Langlade County, Wisconsin - Chapter 37, 1922

Chapter 37

Location - Boundaries - Organization - Old Town of Springbrook - Two Sets of Town Officers in 1880 - Early Roads - Road Districts - First Improvements - First School District Boundaries - Expansion of Town - Boundary Lines Changed - School Districts - Early Settlers - The First Industries - Mills - Agriculture - Dairying - Sch ools - Churches - Cemeteries - Granges - Miscellaneous-

Antigo township, range 11, once extended fronn the southern boundary line of township 31, direct north in range 11 east to the boundary line between townships 37 and 38, range 11 east. Its original area was 252 square miles. Antigo township originally included its present area and all of Neva township, east Upham township, east Elcho township and township 35, 36 and 37, north of Langlade County.

The township lies in the south central part of Langlade County. Like the city of Antigo, it received its name from the Chippewa Indian word, Nequi-Antigo- Seebeh, signifying balsam evergreen. It is bounded on the north by Neva tov/nship, on the west by East Ackley township, on the east by Polar township and on the south by Norwood and Rolling townships. Antigo township embraces one Congressional township or thirty-six square miles. The most important water course in the township is Springbrook, which flows through sections 2, 10, 16, 23 and the city of Antigo. The township is generally level, its soil of exceptional fertility. Once the land was covered with dense timber, the great tracts of pine being first to fall under the blow of the woodsman's axe. Maple, birch, elm and cherry were also plentiful. It is distinctly a dairying and agricultural township. Its farms, cheese factories, stock and poultry farms, commodious barns and silos have taken the place of the stately pine tree of a half century ago. Antigo township was surveyed by H. C. Fellows of the U. S. Survey in September, 1860.

Antigo township belonged to Langlade township of Oconto County before 1879, when New County was organized. Thereupon it was under the jurisdiction of Shawano County and was known as Springbrook township.

Prior to January 1, 1880, the Shawano County Board of Supervisors ordered electors of Springbrook township to meet April 6, 1880 at the residence of Robert Sheriff, section 26, township 31, range 11 East. The meeting was adjourned from the Sheriff residence "because of illness in the family" to the farm home of A. O. D. Kelly, section 11, township 31, range 11 East. An election was held and the following were chosen first officers of Springbrook township : Chairman - Robert Sheriff; James Brenner and J. B. Beemer, Supervisors; A. 0. D. Kelly - Assessor; D. S. Olmsted

- Town Clerk; George Taplin - Town Treasurer; F. J. Despins, E. B. Morley and Charles Gowan - Justices of the Peace; John Cherf, D. H. Brands and Wm. Miller - Constables. Nineteen votes were cast by the following: D. S. Olmsted, Alex McMillan, George Taplin, James Brennen, Henry Jones, Richard Healy, Sr., John Everling, A. 0. D. Kelly, Robert Sheriff, Fred Betke, Albert Betke, Charles Fred, Joseph Debrauer, Ferdinand Betke, Robert Webster, George Scott, Joseph Sheriff, Joel Quimby, D. H. Brands. J. B. Beemer, refused to qualify as a Supervisor, and John Cherf, was appointed to serve in his place from 1880-81. This set of officers held meetings at the homes of the officers the last one August 9, 1880, when $200 was appropriated from the drainage fund of the tovvfn to defend the township in an action began by F. A. Deleglise in Circuit Court.

Why The Action Was Instituted

When F. A. Deleglise, George Ratcliffe, M. W. Waite, V. Simmons, John Doersch, John Cherf, A. Price, E. M. Stevens, Charles Teipner, Wm. Shiel, Niels Anderson and Charles Gowan, all of the town of Springbrook, proceeded to the farm house of Robert Sheriff (the place designed by the Shawano County Board as the place of holding an election and organizing the town of Springbrook), they were informed of illness in the Sheriff family. The twelve citizens were indignant over the fact that "the polling place had been adjourned before the legal time of opening it and because a constable or any other person in authority was not left at the place from which adjournment was made to inform the electors of the new polling booths at the A. 0. D. Kelly home."

Thus the township was divided into two factions before it was organized. The followers of Hon. F. A. Deleglise proceeded to the store of Niels Anderson, section 29, township 31. An election was held in which F. A. Deleglise was chosen Chairman; Joseph Duchac and James O'Connor as Supervisors; E. M. Stevens, Clerk; George Ratcliffe, Treasurer; Assessor - Charles Gowan; Justices of the Peace - F. J. Despins, V. Simmons and Charles Mosher; Constables - J. Compton and Lawrence Weix.

A year passed swiftly and in accordance with provisions specified by the February 19, 1881, act of the State Legislature in which Langlade County was organized, an election for a Chairman of the new Township of Antigo (name of Springbrook dropped by voters) was held at Niels Anderson's store. The following first officers of Antigo township were elected : Chairman - V. Simmons; Supervisors - Joseph Duchac, George Ratcliffe; Town Clerk - H. E. Baker; Town Treasurer - Louis Novotny; Town Assessor - Thomas Leslie; Justices of the Peace - Louis Mendlik, Charles Mosher, M. Weatherwax, Thomas Leslie; Constables - D. McTaggart, James Brennen and Lawrence Weix.

The first township election was adjourned from the Niels Anderson Store to the boot and shoe store of James Novotny. Niels Anderson was left at the first place to notify voters of the change. This election, April 5th, 1881, was the first one of the township as a part of Langlade County. Louis Mendlik acted as temporary chairman, Thomas Leslie and R. J. Richards as Inspectors of Election.

First Act Of Voters

The voters first act was to agree to raise $600 to pay off the township school indebtedness of 1880. $1,000 was voted for school purposes for 1882.

All townships north of township 31, range 11 East in Antigo township were severed from Antigo township January 11, 1883, to form Neva township. Antigo township has since then remained one Congressional township.

Road Districts

May 8, 1882, Antigo township was subdivided into ten road districts. Principal pioneer highways laid out were McMillan highway, Gowan highway. Brands highway, Oblique highway, Kennedy highway, Antigo- Neva highway, Krause highway, Byrnes highway, Langlade highway, Dawsen highway, Leslie highway, Betke highway. Sheriff highway, Crompton highway, R. C. Richard highway, Brennen highway, Polar-Antigo town line highway. The first road petition was granted May 8, 1880 by the town of Springbrook (before Antigo township was organized). This highway was four rods wide and ran as follows : Center line commenced at the west quarter corner of section 7, township 32, range 11 East, thence east on the quarter line to the center quarter corner of section 8; thence southeast touching at every corner to the southeast corner of section 16; thence southeast to the center line of a wagon road ; thence south on center line of said wagon road (magnetia variation N. 6" E.) to the southeast corner of section 21, township 32, range 11 east, (now Neva township).

School District Boundaries

Before 1883 when Antigo township extended so far north and before Neva township was detached from Antigo township the school districts were vast incongruous sections of land. Since then Antigo township has been easier to divide into school districts. In 1885 the school districts were determined as follows: District No. 1 consisted of sections 19, 20, 21, 28, 29 and 30. District No. 2 consisted of sections 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 16, 17 and 18. District No. 3 consisted of sections 25, 26, 27, 34, 35 and 36. District No. 4 consisted of sections 1, 2, 3, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15 and the north 1 2 of sections 22, 23 and 24. District No. 5 consisted of sections 31, 32 and 33.

PIONEER DISTRICT. School District No. 1, known as the Pioneer district, is one of the first of Langlade County school units. When the early settlers came to Antigo many also took up homesteads in this district as early as 1879. Pioneers in this district were George Bonnell, Peter Doucette, Ezra Galligan, Isreal Wood, August Baxter, J. W. Prosser and Oliver Leslie.

When the district was created it consisted of sections 19, 20 and 21 and the south ^z of sections 16, 17 and 18. May 30, 1885, the NW ^ of the NW I4 of section 30 was added to the district. August 22, 1885, this same territory was detached and became a part of the city of Antigo. November 17, 1890, the district was reconstructed, also on August 8, 1900, April 21, 1903, October 10, 1906 and June 8, 1912.

The district now comprises all of sections 16 and 17, the north ^^ of sections 20 and 21, also the north i/^ of section 19 (with exception of SE Vi of the NW V^ of section 19), the south V2 of the south V2 of section 9 and the south V2 of the SE I4 of section 8. The area is 2,440 acres.

The modern school in this district was built at a cost of $3,200 by Dallman & Hoffschmidt, Antigo contractors. A frame structure was used previously. Miss Anna Schultz was the teacher in 1921-22.

There are no cheese factories, churches or cemeteries in this district. Near Springbrook a gravel pit is located and it is from this pit that much of the gravel used on Langlade County highways has been secured.

Highways No. 64 and 39 either penetrate the district or are on its border. The district is situated in the north central part of Antigo township, just north of the city of Antigo.

MAYFLOWER DISTRICT was legally established as District No. 2, in the northwestern part of the township of Antigo. It comprises all of sections 4, 5, 6, 7 and 18 and the west ^2 of section 8, the NE V4 of section 8, the north V2 of the SE Y^ of section 8, and all of section 9, except the south ^'2 of the south Y2-

Early settlers in this district were Hedly Ralph, T. W. Leslie, Anton Reznichek, Matt Elliott, Lee Elliott, John Sweet, Charles Reidl, Charles Johnson, Joseph Igle, Michael Bartl, Otto Steber, William Vlasczyk, Joseph Casey, and Jos. Wojtasiak.

The only industries in the district with the exception of agricultural pursuits is a cheese factory. The Fairview, located on the SE Yt of the NW I4 of section 8. It was erected in 1916 by Charles Maloney. D.

The Mayflower school is located on the NW i'4 of section 8 and is a splendid brick structure. Before its erection in 1914 by C. F. Dallman at a cost of $2,200.00 a frame structure was used.

BOULDER HILL DISTRICT. District No. 3, which is known as Boulder Hill district because of the typography of the vicinity in which the district school is located, was organized about 1882. Langlade County was not subdivided into school districts, however, until later when the school district system was adopted by the electorate.

On August 10, 1900, section 27 and the NW H of section 26 were detached from District No. 3 and added to District No. 7. August 22, 1910, the NW 14 of the SW I4 of section 26 was taken from District No. 3 and attached to District No. 7 and the SE Yi of the SE 1,4 of section 27 was attached to District No. 3.

The area of the district at present is 2,720 acres or 4 and Y sections of land. The district is situated in the southeast corner of Antigo township.

Early settlers were : Michael Ford, John Ford, Mike Carney, James C. Maloney, R. Richards, Charles Frill, Frank Compton, John Monnette, Elias Tibbetts, John Clarke, Albert Boettcher, Fred Boettcher, John Now, Richard Healy, Sr., Robert Sheriff of run-away election fame, Joseph De Brauer, Lewilyn Richards and others. The first settlers cleared their cabin home spaces in 1879.

The first school was erected in the south central part of the district on section 36, the land for same being donated by John Ford. It was a quaint log building typical of the pioneer temples of education. Miss Kate Ford, now Mrs. James Maloney, was the first teacher. Fred Boettcher and G. A. Baker were members of the first school board, after the district system was adopted.

1921-22 school officers were : William Schroeder, Treasurer; Thomas Ford, Director and Frank Neigenfind. Clerk. The original log school was replaced years ago with a splendid frame school house, which has been improved frequently.

Instead of the old tote road, Indian trail, and oxen carts, the settlers of the district now have splendid highways and excellent transportation facilities. Many of the prosperous settlers own automobiles making communication with Antigo, the county seat, very convenient. The proposed route of the Soo Line (Wisconsin Northern) runs through section 34 in this district.

Winner Grange No. 588

Winner Grange No. 588, Patrons of Husbandry, is located in this school district. This Grange was organized at Fairview School, in District No. 7, July 26, 1912. The Winner Grange building, however, is located on the southwest corner of section 34 in this district. The first officers were : Master - J. H. Howe; Overseer - H. J. Mathias; Lecturer - Mrs. W. G. Head; Treasurer - H. W. Green; Secretary - B. G. Stewart. Present officers are: Master - James Holup; Overseer - F. L. Seidl; Lecturer - Mrs. O. W. Johnson; Steward - 0. W. Johnson; Chaplain - Mrs. J. H. Howe - Assistant Steward - F. A. Frederickson; Treasurer - H. H. Aldrich; Secretary - James Knox; Gatekeeper - Alfred Boyle; Ceres - Mrs. Thomas Ford; Pomona - Mrs. Frank Gustavis; Flora - Mrs. Frank Seidl.

The present quarters were erected in 1915, when the Winner Grange Corporation was formed. Calvin Balliet, J. H. Howe, B. G. Stewart, S. E. Webb and James Knox were the trustees. The grange is an institution for good in the community.

SELENSKI DISTRICT - District No. 4, better known as the Selenski district, consists of sections 13 and 14, all of section 15, except 120 acres in the northern part, all of section 23 and 24 and the north ^2 of section 22. The district is situated in the east central part of Antigo township.

June 23, 1885, it was described as follows by the Town Board of Supervisors: All of sections 1, 2, 3, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15 and the N Vz of sections 22, 23 and 24. On September 22, 1885, sections 1, 2, 3, 10, 11 and 12, were taken from District No. 4, and formed into District No. 6. (Neff Switch District.) District No. 4 then became all that territory in Antigo township included in sections 13, 14, 15, 22, 23 and 24. August 8, 1900, the S V2 of section 22 was detached from the district and added to Fairview District No. 7, October 6, 1906, and again November 20, 1911, changes were made in the district boundary.

In 1885 (two terms of school were held - spring and fall) the original school house was erected. It was a small frame structure, capable of caring for the education of the pioneer school children. Clarence E. Alton taught the fall term when the new school opened. The first school was located on the NE I4 of the NE V4 of section 14, now farmed by Ben Joyce. The school was moved to the present school site, the SE Vi of the SE 14 of section 14 (W. H. Wall farm) in the fall of 1885. The first school board consisted of A. 0. D. Kelly, Clerk; John Byrne, Treasurer; Dyer W. Olen - Director. In 1914 a new school was erected of brick. Miss Katherine Byrne was the first teacher in the new school. School officers then were : A. Wildman, P. Schramke, and Steve Wildman, Treasurer, Director and Clerk respectively.

The district has made a remarkable growth during less than a half century. It has changed from a dense wild region to one of the most productive sections of Upper Wisconsin. New settlers continue to come into the district and improvements are many.

The Town Hall

Antigo township hall, where all of the historic gatherings of many years have been held, is located in this district on the NW I4 of the NW I4 of section 22. The town hall was erected in June, 1889. The town board advertised for bids to furnish material and build the hall and they were opened May 27, 1889. The successful bid was that of Frank Borth, early settler. Other bidders were: J. L. Case, Gray & Ings, B. J. Daugherty, J. A. Sanders, Louis Krueger and Thos. Bradbough.

The first meeting was held in the town hall, June 22, 1889. Those present were : Chairman E. Winch, Richard Healy, Sr. and Jos. Shipold. The same hall is still used. It has a stone foundation.

THE CHAMBERLAIN DISTRICT, legally established as District No. 5 was created when Antigo township was unknown and when Springbrook township was a part of Shawano County. This was fortytwo years ago in 1880. March 28, 1885, sections 28, 29 and 30, were taken from District No. 1 (Pioneer District) and attached to District No. 5. This change made the district one of the largest, consisting of six sections, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32 and 33. It did not remain long in that status however. On May 30, 1885, all of section 29 and the NW I4 of section 30 were taken from District No. 5 and attached to District No. 1. Section 29 and the east half of section 30 were then the city of Antigo (established by act of the State Legislature.) This left the district comprising sections 28, 31, 32, 33 and the SW V4 of section 30.

On August 15, 1885, section No. 28 and the west V2 of section No. 30 were detached from the district and added to the school district of the city of Antigo. This cut the district down to its original area, three sections, 31, 32 and 33. On May 5, 1887, the W Vg of section 30, and all of section 28, were detached from the city of Antigo and placed in District No. 5. This action was because of illegal attachment of the same territory to the city of Antigo in 1885. S. W. Chamber-

November 17, 1890, District No. 5 consisted of sections 28, 23, the south ^2 of section 32, the south ^ 2 of section 31 and the SE 14 of the NE I4 of section 31 (Weed's mill site.) November 10, 1900, section 28 was taken from this district and attached to District No. 7, known as Fairview District. The last boundary change in District No. 5 was made in 1912.

The Early Settlers

Energetic and thrifty settlers came into this district in 1878 and 1879 from Waupaca, Brown, Marathon and Outagamie Counties. John Cherf, J. Prastil, James Quinn, Charles Gowan, S. W. Chamberlain, F. Heller, John Knox, Alex McCloud and E. Hubbard were early settlers in the original district. John Cherf, first settled in Antigo on lot 26, block 45 of the city of Antigo, SE corner of Fifth Avenue and Superior Street. He erected a log cabin there and after a short while moved to his present home in this district.

The country about was then a pine area, roads were not to be found, only the Indian trail abounding. The earlier settlers found it necessary to come into this wilderness by oxen from Hogarty (a place between Wausau and Eland), then but a small trading post for transients and Indians. The journey was tedious and long. It was necessary for the new immigrants to load the rear of the rough wagon with their household utensils, what little they brought with them.

These hardy pioneers were ever mindful of the value of proper education of the rising generation. Great precaution was taken that the rudiment of education should be accorded the children. Accordingly a oneroom log school was erected on section 31 (south Vg) on the banks of Springbrook. Here the children, ranging from tiny tots to growing ladies and men, labored studiously. The school was small, the teacher, while intelligent, had much to cope with. The facili ties of the modern school were not then dreamed of. Books, and maps were few. Nevertheless the three R's were well absorbed by the children, many of whom are today prominent in Langlade County affairs. First school officers were: Charles Gowan, E. Hubbard and Alex McCloud, Clerk, Director and Treasurer respectively. The old log structure, ever a faithful servant, was used for years. In 1908 an acre of ground was donated to the district by S. W. Chamberlain, a fine brick school was erected. The school is located on the north central part of the S V2 of section 32. This school replaced a frame structure used for years. The contract was let to George Schoblasky. The present school is ideally situated and is a credit to the residents. It is well equipped and modern.

Early Industries

Lumbering was an industry in the district in pioneer life. The great tracts of pine succumbed to the attack of the army of lumbermen and settlers. The first were desirous of the pine for profit and the latter wished space in the forest on which to erect their little homes.

The J. H. Weed saw mill, shingle mill and planing mill were located in this district. The reader can find a full account of this industry in the chapter on "Industries 1873-1923."

The principal occupation of the residents is agriculture. The soil of the district is adapted to oats, potatoes, corn, hay, clover, rye, barley and wheat and other products. The Merrimac silt loam found in this district is a part of a vast tract of this soil found in southwestern Langlade County. Stratified sand and gravel below the surface in this vicinity are known to extend to a depth of 58 feet.

Indians There

When the first log cabin was rolled up by John Cherf a band of Indians, presumably Chippewas, had temporary camping headquarters in the district. They moved northward later.

Dairying and pure bred cattle raising are important factors in the district. A cheese factory owned by A. A. Miller, operated in the district for a number of years until 1921, when it burned.

Elmwood Cemetery Kasson'S Park

W. K. Kasson has a fine park, dance hall and cabaret in this district. He purchased the property, which is located in the SW V4 of section 32 from George Ottoman in 1916.

The 1922-23 officers were: Paul Thompson, Director; F. Strong, Treasurer; Joseph Fischer, Clerk. Early teachers were : Nettie Palmiter, W. Chamberlain, Lottie Nixon, V. McMullen, Mae Raymond, Zura Fowler. Miss Shanks was teacher in the district school in 1921- 22. The first teacher received $25 per month for a six months' term of school.

Taxable Area District No. 6

NEFF SWITCH DISTRICT. August 22, 1885, the Board of Supervisors of Antigo township met pursuant to a notice issued previously at the town hall for the purpose of altering districts and making specific changes in school district boundaries. It was at this meeting that District No. 6 was organized.

The supervisors detached sections 1, 2, 3, 10, 11 and 12 from District No. 4, "Selenski District," and organized District No. 6, known since as the Neff Switch District. November 20, 1911, 35.47 acres were detached from District No. 4 and added to District No. 6.

In 1884, Edgar Neff, late of Antigo, with Matt Miller of Green Bay erected a saw mill on section 2. Because of this industry there, the only saw mill that has ever been in the district, the school was named to commemorate the event. The mill burned on June 28, 1886. It was started by Matt Miller and J. Wright. Mr. Neff purchased their interests.

There have been no important changes in the district boundary since its organization. Before its organization the territory of the district was a part of District No. 4, of which it was a part when that district was formed. The area of the district is 216 square miles or 3,840 acres of land, with approximately 39 farms.

Early settlers into this district were : A. 0. D. Kelly, who was prominent in early Antigo township affairs, Dan O'Brien, Jos. Kramer, Chas. Roberts, Joel Quimsby, George Young, W. Skinner, Joseph Jecka, John Evans, and Charles Theisen.

First Cheese Factory

The first cheese factory in the district was erected twenty-two years ago (1900) by Edward Hruska. He operated it for five years and sold to Edward Buchen, who sold to Fred Buss. Mr. Buss retained the factory until 1921, when he sold to Herman Genskow. District farmers are patrons of this institution. Anton Peroutka purchased the James Mundl hall situated in the NE \i of the SE 1/4 of section 11, August 11, 1917. He uses a section of his building for a meat market, which he operates during the summer months.

When the Selenski District or District No. 4 was severed from the territory of this district the school building was moved to a location south of Neff Switch District. A new school for the settlers was building was erected on the same location where the present splendid school is located. It was moved from the original location to a position back somewhat from the highway. Extensive improvements were made in 1903, 1909, 1914, and since various improvements have been made at this school. The year 1903 it was brick veneered.

Early teachers were : Miss Bess Chamberlain, Ida ToUefson, Miss Doolittle, John Crondill and Mary O'Connor. Later teachers were: Alvina Shipek, Jennie Gibson, Ella Palm, Ella Randall, Anna Weix, Hazel Cunningham and Clara Lukas.

Transportation

The district is equipped with fine highway facilities. Most of the progressive farmers own automobiles making it very convenient to shop in Antigo. The Chicago & Northwestern Railroad branch line to Bryant and Elton and White Lake, passes through section 11 of this district.

FAIRVIEW DISTRICT is situated in the south central section of Antigo township. It was organized at a meeting of the Antigo township board, August 8, 1900. Officers of districts No. 1, 3, 4 and 5 were present.

District No. 7 consists of the south Vg of section 21, the south ^2 of section 22 (these two ^'2 sections were detached from Districts 1 and 4 respectively), all of section 27, 28 and the NW I4 of section 26. Section

Pioneer settlers in this district were : William Brennecke, Henry Brennecke and Christopher Brennecke. A glance over the officers of Antigo township since 1880 will show that these three men have been honored with various offices of public confidence and trust during their residence in the district. They were not alone in settling this district, soon to be one of the finest agricultural regions in Wisconsin. William Oldenberg and H. P. Ings were also early settlers.

In 1900, Edward Buchen came to Langlade County from Sheboygan County. The following year he erected a cheese factory in this district on the NE I4 of section 27. Here he operated his factory until 1905 when he sold to Albert Eserloth of Glen Beulah, Wis. The latter conducted the factory until 1907 when it was purchased by P. G. Schaefer of Marshfield. In the fall of 1908, J. H. Howe purchased the institution from P. G. Schaefer and conducted it until April, 1921, when he sold to Otto Klessig. Earl Klessig manages the factory, which has been named the Klessig Dairy.