Garrett
*Made, as has been seen, on the 3d.
424 MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER.
Duncky chairman, H. J. Baumgaertner, Henry S. Dodge, Henry
Hase and John McCoy.
An informal meeting of the joint committees was held Wednes-
day, September 2, at the office of the Northwestern National Insur-
ance Company, his honor the mayor presiding, at which, however,
no definite programme having been arranged, a second meeting of
the executive committee of the Pioneers and Old Settlers' Club was
held at the same place, September 5, at which Hon. J. H. Tweedy
was called to the chair and John P. McGregor elected secretary,
when, on motion of Horace Chase, it was unanimously
Resolved, That the Pioneer ABSOciation and Old Settlers' Club join
with the city and county officials in celebrating; the daj at Schlitz Park,
on Saturday, September 19, at 2 p. m. (to whicn the citizens are gener-
ally invited), by having public addresses; the Pioneers and Old Set-
tlers' Club to select an orator on their part, and the city and county offi-
cials be requested to select one on their part.
Adopted.
Resolved, That a committee of five be appointed by the chair to
make the necessary arrangements on the part of said cluos.
Whereupon the chair appointed the following :
Committee of Arrangements on the part of said Clubs — ^^fames S.
Buck, John P. McGregor, Chauncey Simonds, Daniel Schultz and
Morillo A. Boardman.
After which the meeting adjourned.
The following communication was then addressed to his honor
the mayor :
Milwaukee, September 0, 1885.
At a meeting of the executive committees of the Milwaukee County
Pioneer Association and the Old Settlers' Club, held at the office of the
Northwestern National Insurance Company (Mitchell building), Sep-
tember 6, 1885, the following resolution was adopted;
Resolved. That the Pioneers and Old Settlers of Milwaukee count)^
celebrate the 19th day of September, 1885 (it being the fiftieth anni-
versary of the first election in Milwaukee), by having a public address
on the afternoon of said day, at Schlitz Park, commencing at 2 o'clock
p. M., and that the city and county officers and the public generallv be
invited to participate ; the Pioneer Association and Old Settlers' Club
select an orator on their part, and the city and county officers select an
orator on their part.
Alexander Mitchell, James S. Buck,
J. P. McGregor, J. P. McGregor,
Horace Chase, Chauncey Simonds,
Daniel Schultz, Daniel Schultz,
Enoch Chase, M. A. Boardman,
M. A. Boardman,*
Executive Committee. Com. of Arrangements on part of Club.
^Messrs. Boardman and Buck acting for the Old Settlers, the latter, besides
being marshal of both, was also a member of the executive committee of that
club*
MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. 425
This action on the part of said clubs resulted in a call for a sec-
ond meeting of the joint committees, held at the office of the city
attorney, September lo, where, after an interchange of views, the
committee adjourned to Wednesday, the i6th,* at which time the
following programme was adopted :+
THE SEMI-CENTENNIAL.
CoMPLETBD Programme for the Celebration at Schlitz Park,
Saturday.
A joint meeting of the special committees of the common council and
county board, in conjunction with Mayor Wallber and Mr. Buck, the
representative of the old settlers, was held in the council chamber yes-
terday afternoon. Supervisors Von Trott, Watts, Schweickhart and
Leidel, and Aldermen Bauragaertner and Ilase comprised the commit-
tees. The following programme of the day's exercises was adopted,
the procession to start from the court-house at 1 :30 o'clock on Saturday
afternoon, in the following order:
Committee of Arrangements.
Band-wagon.
Orators of the Day.
Pioneers and Old Settlers.
Mayor and Common Council.
City Officials.
Board of Supervisors.
County Officials.
The route will be as follows: From the court-house south on Jackson
street, to Wisconsin, west on Wisconsin to Grand avenue, west on Grand
avenue to Ninth, north on Ninth to Chestnut, west on Chestnut to
Twelfth, north on Twelfth to Walnut, and east on Walnut to the park.
Upon arriving at the park the first business will be the photographing
of tne members of the Pioneers' and Old Settlers' organizations, the
common council and city officials, and the county board and county offi-
cials, in three separate groups.
Music will follow, after which an oration will be delivered by Win-
field Smith on behalf of the Pioneers' and Old Settlers' associations.
The programme also includes music, addresses by Herman Sigel,
Joshua Stark and P. V. Deuster, and remarks from one of the pioneers
yet to be selected.
The count)' board met yestenlay and decided to participate in the
celebration, and to close all the county offices at noon, Saturday.
The following notice was yesterday issued to the members of the Mil-
waukee County Pioneer Association and Old Settlers' (Hub:
The members of the above-named associations are earnestly recjuest-
ed to unite with the present city and county officials in celebrating the
fiftieth anniversary oi the first election of town officers held in what is
now the city of Milwaukee, on Saturday, the 19th instant, at Schlitz
Park.
"This meeting was held at the coininon council room.
fit is proper to say that, although the individual members upon the committees
from both city and county all did noble work in the organizing and carrying out
of this celebraiion, yet to the untiring eflTorts of Hon. Kmil Wallber, the mayor,
and to August Von Trott, from the county, and Henry ]. Baumgaertner, from the
city board, is the credit of making it a success on the part of the city and countv
mainly due.
426 MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER.
CarriageB for conveyance of mjembere will leave the court-house at
1:30 P. M., Bharp. Members are requested to be on hand promptly, and
wear badges. J. S. Buck^
John P. McGregor,
Chauncey Simonds,
Danibl Schultz,
m. a. boardman,
Committee of Arrani^ments.
List of city officials in 1885 who were present at and took part in
the celebration :
Mayor — Hon. Emil Wallber.
Comptroller — Ferdinand Kuehn.
Deputy Comptroller — F. Wildie.
Treasurer — William Mayworni.
Deputy — F. Cook.
City Attorney — Robert Luscombe.
Deputy — Peter Rupp.
Harbor Master — ^Jas. F. Trowell.
Tax Commissioner — Michael Bodden.
Collector of Water Rents — Ferdinand Eissfeldt.
Board of Public Works — Chief Engineer, Geo. H. Benzenberg;
Commissioners William P. O'Connor, Chas. P. Foote and Jonas I.
Frowntelter.
Chief of Police — Florian J. Ries.
Chief of Fire Department — James Foley.
Municipal Court — ^Judge James A. Mallory; Clerk, Julius Meis-
winkel.
Common Council, 1885-'86.
First Ward — John A. Hinsey (President of Board), Chas. B. Roberts
andT. H. Malone.
Second Ward — H. J. Steinman, J. F. Schmidt and Tilly Lvnde.
Third Ward — John Malone, M. J. Dolaney and M. J. Dullea.
Fourth Ward— J. S. Harvey, W. W. Watkins and John McCoy.
Fifth Ward— A. L. Worden, W. J. Donnelly and J. T. Brett
Sixth Ward — O. Altpeter, Theodore Fritz and Henry Smith.
Seventh Ward— H. S. Dodge, V. P. Atkinson and August Kieckhefer.
Eighth Ward — Daniel Erdman, Fred. Lange and John McGee.
Ninth Ward — Wni. Schmidt, Henry Koch and Garret Dunck.
Tenth Ward— Henry J. Baumgaertner, Moritz Grassow and W. Rausch-
enberger.
Eleventh Ward— H. H. Kroeger. F. C Graves and Henry Hase.
Twelfth Ward— Horace Chase, C. W. Milbrath and Theodore Rud-
zinski.
Thirteenth Ward— F. Heiden, Frank Ellis and C. D. Richards.
Geo. W. Forth, dtv Clerk.
Geo. R. Mahoney, l)eputy.
MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. 427
County Officers.
County Judge — J. E. Mann.
Sheriff— Georg;e Paschen.
Clerk of Circuit Court — C. Paulus.
District Attorney — W. C. Williams.
County Treasurer — J. C. Corrigan.
County Clerk — Geo. P. Traeumer.
Register of Deeds — J. E. Eldred.
County Surveyor — Robert C. Reinertsen.
Coroner — Chas. Fricke.
Inspector House of Correction — Bryon Kelly.
Superintendent of Schools-y-C. H. Lewis.
Superintendent of Poor — Joseph Walter.
Superintendent of Almshouse and County Farm— G. Verfurth.
Superintendent of County Hospital — M. E. Connelly M. D.
Superintendent County Wood Yard — J. M. Gleiszner.
County Physician, East Side — Julius Kasten, M. D.
County Physician, West Side— Ludwig Pauly, M. D.
County Physician^ South Side — F. M. Hinz, M. D.
Engineer and Janitor, Court House — Nic. Schrubb.
Messenger— Richard Schrubb.
SUPRRVIHOKS.
First ward — R. Rossiter.
Second ward — P. Muenzberg.
Third ward— T. Murphy.
Fourth ward — A. Von Trott.
Fifth ward— C. Helms.
Sixth ward — H. Herzer.
Seventh ward — E. A. M. Leidel.
Eighth ward — Ch. Weidner.
Ninth ward — J. Dewerth.
Tenth ward — J. F.^Zummach.
Eleventh ward — P. Schubert.
Twelfth ward— S. Sytkowski.
Thirteenth ward — J. Truss.
Franklin — J. H. Huennekens.
Granville — Geo. Watts.
Greenfield— P. Merritty.
Lake — H. Strothenke.
Milwaukee — A. Mohr.
Oak Creek — J. Foley.
Wauwatosa — Geo. Schweickbart.
Bay View— Jas. Hodge.
THE CELEBRATIvON.*
At 1:30 o'clock the procession, which was formed in the park
given to the county of Milwaukee by Solomon Juneau as a court-
house site, proceeded to Schlitz park, where the exercises of the day
were held. The procession was quite an imposing affair, considering
that rain was threatening, there being about forty carriages in line.
The committees, comprising representatives from the Old Settlers'
* From the Milwaukee Sentitteloi September 20, 1885.
428 MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER.
clubSy the common council and county board, were in the lead, fol-
lowed by Clauder's full military band of twenty-two pieces. The
other members of the clubs and of the various departments of the
municipal government, brought up the rear. Arriving at the park
entrance, the carriages were unloaded, and a procession was formed,
headed by Clauder*s band, playing the " Old Settlers' March." The
pioneers gathered in a semi-circular group at the foot of the terrace,
and were protographed by Broich. It was intended to secure pic-
tures of city and county officers, but rain began to fall as soon as the
pioneers were disposed of, and the officers escaped.*
In THE Building.
The pioneers and a large number of people then entered the theater
building, the lower floor of which was well filled. After music. Mar-
shal Buck invited the speakers, the committees, the pioneers who
came in 1835, ^^^ Mayor Wallber, to take seats upon the platform.
The latter acted as master of ceremonies. The members of the two
pioneer organizations wore their gold badges. City and county
officials wore badges of cream-colored satin, appropriately typifying
the " Cream City." Over the stage was hung a banner, upon which
was painted the following inscription :
" Number of Vot«8 Cast in 1835,
— 39 —
Number of Votes Cast at the
\j8L8t Presidential Election,
28,899."
Without further ceremony. Mayor Wallber advanced and delivered
the opening address. He said that on the 19th day of September,
1835, at dawn, the chief of the Pottawatomies called upon a papoose
and requested him to go down to yonder village, near the mouth of
the Milwaukee river, and tell those young men to get ready to vote
for town officers. He found the villagers awake, and delivering his
message to the first man he met, who happened to be Horace Chase,
was accosted by him in his usual happy style, as follows : " Young
man, it will be a cold day when we get left. Mind you, we are going
* This is incorrect, as all three groups were taken just as contemplated.
MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. 429
jO get this town started, and we will raise it to a city of prominence,
and — mind what I say, young man, — in just fifty years from now we
shall cross the Kinnickinnic river over an iron bridge. [This mimicry
by the mayor of Alderman Chase's peculiar style of talking, created
a roar of laughter.] " We are in a fair way of seeing that prophecy
fulfilled."*
An Old-Time Election.
In those days, continued the mayor, the license question did not
as yet agitate the public mind. Prohibition was not thought of then.
The doctrine of " personal liberty" was, however, recognized and
practiced to its fullest extent. The right to vote was not confined to
the narrow Hmits of a ward or a precinct. No law restricted the
ballot to plain, white, print paper. Civil-service reform hardly en-
tered into the campaign. There was little or no squabble for office,
because there was enough to go around, and no music or express
wagons to bring voters to the polls. At that election, thirty-nine votes
were cast. Behold, what a change since that time ! The number of
votes cast at the presidential election last fall was 28,899. '^^^ popu-
lation in 1835 was about 250; the official census for 1885 shows it
to be nearly 159,000. Its growth has been a steady, natural, healthy
one. It is due to advantages of situation, to the development of the
fertile and prosperous cc untry, with its industries and thrifty people,
to the ability and integrity of our mercantile community, to our rail-
road accommodations, and to the persistent spirit of enterprise mani-
fested in the different departments of industry. Well may the old
setder point with the greatest pride to the fair Cream City of the
Lakes. And to-day, commemorating the organization of this town,
jt is a pleasure to refer to the fact, that a number ot those who voted
at the election fifty years ago are still among us. Some of them are
on this platform. Long and many be the years before their hour of
departure comes ! Unrestrained their usefulness, undecayed every
faculty of mind, in full fruition of the well-earned joys of life, happy
in the welfere of the city they love so well.
* This prophecy, which the Mayor so jestingly made Mr. Chase the author of,
has, however, been fulfilled, as an Iron Bridge spanning that classic stream (com-
menced in 1885), has now, March i, 1886, just been opened to the public.
27
430 MILWAUKEE UKDER THE CHARTER.
WiNFiELD Smith.
Winfield Smith, who had been chosen to respond in behalf of the
pioneers, was then introduced. He pleaded lack of sufficient time
to make sufficient preparation for an address of this character. After
some general remarks about the changes which have been wrought
in fifty years, Mr. Smith spoke as follows :
It is good to stop at times outside the mighty rush of events, which
exhaust our strained attention — to turn from the things of to-day,
from the anticipations for the morrow, in all which our thoughts, our
wishes and our hopes are usually absorbed, and to look back over the
past. It is good to note where we lately stood, what were then our
surroundings, in what our interests were then centered, what was then
the domain of nature, what the works then wrought by man. It is
meet to review and consider the steps by which we have come to the
point where we now stand. We should endeavor then to perform
that difficult task, the forecast of the future by aid of historical expe-
rience. And we should not fail to do honorable justice to the men
of times past, even while we commend our own sagacity and our own
energy.
Fifty years form but a brief period in the life of a European people,
who would be inclined to smile at the celebration of an event so
recent as that which we to-day commemorate. In this new world,
however, nations grow, the wilderness is populated, civilization and
its triumphs stride so swiftly, that the half century becomes an age,
and men still in the prime of life seem to the young to be sages of
antiquity.
The wonder never ceases that so many of us now present can
recollect the day when this noble city of Milwaukee was not ; when
there were no houses, no people, no city, no village, not even a name ;
when the maps we studied defined the west line of Lake Michigan as
unbroken by a single one of those dots which denoted the site of a
settlement, until perhaps Chicago was marked far to the south of us ;
when Fort Howard or Green Bay, Fort Winnebago, and Prairie du
Chien alone indicated the abodes of white men in all the land be-
tween that lake and the Mississippi river ; when three or four thou-
sand persons represented the white population now exceeding fifteen
hundred thousand.
AflLWAOKSK UNDER THE CHARTER. 431
On this day fifty years ago, then as now the last day of the week,
the eighty or a hundred persons scattered through the vicinity of the
residence of the Indian trader Solomon Juneau, held by ballot their
first election ever seen here. Thirty-nine persons voted and then
organized a township government. The original record, now in my
hand, opens thus :
m
September 7th, 1835, Milwaukee, U. S.
Met pursuant to an act of the legislature of the territory of Michi-
gan, to organize the township of Milwaukee.
I St. Chose Albert Fowler, moderator.
2d. James Heath,* clerk pro tern.
3d. Adjourned to Saturday, the 19th of September inst., at 9 a. m.
September 19th, 1835.
Met pursuant to notice. Elected George H. Walker, moderator;
James Heath, clerk fro tern,; B. H. Edgerton, inspector.
On motion of B. H. Edgerton :
Resolved, That all actual settlers have the privilege of voting at
this meeting, and that all our proceedings be referred to the legislative
council for their approval, etc., etc.
Elected the following township officers.
Then follow the names: Supervisor, George H.Walker; town
clerk, Horace Chase, and twenty-two other officers.
The meeting took place under the laws (it would probably, if the
stories be true, be too much to claim that it was pursuant to the laws)
of the territory of Michigan, of which this soil was then a part. The
record is not very formal, and it was probably much more formal than
the proceedings. The young men who voted were not, fond of legal
strictness, but this paper proves that among them were men of good
education, and accuracy in written statement.
The number of ballots cast for the several candidates does not
appear, but in the list of those then chosen as township officers are
the names of George H. Walker, James Sanderson, Albert Fowler,
Solomon Juneau, Samuel Brown, James Heath, Barzillai Douglas,
^*This is the same person mentioned in Vols. I. and II. as Dr. James Heth.
Heath is doubtless the correct spelling.
432 MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER.
Horace Chase and Dr. Enoch Chase — names familiar to many of our
citizens, of whom the last two are yet often read by us in the news-
paper accounts of the doings of the day. Our esteemed friend, Mr.
Horace Chase, who would probably not wish to be yet called vener-
able, is still in the same way of active participation in municipal
government on which he entered fifty years ago. With all that expe-
rience, it is not strange that his wisdom seems so great, and that his
constituents of the Twelfth ward think him indispensable as a member
of the city council. What great things he has accomplished for his
ward, they know, and we others of the city pretty well understand.
We may suppose that one who has seen so much done, may well
believe that everything can be done. This hopefulness, the result of
remarkable experiences, the source of their famous energy, is as much
the characteristic of the pioneers of Milwaukee, as their sturdy inde-
pendence, integrity and good sense. We rejoice that Messrs. Horace
and Enoch Chase, honored with the confidence of their fellows in
1835, still live to enjoy it after fifty years. Fifty years of industry, of
upright dealing, of bodily and mental activity, have given them a
right to rest which few can show, and which they seem in no haste
to claim.
Following the record of the election is this note :
" Voted, That the ballots be all received in one box at the next
election."
Then the titles and signatures verifying the record :
Geo. H. Walker,
James Heath,
B. H. Edgerton,
Officers of the meeting.
The oaths of office are next written and signed. Geo. H. Walker
as supervisor, and Horace Chase, town clerk, making oath before
Albert Fowler, justice of the peace; the other officers before the new
town clerk.
The affidavit of Mr. Walker is as follows :
Supervisor \
George H. Walker, j
I, George H. Walker, do solemnly and sincerely promise and swear
that I will in all things, to the best of my knowledge and abilitieB,
faithftiUy and impartially execute and perform the trust reposed in me
MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. 438
as supervisor of the township of Milwaukee, in the county of Milwau-
kee, and that I will not pass anv account or article thereof without I
think the said account is not justly chargeable.
This was signed with the proper signature and sworn to Septem-
ber 21, 1835. The oath of office of Mr. Chase was taken on the
same day, as also that of Messrs Finch, Juneau and Harmon, com-
missioners of highways, and Messrs. Brown, Cole and Bigelow, com-
missioners of public schools, and Messrs. Juneau and Finch as
directors of the poor.
Mr. Chase took his oath of office as assessor September 24, pledg-
ing himself thereby to assess honestly and impartially the several
persons and estates within the township of Milwaukee, and to ob-
serve in such assessment, to the best of his knowledge and judgment,
the lawb of the territory directing such assessments to be made.
Immediately following the last record, and without £my break,
come these words: " A crop and slit in the left ear. September 21,
1835. B. W. Finch." Then further oaths of office, and again the
following : " A crop on the right ear and a hole in the left. Septem-
ber 26,1835. Joseph Porthier." Next: "Aslope off the under
side of the left ear. April 2, 1836. Cly bourn & Chase." I under-
stand that these mysterious expressions relate, not to the election,
nor to the township organization, nor to any of the citizens who
may be supposed to have undergone the punishments therein indi-
cated, but rather to the pigs which were allowed to run at large in
those times, and which were thus branded by their respective own-
ers. There being, as I am tcld, no other blank book in the entire
county than the one from which I am reading, the marks of cattle
and swine were deemed important enough to be therein inserted
among those of the newly-elected officers, and the importance of the
act so absorbed the attention of the writers that they quite forgot to
indicate the purpose or character of their entries.
The next town election, it is well to say, was held on the 4th day
of April, 1856.
It is noticeable that the name of the new town is spelled " Milwa-
kee," the last syllable having two " ee*s " and no " i," upon which
point there was strong discussion thirty-six years ago. The affidavits
call the county Jirown, but speak of the duties as to be performed in
434 MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER.
" Milwakee " county. The latter county had been set off from
Brown county September 6, 1834, but had not been organized.
A pound master (Enoch Chase), path masters and road commis-
sioners were elected, and at the next spring fence viewers, although
there were no pound, no roads, no fences in the county. Milwau-
kee was also spelled Milwalkie and Milwalky.
In the record of the election of April, 1836, apparently written by
Horace Chase, the name of the town was spelled Milwaukie, which
Peter Yates afterwards insisted was the only proper way.
At this time the spirit of speculation which raged through the
years 1835 and 1836, and came to so disastrous a fall in 1837, had-
begun to affect seriously the settlers of the new town. There was
much thought and talk of laying out lots, of buying at advanced
prices, and of great wealth to be acquired, and very little thought of
building new houses, except of the cheapest character and under the
most imperative necessity.
Mr. Daniel Wells, Jr., writing from Green Bay, under date of Au-
gust 30, 1836, says : " The land about Milwaukee is the best in the
territory, and as Milwaukee is the only harbor for some distance
either way on the lake, it must of necessity become a place of great
importance. It is now laid out in lots for two miles north and
south, and one and a half miles east and west, which lots will, I
think, sell immediately for $100 to $1,000, and much money has
been made speculating in lots already. I think money can be made
here in the lumber business if one had capital, and all kinds of lum-
ber sells rapidly and for high figures."
Mr. Wells became a resident of Wisconsin in 1836, bringing with
him letters from Boston and other places in the East, certifying to
his ability as a surveyor and his integrity and honor as a man. At
Milwaukee, on the 2d day of August, 1836, he received from Gov-
ernor Dodge a commission under which he was appointed justice of
the peace in and for the county of Milwaukee and territory of Wis-
consin. In the dearth of population and the abundance of offices
of those days those persons who seemed superior to the majority
were rapidly selected and honored by places of trust. He served
two terms in congress from 1853 to 1857.
In October, 1835, there was held a general election, to which no
MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. 435
reference is made in the original record from which I read, but it is
described in the histcry by Mr. Buck, Vol. II., page 29.
There was no newspaper published nearer than Green Bay, and
the settlers of that time were fain to entertain themselves with the
anecdotes and inventions which from that time to this have been so
popular among their successors, and have given such fame in par-
ticular to the fishing and hunting of Wisconsin.
The Indians were every day seen, and more numerous than the
whites. While their disposition, owing to the uniformly kind and
judicious treatment of Mr. Juneau, was friendly, still the few settlers
were not without their apprehensions that they might at some time
be overwhelmed with a rush of savages desiring to extirpate the rap-
idly growing colony.
All provisions, clothing and other necessaries, except such as
might be derived from the marshes or woods about there, were
brought by vessels and an occasional steamer to Milwaukee from
Detroit or Buffalo. The bay ser\ ed as a place of anchorage while
the freight was brought ashore in small boats.
As there were no roads, there were also no bridges, and the river
was crossed at one or two points by ferries, the first of which was
set near the mouth of the river, and afterwards one was placed at
Spring street and another at Chestnut street. It was not until sev-
eral years afterwards that a bridge was built across the river at Chest-
nut street, and became the scene of the memorable bridge war,
brought about by the desire of the East Siders to gain access to the
West, and the unwillingness of those on the West to permit thus an
invasion of their sacred soil.
It is difficult now to realize the scene which this place then pre-
sented. A plat of the town, now the Third and Seventh wards, had
been prepared shortly before by Juneau and Martin, and recorded
September 8, 1835, and some streets began to be known, while no
plat wjs recorded of lots west of the river until October 8. Water
covered most of the land now the Third ward, in which grew reeds
and rushes extending from the river to the sandy beach of the lake.
On the West Side the like marsh covered the area between Fourth
street and the river, south of Grand avenue to the Menomonee. Of
the South Side Dr. Lapham writ^ in 1845 •
436 MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER.
** The city commences about a mile above the mouth of the river,
at a place called Walker's Point, and extends about a mile and a half
along the river. Below Walker's Point the river is bordered by im-
passable marshes."
But Nunnemacher's mill and Angus Smith's elevator and two great
railroads, and hundreds of like structures, now repose securely in
these " impassable marshes."
Walker's Point, to which he refers, is a name meaningless to our
younger citizens. But it was a point of high ground running several
hundred feet through the marsh northeasterly, to the south bank of
the river near the present East Water street bridge. On it was built
the dwelling of George H. Walker, the first town supervisor, later
mayor of the city, and an esteemed citizen, who first owned the
land. The point, then conspicuous enough, was the only place
where a house could stand within a quarter of a mile. Many years
ago it disappeared, as it was lowered, and the marshes on both sides
were filled.
Half a dozen houses, scattered along for a mile to the south, con-
tained all the population of the South Side. The ground was high
where the point extended back, widening towards the west. The
forest grew heavy, except where it had been cut away by the setders,
and stumps not yet uprooted indicated how recent had been the
work of the pioneer. No other trace was seen of the hand of civili-
zation.
Upon the East Side, the marshes that covered the present Third
ward, were varied by two islands of dryer land, one near the north
end. of East Water street bridge, and the other covering the comer
of Jackson and Detroit streets as now laid out, the latter of which
bore the significant title of Djuck Island. The land in the present
Seventh ward was mostly high, running by a steep descent into the
marshes of the Third ward, and into the marsh which also lay along
the river front fi-om south to north. 'I'he western line of the bluff
crossed Wisconsin street at the northeast comer of Broadway, and
one of my own early recollections of the city is the digging down of
the bluff, preparatory to the removal from it of the three-story
wooden hotel called the Milwaukee House, which had been previ-
ously kept by Caleb Wall.
MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. 487
Some seven or eight houses, the furthest north of which was about
where Biddle street now is, were a]l which had yet been built ; on
the west side of the river, Longstreet's and Dr. Gorham's stores and
the house of Byron Kilboum at Chestnut street, the American
House, near the site of the present Republican House, constituted
the entire village. The marsh there also covered the Fourth ward
as now laid out, along the Menomonee river and the Milwaukee, as
far north as Spring street. Between Fourth and Seventh streets the
ground suddenly rose to the west, and trees covered the bluff, and
also the low land north of Spring street. The forest was dense and
unbroken, penetrated by no roads except Indian trails. Only three
or four wagons had been seen in the southeastern part of the terri-
tory, and most of the people were living in the so-called Cottage
Inn and American House.
The line of the river was margined by no wharves, and was lost
in the marshes. The lake shore has remained with little change to
the present time, but the mouth of the river was then nearly a mile
south of the present harbor, and the channel meandered through
swamps, considerable portions of which yet indicate to the observer
how much of the town then appeared. There were some log houses
and some frame houses, built without much reference to streets or
any other consideration except rapidity and cheapness of construc-
tion. No brick was seen, and none had yet been made. Clay had
not been discovered suitable for the manufacture of brick, and the
citizens at that time had no suspicion of the richness of the earth
which was to furnish them a renowned article for the construction of
their sightly buildings, and which should in time to come give name
and wealth to the city.
Perhaps it may not be deemed indelicate that I who address you
should state some facts connected with these, which may explain the
choice that the old settlers have made of myself to speak for them.
I, too, was in the territory of Michigan when these things were
done. I was in the southwest corner, in the village of Monroe, 300
miles and more from here, but quite neighborly as distances then
were, nevertheless in ignorance of them all. I knew of many other
settlements, just as promising as this, of many other plats and paper
cities, of which now the very names are lost. As much was then
438 MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER.
expected from a hundred other places as from this. It is our pride
that Milwaukee survives, the greatest, almost the only one of that
large number then set afloat. I had already been, not here, but
west of Lake Michigan.
As early as 1827 I was born at Fort Howard, and Mr. Francis
Bloodgood, of this city, soon afterward. Living there three years, I
accompanied my father, Captain Henry Smith, of the Sixth Regi-
ment, United States Infantry, first to the East, and thence to Jeffer-
son Barracks, Mo. In 1832 he returned to Michigan, with General
Atkinson's command, in pursuit of the Sacs and Foxes, under ^ack
Hawk. They landed from the Mississippi steamboats at Rock
Island, thence marched east to the Rock river (striking it near the
present town of Beloit), thence up the river to Fort Atkinson, whence
going west after the retreating Indians, they overtook them, and beat
them in the battle of the Bad Axe, driving across the Mississippi
those not killed or captured, and suppressing forever all hostilities
with those tribes. An account of that campaign, written by my
father, was published in the Milwaukee Sentinel of September 1 7 and
24, 1882.
He was aide-de-camp to General Scott for several years, and trav-
eled much in the discharge of his duties, and in company with his
chief. A diary kept by him unhappily ends August 23, 1826, at
which time he was with his wife on the schooner La Grange, having
left Detroit on the 8th, fifteen days before, on his way to Mackinac,
and having then only just passed Saginaw Bay. They reached
Mackinac, and next month Green Bay. His cousm. Miss Frances
Smith, afterwards Mrs. Alexander J. Irwin, of Green Bay, accompa-
nied them.
From Monroe I came to practice law in Milwaukee, where I ar-
rived October 20, 1849, almost thirty -six years ago. To some that
might give me a title to the name Old Settler, but as I found here
nearly 20,000 inhabitants, that arrival would go for little. If I had not
been an inhabitant of the territory in 1827, I would not think upon
such slender basis of calling myself a pioneer.
Great things have our eyes seen ! Think of that day when you
might, with ordinary fortune, be three weeks on the journey from
Detroit hither, when news came no faster, when the telegraph had
MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. 439
not been imagined, when three to five weeks was often taken for the
letter from New York to this place, when the railroad was a light flat
rail track running a few miles west fi-om Albany, and all the journey
besides to Chicago was performed in stages, unless you were so hap-
py as to get a boat, and from Chicago hither you walked, unless you
rode your own horse.
Now, between the lake and the Mississippi, in our state, run thir-
teen distinct railroads, with innumerable branches, 4,267 miles in
length. Really we need to look at the map to see where so many
miles of iron road can be laid. How much more can we do than
could then be done !
In 1826, in the height of summer, my father waited at Detroit ten
days for a vessel to Mackinac, and was about four weeks more on
his journey to Green Bay. In which time one can now journey
from San Francisco to Paris and back, and loiter on the way. To
Green Bay he can now go by rail from Detroit in half as many
hours as days were then needed. Now he can hear on the way at
any moment the news events transpiring in the same hour in every
city in the United States and in every capital of Europe. Even on
that journey he can consult by wire with his agents or associates in
New York, Chicago, Detroit, London or Paris, and thus carry on
his business during all the waking hours of his trip. While in those
days, whoever started on a journey abandoned all control of busi-
ness, and was as much out of the world he left behind him as he
would now be if on another planet. How would we now enjoy a
life under such conditions ? We could take to cheer our way no
photographs of our friends, for there were no photographs. Da-
guerre transferred pictures from life to silver plate in 1839, and the
printing by light on paper came years after that. A city might be
filled with persons, now engaged here in occupations, then totally
unknown.
In 1835 Milwaukeeans had no luxuries, and were looking to the
next boat and to the daily Indians for food and clothing. Only real
estate was abundant, and that was not cheap unless it was under
water. Timber was plenty, but no one wanted it growing. Here
was yet a solitary sawmill to cut it. There were surveyors and their
instruments. There was no steam-engine, nor any sort of machinery
440 MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHART£R.
here — few horses, cattle, or other domestic animals. The whites
were nearly all men, with few women or children. Not until the
next year was a white child born within the county limits. Our laws
were made for us then in Detroit. On June 15, 1836, the act of
Congress was passed which created the state of Michigan, and left
this ground part of the territory, which, on the 3d day of July of
that year, became Wisconsin.
There was, however, it is fair to say, no distress among these early
settlers on account of deprivation of the right to representation in a
legislature. Pork, corn, flour and potatoes were of more immediate
importance. No fertile helds tributary to the settlement supplied
these necessaries. The dark forest shut them in to the West, and
there was yet no room for a plough, no land for many miles called a
farm. No wheat nor other grain, no hay, no swine, came in from
** the country." There was no country. There was no city.
There was room for both. The pioneers had come to create both.
Hope, courage, energy, will, were there. The vigor of healthy
youth abounded. Active brains conceived schemes which were exe-
cuted by strong arms. The assistance they needed came as they
expected, and in following years steamboats left Detroit for the up-
per lakes, crowded with those anxious to do the work required, and
to reap the rich rewards. The population grew at a great rate, and
the few scores of 1835 numbered, in 1836, for the whole county,
2,892 ; in 1838, 3,131, and in 1840, 5,605. But the county included
in 1835 a third of the present state, and the area was much reduced
before 1840, by forming new counties.
Fuel was plenty, though the wood might be green. Everybody
was or could be comfortable. During the winters most work was
necessarily suspended, and there were idle men during the days and
many jolly gatherings in the long evenings. There was little moping
and plenty of fun, some of which was rude, but all was hearty.
There were no saloons, no breweries, no beer, but there were taverns
and stores, and whisky in both.
Besides those whom I have named, there were otliers, whose names
are yet familiar to us. George Dousman, John Y. Smith, Talbot
Dousman, Joseph Gary, Byron Kilbourn, Cyrus Hawley, Joshua
Hathaway, have lived long enough to see the wonderful growth of
MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. 441
their early work, surpassing e;ven their sanguine expectations, and to
make honored names in this great city.
1 cannot forbear to mention a gentlemen, who though not a pioneer
of 1835, deserves eulogy whenever early Milwaukee is the theme.
He was the first historian of Wisconsin, and his book, published in
in 1845 (a second edition in 1846), is a model for compact and accu-
rate information. Increase A. Lapham came to Milwaukee in 1836,
a draughtsman and surveyor, with scientific tastes, already educated,
which he indulged during his whole life, the fiiiit of which was a
more intimate knowledge of the topography, geology and botany of
Wisconsin than any other man in the State possessed during his life.
His gentleness, refinement and excessive modesty are not the quali-
ties we attribute to the pioneer, and they stood much in the way of
what we are" apt to call advancement in life. But his learning has fed
many a hungry intellect, as his kindness has cheered many a weary
heart, and to his conscientious care, his accurate and extensive know-
ledge, his laborious investigations, and his faithful records, is due
much of the information we have about the history and the natural
characteristics of our State, information greatly in excess, both as to
extent and precision, of what is common to find in a community so
young and yet so large. His labors live after him. The Signal Ser-
vice originated in bis fertile mind. Before his death Eastern savans
recognized and honored his merits. It is our special privilege now to
recall and perpetuate them.
Of Mr. Buck, another indefatigable historian, I would speak, save
that he is to-day here, to speak, I hope, for himself. To him I am
indebted for the loan of the record I have exhibited to you. The
State Historical society, the repository of so many priceless gems of
our antiquity, has few more valuable papers.
Of our first banker I need not speak, for now the world hears of
him.
Of the brave and good men who in 1835 cast their lots for life in
Milwaukee, few, indeed, remain. We can count them on our fingers.
The glories which these fortunate few have lived to sec may be more
appropriately told by you, the officers of the municipalities, than by
me. It IS your province to care for the things of to-day and to
watch for the events of the morrow. I speak for the men of the past.
44A IflLWAUKKK UNDEK THE CHARTER.
When these great governmental corporations, now entrusted with the
guardianship of nearly 200,000 human beings, were bom fifty years
ago, how puny was their frame ! How uncertam their survival] How
undreamed of their growth ! It is fit to speak in glowing terms of
our handsome, healthy, happy city, worthy of all our admiration. It
is not less fit to recall the virtues of those men, who, dimly hoping
such if not so great results, came and risked their all on the event ;
toiled, planned, spoke, wrote, gave themselves for the welfare of the
child of their creation and their love — whose counsels guided, whose
hands fashioned its growth, whose zeal hastened it. On this occasion
let us grasp the hands of the few yet among us, and do such honor
as we may to those whose names alone remain. Let me commend
to the perpetual and affectionate care of the citizens of Milwaukee
the bright escutcheon on which shine the good deeds- done by the
founders of Milwaukee ! Our experience, our knowledge, our means
are ^greater than theirs ; their simple tools are supplanted by the won-
derful machines that invention and skill have since furnished to us.
With all our increased knowledge, with all our power, the amazing
gifts of science, we shall not surpass in the qualities of true manhood^
in fidelity, in courage, industry, enterprise and endurance, in frank,
out-spoken honesty, the best of those good citizens, whom we call
the Pioneers of Milwaukee !
p. V. Deuster.
Hon. P. V. Deuster was then introduced, who spoke as follows :
Mr. Deuster paid an eloquent tribute to the pioneers who founded
Milwaukee. " God made the country, but man made the town," he
said. "In other countries tyrants have founded cities through the
industry of their slaves. Thus Peter the Great founded St. Peters-
burg*, and Frederick the Great founded Berlin. Who were the builders
of Milwaukee ? It was no tyrant's menials, groaning under the weight
of oppression. The pioneers of Milwaukee were unoppressed free-
men. All trades and professions lent their aid, and to all the city is
equally indebted; the hardy engineers, the skilled carpenter, as well
as the genial artist and the minister ; the keen speculator as well as
the industrious farmer. All nations have alike aided to build the city
up to its present magnificent proportions." He alluded in terms of
MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. 443
praise to the magnificence of Milwaukee's future as foreshadowed by
the past, and said : " The names of the brave, daring men and
women who laid the foundation of this great city, and reared the
structure, will live in memory forever.
Venerable Horace Chase.
The next speaker was Horace Chase, upon whose introduction the
audience broke out in cheers and applause. Mr. Chase said that for
one who had watched the growth of the city for fifty years it was
amazing to notice the changes that have taken place. He could see
faces before him that he had been accustomed to look at for forty-
nine and fifty years, and yet in every part of the city things were
very much different from what they were in 1835. He said that the
old pioneers had to go through some pretty tough times in those
days, when there wasn't much to eat, and very primitive methods o^
preparing food. He was very proud of the city ; he had the same
affection for Milwaukee that he had for his children. He would no
more think of suing the city than he would of commencing an action
against his own daughter. Mr. Chase then described at length the
appearance of the town of Milwaukee in 1835, saying that where his
grain fields then stood, the houses are now as thick as the fingers on
his hands. He had given the labor of twelve years of his life to the
city gratuitously, and was glad of having had the opportunity to do
so. All he had ever received for those twelve years* service had been
a copy of the city charter worth $4, and an atlas. He hoped to be
able to serve the city a few years longer. Mr. Chase then, in a
fatherly sort of way, addressed himself to the younger portion of the
audience, telling them that it would not be long before Milwaukee
would be a city of half a million inhabitants, and appealing to them
to take as good care of the city as had the old pioneers, who would
soon all pass away.
Joshua Stark.
Joshua Stark was the next speaker, and his address was an elo-
quent and scholarly production. He first described the influences
which have resulted in the wonderful growth of the West. He re-
ferred to the enormous development of the railway system of this
444 MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER.
country, and spoke of the expansion of territory which has resulted
therefrom. As another cause of the growth of the West, Mr. ^Stark
pointed to the tide of immigration which set in about the year 1850,
and has continued like a steady stream ever since. The speaker
eulogized the liberal policy which has been pursued by the national
and state governments in encouraging immigration, and giving new
settlers warm welcomes. Mr. Stark then turned his discourse to the
Milwaukee of to-day. He spoke in terms of praise of the city's in-
stitutions of learning, of its business men, of its commercial enter-
prise, and of its law-abiding, thrifty people.
Herman Sigel.
The concluding address was by Herman Sigel, editor of the FreU
Presse. As the hour was late, Mr. Sigel spoke briefly but pointedly.
He characterized this anniversary as a milestone in the history of
Milwaukee. The pioneers were assembled to look back upon the
history of pioneers and recount their deeds, as the wanderer looks
back over his journey half accomplished. He paid an eloquent
tribute to the part which the pioneers took in Milwaukee's progress.
To them, he declared, are due the thanks of the younger generation
who enjoy the fruits of their labors. He spoke of the wonderful
growth of the city, which in fifty years had developed from a small
village, unknown to fame, to a city whose name is known all over
the civilized world for its solid mercantile houses and the value of its
products. He dwelt upon the future of the city, and spoke of the
time when Milwaukee will be a city in which the greatest liberty will
prevail, and tolerance in word and deed will beautify the times.
Such is the history of the proceedings had at this semi-centennial
celebration of the official birth of what is now the beautiful city of
Milwaukee, a city whose growth has no parallel (except in Chicago)
on this continent, and whose population, *ere another half century
shall have rolled around, will doubtless reach 500,000.
The annexed is a list of the members of the Pioneer Association,
all of whom, with one or two exceptions, were present upon this oc-
casion :
George Abert, James S. Buck, Benj. Bagnall, Alonzo L. Boynton,
I
MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER; 445
Henry W. Bleyer, Edward Barber, Chauncey Simonds, Dr. Enoch
Chase, Horace Chase, John Dahlman, Elisha W. Edgerton, Andrew
E. Elmore,* Elijah S. Estes,* David Ferguson,* Edwin H. Good-
rich, Benj. R. Hinkley,* Royal D. Jennings,* Edgar C. Jennings,
Rev. David Keene, Matthew Keenan,* James Kneeland, Harrison
Ludington, Wm. P. Lynde,* Chas. H. Larkin, James Ludington,*
Samuel D. Luscombe, Jno. B. Merrill, Wm. P. Merrill, Alex. Mitch-
ell, John P. McGregor, Samuel Marshall, Benj. K. Miller, John Og-
den, William A. Prentiss, Luzerne Ransom,* Duncan C. Reed,* E.
Victor Shulte, John C. Smith, Uriel B. Smith, Eliphalet S. Stone,
Elisha Starr, Reuben Strong. Daniel Schultz, Henry Sivyer, John
Thorson, Wm. S. Trowbridge,* M. L. Trowbridge, I. P. Tichenor,
John H. Tweedy, Peter Van Vechten, Daniel Wells, Jr., Frederick
Wardner* and Edward Weisner.
And from the Old Settlers' Club :
C. D. Simonds, Morilla A. Boardman, Rufus Cheney, E. H. Siv-
yer, Jas. M. Crummy, Robert C. Jacks, Wm. H. Wallace, Chas. H.
Warner, Geo. W. Ogden, Henry M. Ogden, Geo. H. Chase, Geo. A.
Abert, Saral. Peacock, L. H. Lane, Byron Abert, Dr. Chas. D. Stan-
hope, Jos. Deuster and Wm. Beck.
The following, furnished by Horace Chase, is a list of those who
voted at the first election :
Albert Fowler, Jas. Heath, Geo. H. Walker, Benj. H. Edgerton,
Horace Chase,t Dr. Enoch Chase,t James Sanderson, Benoni W.
Finch, Solomon Juneau, Calvin Harmon, Samuel Brown, Peleg Cole,
Danl. Bigelow, Sciota Evans, William Clark, Enoch Darling, Barzilla
Douglass,t Alanson Sweet, Paul Burdick, Jno. Ogden,t Elijah S. Estes,
2^bedee Packard, Benj. Piper, Joel S.Wilcox, Uriel B. Smith,t Peter
W. Balser, Andrew Douglass,t Geo. H. Wentworth, Wilhelm Stroth-
man, Danl. W. Patterson,t Allen O. T. Breed, John Douglass,! Wm.
Burdick, Luther Childs, John Childs, Benj. F. Wheelock, Talbot C.
Dousman, Geo. D. Dousman and Joseph Oliver, the last named be-
ing a negro.
This was the first colored vote ever given in Wisconsin, if not in
America.
^hose marked with a * are known to have been absent.
fThose marked with a f were present on the stage.
28
i
'. UNDEK THE CHARTER.
Where the First Election was Hei.u.
There is some Houbt existing in the minds of the men of 1835, as
to where this first eleciion really was held. But it was beyond a
question in the office of Albert Fowler, the little building (see cm)
standing at that time on East Water street, and directly in front of
what is now 400 East Water, (See Vol. 1., pages zo and 42.) He
being at that time the leading public official in the county. The
October election, mentioned in Vol. II., page 28, was held at the
house of Solomon Juneau (see cut), southeast corner of East Water
and Michigan streets. Of this bet there can be no question.*
As it is possible Ihal some who have iiot ihe previous vdumes ii>«y purchase
., the writer has inserted a cut of these tw^ buildings, in order that such per-
s may be gratiRed by a view of these pioneer st
The spring election of 1836
tage Inn). See cut.
MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHAKTKR. 447
held at Child's tavern (the Cot-
In Appendix to Volume 111. wa-s a tabic giving the date of the
opening and closing of the river up to 1S53.
1854 December!!.
1H.T5 December 23....,
! 185(i December 5
: 1857 I November23*...
1858 December 15
_ . __^ I 1859 Decembers
1M60 March 5 18(10 November22
IS.'H ' March 10
18.i5 ■ April 5
185(i 1 April 1
1857 I February 25...
ISiS I April 4
1M51I April 1....
These dates are to be taken as the time when the river closed over
for the first time, opening again, however, as been seen, some years
for a short lime and then closing again, except in 1858, as previously
stated.
ILLUSTRATIONS.
Milwaukee in 1825 62
A Know Nothing 112
The Kilbourn Mansion 116
ITie Library Building 117
The Preusser Block 118
The American 120
OldMillitary Hall 152
Bilty*s Tremonl 153
'Vh^ Plankinton Residence.. 178
Newhall House 208
New Insurance Building 216
Martin & Rugee's Factory 235
The Bertschy Mill 336
The Eagle Mill 337
The Daisy Mill ^ 340, 341
The Old Block on Spring Street 359
The Plankinton as seen from West Water Street 361
Northwest 362
Second Street 364
<( (( <(
(f tt It
INDEX TO VOLUME IV.
/
I
Ableman, A. V. R 23
Aldermen, Names of 26,77, ^4^. 191,261,312, 377
Allen, William ,; 28, 104
Allis, E. P 28 103,255, 339
Alden, S. H 36
A Dam Case 40
A New Hotel 45
Aldrich, Owen 49
Alfter, Chas '. 57
A Know Nothing on the Jury 83
Alton, Charles K 93
Ayers, J. V 94
A Fatal Mistake 9^
Assessors 26, 77, 148, 191, 261, 312, 378
A Tremendous Shower 99
A Night Police called for 108
A Rich Scene 115
Alvord, W. B 138, 139
Adams, F. F 143
A New Jail Wanted 143, 269
INDEX. 449
Austin, R. N 148, 218
Abert, George 148
Aikens, A. J 151, 327
Armour, Philip D 175
Allen, Rufus 175
Allen, Jas 182, 295
A Higger Man than the I'ope .' 183
A KaJsehood Nailed 189
Altering the Grade , 105
April Foors Day 196
A Park Proposed 198, 368
Antisdel, J. H 213
A Sad Accident 220
A Tidal Wave 266
An Unkind Cut 303
Arthur McArthur 307
Adams, P. N 309
An Early Cowslip 309
A Peoples* Convention Called 309
A Democratic Convention 310
An Affair of Honor 331
Anderson, John - 375
Another Landmark Gone 365
Arrest of E. L. H. Gardner 374
A Central Depot Called for 389
A Mecklenburger Makes a Discovery 383
Atkins, H. C 408
Appendix 415
Bridges 17, 372
Bentiy, J 20
.Booth vs. Shaw 20
Booth, Sherman M 94, 25 1
Blair, Franklin J 23, 43
Bielfeld, H. A 23, 24, 25
Bacon, Winchell D 24
Bingham, Geo. B 24, 31, 125
Bonesleel, J. N 57, 295
Butler, A. R. R 27, 29, 78, 108, 179
Bode,^Chas. F 27, 77, 148
Brown, Samual Dea 27, 00, 78
Barker, Jas 28
Bierbach, Chas 28, 77, 149
Brooks, Nathan 27, 148
Bade, Albert 28, 78, 150
Beck, William 28,78, 109, 147, 150, 191,312, 378
Brodhead, Ed. H ..33, 34, 35, 119, 138 183, 204, 236
Barber, £d. H 30
Barstow, Wm. H 35, 112
Benton, R. H 42
Baker, T. L 42, 64
Bosworth & Sons 45
Bond, Hiram R 45, 58, 117, 236, 361
Babcock, W. S 45, 55, 142, 361
Babcock, Simeon 361
Brook, William 49
Burnham, Geo 57, 363
Bonham, David 64
Brooks, S. M 64, 128
Bonnel, Lansing 64
Business Changes 69
460 INDEX.
Best, Phillip 71, 344
Bodden, Michael 86
Buel, Austin C --. 90
Baldwin, T. E 90
Bell, W.J 78,95, 138
Burroughs. P. W 100
Bay State Foundry 102
Bates, Arthur..' 107
Bradley, Edward 108
Bryne, Lawrence 109
Brugman, Henry 124
Banking 122
Biersach, Carl 126
Business Status.. 126
Billings, C. F 130
Bacon. K P 132
Bradford, John 133. 138, 204
Bradford, Jas 133
Bradford, Joseph L 108
Bradford, Ephriani P 133
Bradford, Robert C 133
Bradford, Jas. R 134
Bradford, R. C 134
Bradford, Frank C 134
Burr, Waiternian 134
Burr, Ephriani B 134
Brown, Wm 134
Barber, Capl. Geo 135, 285
Board of Trade Organized 138, 150
Bilty*s Tremont 153
Brick, Nathan 146
Brown, Jonas 146
Button, Edwin 148
Burdick, M. L 150
Burnell, Levi 163
Beal, W.J 164
Bryant, S 167, 237
By Torchlight 1 70
Bear vs. Bull 171
Bolton, Alex 191, 261, 312
Beecher, J. A 197
Baumeaertner, H. J-, 210, 424
Burdick & Armitage 210
Buestrin. H 229
Burnham, J. L -. 235
Brown, Jas. S 251, 294
Bombach von, M 261
Brown, William, Jr 285, 400
Blodgett, F. S 311, 377
Blend, Nelson 323
Benschy, Jacob 335
Bertschy, John 335
Bertschy, Frederick 336
Best, Jacob 344
Best, Jacob, Jr 344
Best, Chas 344
Best, Lorenz 344
Brown, John 348
Blatz, Valentine 348
Breed, Chas. G 357
INDEX. 451
Brown, William W 377
Base Ball Discovered 381
Bean, Jacob L '. 58, 389
Belden's Old Home Saloon Removed 391
Bailey, John 410
Bird, A. C 410
Barber, J. H 4I0
Buck. fas. S 423
Boardman, M. A 423
Census loi, 240
Crawford, John 15, 17
Cole, Thos. C 16
Conover, S. S 21, 24, 28, 78, 150
Cotton, Chas. C 22, 23
Complaints 25
Church, Benj 26, 27, 78, 149
Cramer, William E 27, 72, 112, 113, 221, 226, 309
Cummings, John 27, 69, 70, 78
Crocker, Hans 27, 36, 225, 25 1
Crilley, J.J 377
Craig, A. T 28
Catlin, John \ 35
Cobb, J 35
Cramer, E 36, 44, 45
Carey, Joseph 43- 55
Carey, Chas. J 44
Cross, Jas. B 44, 46, 49, 51, 60, 68, 77, 94, 112, 120, 147, 191, 222
Cady, R. P 49
Crounce, Jonathan 49
Crosby, F. J 54
Charnley, F 55, 177
Conroy, Jas 65
Cook, Carlise D 56, 237
CoUingbourne, Th 58
Chapin, Emery D 59
Commercial Statistics 59ii2l, 122
Ciiy Convention 272, 310
Corrections 60, 293, 357
Chase, Horace 60, 64, 185, 198, 422
Chase, Dr. Enoch 64, 422
Chase, Reuben 69
Crummy, Jas. M 71
Corson, Dighton 75. 141 > 167, 220, 244
Church Going 98
Crawford, Henry 125
City Officials, Names of 26, 77, 147, 191, 267, 312, 377
Clarke, Abram 236
Commissioners of Survey, Names of 26, 77, 148, 191, 262, 312
County Officers, Names o^ 28, 78, 150, 151, 192, 263, 313, 377
Constables, Names of 27, 77, 148, 192, 262, 313, 378
Coon, S. P 112
Cremation 113
Cogswell, Geo 114, 312
Crampton, J. H 127
Chandler, Samuel 128
Charter Amendments 138
Council Proceedings 145, 168, 169, 388
Corn Exchange 151, 277
Cordes, J 148
Cannon, J. W 146
452 INDEX.
Chapman, Silas 149
Conway, J 150
Carpenter, A. V. H , 158, 162, 410
Criminal 167
Cattle Market Established 171
Clayton, Z 176, 237
Carney, Dabney 187
Cotzhausen, Alex 191, 244
Conrad, F 191
Caleb Wall Scores the Council .'- 198
Chapman, Geo. W 218
Combs, Martin B 220
Collins, C. C 227
Clarke, Wm 227
Casgrain, W. P 231
Chamberlain, Selah , 233
Cameron, D. E 244
City Indebtedness 246
Couldn't Wipe It Out 260
Chamber of Commerce Organized 277, 278
Chamber of Commerce, List of Presidents 316
Caswell, R. K 285
ChUds, John 286
Comstock, Cicero 301, 310, 338
Cross, Capt. William S 501
Corbett, John 301
Corbett, Chas 301
Corbett, Alex. 301
•Call for a Mass Meeting, Proceedings at 306, 307
Councillors 261, 312, 377
Cheeney, Maj. Rufus 323
Cameron, J. E 358
Crouch, Jonathan 360
Carpenter, Matthew H ; 384
CUrk, J. T 409
Collins, S.J 409
Campbell, R. B 409
Clinton, Geo. O 410
Crocker, J. T 410
Clasen, G. B 410
Childs, Mrs. Sarah 41 1
Dewey, Chas. C 16
Durr, Emil ^ ,. 19
Delaney, Martin 26,65, 77, 135. 148, 190
Duggan, Thos 27, 78
DeWolf, Edwin 27, 69, 79, 149, 320
Daggett, S. S 28, 77, 103, 160, 310, 400
Dodge, H. S 424
Devlin, F 28, 77, 149
Duval, Chas 27
Douglass, Andrew 28
Dousman, Geo. D 32, 285
Dousman, H. L 36
Davis, S. B 41, 225
Davis, John 41
Dixon, Jas 43
Dougkss, Jas 45, 23J
Delany, A. K 48
Davis, Cyrus D 54
Dickinson, Geo. M 90
INDEX. 453
Dibble, J. P 97
Decker, Cbas. C 103
Death of the (general 113
Division of the ist, 2d and 5th Wards 144
Dick, J. C 148, 167
Dawes, Wm 163
Damon, Lowell 200
Durand, W. T 210
Davis, Robert 211, 334
Doran, J. L 25 1
Doyle, Capt. Jas 285
Davidson, Thos 288
Davis, DeWittC 310
Dunlop, J. W 377
Dressier, J. M 396
Domschkee, B 396
Davis, J. M 410
Dunck, Garrett 424
£pps, Jesse 20, 108
Edwards, J. B 26, 46, 77, 147, 167, 222
Eldred, Elisha 26, 77, 148, 361, 381
Elmore, R. P 56
Elections 26,76,147,191,271, 283, 377, 400
Ellsworth, Orlando 244
Eves, J. J 91
Eavesdropping 92
Ely, Ambrose * 77
Eddy, Russell 77
Elmore, S. L 78, 149
Eliot, Robert & Co 9^, 97, 117
Eviston, M. J 114
Eviston, Thos. H 114, 148, 190, 301
Eviston, J. W., Sr 1 14
Eviston, J. W., Jr 114
Emery, Edward II9
Esch, John 128
Elmore, Geo. M 131
Ehlman, M. D 146
Everts, Chas. P 150
Edgerton, Mrs. H. K 157
Excursion to Beaver Dam 163
Evins, Wm 188
Emmons, N. J ... 204
Egbert H. Smith Outdone 241
Early Shipbuilding 285
Ellsworth, Lemuel 288
Elevator A (now C) Built 295
Evins, Geo. W 358
FoUansbee, A 16
Finch, Asahel, Jr '7»36, 412
Fire Department 28, 77, 148, 195.263,312, 378
Foote, Erastus 26, 77, 141, 191, 310, 311
Fisher, Geo 27, 77, 109, 148
Fratney, F 27
Fillmore, J. S 28
Fowler, Henry 28, 151
Fitzgerald, Garrett M 29, 78, no, i$\
Featherstonhaugh, Geo. W 371
Freeman, Chas. F 32, 226
First Snow-fall 60, 112, 172, 239
454 INDEX.
Fowler, Albert 60, 62, 64
Fox, Mrs. Harriett 61
Fire 71, 139
Fitch, W.J 87
Fight With a Burglar loi
Flertzheim, A 124
Frank, August 126
French, Edgar D 128
French, Orvis 128
Fess, Henry, Jr 138
Flint, J. G 139
Flint, W. G 140
Flynn, las 149
Funeral ol Solomon Juneau 173
Fellenz, John 255
Farmin, Capt. S 286
Fitzgerald, J. P 293
Farnswortb, Wm 296
Fowler, Wm. H... I 297
Fowler, Alonzo. . .1 297
Furlong, William 363
Foley, Jas 383
Furlong, John 407
Fowler, U. W 423
Great Fire of March, i860 381
Gardner, Ezra L. H 191, 222, 310, 311, 319, 374, 375
Goodman, Wm. E 16, 36, 102
Graham, W. W 147
Goodrich, J. C 28, 69, 71, 77, 148
Grange, Richardson 19
Geisburg, Chas 26
Goodall, Ira E 26, 69, 77, 148
Gregory. J 29, 78, 151
Goodrich, J 36
Greeves, IJoct. Jas. P 42
Gates, L. M 49
G0II& Frank 57
Goodrich, Timothy W '^» 57« '26, 131, 132
Greenleaf, F. H 77, 149
Grant, S. B 78, i^fif I48, 190
Griggs, H. C 97
Green, S. M 108, 229
Greulich, August 125, 148, 187, 191, 244, 245
Gunthcr, F 131
Goodrich, E. H 138
Great Military Parade 154
Goss, Owen 157, 334
Goodrich, I. G 175
Gunnison, Austin 183
Gunnison, H. W 184
(lunnisun. Olivet W 184
Goetz, A. W , .210
Grading Wisconsin Street 237
Geo. S. Mallory on the Warpath 256
Gilson, Alfred 286
Grain in Store 308
Goes, Frederick 349
Hadley, Jackson, 15, 16, 26. 27, 69, 77, 78, 125
147, 148, 149, 167, 171, 190, 191, 245, 251, 253, 256, 280, 301
Hunter, Rev. Eli S 16, 131
INDEX. 455
Haskins, J. W i6, 17
Hagerty, Timothy 15
Horn, F. W 15
Hubbell, Levi 24
Houghton, Richardson 26, 77, 145
Hayden, J 26, 244, 302
Humphrey, Capt. Jaspei 26, 1 10, 135, 148, 154, 187
Holland, Carleion 26, 77. 135
Hathaway, Joshua 20
Heartle, H 26, 77, 145, 148. 167, 187
Holland, Wm u 27, 77, 148
Hill, P. B 27, 78, 148, 407
Hale, P. C 32, 72
Hall, S. C 35
Holton, E. U 36»97» «>8, 35»
Horning, F. Y 45
Hiedie, H. C 50
Hunn, W. S 54
Hull, D. P 56, 72
Heath, Dr. Jas 60
Haisler, M 92
Holms, J. M 96
Helfenstein, J. A 99, 148, 285
Harris, J. S 102
Harrison, S. A 108, 228, 231
Hale, O.J 108
Hardy, J 109, 128
How is dose no
Huebschman, F no, 112, 222, 225, 226
Herman C. Adams Shot 112
Hibbard, W. B 117, 204
Haulmann, F. A 121
Harris, J. P 121
Hawkins, Wm. A 125, 135, 154
Hewitt, A[ E 130
Hoffman, J. C ^ 130
Hamilton, Chas. S 132
Hill, Horatio 138, 165
Higby, L. J 138, 151
Hewitt, G. P 138
Hibbard, R 146
Houghton, R. P 146
Houghton, Geo. G 146, 384, 385
Hoover, J. A 148
Holland, W. H M9
Hooker, S, T 151
Hill, J. F 165
Hibbard, C. F 210
Hooker, D. G 227
Hanrahan, M 244
Hathaway, J. L 261, 303
Hinesdale, W. L 261
Hotel Wettstein Opened 283
Hackett, Richard 296
Hasse, Ed 301
Horse Overboard 308
Hillmantel, H 310, 312, 385
Hall, S. C 323
How a Milwaukee Carpenter Got a Floor Taken Up 334
Hurd, L. H 339
456 INDEX.
Hiles, John 341
Hundhausen, F. W 377
Hcrzer, Ernst 394
Highway Robbers 401
Hollister, Mrs. Mary 412
Hassee, Henry 424
Issuing Bonds ' 21
Improvements 54, 95» "5» >75. 234, 294, 353, 3.S4, 355» 356, 403, 404
Imbushy J. G 78, 204, 310
Insurance Board Organized 99
Ice, Thickness of 173
Investigating Committee's Report 226 to 251
Ice Leit the River 14, 68, 187, 244, 300, 373
In the Lobby 395
In Memoriam 405
IngersoU, A. M 410
Jenkins, Chas. E 17, 26, 27, 78, 149, 167
acks, R. C 28, 30, 57, 77, 149
ames, Chas 29. 60, 6z, 78, 150
ennings, John 30, 148, 190, 191
Johnson, Ralph j6
Juneau's Log House 60
Justices 27, 77, 148, 192, 262,313, 378
Jennings, R. P 128, 273
ohnston, John 135, 137
Johnson, S. R 146
Johnson, W. B 146
Johnston, Alex 148, 191
Jung, F. J 148, 149, 167
Johnson, Dr. Jas 149, 252
udd, Stoddard 163
Johnson, Thos 182
Jacobus, P 191
Johnson, D. H * 218
judge Hubbell Buys a New Milch Cow 276
Jones, J. M 286
Jones, BuelB 288
Joys, Andrew M 293
John T. Perkins Wants More Light , 321
Judd, Truman H 341
Judson, John B •. 360
Judge Foote's Court Abolished 390
Jasper Vliet's Safe Attached 380
Jennings, R. D 409
Jennings, E. C 433
King, Rufus 27,30,31, 57, 76, 78, 79, 147, 177, 381
Kibourn, Byron 26, 117, 138, 163
Kuehn, Ferdinand 26, 77, 148, 149, 167, 245,256, 377
Kane, A. L --.. 26,77, '^o
Koch, A 28
Kern, C. J 29, 78, 149, 150, 301
Kimball, R. N 35
Kennedy, L 44
Kittridge, W. E 48, 410
Kellogg, L. H 55, 138, 227
Kennedy, D 77
Kluppach, M no
Knukle, Wm no
Kane, Philander I20
Kane, Sanford R 120
INDEX. 457
Kroeger, H 129
Kneeknd, Jas 140
Kline, J 148
Kasten, C. F 151
Keyes, D. W 161, 410
Kershaw, C. J 165
Keogb, 'JTios 189, 252
Keogh, Ed 190
Koehlcr, L. 201
Kean, Michael .- 204
Keogh, Matt 310
Kern, John B. A 335
Krug, August 347
Kendrick, Wm 400
Kendrick, Wm. J 407
Kendrick, Chas. D 407
Ludington, Harrison 423
Ludington, Jas 17, 26, 45, 46, 77
Lapham, I. A 26, 77, 148, 149* 231* 30>
Langworlhy, A. J 30» 44. 149. 377
Lalhrop, Joseph 31
Lincoln, L 37
Larrigo, C. A 37
Light House Located 40
Lee, Williams - 42
Lockwood, J 46, 116, 394.397. 398
Lawry, J. M 48
LeCount, W 49
Luening, Dr. F. A 50
Levy, Simon 50
Lynde, W. P 55.6$. "6,252, 377, 391
Lee, llios 57
Layton, F 59
LeTendree J. B 61
Loomis, L.G 64
Lane, Chas 65, 149
Lee, Chas 65
Ludwig, N 77i H9
Leeland, A. G 93
Lee, L. L .95, 138
Lawrence, J. M 108, 191
Lynch, R. B no, 261, 312
Lusciimb, S. D 139
I^rkins, C. H 148, 149, 227
Lowther, J 148, 236
Liebhaber, J. A 150
Loomis, Dr. H 157
LaDue, Joshua 166, 377
Layton, J 171
Locomotive Works 1 72
Lawrence, ITieodore 288
Lydston, F. A 294
LeDroit, Chas. E 396
Ledyard, J. W 381
Lowry, J. M 409
Lennox, B. G 48, 410
Legislature (Names of Members) '5» 69, 125, 187,244,300, 367
Martin, Jas. B 15, 59, 116
McGarry, E 15. 27. 69, 78, 251, 390
Milwaukee Hydraulic Company 16
468 INDEX.
Martin, S. H I9» 27» 5^i 235» S^i
Miller, A. G 22, 23, 79
Mitchell. J 120
Messenger, J. A 24
Masou, Thob 24
Municipal 26, 72, 147, 245, 261, 369
Mallory, Geo. S 26,28,77, 145, 148, 149, 154,225, .S77
Murphy, D 26
Maloy, Pat 27
Meyer, Chas 27, 77, 145, 147, 191
Morris, Louis 28
Miller, Capt. H 30
M. & M. K. R. Report 33
Merrill, S. S 35» 47» 90» I59. <6i
Mitchell, Alex 36, 116, 135, 136, 181,296,422, 423
Milwaukee's Second Great Fire 4I
Mallory, J. S 42, 150, 396
Mygatl, G. W 42, 45, 57, 58, 125, 255
McCoy, John 424
Myrose, G 43
Merrill, J. B 43, 286
Metcalf. WiUiamH 54, 98
Murry. Jas 57, 307
Mack Bros 57
Mill Built 59
Miles, F. B 59
Magie, Jas 64
McCollom, J 65
McGregor, J. P 103, 166, 422
Milwaukee in 1825 60
Mayor's Proclamation 75
Mentzel, Gregor '. 92
Millman, H 77, 145, 148
McCormack, Andrew 77, 125, 187, 190, 191,245,255, 301
Martineau, Peter 77
Meyer, Enno 78
Mitchell, Andrew 26,27, 77, 145, 149, 154, 168, 225
Milwaukee Locomotive Company 95
Marine Disasters 109
Miller, B. K 116, 227
Marine List 123
Maxfield, J. B 130
Morse, Samuel 130
Merrill, David 135, 285, 293
Merrill, W. P >35» 35>» 423
Medbury, J. B 138
Markey, Pat 147, 191
Merrill, Fliram 154, 252
Marnell, L 148, 149
Messenger, R.N 148, 164
Meyer, A 148, 149
Moore, Hezekiah 149
Martin, C. K 150
McQuillan, P 150
Milwaukee & Watertown R. K ., When Organized 164
Milwaukee & Horicon R. R., Names of Directors 164
Marquis, J 169
Mix & Boynton 170
Mitchell, J. S 187, 267
Matthews, E. P 199, 357
INDEX. 459
Matthews, A. K i-- 199
Matthews, Q. A 200
Montgomery, F. W. &Co 210
MerrilPs Cornet Band, Members' Names 219
Merrill, N 220
Municipal Rascality Unearthed 222, 372
May, A. C 236, 381
McAlister, Jas j 307
Meyer, Christian 312
Milwaukee Light Guard Visit New Yoik 32 1
McBride, Capt. Jas 331
McGeoch, Peter 3 ^9
Moss, Chas. H 341
Melms, Chas. P 344
Miller, F 349
Market House Remodeled ." 350
Mabbit, Hiram • 357
Morse, William 360
Mix, E. T 370
Milwaukee's Third Great Fire 381 lo 341
Miller, Roswell 409
Merrill, A. F 410
Morrison, W. R 410
Meyer, P. M 410
Milwaukee's Semi-Centennial ^ 42 1 10 448
Nazro, H. J 15, 43
Nieman, D. N 28, 49, 77, 1 74
New Military Company — Names of Members 30
Nowell, J '. 32
Nazro, J 35, 138, 148
Neikerk, F 50, 344
New Warehouse 58
Newhall. D 58, 138, 285
Nichol, P 77
Nash, C. D 103, 209, 236
Nichols, H. A 107, 138
Norris, Chas. W 109
Noonan, J. A in, 112
Noyes, Wm. A 24, 398
Noyes & Flertzheim 124
New Wood Yard 142
New Bridge 142
Nunnemacher, H 1 54
Nunnemacher, Rudolph 126
Nute, Beiij 151
Norris, G. D v 165
Nash, A. E 177
New Year's Calls 183
Newhall House 208 to 2 1 1
Newhall House — When Burned 210, 213
Nicolet, Joseph 295
Not a Bit Scared 35 1
Northrop, Nelson H 358
Newbre, Lester G • 361
Nichols & Britt'sMill Burned 402
Ogden, W. B 14, 94
Opening Address '3. 67, 124, 181, 243, 298, 366
O'Neil, Edward 15, 69, 78, I2j, 149, 187
Oakley, Geo. F 18, 358, 360
460 INDEX.
Olin, C. C - 24
Owens, R. G • 26
O'Brien, r 26, 29, 77, 78, 148, 150, 190, 191
Olin, D. A , 35
Orton, J. C 65
Opening of the L. S. R. R 93
Ogdcn, J., Sr 129
Ogden, J. Jr 129
Ogden, Henry 130
Ogden, Geo 129
Opening Excelsior Block 168
Ogden, P. L iSi
Ogden, Samuel M '. i82
O'Brien, J 187, 269
Opening, of the Newhall 203
Opening of the Atlantic Cable 269
Obituary 284
Oregon Manufactory 296
O'Brien, J 286
Paine, Halbert E 231
Paine, Jas. H., 23, 251, 351, 400
Pardee, J. S - 26
Powers, Haven 27, 77, 78
Parsons. Oliver 27, 77, 148
Place, C. A 27, 49, 79
Pomeroy, F. C 27, lie
Public Schools 27, 79, 149, 194, 314, 385
Pereles, Nathan 2S, 217, 225
Page, H. L 28, 78, 167, 310, 311, 318, 321
Paving Streets 38
Powers, D. G 42
Pollelt, D. S ^ 42
Pfister, G 43
Pierce, Mrs. W : 45
Perry, W. R 49
Prentiss, Wm. A 49, 52, 255, 261, 281, 303, 423
Pfiel, Gustav 50
Pratt, W. H 56
Palmer, Edwin 58, 125, 236, 301
Phelps, Daniel 65
Philip, August 71, 154
Police Court 72, 308
Philological -. 85
Plankinton, J 108, 116, 134, 138, 148, 171, 177, 185, 191, 255, 358, 398
Plankinton, Wm 108, 179
Pillsbury, O 108
Peckham, Geo. A 116
Preusser, Gustav .* 118, 1 19
Preusser, Christian 118, 119
Post, O. H 127
Public Market 135
Pierce, R. VV 139
Portner, Adam I48
Parsons, W. G 150
Palmer, H. L 161, 167, 311
Paige, Michael 167
Potter, J. F 171
Policemen, No. of 192, 398
Payne, H. C 211
INDEX. 461
Pcrelcs, T. J 218
Pereles, J. M 218
Propellors, Na of.-.* 240
Phelps, J. A 268
Porter, Capt. Jas 285
Porter, Capt. William 285
Paul, Geo. H 286
Pahlow, Luuis 293
Pierce, Jonathan L 294
Pat McGinnis Makes a Speech 326
Pabst, Capt. Frederick 344
Population 353
Pautke, Ed. H 363
Political Ruffianism 392
Political Skullduggery 393 to 397
Prior, H. C 409
Place, C. H 406
Quentin, Chas 175, 225
Quinn, Jeremiah 184
Removal of the Court House 273
Retirement of Matthew Keenan 279
Reply of William A. Prentiss 281
Rood, Sidney L. 321
Rublee, Horace 324
Rockwell, Henry H 341
Riedelschoefer, Herman 344
Railroad Commissioners, Names of 26, 77, 148, 192, 263, 313, 378
Riddel, Theodore I... 16
Reed, D. C 17, 135, 148, 167, 191, 256
Rugee, John I7» 5^. 235, 255
Rogers, Jas. H »7f 43» io8
Rugee, J. C 19
RycraU,J 24,55, 5«
Rice, Abram 204
Ray, Adam E • 35
Rebuilding the Burned District 44
Roddis, T. H 45
Rock, L. B 47, 409
Rattinger, Carl 50, 129
Roddis, Edwin 56
Rice, C. L 56, 71
Ripley, F. J 64
J<eports 69,245,246, 300
Ray, Chas 89, 108
Rosebeck, J ...77. 135, 145, 154, 329, 367, 394, 395, 399
Reynolds, Edwm 104
Rice, Jas 109
Randall's Affidavy ill
Roundy, J. A 56
Richards, D. H 164, 165
Ross, C. H 210
Report at Albany Hall 222
Rundle, J. P 268
Richard Cleary Jumps in the River 221
Rindskopf, L 296
Shaw, Daniel 20, I id
Searched the Wrong Man 21
School Commissioners, Names of 26, 78, 149, 193, 262, 314, 378
School Houses 28, 79, 314
Supervisors, Names of 28,78, 150, 162,264,314, 378
Shultie, V 26, 77, 145
29
462 INDEX.
Schultz, D 26, 148, 252
Sawyer, A 26, 39, 339
Smith, Albert 27, 77, 148, 310
Starkweather, J. C 31, 161, 175, 321, 322
Spencer, R. C 37, 38
Spencer, Piatt. R 37
Steinhart, J 42
Shoyer, E. M 42, 45
Shoyer, S 42, 115
Silkman, J , 42, 45
Shepardson, C 44, 175, 285
Sexton, L 45, 138, 151
Southwell, Geo 45
Sheriff, Jas 45
Sanborn, J. S 49
Schwartinf?, H 50, 71, 77, 147, 191, 261
Shadbolt, J 55
Sperry, Abel 56
Sham way, C. M 65
Smith, J. B 65, 164
Scholes, Chas. C 69
Smith, Jas 84
Smith, Jabez M 91
Sebastopol vs. the Straight Cut 91
Stone, Matthias 92
Shorten, J 77, I45» 148. 167
Sprague, Ralph 77
Simpson, J 95
Strong, Moses M 187
Sharpstein, J. R ill, 230
Shute, W. B 229
Spence, Thos : 268
Sibley, D. D 55
Seaman & Wing 95
Scott, Geo - 99
Saville, Jas...: ..'. 103
Shaughnessy, Thos no
Stark, Joshua 125
Salomon, Louis 126
Salomon, Rudolph 127
Skidmore, B 127, 148
Stephenson, Thos. H 128
Smith,P. M 129
Strong, R. H 138
South Side Gas Works 154
Skinner, L. N 155, 406
Schoeffle, J 148
Schandein, Emil 149, 344
Scott, M. S 151
Sill, Wm. R 163
Starkweather, Geo. A i8a
Sinchur, Wm. M 184
Seeman, C ^ 191
Sherman, S. S --- 209
Small, Simeon N 209
Sercomb, J 255
Smith, Stephen R 292
Smith, Angus 295
Smith, Abram D 296
Swain, Jas. A 3^'
St. Andrew's Society Formally Organized 307
INDEX. 463
Siddel, Jas 307
Sweet, Alanson 312
School Census 315
Stevens, J. C 323
Sam Piatt Gets a Bible 329
Sanderson, Edward 338
Sanderson, William 338
Stim, B 340
Sanger, Rockwell & Co 340
Sivyer, William 356
Sid. Rood's Game Cock '. 371
Stewett, Herman 388
Skinner, Morgan L 405
Skinner, Chas. D 406
Stone, W. L 410
Smith, Winfield 400
Strong, Reuben 400
Simonds, Chauncey 422, 423
Smith, U. B 423
Statistical 357
The Glover Rescue 22
Tichcnor, M 24
Trowbridge, W. S 26, 77, 147, 191
Tracy, L.M 30
Taintor, Wm 35
The First Large Glass ; 39
The Shepardson House 45
The Cloven Foot Appears 49
Thompson, J 65
Trumbull. J 65
The Old Hospital 66
Townsend, Edward 72, 310
ITie Hog and Cow Nuisance 85, 326, 391
The Marshal Refuses to Act 85
The Reliance Works , 103
The Ice Bear 107
The Sebastopol 109
Taberner, W iio
The Steamer Boston Lost no
The Sag Nicht no
The Evistons* 114
The First Bridge Superintendent 115
Tibbets, F. G 116
Trowell, Capt. Jas. M 123, 179, 180
Tif&ny, Geo. A 414
Terry, Frank H 126, 131, 132
Tracy, Geo 130
The Star Mills 140
Trial of Old Jones 141
The Propellor Allegany 286
Taylor, Jonathan 142, 148, 149, 167, 187, 190 191
The Old Military Hall 151
The Golden Gate Saloon 156
The Dean Richmond Goes to Europe 165
Tweedy, J. H 175, 225,252, 423
The Albany 181, 294
The People Begin to Wake Up 189
The New Postmaster 196
Tice, B. K 213
The Murry Block 23
The Growth of the City -' 23
464 INDEX.
The First Ward Cemetery 241
The Harbor Contract Enjoined -. 258
The Glorious Fourth 267, 325
The Fall Campaign 274 10 270
The Milwaukee Ship Yard Company 293
lliose Early Sheboygan Houses 296
The New Charter , 301
The Mayor's Report 303. 316
They all Defaulted , 306
Tlie M. S. Scott Goes to Europe 323
The Addie Goes to Providence 323
Thorsand, John 323
The Germans in America 323
The Rink Tum Spoodle Whangers 325
The Horse Railroad Makes Its First Trip 329
ITie Steamers Detroit and Milwaukee Arrive 330
That Duel on the Lake Shore 333
The Way he Sang It and the Way It Read 334
The Eagle Mill 335
The Phoenix Mill 338
The Kilbourn Mill 339
The Daisy Mill ■ 339
The Phillip Best Brewing Co 344
ITic Schlitz Brewery 347
The Blatz Brewery 348
The Franz Falk Brewery 349
They Are Passing Away 358
Tiscnafer, Henry 363
Tesch, T. H 377, 396
Trial of Jehu M. Lewis 384
llie Third Ward Market 390
The Horse Railroad Craze 391
The Lady Elgin Goes Down 404
l^e Original Town Records 416 to 421
The Semi-Centennial 421 to 448
Upman, Herman 26
Utley, Chas. P 4^1 49» 409
Upham, D. A. J 64
Uncle Sam's Jurors 8s
Uihlein, Henry 348
Uihlein, Alfred 348
Uihlein^ August 348
Uihlein. F. 6 348
Vance, F. L 31, 32
Vance, Chas 31, 32
Vance, David 31, 32
Van Cott, A. B 39
Van Dyke, J. H 57
Vessel Tonnage 60
Vliet, Jasper 69
Vliet, J. B 163
VanSlyck,J 77, 147
Vliet, Garret 165
Velton, Jacob 227
Vilification 265
Von Baumbach, M 311
Van Schaick, Isaac 338
Van Vechten, Peter, Scores the News 383
Webster, N 138
Weather 15, 122, 125, 172, 183,239,244,280, 299
Wells, D. L 18, 145, 229, 233
INDEX. 465
Wolcott, E. B ..23, 35, 335
Walworth, Clinton .« 26, 51, 77, 147, 167, 191
Wonderly, Dr. E 26, 251
Whitehead, Robert 26, 77, 79, 147, 148
West, S. C 26
Weisner, Ed 29, 72, 78
Walker, Geo. H 35
Wall, Caleb 42, 198, 353i 354» 39'
Wells, W. S 42
Worthington, E 44
Wlieeler, A .' 44, 99
Whaling, W.J 44, I38» I5<
WilUams, Thos. P 46, 93. 100, 166, 286
Wells, H. N., Famous Cow Case^ 52
Weiskirk, E 56
Weeks, Dr. L. W 57, 204, 327
White, Mrs. Theresa 61, 62
Wolf, W. H 64
WederhoflF, H 65
Wheeler, C. H 94*95, ^86
Webb, John 95
Walton, W. B 102, 235
Whitcomb. CD 108
Warner, C 110
White, John no, 166
Warren, Hewitt & Tracy 130
Webber, Julius 131
Whettimore, A 138
Wasson, R 150
Woodward, Geo. A 26, 167, 310, 414
Waldo, O. H 175, 222, 301
Warner, J 182
Wells, D. Jr 209, 422
Wheeler. L. A 210
Walsh, Patrick ^. 244, 301
W0II& Davidson's Ship Yard 286
Wolf, Wm. H 288
Walter, Joseph 301
Wouldn't Call Him Judge 350
Winter Coming 353
Wood and Hay Market Established in 3d Ward 401
Wardner, Fred 4''»1, 413
Whaling. J. P 409
Winne, W. N. D 410
Wells, Daniel Mrs 410
Wardner, Jas. A 414
Wardner, Edward B 414
Young, W. P 17, 56, 138, 184, 349
Yale, Philetus W 42
Yates, Peter 92, 93
Yale, W. W 77
Young, William 120
Zander, J. B 65, 310
2^11nor, B 126
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