Columbia County, Wisconsin - Chapter 10: The City of Portage, 1880 (part 3 of 3)

The Fire Department And Fire Record

The frequency of destructive conflagrations in Portage, for ten years succeeding the burning of the old United States Hotel, in 1851, warned the citizens of the urgent necessity for protection of their property against the ravages of the " fire fiend." The fearful consequences that might result from delay in taking precautionary steps were often depicted in the columns of the local press, but not until 1863 was the repeated warning heeded. On the 6th of June, of that year, the Council, under the provisions of the recently amended charter, organized a fire department, with the following officers : Chief Engineer, James Collins ; Assistant, L. T. Mead ; Treasurer, John Graham ; Secretary, S. S. Brannan ; Fire Wardens, S. E. Dana and Carl Haertel. The lack of implements appertaining to the business of fighting fire, seriously militated against the efficiency of the department, the first year of its existence. In the spring of 1864, the citizens clubbed together and purchased an old hand engine, then in use in Milwaukee. Oregon Company, No. 1, was then organized, with the following officers : Foreman, John Curry ; Assistant, John Schliessman ; Hose Captain, F. Burback ; Secretary, V. Helmann ; Treasurer, P. McGinn ; Marshal, John Coleman ; Steward, M. Huber. Among the other members of the company, will be remembered J. 0. Mullen, Peter Mahon, Patrick Sheehan, M. and N. Brand, Andrew Kiefer, Thomas Maloney, John White and Joseph Lynn. The engine was housed in a building located where Lewis' lumber-yard now is. The company proved itself a very useful institution, and flourished until about two years ago, when it was disbanded, owing to the organization of new companies.

In November, 1871, Hook and Ladder Company, No. 1, came into existence, through the efforts of certain citizens, whose names appear among the early officers and members. The first officers were: Foreman, William Hensel; First Assistant, Charles Prehn ; Second Assistant, Frank Tessman ; Secretary, A. Kiefer ; Treasurer, Joseph Hubel. The present officers are : Foreman, William Hensel ; First Assistant, Antoine Bartl ; Second Assistant, Charles Haertel,

Jr. ; Secretary, A. Kiefer ; Treasurer, Louis Prehn ; Marshal, F. W. Schuabel ; Steward, H. Hermann. The company now consists of fifty-eight members.

In 1874, the city purchased a " Champion Fire Extinguisher," paying therefor $2,200, Excelsior Engine Company, No. 2, having previously been organized from among the citizens to man it. The first oiBcers of the company were : Foreman, Alexander Thompson ; First Extinguisher Captain, Thack Fool ; Second, William Beattie ; Secretary, Henry Williams ; Treasurer, Thack Pool ; Steward, William Beattie. The company flourished until the Silsby steamer was bought, when gratitude for the services of its valiant members seems to have turned to admiration for the new " machine." Two years ago, a fireman's tourney took place on the fair grounds. Two old houses were fired, and while every one was watching the " Silsby boys " get ready to make the attack upon one of the burning buildings, the Excelsior crowd put out the fire in the other, thus winning the silver cup that had been offered as a prize to the most efficient company. The citizens were greatly surprised, but, nevertheless, interest has waned in the Excelsior's " soda fountain," notwithstanding the fact that the feats performed by those who manipulate it have been little less than miracles.

Silsby Steamer Company, No. 3, was organized in October, 1877. A first-class engine was purchased for the very small sum of $5,500 (the regular price being $7,500), owing to competition on the part of the Ahrens managers. The first officers of the company were: Foreman, V. E. Brewer ; First Assistant, D. M. Neill ; Second Assistant, William Edwards ; Secretary, John Lewis ; Treasurer, D. M. Neill. The ofiicers for 1878-79 were the same, with the exception of Secretary, C. P. Jreger succeeding Mr. Lewis in the latter year. The present officers are : Foreman, V. E. Brewer ; First Assistant, A. A. Sherett ; Second Assistant. F. L. Jones ; Secretary, Frank Wilkie ; Treasurer, C. P. Jaeger. There are now thirty-eight members in the company.

The building in which the city's fire paraphernalia is housed is one of the landmarks of Portage. It stood formerly on the east side of the canal, and was occupied by Mr. Berry as a store on the lower floor, the upper portion being used for county oSices. In 1866, the Liederkranz Society pui-chased and moved it to a lot near the present site of James Collins' residence. It became the property of the city in 1874, and was removed to its present site.

As has been shown, the fire department was organized in June, 1863. The next election of officers of which there is any record was held in March, 1865, with the following result : Chief Engineer, Peter Karsh ; Assistant, J. B. Cromwell ; Treasurer, John Graham ; Secretary, Andrew Kiefer; Fire Wardens, Charles Haertel and W. W. Corning.

1868 - Chief, John Currie ; Assistant, Patrick Sheehan ; Treasurer, John Graham ; Secretary, A. Kiefer ; Wardens, C. Haertel and S. E. Dana.

1869 - Chief. John Currie ; Assistant, F. Burback ; Treasurer, John Graham ; Secretary, A. Kiefer; Wardens, Henry Bolting and S. S. Brannan.

1870 - Chief, John Currie ; Assistant, Charles Haertel ; Treasurer, John Graham ; Secretary, A. Kiefer ; Wardens, Henry Bolting and S. S. Brannan.

1871. - Chief,* S. S. Brannan ; Assistant, Charles Hpertel ; Treasurer, John Graham ; Secretary, A. Kiefer ; Wardens, Henry Bolting and Cornelius Wheeler.

1872. - Chief, Owen Hogan ; Assistant, Charles Hrertel ; Treasurer, John Graham ; Secretary, A. Kiefer ; Wardens, John Dullighan and Henry Bolting.

1873. - Chief, James Fyfe ; Assistant, Evan Arthur ; Treasurer, C. Wheeler ; Secretary, A. Kiefer ; Wardens, John Dullighan and Henry Bolting.

1878. - Chief, W. Hensel ; Assistant, Alexander Thompson ; Treasurer, R. A. Sprecher ; Secretary, C. H. Tasker ; Wardens, George Bohag and Louis Blakewall.

1879. - Chief, Alexander Thompson ; Assistant, Jacob Best ; Treasurer, R. A. Sprecher ; Secretary, V. E. Brewer ; Wardens, A. Kiefer and John Bean.

United States Hotel, February 2, 1851. The hotel was under the management of Lee & Mitchell, and was then considered one of the institutions of Portage. The loss was about $6,000 ; insured for ^3,000. It was rebuilt at once, and opened with a grand ball January 8, 1852.

Fort Winnebago, March 31, 1856. The fire broke out in the north wing of the buildings formerly occupied as officers' barracks, destroying most of the old landmarks of early days. The buildings were mostly occupied by private families.

Lee House saloon, December 20, 1857. Two of Col. Orton's performing lions, housed in the establishment at the time, were liberated at the time to save them. The ground being covered with snow, they were easily recaged by their trainer, Charles Tubbs, when the fire was extinguished. Loss, $750 ; uninsured.

Dean & Smith's foundry and machine-shop, August 21, 1861. It is believed the building was struck by lightning. Loss estimated at $20,000 ; insured for $5,000. Thirty men were thrown out of employment.

Railroad depot and other buildings, January 19, 1863 - a very disastrous fire - destroying property to the extent of $30,000. It originated in W. D. Fox's storehouse at the west end of the depot, and spread to the depot building and eating-house ; thence to the saloons of Carl Schneider and T. V. Derkson. S. S. Case's elevator building was the next to catch. In it were stored about ten thousand bushels of wheat and barley belonging to diifei'ent parties.

The Columbia County Jail, December 24, 1864. Set on fire, it is believed, by prisoners, who tried to burn a hole in the floor, in order that they might escape.

Extensive conflagration on Cook street, July 7, 1866, resulting in the destruction of the following buildings and stores : Robert Norris' grocery, Morris Collins' grocery, James Malcolmson's second-hand store, Louis Eltermann's jewelry store, (over which resided George Helmann, the owner of the building), William Niemeyer's confectionery store, John Verson's harness-shop and residence, Andrew Kiefer's barber-shop and residence, and Donald Ferguson's residence. Mrs. Wightman's millinery store was saved by the eflbrts of a large number of ladies, who formed a line reaching to the canal and passed water in buckets to quench the flames that threatened their favorite temple of fashion.

A large frame building belonging to N. H. Wood, burned January 27, 1869, while being removed from the First to tlie Fourth Ward. Loss, $300 ; uninsured.

Ellsworth House, barn, property of Mr. McDonald, November 15, 1875. Four horses and three cows burned to death. 1 John Ringner's house, near Carnagie's planing-mill, February 3, 1876.

E. A. Wells' residence, built in 1857 at a cost of $3,550, May 7, 1879 ; no insurance. Liederkranz Society's building, occupied by A. Matthieson, tailor. May 22, 1879 ; insurance, $500.

Barns of Mr. Pauley and Mr. Zastrow, in the First Ward, May 80, 1879. Unoccupied house of Mr. Chase, in the First Ward, January 10, 1880. Unoccu]iied buildings at east end of the Wisconsin Street Bridge, owned by Mary A. Keegan, March 9, 1880 ; uninsured.

The Columbia County Bank was started as a banking institution in 1853 by Marshal & Ilsley, of Milwaukee, and the late Harrison S. Haskell, the latter having charge of the business. May 1, 1854, it was regularly incorporated with Samuel Marshall as President, and H. S. Haskell as Cashier ; capital, $25,000. In the spring or summer of 1855, Fred. S. Ilsley went into the bank as teller or assistant cashier. At this time Mr. Haskell's brother, Harvey, was also connected with the bank as book-keeper. In October, 1855, Mr. Haskell sold out his stock in the bank and retired. John P. McGregor then bought in and became Vice President; F. S. Ilsley being cashier and also a stockholder, and James Chancellor was book-keeper. In 1857, John S. Henderson went into the bank as a clerk. In 1858, F. S. Ilsley sold out his stock, and John S. Henderson became acting cashier. In 1859 or 1860, Horace E. Wells became a stockholder and cashier, Marshall & Ilsley having sold out their interest entirely, and Mr. Mitchell became book-keeper. About 1863, Henderson's health failed, and he left the bank, going to California, and Joseph Hainsworth came in as assistant cashier. In 1864, Theodore Goldsmith was engaged as clerk, and afterward was assistant cashier. About 1865, Horace E. Wells sold out his stock, and J. P. McGregor became the sole stockholder, and in 1866-67 Hainsworth left, going to Kilbourn to start the Bank of Kilbourn. A year or so afterward, C. Wheeler became cashier, and a year later W. M. Patton became assistant cashier. In the panic of 1873, the bank failed and went into the hands of receivers, who wound it up.

Bank of Porta<ie. - This bank is also numbered among the financial institutions that became victims of panics. It was organized in 1857, with D. Vandercook as President, and H. L. Norton, Cashier. E. 0. Emerson, who was its President and chief owner when it failed, is now paying the creditors of the Portage Bank. He is living in Titusville, Penn., and makes regular remittances to LI. Breese and L. W. Barden, his appointed agents in Portage, who distribute the funds equitably among the creditors.

City Bank of Portage. - Incorporated April 16, 1874. Commenced business May 4, of the same year, with the following directory: R. B. Wentworth, W. D. Fox, E. L. Jaeger,

A. Weir, R. 0. Loomis and LI. Breese. The oiBcers were: LI. Breese, President; E. L. Jaeger, Vice President; R. B. Wentworth, Cashier. There has been but one change in the A. Weir being succeeded by W. S. Wentworth, and but one in the oflBcers, W. S. Wentworth succeeding his father as cashier. The capital stock is $25,000. Located in Vandercook's Block.

German Exchange Bank of Portage. - A private banking institution established by Haertel & Schulze, in 1874, with a capital of $20,000, Charles Haertel, President, and F. W. Schulze, Cashier. Upon the death of Mr. Haertel, Mr. Schulze became President, and R. A. Sprecher, Cashier. Located in Haertel's Block.

Wisconsin Editorial Association

It is a matter of history that the first meeting of this well-known body was held in Portage. There were twenty-three members present, as follows : Harrison Reed, Conservator, Neenah and Menasha ; E. A. Calkins, Argus and Democrat, Madison ; J. W. Hoyt, Wisconsin Farmer, Madison ; Horace Rublee, State Journal, Madison ; Ansel N. Kellogg, Republic, Baraboo ; Frank Hyde, Express, Marquette ; J. T. Farrar, Democrat, West Bend ; L. M. Rose, Freeman, Sparta ; Horace Norton, Rara Avis, Portage ; D. McBride, Star, Mauston ; A. Holly, Mirror, Kilbourn City ; H. N. Ross, Evergreen City Times, Sheboygan ; S. D. Carpenter, Patriot, Madison ; Charles Roeser, Demokrat, Manitowoc ; F. A. Moore, Democrat, La Crosse ; A. J. Turner, R. B. Wentworth and M. M. Davis, Record, Portage ; J. A. Leonard, Republican, Waukesha ; M. M. Pomeroy, Argus, Horicon ; J. A. Brown, C. C. Britt, and J. M. Doty, Badger State, Portage ; H. E. Hascall, State Republican, Lansing, Mich., permitted to join in the proceedings by courtesy.

The meeting took place at Pettibone's Hall on the 9th of July, 1857, and was called to order by M. M. Pomeroy. Upon the motion of C. C. Britt, Harrison Reed was elected President and E. A. Calkins and A. J. Turner, Secretaries. Resolutions were passed reciting reasons why the i-ates of public printing should be increased ; calling upon the Legislature to authorize the publication, in newspapers, of all general laws passed by that body at the various sessions ; approving the system adopted by the railroad companies of cutting off the peculiar privileges of " dead heads," but protesting against the term being applied to " our brethi-en of the local press ; " condemning violations of the good old custom of sending newspapers to those who pay only in advance; recommending a discontinuance of the practice of "puffing" in general and the total exclusion of quack advertisements in particular. Scales of prices for advertising and job printing were adopted, as were also a constitution and by-laws. The following officers were elected : President, Harrison Reed ; Vice Presidents, F. A. Moore, Charles Roeser and John A. Brown; Corresponding Secretary, J. W. Hoyt; Recording Secretary, M. M. Pomeroy ; Treasurer, Alanson Holly ; Executive Committee, A. N. Kellogg and H. N. Ross. Charles D. Robinson, of the Green Bay Advocate, and Horace Rublee, of the Madison State Journal, were appointed essayist and poet respectively, and instructed to be present in Madison, at the next meeting, the third Wednesday in June, 1858, with their literary productions.

The members of the association were entertained at the residence of Mayor McGregor in sumptuous style, and, at the end of their two days' deliberation, took their departure highly pleased with their visit and convinced that all that had been said about the beauties at Portage was true.

At a subsequent meeting of the association it was decided that the members should furnish historical matters, to be read before the association, concerning the press in the respective localities respresented by them. The result was very satisfactory, and the letters of the various editors were afterward published. Here is one from John Delaney, of Portage : " Brother Hyer : In reply to your letter of inquiry I have leisure only to state that on the fourth of July, 1850, I issued the first number of the River Times. I had a short time before that come to Portage City to reside and practice law. We had everything except a newspaper to make a city. I had learned the trade at Green Bay, commencing in 1834, and on the solicitation of business men and politicians was induced to resume it for a time. I started the paper partly to advance the town, and keep up with other cities in dispensing knowledge of our advantages, and partly to give tone, so far as I could, to the politics qf the day. I had seen many of the would-be leaders of the Democratic party pandering, through a change of its creed, for the abolition vote of the State, willing to insert or strike out planks from the platform to suit the day, but still retain the name of De.mocr.\t - anything, so a numerical majority of the vote of the State could be saved to candidates for office. I foresaw that such a course must end in sectionalizing the party ; and, in disgust and indignation, did what little I could to stem the tide, with satisfaction to myself as to my own course. The Times was merged in the Badyer State in 1853. The publication of a Democratic paper was soon followed by that of a Whig paper, to carry on the political war. W. W. Noyes started the Northern Republic, a national Whig paper, in 1851.

Early Justice In Portage

Many interesting memories are extant concerning the early history of Portage. None, however, are so excruciatingly ludicrous or pathetic as those pertaining to the legal profession, concerning scenes in the early Justices' Courts. An idea of the ability of the average Justice of the Peace, in those days, may be had from the following entry made in a Justice's docket twenty-six years ago, a large number of these record-books being still in existence :

It must be remembered that the above was written before Josh Billings was heard of. In it we see traces of Nasby's style of orthography, but as there is no record of that distinguished citizen ever having visited Portage, it would be unjust to charge him with plagiarism.

In 1855, a trespass case came before a Portage Justice, the parties to the suit being well known and respected citizens. The very best legal talent in the city was engaged. Eloquence was then considered more powerful and effective than the rules of equity laid down in the books. Clients were not slow to observe this, and they generally took advantage of the strange condition of things. The defendant's counsel, for reasons of their own, obtained a change of venue to another Justice, and the Judge 1>efore whom the case originally came subsecjuently joined the counsel for plaintiff and aided in the prosecution. When the case came up it was discovered by the defense that the written complaint had been interlined and otherwise changed in favor of his opponents. The handwriting very closely resembled that of the Judge before whom the case was then on trial, and the irate attorney who made the discovery was not slow to accuse " His Honor " of having perpetrated the irregularity, for wliich mark of disrespect for the dignity of the bench he was fined $10. The implicated limb of the law arose to make an explanation, but, before he had concluded, was again fined for contempt and threatened with imprisonment if the offense was repeated. A most exciting scene then followed, resulting in the Judge being twice denominated '"an old liar," and the attorney receiving an infliction of a like number of fines, making the total penalty ^40. Amid the wildest confusion, a recess was taken, and during the interval one of the plaintiff's attorneys induced counsel on the other side to agree to a jury trial, and at the same time persuaded the Judge to remit the fines, provided defendant's counsel would make due apology. A jury of six men was accordingly summoned, and when the court convened the matter was smoothed over and the case proceeded. The entire afternoon was taken up with discursive arguments, the jury frequently leaving their seats and retiring to an adjacent saloon for '-consultation." When night came, the case was closed and the jury locked "up, but it was evident to all concerned that there would be a disagreement. Judge and counsel then adjourned to a favorite resort across the street, where they awaited the result with such anxiety as to necessitate frequent potations of gin and sugar to keep their courage up. The opposing 'counsel vied with each other in efforts to "make it pleasant for the Judge," succeeding even beyond their most sanguine expectations ; for when the short hours of the morning came his mental, physical and judicial equilibrium had given away, and after embracing each of his genial companions he insisted upon going over to the court room to re-instruct the jury. He was dissuaded from performing this unnecessary act, for the jury had agreed to disagree. When the Judge was apprised of the fact that there had been a disagreement, he assumed an air of indignation and made an attempt to be very dignified, avowing that he would "fine them for contempt of (hie) court." After falling over a chair, for which he apologized to the stove, his friends conveyed him to his home. During the night, when the prospect for a verdict was being discussed, the Judge took each of the opposing counsel aside and confidentially assured them that in case the jury disagreed he would decide the case in their favor. " Leave it to me," he said to each of them, " leave it to me, you're all (hie) right."

On another occasion, a replevin suit was up for trial, the property in dispute being a flock of sheep. The defendant's attorney, thinking to discourage his professional brother of the other side, said to him that there was no use in attempting a successful prosecution of the case, as he (counsel for defense) knew of a witness who would swear to anything necessary to insure a decision in his client's favor. Plaintifl"s attorney saw at once that there was no hope for his client in court, so he advised him to procure a wagon, and, while the case was being tried, to proceed to the premises where the sheep were, and take them, vi et armis, if necessary. As was expected, the case was decided in favor of the defendant, but the sheep were never after heard of This celebrated action has ever since been referred to as the "sheep-stealing case," and the eminent lawyer who planned the seizure of the mutton is highly esteemed, by young disciples of Blackstone, for his sagacity. There is no doubt that this case will some day be cited as a precedent.

Thomas Christopher once brought suit against Col. Tom. Reynolds, before His Honor Richard Dempsey, J. P. Hugh McFarlane was summoned as a witness. While on the stand, he claimed the right to give evidence in his own peculiar manner, to which an attorney, named Johnson, demurred. After much sparring, the witness put a quietus on the legal questioner, by saying: " If you interrupt me again, I will kick you square in the mouth."

Mr. Fry. one of the jurors, disgusted at such undignified conduct in court, rose to his feet and shouted, in a stentorian voice : " If this is to be a d d row, I am going to leave. Constable, where is my coat and hat? "

The court objected to his leaving, and ordered him to be seated, threatening a fine for contempt of court. The refractory juror politely invited him to fine and be d d, asserting that

His Honor was nothing but an old wooden head anyway. Then the court, becoming highly indignant at such insolence, ordered the juryman, in language more forcible than polite, to leave the temple of justice.

Pending the trial, it became necessary for the court to take the witness-stand and supply evidence to sustain the complainant. Tom Reynolds, the defendant, being a Justice of ?he Peace, administered the oath, and, after the direct testimony was given, another juror, named Jimmy O'Neill, cross-questioned the court. His questions were so impertinent that the witness lost all patience, and it was only by the interference of the other jurors that a fight was prevented. The verdict is not recorded.

But the members of the legal profession in Portage seldom lost control of themselves, and we know of but one fisticuff to record in which lawyers participated. The little unpleasantness grew out of a case that had came before a Portage Justice, in which a man and wife, residing in the town of Caledonia, were the defendant and plaintifi", respectively. There had been previous trouble in that household, resulting in black eyes and dislocated joints, but these are of that class of domestic infelicities that attract but little attention. This time the question of the possession of certain property was involved, and the best "legal " talent in the city had been employed on both sides. When the arguments were reached, counsel for defendant (the husband) made an eloquent appeal, on behalf of what he was pleased to call the injured man. During the forensic onslaught, plaintiff's attorney, when his antagonist became too severe upon his fair client, would pull the speaker's coat tail and otherwise attempt to disconcert him. The -Judge had observed the proceeding, and finally told the meddling attorney that his conduct was very unbecoming. Defendant's counsel continued to "warm up," not forgetting to occasionally abuse the gentleman on the other side for his unseemly interference. Pretty soon there came another tug at the coat tail, and as the speaker turned quickly around, probably to vither his opponent with a look, he received a blow square upon the nose, causing that organ to bleed copiously. Recovering himself, he knocked his assailant down, and then a rough and tumble fight took place, the belligerents both being pretty badly used. Plaintiff's counsel, being small of stature, had received a severe trouncing ; both of his eyes were closed up tight, and he had been compelled to desist because he could no longer see whom he was hitting. Peace restored, the blood was washed away, and the attorneys accompanied each other from the court room, the victor leading the vanquished to his home.

In 1858, a petty case came before a well-known Justice of the time, for equitable adjustment, the defendant in which had a wide reputation for the frequency of his appearance in court, and his uniform success in getting a verdict or decision in his favor. The case was a somewhat aggravated one, the plaintiff having hesitated for a long time before concluding to enter into legal proceedings with an adept at lawsuits. Two of the best lawyers in the city were engaged, both being men possessed of rare powers as pleaders. When the defendant laid the case before his attorney, he was told that he would be beaten, because the facts and circumstances were clearly against him.

"That's none of your d - d business," replied the client; "facts and circumstances have nothing to do with it. Pay no attention to them, but go in and attack plaintiff's lawyer and do your best; that's what I'm paying you for."

" That's right ; slaughter the other fellow with words for weapons. Smother him with technicalities. Say anything you please to him, and I'll stand by you. Don't mind the merits of the case ; I'll look out for that."

When the case came on there was a large crowd present, in anticipation of seeing the fun. The preliminaries were gone through with very quietly. The testimony was extremely favorable for the plaintiff, and it was generally conceded that he had won his case. Argument commenced with a full house, and the spectators were entertained for several hours with the most exciting debate they had ever listened to. The case was entirely lost sight of, and a fight between counsel was several times most imminent. The plea of defendant's counsel was exceptionally eloquent. When the arguments closed, the Judge arose and said :

" Gentlemen, you have tried this case remarkably well, your arguments were grand, I never lieard anything like them. But I must say the law is on the side of the defendant. Therefore, I am constrained to record my decision against the plaintiff."

Tliis disposition of the case "/as a surprise to every one, except, perhaps, the defendant. Defendant's counsel was elated over the result. He took the case with the gloomiest of forebodings; surely his eloquence had accomplished the work. He was beginning to feel himself quite a lawyer, when his client entered his office, and, laying some currency upon his table, said : or the past thirty years, the citizens of Portage have been entertained and delighted with a very superior quality of instrumental music, rendered by the members of a band whose history is somewhat remarkable.

'Che Schulze Band, the one referred to, was organized in Schmannewitz, Saxony, about 1825 It was composed of Benjamin Schulze, the father of the Schulze brothers, who have, for the past quarter of a century, been identified with the growth of Portage, and his two brothersin-law, named Wagenknecht. The instruments used were of the string and reed order, and the three musicians were always in demand at balls and such like amusements at Schmannewitz.

In 1830, they removed to Tamenheim, a small Saxon hamlet, where Mr. Schulze re-engaged in his three avocations - butchering, weaving and music teaching, and also kept a hotel, by way of relieving monotony. Three years later, bright business prospects induced a removal to Sitzenroda, also in Saxony, where, in addition to his other callings, the versatile Schulze engaged in farming.

At that date, the first son, Frederick, who is now seci-etary of the government telegraph bureau in Bautzen, Saxony, had reached his sixth year, and, having received much early training in music, was a very proficient performer on the violin.

In 1835, the second son, Charles, having also been instructed in the divine art, reached his musical majority, which, in the Schulze family, was from four to eight years. Both boys soon became widely known for their peculiar accomplishments, and, with their father, were often called to distant parts to enliven festive occasions. The diminutive stature of the two children combined to make their performances in a degree wonderful ; and, as the proud parents were blessed with increase of wealth in the way of musical prodigies of the male persuasion, the fame of the Schulze Band became almost national.

The most important period in the history of this band occurred in 1846, in the town of Mueckervena, ten miles from the abode of Benjamin Schulze, whose seventh son, Frederick W., was then but four years of age. The occasion was one of unusual import. Frederick William the Third, King of Prussia, was en route from Berlin to Deitsch, and the citizens of Mueckervena, as an exhibition of loyalty toward their sovereign, prepared to receive him in splendid style, as he passed through their humble village. By order of the Landrath (a sort of provincial satrao having jurisdiction over the district), the Schulze Band were present in full uniform, consisting of blue coats, black pants and " shako " hats.

The instruments used were a bass horn, upon which the father performed as'leader; then came Frederick, the oldest son, with a trumpet, he being a trumpeter in one of the King's artillery bands. Charles playing upon a key-horn, Henry upon a trombone, Frank and Herman upon tenor horns, and Ferdinand and Frederick William "upon French horns. They were assigned a position on the right of the procession, ranged in the order of their size, the father in front, and the mother bringing up the rear wich the eight son, Samuel, in her arms.

When the pageant came within hearing distance, the band played " Heil Dir in Sieger's Kranz," an old national hymn, and when the King's carriage drew up and stopped, the Landrath, who, it seems, must have been master of ceremonies, requested the mother of this musical family to conduct her seventh born to the King's side, which she did. The little four-year-old was almost as much of a curiosity as the King himself. He had been the recipient of $50 from His Majesty, on the occasion of his baptism, in accordance with an old German custom, which is observed by the King standing as godfather for the seventh consecutive male child of all the families within his realm, and he immediately placed himself upon the most intimate terms with the mighty monarch. " How old are you ? " queried he of the house of Hohenzollern, stroking the lad's forehead with his kingly hand. " Four years, sire," quickly retorted the .youth, at the same time making a graceful obeisance.

At this juncture of the interesting proceedings, the pent-up enthusiasm of the crowd could no longer restrain itself, and amid deafening cheers, a rush was made for the king's carriage. In the confusion, little Frederick William and his horn were thrust aside. As the procession moved slowly away. Prince Wilhelm, now Emperor of Germany, pointing to the mother, asked ; " Are you the mother of all those boys ? "' Receiving an answer in the affirmative, he replied : " I wish you eight more."'

In 1850, this "little German band," with the exception of Frederick, the eldest son, came to America. The " Amalia," the good ship which bore them across the Atlantic, was nine weeks on the voyage, but the monotony was often relieved by strains of music.

The band also played at Quebec, Buffalo, Milwaukee and other principal points, on the way to Portage, where they arrived on the 28th of July, 1850, stopping at the Franklin House. While there, they serenaded the guests of the Veeder House, the dwellers of Fort Winnebago, and some of the leading citizens, taking up a collection of $6 on the first occasion. Since then the Schulze Band has been in demand on all stated occasions, and have furnished music at different points throughout the country for celebrations, balls, etc. At the Wisconsin band conventions, held in Portage in 1877, LaCrosse in 1878, and Watertown in 1879, the Schulze Band was classed among the best of the twelve or fifteen bands present.

When President Hayes and party were in Portage in 1878, the Schulze Band occupied a position in the procession similar, in many respects, to the part they bore in the reception of the King of Prussia, thirty-four years ago. The circumstances, however, were widely different ; one was an ovation to a king by subjects, the other a reception to the President of a republic by a free people.

The little four-year-old, who, in 1846, stood at the foot of the class, and was the object of so much distinguished attention, has grown to man's estate, and is to-day the leader of this historical band, and several of the band's favorite pieces of music now performed by them are his own composition.

The Post Office

The early history of this institution is so closely identified with postal matters connected with Fort Winnebago, that it will be necessary to go back nearly half a century to obtain a starting-point. John Kinzie, who is believed to have been the first Indian agent appointed by the Government, with headquarters at the fort, assuming his duties at that post in 18-31, was authorized to act as Postmaster for the people of the garrison. He continued to fill the position until about 1834. In that year Henry Merrell was appointed Post Sutler. Mr. Merrell then acted as Postmaster, and held the position for several years, until business developments at the portage began to attract attention. Henry Carpenter, having built the old United States Hotel, and established a small store near the banks of the Wisconsin River, on what is now Wisconsin street, was appointed Postmaster. He removed the office from the fort to his place of business, but when, soon afterward, M. R. Keegan was appointed to the position, it was taken back and established in the commissary building at the fort. Here it remained until another change in oflBce took place, G. T. Getty becoming Mr. Keegan's successor, when the ofiice was located on the west side of Fox River, near the junction of the canal with that stream. In August, 1851, Mr. Getty advertised, in the River Times, " a list of letters remaining unclaimed in the post office of Fort Winnebago," and in October following, " T. Dean, Postmaster at Portage City," caused to be advertised, in the same paper, quite an extensive list of letters remaining unclaimed in Jiis office. In this connection, the Times, of December 22, 1851, contained the following : " Among the many things which call for amendment in this town, we know of none more important than an alteration of the post office arrangements, by which the recipients of nine-tenths of all the mail matter coming to the post office at the garrison may be better accommodated. The necessity of being compelled to trudge two miles for all the mail matter destined for this place, or await its arrival at the side office in this city (where the principal ofiice should be), two or three days after its arrival at the fort, is a burden too grievous to be longer borne without remonstrance. We believe, if the matter was properly presented, the Postmaster General would make this city the terminus of the route now centering at the fort." Early in January, 1852, the editor of the Times, " in conversation with Lemuel Berry, Deputy Postmaster at the Fort, understood him to say he would have no objection to the removal, if the two offices were merged in one." Mr- Berry soon afterward succeeded Mr. Getty as Postmaster. A consolidation of the two offices then followed, and the institution was located in Berry's Store, on Wisconsin street, a short distance east of the canal. The old building now does service as a fire-engine house, at the corner of Pleasant and Clark streets. Prior to the consolidation, the Portage City office was generally, but not officially, known as Wauona (the Indian word for Portage), named by Gov. Doty, who had a penchant for Indian appellations. Charles H. Moore was the first in charge of Wauona Post Office.

In March, 1853, James Delaney, Sr., succeeded Mr. Berry, and held the office until September, 1855, retiring in favor of Jerome B. Fargo. Mr. Fargo's successor was John A. Brown, who died in office February 10, 1859. During Mr. Brown's incumbency, the office became subject to Presidential consideration. C. C. Britt was appointed to fill the vacancy thus created, and remained in office until 1861, being succeeded by Stillman E. Dana, who was appointed by President Lincoln ; Mr. Dana served nearly ten years, retiring in favor of Charles P. Austin. Harrison S. Haskell was Mr. Austin's successor. He died in office February 13, 1879. S. S. Brannan was then appointed to fill the vacancy, and upon his death, on the 5th of April, 1880, C. C. Dow succeeded to the position.

The office has been subjected to the usual changes of location experienced by similar institutions everywhere. From Berry's store it was removed by Mr. Delaney to Canal street, between Main and DeWitt. Mr. Fargo took it to Mappa's store, opposite Verandah Hall. Next it was located in a building on Conant street, between Adams and De Witt ; thence to a one-story wooden structure on the southeast side of Cook street, near Wisconsin ; thence to Arnold's Block (now the Corning House) ; thence to a building which stood on the vacant lot opposite the Corning House; thence to Emporium Block, on DeWitt street; thence to the junction of De Witt and Wisconsin streets, near the bridge, in a brick building in which was located the State Register office, and finally to Vandercook's Block, its present location, to which place it was removed by Postmaster Austin.

It was during the incumbency of Mr. Delaney that a gentleman of color inquired for a letter. " Go way, ye blackguard," said the Postmaster, "do ye think anybody would write to a nagur ?"

Fifty years ago, when John Kinzie had charge of the office, the mail came from the East by way of Buffalo and Green Bay. From the latter point it found its way to the fort by the kindness of some voyageur, with but little regularity. There was no Chicago mail in those days ; in fact there was no Chicago. Advices from Fort Dearborn (where Chicago now stands) were even less frequent than from Washington, New York, etc. Now there are eight mails a day to and from Portage. Letters are received from the Atlantic cities in forty-eight hours; from the city by the Golden Gate in less than six days.

The Portage office became a money-order office in July, 1865, the first order being issued to Levi W. Barden, in favor of Samuel D. Hastings, Madison, the amount being $9.10. Since then there have been over thirty-five thousand orders issued.

As has been seen. Portage, from its infancy, has been quite a central point for travelers and the trans-shipment for merchandise. Before the railroads were built, it occupied a position at the cross roads of commerce, running from Green Bay to the Mississippi River, and from the great pineries of the North to Chicago and Milwaukee. It is not strange then that the business of hotel-keeping was a profitable one in early days ; and, indeed, there has been but little change in this regard to the present time. Where, twenty-five and thirty years ago, there could be seen on the streets almost any time of the day, from ten to fifteen four-horse wagons heavily loaded with freight, there are now equally as many " traveling men " representing large firms in the great commercial marts who register at the leading hotels daily.

The Franklin House, built by Oapt. Gideon Low about 1835-36, was the first hotel at the portage. Prior to this, those who came this way were accommodated at the fort or the agency building. The next was the United States Hotel, Henry Carpenter, proprietor. The old frame of this ancient caravansary still stands in the First Ward, a dismal monument to pioneer days. Then came the Wisconsin House, kept by the affable McFarlane, who, though the frosts of sixty winters have whitened his hair, is in no immediate danger of being reaped by the scythe of time. The Veeder House, the first "tavern " west of the canal is still standing. The McTighe House came next, and though it is built of wood, no one ever knew where Joseph Hague got his lumber. It is still standing in the First Ward, the silent witness to the encroachments of the Wisconsin River. The old original Ellsworth House, F. H. Ellsworth, proprietor ; Sylvester's Hotel, by Edwin Sylvester, and the City Hotel, solicited a share of the public patronage thirty years ago. In 18(52, the Arnold Block, built by Andrew Dunn and J. Arnold, the present Mayor of the city, was converted into a hotel. F. H. Ellsworth was the first lessee, and it bore his name until a recent date, when it was changed to the Corning House. A. E. Smith is the present proprietor. The Emder House, by Henry Emder ; the Farmers' Home, by John Hettinger, and the Pruyn House, complete the list of hotels in Portage. The Fox House, at the C, M. & S. P. R. R. depot, though generally known as an " eating-house," is in every respect a hotel of the first order, and is one of the institutions of the place.

Public Halls

Verandah Hall was the first place of any note calculated for the accommodation of public assemblages. It was built early in the fifties by Milo H. Pettibone, and stood on the present site of Graham's brick block. In it was a rude stage where early representations of the drama took place, both by traveling and amateur companies. The next place of this kind to claim the favor of the public, was Vandercook's Hall, in Vandercook's Block. The hall is now occupied by the Masons as a lodge-room. It is here that devoted husbands assemble on stated occasions to vote sustenance to widows and orphans, returning to their domestic firesides after a hard night's work for the amelioration of the afflicted and otherwise unfortunate, only to be accused of less unworthy acts. Pettibone's Hall built in 1855-56, and was for a time the most popular resort in the city. The I. 0. 0. F. lodge-room is located in Pettibone Block. Schulze's Hall came next, and is now a successful competitor for public entertainments. Woods Hall was also one of the " institutions." In 1879, John Dullaghan erected a magnificent building on the north side of Cook street, devoting the entire upper part to the purposes of a hall, and dedicating it DuUaghan's Opera House. The size of the entire hall is 52x90 feet, including the stage. The latter has a dimension of 21x51 feet; is appointed with four ample dressing-rooms, two on each side; is abundantly supplied with water, toilet conveniences, and is completely and elegantly furnished throughout; the width of proscenium is thirty feet. The drop curtain is 15x28, and is an artistic triumph, being a bird's-eye view of Constantinople and the blue Bosphorus in the distance. The auditorium is 60x51 feet, and has a seating capacity of 700. The gallery is 17x51 in dimensions ; will comfortably seat 800 people, and is reached by a double staircase branching oft" from the main entrance on either side. The seats are folding settees of the latest construction, on each of which six persons may sit. The reserved seats consist of two-seated settees, and are very elegant and comfortable. The hall is lighted by gas, manufactured by an apparatus on the premises. It was opened on the 15th of September, 1879, by a grand ball, under the auspices of the Guppey Guard, and, on the 19th of the same month, Janauschek, the German actress, appeared in the role of " Marie Stuart," dedicating the Dullaghan Opera House to the Muses. The building and hall complete cost $13,000.

Local Militia

The Portage Light Guard was the first regularly organized military company in Portage, and, it is believed, in Columbia County. The Guards were originally organized about 1859 or 1860, but did not enter actively into military discipline and drill until early in 1861, when a re-organization took place. By the time this had been eifected, the war broke out, a call was made for 75,000 volunteers, and the Portage Light Guards jirofiered their services to the Governor, who accepted the ofter and assigned the company to the Second Regiment, Wisconsin Volunteers, as Company G. But a large number of those who originally enlisted while the Light Guards were only " play soldiers," either resigned or were not accepted by the Government. A history' of Company G will be found in another part of this work.

On the 6th of July, 1877, a meeting was held at the court house in Portage for the purpose of organizing a military company. A petition having been signed by about sixty-five young men of the required age for military duty, and presented to .Joshua J. Guppey, requesting him to appoint some one to organize a company as provided for under the laws of the State, A. J. Turner was appointed to take steps for such an organization, which he did. At the first meeting of the company, A. H. Russell, who served several years in the war of the rebellion, was elected Captain, Homer S. Goss, First Lieutenant, and George S. Race, Second Lieutenant. The company soon afterward received from the State sixty Springfield rifles, with belts and cartridge boxes to match, and at once commenced regular drills. The next thing in order was to secure uniforms, which they did, the citizens of Portage subscribing liberally toward the purchase. There were si.xty-five uniforms ordered at once, three of them being for commissioned officers. They are made of gray cloth, the finest manufactured, and known as West Point cadet cloth. They are trimmed with gold lace and dark facings, and were made by Messrs. Loomis, Gallett & Breese, at a cost, for the entire lot, of $1,485.50. The caps are made of gray cloth, with black top and gilt trimming, costing $2.25 each. The fiitigue cap is of blue cloth, with gilt trimming, costing $1.25 each. The company receives $300 a year from the State, which pays incidental expenses.

The first competitive drill took place at Reedsburg July 4, 1879, with the Mauston Light Guard, which was called, at that time, one of the best companies in the State. The judges were unable to decide which was the most thoroughly drilled company, and concluded to divide the prize fund equally, giving each company $100. The next competitive drill took place at Portage September 18 with the same company, the Guppey Guard taking the second prize of $75, their score being 85J, and that of the Mauston Light Guard, 90. The next drill, again wjth Mauston Light Guard, was on October 5, and the Guppey Guard succeeded in taking the first prize of $125.

The Guppey Guard took part in the inaugural ceremonies of Madison, in January last, and this is what a local newspaper said of them : " The Guppey Guard, of Portage, Captain Womer, 'went in on its muscle,' and showed the crowd something grand. Cheer after cheer went up as the company went through with some of its fancy and most dilficult movements. The other companies indulged in the usual parade movements only. Portage City is assured that her company ' took the palm ' in the drill business in our city ; and the Captain of this company may well be proud of his men."

The first executive officers of the company were: J. J. Guppey, President; A. J. Turner, Vice President; John T. Yule, Secretary, H. S. Goss, Treasurer. The present are: A. J. Turner, President ; W. D. Fox, Vice President ; Alexander Carnagie, Secretary ; W. S. Wentworth, Treasurer.

Orders And Societies

The Masons. - Fort Winnebago Lodge, No. 33, was organized in 1850, the dispensation being granted June 26, by William R. Smith, Grand Master of the State, and the charter, December 13. The original meeting place was in the house now occupied by John Graham as a residence. The building then stood on Cook street, opposite the present site of the Presbyterian Church. The old anteroom door, with the little wicket in the center, through which the belated members of the mystic order were wont to whisper mysterious things in order that they might get inside with the "rest of the boys," now does service as a cellar door on the premises of Mr. Graham. The charter members of the lodge were Hugh McFarlane, Erastus Cook, Charles M. Kingsbury, Walter W. Kellogg, G. Law, Nelson McNeal, Robert Hunter and Daniel Clough. John Delaney, the lawyer-editor, was the first initiate; he became a member October 17, 1850. The present membership of the lodge is about one hundred. Meetings are held in a wellappointed hall in N'^andercook's Block. Following is a complete list of the officers of the lodge since its organization :

Fort Winnebago Lodge has always had the reputation of being one of the model lodges of the State, its members being well skilled in the work, and close adherents of the ritual. Several members have filled positions in the Grand Lodge, A. B. Alden having been Grand Master of Masons of Wisconsin from 1861 to 1863, inclusive.

Fort Winnebago Chapter, No. I4., R. A. M. - Dispensation granted February 22, 1856, by R. D. Pulford, Grand High Priest, State of Wisconsin. The Charter was granted February 4, 1857. From the date of dispensation until February 5, 1862, the name of the chapter was " Portage," at which time it was changed to " Fort Winnebago," its present name. The chapter met for the first time March 11, 1856, and received nineteen petitions that evening. The chapter was constituted and officers installed by Daniel Howell, Grand High Priest, February 28, 1857. The first three who received the R. A. degree were A. B. Alden, G. W. Stout and J. Arnold. The officers have been : 1856 - George F. Huntington, High Priest ; Nelson McNeal, King; H. Nickerson, Scribe. 1857 - George F. Huntington, H. P.; B. S. Doty, K.; Levi Funkenstein, S.; William K. Miles, Treas.; John Graham, Sec. 1858 - G. F. Huntington, H. P.; B. S. Doty, K.; L. Funkenstein, S.; William K. Miles, Treas.; John Graham, Sec. 1859 - G. F. Huntington, H. P.; A. B. Alden, K.; L. Funkenstein, Treas.; John Graham, Sec. I860 - A. B. Alden, H. P.; E. P. Hill, K.; L. Funkenstein, S.; William K. Miles, Treas.. John Graham, Sec. 1861 - A. B. Alden, H. P.; E. P. Hill, K.; Riley Moulton, S.; E. F. Lewis, Treas.; S. S. Lease, Sec. 1862 - J. H. Magoffin, H. P.; S. S. Case, K.; L. T. Mead, S.; H. E. Wells, Treas.; M. P. Wing, Sec. 1863 - A. B. Alden, H. P.; L. T. Mead, K.; C, J. Pardee, S.; L. Funkenstein, Treas.; M. P. Wing, Sec. 1864 - A. B. Alden, H. P.; L. T. Mead, K.; John Graham, S.; L. Funkenstein, Treas ; J. H. Magoffin, Sec. 1865 - L. T. Mead, H. P.; John Graham, K.; Peter Karch, S.; L. Funkenstein, Treas.; J. H. Magoffin, Sec. 1866. - John Graham, H. P.; Peter Karch, K.; S. B. Rhodes, S.; L. Funkenstein, Treas ; L. T. Mead, H. P. 1867 - John Graham, H. P.; Peter Karch, K.; H. S. Goss, S.; L. Funkenstein, Treas.; R. J. Flint, Sec. 1868 - P. Karch, H. P.; H. S. Goss, K.; D. A. Hillyer, S.; L. Funkenstein, Treas.; R. J. Flint, Sec. 1869 - H. S. Goss, H. P.; D. A. Hillyer, K.; S. L. Plumb, S.; John Graham, Treas.; M. T. Alverson, Sec. 1870 - H. S. Goss, H. P.; D. A. Hillyer, K.; A. Hoffman, S.; John . Graham, Treas.; M. T. Alverson, Sec. 1871 - A. Hoffman, H. P.; S. L. Plumb, K.; Ira Schoemaker, S.; John Graham, Treas.

In his report to the Grand Chapter, in 1878, the Grand Lecturer said : " April 9, I visited Fort Winnebago Chapter, No. l4, at Portage. This chapter fully maintains its old reputation of being one of the best working and most reliable of those in this jurisdiction. They have a large number of well-skilled workmen, capable of filling any station in the chapter." There are eighty members in the chapter.

The Odd Fellows. - Portage City Lodge, No. 61, was organized January 2, 1854. Among the first members were Henry Emder, Charles Uaertel, C. R. Gallett, Thomas Drew, B. J.

Pixley, John Blceser, Adam Blochwitz, Frank Winne, Charles Brunoehler, John B. Dassi and Henry Bolting. In January, 1862, it became a German-speaking lodge, and has remained as such to the present time, the Americans having gradually withdrawn. Henry Emder is now the only member living who took part in the new organization. The Past Grands, who are entitled to seats in the Grand Lodge, since 1862, have been Henry Emder, George Port, G. Gerstenkorn, William Windus, William Hensell, Charles Wilkie, L. Prehn, C. Pfaif, G. Huebner, A. Bettke, F. Foogmann, C. Mass, G. Janda, F. Findeisen and Jacob Best.

Excelsior JEncarnpment was instituted by R. W. G. P. Hudson, of Portage, Wis., March 22, 1869, with Patriarchs S. K. Vaughan, M. Waterhouse, George Jowett, Charles Schenck, Charles Prehn and George Port as charter members, and the following officers were elected and

The encampment now numbers between fifty and sixty members. February 1, 1876, thirty-seven members purchased uniforms and organized the Portage Battalion of uniformed Patriarchs, which at that time was the largest number of any encampment in the State. The first officers were : V. E. Brewer, Commander ; William Hensel, First Vice Commander ; C. H. Tasker, Second Vice Commander. 1877 - V. E. Brewer, Commander ; William Hensel, First Vice Commander; E. S. Purdy, Second Vice Commander. 1878 - V. E. Brewer, Commander; E. S. Purdy, First Vice Commander; William Hensel, Second Vice Commander. 1879 - V. E. Brewer, Commander ; E. S. Purdy. First Vice Commander ; T. B. Fletcher, Second Vice Commander. 1880 - V. E. Brewer, Commander; E. S. Purdy, First Vice Commander; T. B. Fletcher, Second Vice Commander.

The Portage Temple of Honor, No. 16 was instituted April 15, 1875. The following were the charter members - E. W. Stevens, J. B. Tinklebaugh, F. Blood, D. A. Hughson, M. Waterhouse, A. P. Bever, A. C. Stevens, George Wright, Stewart Wyllie, LI. Breese, T. C. Evans,

E. W. Stevens, one term ; W. Borne, one term ; W. T. Parry, three terms ; W. Fulton, one term ; G. C. Jackson, one term ; S. M. Smith, one term ; H. H. Curtis, one term. Number of initiates during the time, 234. Number now in good and regular standing, 75. The most efficient workers in the cause of temperance have been W. T. Parry, W. Fulton, D. G. Muir, S. M. Smith, D. A. Goodyear, G. C. Jackson, Charles Prehn and Peter Mills. While many moderate drinkers have become total abstainers, there are twenty-nine who have been habitual drinkers and most of that number had gone down very nearly to destruction. Their reformation is believed to be complete.

The Mendotas. - On the 28th of March, 1876, Shu-na-ha-ha Council, No. 19, of the Ancient Order of Mendotas, was organized in Portage, with the following charter members : S. S. Brannan, G. 0. Clinton, J. B. Taylor, E. C. Maine, I. G. Loomis, S. L. Plumb, Ferdinand Schulze, C. K. Peterson, 0. H. Sorrenson, James Gowran, Mrs. S. S. Brannan, Mrs. J. H. Rogers, Mrs. S. L. Plumb, Mrs. Dow, Mrs. I. G. Loomis, Mrs. J. B. Taylor and Mrs. E. C. Maine. The prime object of the organization was the advancement of the cause of temperance. The council bore its part well in the battle against rum, until a lack of interest on the part of members necessitated a suspension. Mendota is the Indian name for the fourth lake at Madison, which, translated, means Spirit Lake. The nature of the spirits found there by the red men is not known.

The Turnverein { Vorwcerts) of Portage, was organized April 15, 1877, with the following charter members : A. E. Klenert, Charles Klenert, Al. Niemeyer, Jacob Hornung, Frank Zienert, Frank Sieverkrop, Albert Schleicher, H. Sittenbecher, Ernst Schleicher, Henry Port, George Koberstein, Charles Klabunda and Joseph A. Versen. Their prosperity has been great in physical and social advancement. Their membership has increased to sixty-three, in good standing. The present officers are : President, A. E. Klenert ; Secretary, Hermann Richter ; Corresponding Secretary, Alois Krisch ; Treasurer, Joseph A. Versen and Adam Rebholz ; Teacher, Henry Port Their financial standing is good ; having cash and property to the extent of over $600 on hand.

Portage Liederkranz. - This society was organized December 31, 1856, having for its object the practice and improvement in vocal music. Its constituent members were : Robert Gropius, President ; Charles Deidrich, Secretary ; Charles Moll, Treasurer ; John B. Dassi, Conductor ; Charles Brumwhler, Peter Boll, Bernard Glceckler, John Versen, John Schliessmann, Thomas Spargnapani, Christian Schultz, Charles Prehn, John Misch, John Bartl, Jacob Clemens, Joseph Fuerst, William Haertel, Mr. Hilbert, Robert Lehmann, Louis Lange, Peter Reinhold, Franz Schulze, Charles Wilke, Sr., Mr. Weidenbacher, Charles Schmidt, Ferdinand Schulze, Henry Schulze, Andrew Kiefer, Samuel Kopp, Franz Julien and Diebold Blass. Regular monthly meetings have since been held, and at times, as seemed necessary, the members have been called together for practice. An annual ball is given on each recurring 31st of December. In 1864, the society purchased two lots on Conant street, moved thereon a building, employed a German teacher, and opened a select school. This enterprise not proving successful, the building, in 1872, was sold to the city for an engine-house. By this means, the small indebtedness incurred was paid ofi", and in the spring of 1880 the society was in a flourishing condition, having its two lots free of all incumbrances, and some money on interest. At that time its ofiBcers were, V. Helmann, President ; Christian Schultz, Treasurer ; John B. Dassi, Secretary ; Joseph R Huebl, Conductor ; Robert Lehmann, Frank Helm and Charles Wilke, Directors.

The Cemeteriks

Fort Winnebago Cemetery. - In a thick wood of small oaks perhaps a quarter of a mile eastward from the fort along the military road is the old Fort Winnebago depository after the last muster-out. It is a lonely spot. About one hundred persons were buried here to await the resurrection. It was the cemetery of the earlier village which clustered around the fort. A number of soldiei's went here below the thunder of the morning and the evening gun and the disturbing clatter of reveille tattoo. Their graves are undistinguishable now ; though once the summits of their head-board were decked with black paint, a distinction their country gave them that they might not be confounded with the civilians sleeping about them. The names of Maj. Clark and Capt. Gideon Low appeared in the roll-call of death. Their remains, however, have been removed. Those of the latter oiBcer were laid in the cemetery at Portage City. Indeed empty sepulchers are frequent on every hand. It is observable that most of the undistinguished tenants of these tombs are women. The summer fires leaping through the dry thicket have burned, and half burned, at will, the picketed inclosures about many graves, and the years have met success in their endeavors to raze and bury even the memorials of other burials. Your inadvertent foot each moment throws up excellently seasoned chips in memory of somebody wliose name Old Time prefers you shall not read. Boastful, perennial, eternal Fame is after all but the serf and prey of this old grub among the epitaphs, build how you will. Cooper Pixley, a soldier of the Revolution, went to sleep in these grounds, aged eighty-six years and seven months. His grave is still undisturbed.

Near the corner of Adams and Conant streets, in the city of Portage, is another hallowed spot. For years, it was the happy hunting-ground for good dead Indians with friends to bury them. Here it was that the bones of Peter Pauquette were placed only to be removed to make way for civilization's feet.

Silver Lake Cemeterij. - With a public spirit and generosity deserving all commendation, H. S. Haskell and J. B. Fargo in 1856 set off forty acres of a farm, of which they were owners, for cemetery purposes. Previous to this time, there had been provided no resting-place for the dead of this city, and the wise forethought of these men was, doubtless, appreciated by the citizens. -' Silver Lake Cemetery," as it was called, is a romantic upland spot, about one mile from the business center of the city, overlooking Wisconsin River on the one hand, and the pure and placid Silver Lake on the other. There are few spots devoted to such purposes more lovely than this, and none in the city that could be so readily beautified by the hand of man. In the winter of 1856-.57, the Legislature of the State passed an act providing that Harrison S. Haskell and Jerome B. Fargo, and their associates, be organized as a body corporate, under the name of the " Silver Lake Cemetery Association." The lands set off by them were to be held and forever used solely and exclusively for the burial of the dead, and to be exempt from taxation and execution. The ofScers of the association were to consist of a President, Secretary and Treasurer, who were to be an ex officio board of directors. The first person buried in the cemetery was a Mr. Snow, in the spring of 1857. In 18(37, considerable feeling was raised on account of an advertisement appearing in the city papers, offering the grounds for sale under a railroad mortgage given by the owner before it came into the hands of Haskell & Fargo ; but, before the day of sale, Mr. Haskell paid off the mortgage, thus freeing it from all incumbrances. In 18G7, the property was deeded to Mrs. Haskell. From August, 1857, to April, 1880, there had been about 525 interments, an average of 25 per year.

German Oemeter// Assoiriation. - On the 30th of March, 18G2, an association was organized for the purpose of providing indigent Germans a place for the burial of their dead. Christian Schultz, Charles Ilaertel and Andrew Kiefer were elected Trustees. Twenty-five lots were purchased in the Silver Lake Cemetery and set apart for their use. The first there buried was a child named August Helm. From March, 1862, to April, 1880, there were fifty-three interments. Matt. Brand, Peter Neiss and Andrew Keifer were Trustees at the latter date.

Poktage Of To-Day

When the city adjusts its glasses fifty years hence to road of those who have passed away, the following account of Portage, in 1880, will be of interest :

Contractors and Builders. - A. Carnagie, R. C. Holmes, George Hurst, Peter Mahon, Charles Moll, Charles Prehn, Sanborn & Maloy, Patrick Sheehan.