Outagamie County, Wisconsin - The whole text, 1895 (part 2 of 6)

Pursuant to announcement the pioneers of Outagamie County, met at Bertschy's Hall, Feb. 22, 1878, for the purpose of holding their Sixth Annual Festival and Basket Picnic. The day being very stormy and the roads in a horrible condition, the attendance was not as numerous as usual. The president, L. E. Darling, being absent, D. Huntley, vice-president, called the meeting to order in the forenoon. E. Spencer was present as secretary. The first order of business being the election of officers for the ensuing year, a motion was made to this effect. The following named persons were chosen as such officers: President,

At 12 o'clock the association adjourned for dinner. The tables were tastefully and bountifully prepared by the ladies and over fifty pioneers partook of a g-ood "square meal" in true pioneer style. At 2 p. m. the meeting called to order; the programme previously prepared was read by the secretary and those appointed to speak called in order.

Mr. Charles Wolcott responded for Grand Chute. He read a poem prepared by himself, reciting- many incidents of his experiences and recollections of the early history of his town which proved highly interesting. John McGillan responded for the town of Center, reciting many thrilling adventures of his recollections of the first settlement and history of Center, followed by D. Huntley who has been teaching school in that town this winter. Ansel Greeley responded for Ellington and Seth J. Perry for Greenville. H. L. Blood relating many interesting anecdotes of his early experience in settling Appleton. J. M. Phinney gave us some amusing circumstances of his early experiences in administering discipline and teaching mathematics in Lawrence University. Thomas Dane made some comparisons between Appleton and towns under British protection, vastly in favor of Appleton. James McGillen spoke of the great changes which had been made in the circumstances of the early settlers of Outagamie county, since his recollection. Mr. Wilson related some of his early experience in Appleton and spoke of the unparalleled growth of the manufactures and commerce of Appleton. D. Huntley made some very appropriate remarks on the growth and importance of Appleton and Outagamie county.

At 4 p. m. the association adjourned to meet again next year. All were pleased with the enjoyment of the day and seemed determined to make our next annual festival a

Pursuant to announcement, a meeting- of the Outag-amie Pioneers was held in this city, at Council Hall, Saturday, Feb. 22, 1879. The officers were all on hand, viz., L. E. Darling-, president; E. Spencer, secretary, and John Leith, treasurer. The latter reported $8.70 on hand. A motion was made and carried that a committee be appointed by the chair to nominate suitable persons fox officers the ensuing- year. The chair appointed Charles Wolcott, John M. Baer and Robt. Hutchinson as such committee. On motion the association then proceeded to the election of officers with the following- result: President, L. E. Darling-; vice-president, D. Huntley; secretary, E. Spencer; treasurer, John Leith; executive committee, Charles Wolcott, Harmon Jones, Henry Kethroe, Robt. Hutchinson and Wm. Lamure.

It being- now 12 o'clock the association adjourned for dinner. About seventy persons sat down to the bountiful repast which had been prepared by the ladies in true pioneer style. At 1:30 o'clock the meeting- was ag-ain called to order. The secretary read a report of the proceeding's of the previous meeting- and also a list of the names of the registered pioneers and the date of their settlement in the county. President Darling- then delivered the annual address which was an exceedingly happy effort and one which was well received.

The several towns were then called in regular order, many of which were represented on the occasion by one or more of the early settlers. Geo. W. Lawe sent in a sketch of early times in Kaukauna which was read by the secretary. Wm. Lamure contributed an interesting- account of early experiences in the town of Buchanan. Judge Ryan was present and spoke for the Second ward in his usual felicitous manner. Joseph Rork for the Fifth ward told of the pleasures and privations of pioneer life. Charles Wolcott, in behalf of the Sixth ward, indulged in similar remarks. D. Huntley and B. B. Murch made clever responses when the town of Grand Chute was called. John A. Teith recited some of the experiences in early times, in the town of Center. John M. Baer, one of the early settlers in the town of Black Creek, made interesting remarks. Charles Breterick spoke of pioneer life in Ellington. John Dey, of Greenville, relating many interesting reminiscences which contributed towards the early history of that town. Henry Kethroe, of Hortonville, and Robt. Hutchinson, of Maple Creek, made clever responses when their towns were called. H. G. Curtis, of Bovina, contributed a poem which was read by the president. This contribution added largely to the interest of the programme. Geo. Knowles, formerly a resident of Freedom and one of the early settlers of the county, but now of Kansas, sent in an interesting communication which was read by the president.

Mr. President and Gentlemen of the Outagamie Pioneer Association : As circumstances beyond my control, prevent my being with you in person, I respectfully submit the following as part of my recollections of the early settle * ment of Kaukauna: Born in Green Bay in the year 1810, I remember distinctly the arrival of the first British troops at that place, under Col. Dickinson, commanding, who made his headquarters in my father's house, and all subsequent events of importance to the present time.

But as the settlement of Kaukauna is under consideration I will begin with the year 1823, when the Stockbridge and Munsee Indians were occupying the south side of the Fox river at this point. In that year an Episcopal mission was established among the tribes, Rev. Mr. Cadle in charge, who instructed them in religion. At the same time, the

Indians carried on farming- to quite an extent, raising larg-e quantities of corn, potatoes and small grain. The Rev. Mr. Cadle was succeeded by Rev. Jesse Miner, Presbyterian missionary, who died here nearly fifty years ago. The slab marking his neglected grave may be seen on the farm of Sheriff Brill, just east of the school house, in what is now the town of Buchanan.

In the year 1835 the Rev. Mr. Van Den Broek came to this country and established a Catholic mission at Little Chute among the Menomonee Indians, from which has come the present magnificent church building as a monument to its founder.

In the year 1835 a treaty was held at what is now called the "Cedars," for the purchase of lands from the Indians embracing the counties of Brown, Oconto, Outagamie, Winnebago, Fond du Lac and up to Portage, on the Wisconsin river. Governor Dodge was the commissioner. There were upwards of four thousand Indians on the ground, consisting of Menomonees, Chippewas and Winnebagoes.

In the year 1839 I moved my family from Green Bay to Kaukauna, where I have resided almost continually since. I found the following persons with their families here, viz. : Chas. A. Grignon, E. St. Louis, James Porlier, Joseph Lamure, Paul H. Beaulieau, and a few Germans whose names I do not remember. Mr. Beaulieu had a saw and grist mill in operation, on the south side of the river, for the accommodation of the inhabitants. The mode of transporting merchandise in those days was by Durham boats, manned by workmen who poled them up the river to Grand Chute, portaging the rapids.

In the year 1847, I think, Mr. Reeder Smith, from Boston, came to Wisconsin to locate Lawrence University, and selected its present site, Appleton. If I remember right, I believe JohnF. Johnston is entitled to the honor of erecting the first house (or shanty rather) on the site of what is to-day the flourishing city of Appleton.

About the year 1847 Rev. Mr. Van Den Broek, Catholic missionary at Little Chute, made a trip to Holland to visit relations and friends. On his return a number came with him. Among- them were Jacob Appleman, C. A. Hamer, Martin Gerrits, Herman Johnson, Theodore Johnson, J. C. Van Niel and Fred Speel, and later others followed, until now there is no lands to be had within reaching distance of the church; and so they go to Nebraska! How marked the chang-e these thrifty and industrious people have made in the appearance of the country ab ut Little Chute during the last thirty years. Most of you will remember how forbidding- to the averag-e settlers the tamarack swamps were which surrounded it. To-day it will compare favorably with the richest portion of our county.

Before closing I will relate a few incidents and adventures in the life of Capt. Joseph Houle, who died recently at the residence of his son, in the lower end of our town. He was said to be 113 years old. Of this I have no doubt, for as early as the year 1815 I remember him distinctly as an employe about my father's Trading Post in Green Bay, a gray-headed old man.

In the year 1825 my father got short of certain goods to carry on the Indian trade, and sent Joseph Houle, in the month of January, to Mackinac after a supply. He started with a horse and sleigh alone upon the ice, and reached Mackinac in safety and safely returned. This is the first instance of which there is any record of a white man making the trip in that way and at that time of the year. A glance at the map will show the magnitude of the undertaking.

Again, in the year 1826-7, he was sent from Green Bay to Fort Crawford or Prairie du Chien, with a load of goods for Mr. D. Whitney, making his was through the woods and across the prairies with nothing to guide him but the trail of Indians, until he reached his destination. He is supposed to be the first white man who made this trip across the country.

When I arrived in Kaukauna, over fifty years ago, I found it a veritable wilderness, there were no roads and no way of traveling except on Indian trail or by water. Green Bay was our source of supplies and I was very desirous of spening wagon communications with that place. I went down to see Mr. Wright, the founder of Wrightstown, five miles down the river, he was a particular friend of mine, and had settled there three or four years before. I wanted him to run a ferry across the river so that we could reach the military road running from Green Bay to Fond du Lac. This he agreed to do, providing I would open a road from Kaukauna to his ferry, I pledged my word I would do so at once. I was much pleased that I succeeded in making such arrangements, the next day I called on my neighbor and laid the matter before him for his approval, expecting him to aid me, but to my surprise I found he was opposed to any such radical change, he said, my father lived a good many years in Kaukauna and had no wagon road to Green Bay, he got along very well by traveling on horse back or afoot and I guess I can do the same. Not to be overcome by this exhibition of conservatism I resolved to try the head Menomonee chief at Little Chute, Tyometaw, and see if he would not aid me, he summoned his young men to council and addressed them stating that as they were all good Catholics and had adopted the customs of the white people and that I considered them citizens of the United States and perhaps they would be entitled to vote in a few years. As we were obliged to obey the laws of our country and spend two days working out our poll tax on road I thought they ought to do the same and I asked them to help me open a road to Wrightstown so that we could travel to Green Bay. The old Chief Tyometaw got up and said that they must obey the laws of the country and further that it would be of great benefit to them to have such a road built. The young men answered, yes we will go, the next day I had about fifty Indians to help me, in two days had the road cut out. The next week we all worked

The first plat of Kaukauna was made by John Stephens, under direction of Mr. Lawe in 1850 on the north side of the river, this plat consisted of seventeen blocks and quite a number of lots were sold when in 1854 County Surveyor E. Spencer made a second plat, the one that has continued from that time till the present. While the north side was thus growing- in size and importance the south side was a howling- wilderness; as late as 1880 a passeng-er on the M. L. S. & W. could not tell from riding- along- that any inhabitants dwelt on that side of the river at all. There was a small flag- station there called Ledyard, but the only building-s were a depot and an old farm house. In 1881 the M. L. S. & W. R. R. decided to move their mechanical department here from Manitowoc and to make this the headquarters for the train department of the southern division. All at once was changer, as if by mag-ic, and South Kaukauna beg-an her phenomenal growth.

To the Outagamie County Pioneer Association - Dear Friends: Having- seen, in the Crescent, a notice of your annual g-athering-, I cannot forbear saying-, it would g-ive me great pleasure to attend the glad re-union, and clasp once more the hand of old and true and tried friends, who dared with me to brave the dangers of the wilderness. As we look back "through the vista of years" we see that Old Time has wrought many sad changes. Many, oh so many, of those earl}7 friends have gone, and oh, how painful the sundering of heart strings. And we are forcibly reminded that we, too, are hastening home.

And, too, we can but note the progress of the age. Civilization in its march has made the wilderness to blossom as the rose. No longer the howl of the wolf is heard, and the scarcely less terrible buzz of the mosquito has been hushed, Never can I forget their blood-thirsty look as they came pouring- throug-h the crevices of our rude cabin in the forest, and never the welcome sound of the ax as trees were felled for the erection of a log- house near, as we were really to have a neig-hbor.

Now in place of those primitive dwelling-s are fine farm houses. In your city are fine houses of worship, halls of science, etc. Surely this is an age of progress, I exclaim, as I contrast the corduroy and ox-cart of those days with our elevated railroad on which we are sent flying through the air with a lightning-like rapidity.

But I must not take your time from more interesting communications. Suffice to say that though I never more may meet you in that cherished spot, you will be kindly remembered, and warmly welcomed to our winter home in New York, or our summer home on Unit Farm in South Haven, Mich. With best wishes for your happiness and prosperity, I remain yours sincerely, Emily J. Eawe.

Pursuant to notice duly given the Pioneers of Outagamie County met at Union Hall, over C. C. Wayland's store, in the city of Appleton, Feb. 21, 1880. L. E. Darling, president, in the chair; E. Spencer present as secretary. Moved and carried that we proceed to an informal ballot for president. Result: John Dey having received much the largest number of votes, on motion he was declared elected president for the ensuing year; Charles Wolcott was elected vice-president; E. Spencer was duly elected secretary, and John Leith was chosen treasurer. John McGillan, Harmon Jones, Wm. McGuire, Wm. Briggs and Henry Kethroe were elected as the executive committee for the ensuing year. At 12 o'clock adjourned for dinner. About seventyfive pioneers partook of a substantial dinner in true pioneer style. At 2 o'clock the meeting was called to order, when Dr. A. B, Randall delivered the opening address. H. L.

Blood was then called on and responded by reading- a paper giving a history of his experience and recollections of the first settlement and history of Appleton and Outagamie county. Mr. B. B. Murch was then called on who responded by reading a paper giving his experience and recollections of the early history of the county. A. B. Randall was then called on to explain some ludicrous circumstances attending the first wedding in this county attended to by Mr. Murch. Remarks were also made by Mr. C. Wolcott.

As early as 1846 A. A. Lawrence proposed to the M. E. Church of Wisconsin that he would give $10,000 to found an institution of learning to be located on the Fox river between Green Bay and Lake Winnebago, provided the church would add $10,000 more to it and take charge of it. In pursuance of this offer a number of the prominent men of the church met in Milwaukee early in the winter of 1847 and arranged to procure a charter, which was soon after obtained through Elisha Morrow, then member of the legislature from Green Bay, and in July following the charter members met in Fond du Eac and organized a board of trustees for "Lawrence Institute," appointed a committee consisting of Geo. E. H. Day, Reeder Smith, and H. L. Blood, to report on a location. The committee examined the points on the river September 6 and 7, 1847, and reported in favor of Grand Chute, at a meeting held at my house in Green Bay soon after, and the board adopted the report, locating the institute at Grand Chute. Squire Bateman and myself came up from Green Bay in September, 1847, and preempted each a quarter section of land, and I also located several land warrants in this town and Freedom. The following winter I had ten acres chopped on section 26, near where J. Rork now lives. The men who were chopping for me boarded at Murch's and took their dinner with them, and one day while they were eating their dinner the wolves drove them away. The next fall I sowed it to wheat which was the first wheat sown in this town. Mr. Murch claimed and moved onto his place where he now lives the first of November, 1846, and was the first white settler in the town, and the first child born in the town was Geo. H. Murch, Dec. 9, 1847.

Burr S. Craft moved to Tecos Point, adjoining Murch, in December of the same year. I will relate an incident of Craft. After he got his house built, he went to Neenah for some lime. Coming home in the evening with the lime in a bag on his back, he had to cross Mud Creek on a log fallen across the creek for that purpose. The wolves got so near and frightened him so that he threw his bag of lime into the creek and ran for Murch's house, bolted in and yelled to Murch, "I don't know but you like this kind incidents of Craft who was a ready, off-hand man. The first settler in the limits of the city of Appleton was E* L. Thurber, who took up a claim in the spring of 1848, and built a shanty across the ravine west of what is now Pierce's park, and the first child born in the city was a son of E. L. Thurber, in January, 1849. Elder Sampson, Reeder Smith, Hoel S. Wright and myself surveyed and laid out the Appleton plat, on the fourth and fifth days of August, 1848. I then went up into Winnebago county and purchased a yoke of oxen and a wagon, which was the first wagon or team brought to Appleton. I commenced with four men to cut a road through to Oneida Mill on Duck Creek, where we had already purchased 100,000 feet of lumber, and set the team to drawing lumber for a shanty to board the men we were to employ in commencing work here. J. F. Johnston moved into the shanty before the roof was on, the 29th day of August, 1848, which was the first family in Appleton proper. This shanty was called Johnston's tavern and was a home for all who came to the town for some months after. The shanty was 15x32 feet and a wing 18 feet long. In this shanty Elder Sampson preached the first sermon ever preached in Appleton on the 8th day of October, 1848, to a congregation of fourteen. We commenced on the 7th of October to clear off the ground for the preparatory building for Lawrence Institute, I having already contracted with a man at Neenah, by the name of Richards, to excavate for the foundation of a building 30x70 feet. The contract for erecting the building had been given to Wm. McGregor, of Sheboygan, who came on with J. P. Parish and S. P. Blake to commence work, and as soon as lumber could be got through they built shanties and moved their families into them, and by December we had five shanties here. On Christmas all the inhabitants of Appleton took a sleigh ride with the ox team to Murch's, then called Tecos Point.

Elder Sampson and R. R. Bateman erected shanties and moved their families here in February, 1849. Others came during the winter so that by spring we had quite a neighborhood. On the second day of April I received a letter from John F. Mead, then member of the legislature from Brown county, informing me that an act had just been passed authorising the organization of the town of Grand Chute, including the territory in Brown county west of the town of Kaukaleau. I called a meeting of all the voters that evening- at Johnston's tavern, when the nominations were made and the next day, April 3, 1849, the election was held and the town of Grand Chute organized. We had voters enough to fill all the offices and a few to spare. I went that spring to Bruce's mill to assess the property there in the assessment roll of Grand Chute. The 20th day of April, in company with J. S. Buck and John Stephens, we surveyed and laid out the road from College avenue to Tecos Point and the county line, which was the first legally laid road in the town, and on the 10th of May we surveyed and laid the road to McGuire's Corner, since called the Johnston road. May 28, commenced to survey and lay the road to Wolf river, called Young's Corner road, and on June 28, 29 and 30, laid the road to Hortonville and to Bruce's mill; July 9th laid road to Oneida settlement.

July 3d we raised the frame of the Preparatory building for Lawrence University, and all the people in the region met in this building and celebrated the Fourth of July with a picnic dinner, reading the Declaration of Independence by John Stephens and an oration by A. B. Randall, which was, I think, as enjoyable a celebration as has ever been held in Appleton. With the help of Judge Myers and Wm. Johnston, who worked for me, I built in July, 1850, a foot bridge across the river near where the main bridge now stands, (at a cost of $120) which was the first bridge of any kind across the river and the only way of crossing for two years.

We had no roads; the mail was carried on horse-back once a week from Fond du Lac to Green Bay, by way of Oshkosh and Neenah. Burr S. Craft procured an appointment of postmaster, and opened an office in a pine box fastened to a tree near his house at Tecos Point; but in the spring of 1849 we succeeded through Gov. Doty, then member of congress, in getting the postoffice established at Appleton, and J. F. Johnston appointed postmaster, and in July, 1849, I obtained a contract for carrying the mail tri-weekly from Menasha to Green Bay, by Neenah and Appleton, when I commenced running a stage from Appleton to Green Bay and a row boat to Neenah

There are many reminiscences of the early times and settlers that it would be pleasant and perhaps profitable to bring- up it time allowed. I might speak of the first store, tavern, mills, schools, churches and other enterprises and the men who started them. I want to say a few words in relation to the first settlers, as I am aware that few who have not had the experience have any adequate conception of the immense amount of hard work required to clear off the primitive forest and prepare the land for the first crop, and fewer still any just appreciation of the degree of resolution, energy and endurance necessary- to the clearing off and fully subduing one piece of land after another, until a farm of respectable size is redeemed from the wilderness; so herculean, indeed, is the task of clearing a new farm and making the necessary improvements, that the best part of a man's life and all the strength of his manhood are generally exhausted in the achievement. In not onehalf the towns of the state, probably, have the majority of its first settlers become its permanent residents, yet of a list of seventy-four names, heads of families who settled in this town during the two first years of 1849-50, fifty-six are still remaining and in thirty years there has been but nine deaths of that number. Eleven have moved to other parts and of that number now remaining forty-three are now over 60 years old, twenty-seven over 65 and seven over 80. Can any other town present such a record in favor of the healthfulness of the climate, the morals and habits of its first settlers? Yet we have come far short of our hopes and expectations in a moral and religious point of view.

Speculation on the part of a few and a purpose to get rich at the expense of others, has been the bane of society here as in other places. It is to-day impossible to estimate what might have been accomplished here in thirty years by the first settlers, had we all been united and worked together; with the natural advantages here we could now have been manufacturing millions of dollars' worth every year if we could have seen eye to eye and worked shoulder to shoulder co operatively in all improvements. While we have had shylocks among us from the beginning, some of whom obtained control of some of the offices in the first organization of the county and thereby increased the taxes of the people to a fearful extent, yet the great majority of the first settlers here were of a better sort.

I see those here to-day who came here into the wilderness thirty years ago, who brought the best style of Christian civilization with them, who made a home for it here, who have cherished it ever since, until now the tide of metropolitan ways and metropolitan culture breaks around us, but they bring no sentiment of kindness, no rule of courtesy, no flower of good breeding which was not domesticated here in the early homes.

But a few words to the young boys. It is an old saying, "The glory of the father is his childeren," and that father has done his work well who has left a child better than himself. The old phrase used to be "Lord grant I may be as well off to-morrow as yesterday," but no truly western man ever made that prayer, he always meant that his son shall have a better starting point in life than himself, hence he means to be better off to-morrow. Now boys, my lesson to you is, be as good as your father unless you can be better; you have your father's example and the opportunities and advantages they have accumulated. To be as good is not enough; you must copy only the spirit of your father and not his imperfections. Be better than we and you are bound to go ahead of us.

But to return, I helped to organize this town government, laid out the leading roads through the county, and have seen the improvements commenced, have witnessed their progress till the present time, and while some have got rich, I have got poor. When I look at what has been done here I think what may be done and what will be done. Appleton has grown from nothing to 9,000 inhabitants in thirty years. In the same ratio in thirty years more it will number 270,000 inhabitants, and with the combined capital that is being and will be massed here it will reach down the river till it swallows up Little Chute and becomes one vast workshop, the bee-hive of the northwest, with street cars running- the whole length of the river and second city in the state. Who of us will live to see it ? I for one intend to live as long as I can see any of the rest of you alive. Let us live*, then, that we shall never die. As the song has it, "Let us keep in the middle of the road."

At the annual meeting of the Outagamie County Pioneer Association, held pursuant to notice at Way land's hall, in Appleton, Feb. 22, 1881, at 10 o'clock a. m., meeting was called to order by John Dey, the president; E. Spencer was present as secretary.

The first business in order was the election of officers for the ensuing year: John Dey was elected president; Charles Wolcott, vice-president; E. Spencer, secretary; John Leith, treasurer; executive committee, Harmon Jones, John H. McGillan, H. Kethroe, Wm. F. Johnston, Wm. McGuire.

At 1:30 p. m. called to order. Music by the Dale band. Opening remarks by President Dey, very appropriate to the occasion. Remarks by Charles Breiterick, of Ellington. Remarks by Joseph Rork, of Appleton.

Our vice-president, Charles Wolcott, being called, read a poem appropriate to the occasion. Miss Nora McGillan being called, repeated in a very graceful style the song of the pioneers.

Moved and carried that all pioneers who were inhabitants of the state previous to 1860 are considered members of this society. Moved and carried that the officers of this society

Judge Harriman being called, he responded by a few happy remarks. Miss Allie McGillan being called upon recited gracefully the story of the pioneers of seventy years ago. H. Kethroe being called, responded by some appropriate remarks. Kverly Grant being called, responded by a few remarks. D. Huntley being called, responded in his usual happy style. A. H. Conkey was called and responded by appropriate remarks. George Lanphear being called, responded by giving some of his experiences as a pioneer; he came to Wisconsin in 1837.

The ladies being called for pioneer speeches, Mrs. James Tompkins responded, by telling some of her very interesting experiences. Mrs. Pierce being called, told some of her pioneer experiences, very interesting as a teacher. Mrs. Van Vleck being called, said she had been a pioneer for thirty-two years, and passed through many interesting scenes.

James McGillan was called, and responded by appropriate remarks. Harmon Jones being called, responded by telling some of his experiences. William Briggs being called, related a fish story quite amusing. A. B. Randall told some of his pioneer experience. C. Breiterick being again called, responded in his peculiar style.

The annual meeting- of the Outag-amie County Pioneer Association was held pursuant to notice, at Wayland's hall, in Appleton, Feb. 22, 1882, at 10 o'clock a. m. Meeting was called to order by John Dey, the president; E. Spencer was present as secretary.

The first business in order was the election of officers for the ensuing year: Harmon Jones was elected president; A. H. Burch, vice-president; E. Spencer, secretary; John Leith, treasurer; Wm. McGuire, Thomas Dane, Wm. F. Johnston, Mrs. Harmon Jones, Mrs. A. H. Burch, were elected executive committee.

The treasurer reported $10.53 now in the treasury. Motion made and carried that we still adhere to the good old custom of a basket picnic dinner at our annual celebration.

Resolved , That Mrs. Harmon Jones, Mrs. A. H. Burch and Mrs. Charles Wolcott, be appointed a committee to inquire if there are any of our pioneer associates in needy circumstances; if so to relieve them to the extent of the money in the treasury.

Music. Address by John McGillan, giving a history of his early pioneer experience. Mr. Charles Wolcott being called, read a poem written for the occasion, on the subject of pioneers' exploits.

Music. Joseph Rork being called, the subject assigned to him was the memory of departed pioneers. He spoke in a very sympathetic and appropriate manner of the departed pioneers of this county and read the names of the pioneers who have died during the past year, and also the names of sixty-three more pioneers of this county, who have died, and he presumed fifteen or twenty more have died whose names he has not obtained. He also presented resolutions of sympathy with our afflicted brother pioneer, James Gilmore. Said resolutions were adopted and signed by the president and secretary who were requested to send them to said Brother Gilmore.

To our Beloved Neighbor and Brother Pioneer , James Gilmore: The Pioneers of Outagamie County, met at our festival, bear to you and your family our warmest regards, mingled with hopes and fear, feeling ourselves striken with sorrow that you are not permitted to mingle in our friendly greeting to-day. We miss your noble form, your pleasant words, your kindly greetings, in this our annual reunion, as well as in our daily walks, and sincerely praying that a kind Heavenly Father may not only comfort and sustain you in your affliction, but first in His wisdom, He may see fit to spare you to your family and to your society and fellowship by restoring you to health, blessing you yet with years of pleasure and comfort.

Music. Remarks by Charles Breiterick, of Ellington, giving his pioneer experience. Collections taken up to the amount of $8.87. Music. Remarks by Thomas Dane, of Appleton, Harvey Greenfield, of Greenville, Harmon Jones, our new president, George Lanphear, Ira Scott, of Ellington, by our new vice-president, A. H. Burch, and by Wm. Briggs.

Mr. Rork said there are now living in Appleton three brother pioneers whose united ages amount to 244 years, none of them had drank any intoxicating drinks during the last fifty years. Remarks by Henry Eeppla, of Greenville, and P. V. Smith, of Grand Chute. Moved and carried that a vote of thanks be tendered to Miss Switzer for the music she furnished us on this occasion. A vote of thanks was tendered to our outgoing president, John Dey, for the very efficient zeal manifested by him in the discharge of his official duties as president of this assocition. Remarks by Wm. F. Johnston.

Pursuant to previous announcement the Outagamie Pioneer Association met at Masonic Hall, Appleton, on Thursday, Feb. 22, 1883, at 10 a. m., and in the absence of the president and vice-president, was called to order by the secretary. On motion John Dey was chosen president, pro tern.

On motion proceeded to election of officers, with the following result: President, John Dey; vice-president, Chas. Wolcott; secretary, E. Spencer; treasurer, John Leith; executive committee, Wm. F. Johnston, D. Huntley, M. Culbertson, John McGillan, Isaac Vandebogart.

At 2 o'clock called to order for business. Music. Opening remarks by President Dey. Annual address by Rev. W. H. Sampson, which was as follows:

Mr. President , Members of the Old Settlers'1 Society. - Ladies and Genteemen: At the request of the management of the Old Settlers' Society of Outagamie County, I come to occupy a few moments of your time on this annual festive gathering. "This is the age of progress," is an aphorism of frequent utterance by nearly all classes of people, and is nowhere more clearly demonstrated than by the result of Christian principles in our American civilization. There is no object more noble, more important, or more worthy the ambition of intelligent moral agents, than the development of pure, intelligent, moral and religious character. This is not a matter of accident, nor is it of Phoenix-like realization. It demands the exercise of our best energies and an unyielding purpose, till the grand object is secured and maintained. Nor does this avail under the application of hypothetical theories, or some untried vagary, because they gratify our tastes and wishes. The experience of the ages has demonstrated that the noblest characters that grace the pages of history are those who come nearest to the only perfect model of human character, in whom even his uncompromising, keen, critical enemies could find no fault, whose basal principles of character are those divinely formulated utterances: "Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, * * * and thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself" (Matt. 22: 37 and 39); and "All things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them" (Matt. 7: 12). When we have reached and maintained the measure of this model, governed conscientiously by those divine formulas, we occupy the highest, the grandest moral altitude that human beings ever realized. To this priceless object, I think the old settlers ardently aspired - this was the wealth, the honor, at which their ambition, with some exceptions, perhaps, aimed.

It seems only yesterday since all this part of the country was an unbroken forest - to-day we can scarcely find a spot where we may indulge in the recreations of the wildwoods without intruding on the rights of others. Instead of the centenarian forest, embarrassed with an exuberant undergrowth, the industrious and enterprising farmers are utilizing the whole lands except their wood lots, to fill their cribs, their cellars and their barns with food for man and beast. It seems but a few days since a man vigorously applying his axe, felling and cutting up forest trees was interupted by an uninvited visit from the wolves, almost in sight of where we are now gathered and a little further on the bullet of the marksman brought down a panther whose brilliant skin the taxidermist prepared to adorn the museum of Lawrence University, where it may now be seen.

The wilderness has disappeared and the soil is prolific in grain and fruits, and, where the Indian spread his wigwam and lighted his campfires, now the stately mansion with all the modern improvements offers repose and comfort to its inmates, and the hum of varied machinery is heard in every direction. These facts bear witness to the enterprising- character of the old settlers, and this enterprise has chang-ed the Indian trail to multiplied turnpike roads, and invited others with capital for investment, so that in a little over three decades we have now an enterprising- manufacturing- city with a population of 10,000, with railways, with water communication, with educational and all the advantag-es of cities that had centuries the start of us.

The oldest settlers only can fully appreciate the chang-es that a few years have made. My first visit to this place was by Indian trail from Wrig-htstown; I think in 1847. Then it was covered with an underbrush so thickly set as to be almost impassable. There was no residence at that time except that of Mr. Grig-non, by the river side just above Grand Chute, nearer than Tecos Point at the foot of Lake Butte des Morts, where we found lodg-ing- with Burr S. Craft and Bela B. Murch, two miles from where I speak.

Having- been appointed principal and assistant ag-ent of an educational foundation which, under the provisions of the charter had been located here, I started from my home in Fond du Lac in the early part of September, 1848, and came by steamer to Neenah where I secured the loan of an Indian dug-out and came over Lake Butte des Morts down the river to the old landing- above "the chute," and made arrang-ements to clear away the timber for the erection of a preparatory building- for our school. I found a boardingplace with Mr. Thurber's family, some mile and a half distant, in a log shanty, where I i te and slept, and was eaten most sumptuously by mosquitoes.

Having been installed in my near quarters, I commenced clearing off the undergrowth from the block now occupied for homes by Messrs. Adkins, White, Boyd, Wambold and others; this done I applied myself to the prosecution of the enterprise to the best of my ability. Not many weeks had passed before John IT. Johnston had so far completed his "hotel" (an interesting account of which he can give us), that I took rooms with him near where the college build-

Burr S. Craft secured the appointment of postmaster at Tecos Point, and opened the office in his residence where we received our mails till Appleton g-ained such notoriety thut multitudes were rushing- here to secure homes when having "a friend at court," we secured the removal of the postoffice to this place, a change of its name and the appointment of John F. Johnston as postmaster.

The primal object of the old settlers was the establishment of a literary institution for the education of the present and future generations, where the young could receive their intellectual culture under moral and religious restraints, and where the foundation of pure moral character could be laid. The school formed a nucleus in connection with almost unequalled natural advantages for manufacturing interests and purposes, around which gathered an industrious, intelligent population.

The physical changes that have transpired and the character and variety of the improvements made speak more eloquently than words for the industry, intelligence and enterprise of the old settlers; and I think we have not entirely failed to establish to some extent moral and religious character. At the commencement of our enterprise there was a general ambition to contribute to the consummation of this grand object. Human selfishness with few exceptions was banished, and genial souls formed a remarkably happy brotherhood; but in this fallen world, this condition in society cannot be maintained without difficulty and opposition, and soon the purposes to defeat the designs of the movers in this enterprise were revealed. The greatest obstacle in the way of success has been the introduction of alcoholic beverages and traffic therein, which we endeavored to prevent. The groggeries have ruined the characters of more persons in Appleton than all other causes combined. I think about the first cask of "firewater " brought here all leaked out into the boat in the night through a gimlet hole, and if every subsequent in-

Human greed early planned to make some money by drawing our students, into amusements which were pro hibited by our rules. At the close of school hours one day, I called the attention of the students to the subject in the chapel and advised them to pay no attention to the matter, as they were not here for such purposes; that it would be of no service in fitting them for their life work; that they were here at the expense of parents and friends, and that it would bring them into trouble. The result was no one went, which greatly exasperated those who had provided for the entertainment, because "the hopes of their gains were gone." They were overheard to say, the best thing to do would be to start a public school, break Lawrence, "drive these d d Methodist preachers out of the country, and put some one in charge of Lawrence that can be religious without being pious." The Methodist preachers encouraged the establishment of the public schools and helped what they could till they were equal to any in other cities of our size; but it did not drive them out of the country.

We have so often listened to rehearsals of the early history of the city and surrounding country, that anything new will not be expected from me, and I need not bore you with the rehearsals of stale and unimportant incidents. Most, if not all, the old settlers highly appreciate pure, true, moral and religious character, which is the most valuable inheritance that we can treasure up in this life, and many of them are ambitious to secure and maintain it at any reasonable sacrifice. In spite of all the obstacles in the path of success, many of them have procured that priceless treasure, and directly or indirectly have con tributed to the success of others who have gone out to do a grand work in the same direction in other parts of our great and growing nation. Over two hundred and fifty have left Appleton bearing college honors, and a much greater number with academic and public school advantages, who carry with them more or less of the moral and religious influence received from the old settlers during their school days. These students are filling most responsible positions, some on the judge's bench, some at the bar, some in the sacred desk, some at the bedside of suffering ones, some in legislative halls, some occupy the chair of the college president, some the professor's chair; indeed, almost every honorable and laudable calling in this great nation has a representative from the schools in Appleton. This fact should be an encouragement and an inspiration to every remaining old settler to aim at the truest and noblest moral character attainable in this life, that we may confer the greatest possible good upon all who may come within our influence.

Remarks by Judge Ryan giving a brief recital of the improvements and future prospects of Appleton. Communication read by the secretary from Rev. W. H. Sampson, the first regular pastor of the M. E. church of Appleton. Remarks by Joseph Rork suitable on the death of our late president, Harmon Jones.

Mhsic by the Misses McGillan. Remarks by A. B. Murch, a former editor of the Appleton Free Press. Remarks by J. F. Johnston, Appleton's first postmaster. Remarks by D. Huntley, who also read a poem by Will Carleton. Mrs. T. W. Brown also favored the pioneers with happy remarks, followed by Mr. John McGillan.

On motion the chair appointed J. Rork, Mrs. Mary Blood and Mrs. Alex. Ross as a committee to relieve out of the treasury any needy members of the association, if found. The meeting was then closed by remarks from J. M. Phinney, C. Wolcott and Deacon Spafford.

The twelfth anniversary of the organization of the Outagamie County Pioneer Association was celebrated at South Masonic Hall, and, notwithstanding the inclemency of the weather during the early part of the day, the attendance was exceedingly good.

The association was organized on the 22d of February, 1872, since which time annual meetings have been held in this city. At the first meeting 124 persons who settled in this county previous to Juty 4, 1853, were made members, and many names have since been added to the list. Out of the 124, who may be termed as charter members, there remain but eighty-nine, twenty-two having died since that date, and thirteen removed to various parts of the country.

The meeting was called to order at 11 o'clock by President John Dey. The first business which presented itself to the notice of the pioneers, was the election of officers for the ensuing year. The following is the result: President, John Dey, Greenville; vice-president, Charles Wolcott, Grand Chute; secretary, E. Spencer, Appleton; treasurer, John Leith, Center. Executive Council: John McGillan, Center; A. M. Spencer, Frank Harriman, Wm. F. Johnston, Appleton; John McMurdo, Hortonia. Relief Committee: Mrs. A. Ross, Mrs. H. C. Jones, and Mrs. John Dey.

After the election of officers, as is customary, the meeting adjourned until 1:30, during which time the ladies prepared a sumptuous repast, which had been brought in baskets, and in the neighborhood of fifty hoary-headed individuals " formed 'round the festive board" and participated in talk of olden times, while the articles of diet placed before them vanished as if by magic. Nearly every town in the county was represented to enjoy the festivities of the anniversary, which, very appropriately, comes on Washington's birthday, and many were the incidents told of pioneer life in Outagamie county. One of an observant turn of mind could not but notice the careworn and wrinkled brows of those who inhabited this county when the lofty pine and sturdy oak occupied the territory which honest and industrious toil, by these respected citizens, converted into fertile farms, villages and cities, as the wearers sat clustered about the table indulging in their annual feast.

At the expiration of the adjournment, the meeting was called to order by the president for the transaction of business and the carrying out of the entertaining exercises. Mrs, Foye and Mrs. Canfield sung a beautiful song in a most admirable manner, and elicited the praise of all present. This was followed by an opening speech by President Dey, who, in his good-humored style, pleased the audience with his interesting remarks.

The reading of the annexed poem by Mrs. Stansbury, who has favored the pioneer association with one of her admirably written poetical addresses for several meetings past, was received with applause, as its merits well deserve:

While yet was heard the panther's scream, Scared by the builder's hammer-blows, - Whence, now, the light of science glows, Grown to a beacon's steady beam ; -

Mr. Joseph Rork's remarks in memory of departed pioneers, was attentively listened to throughout, and many were the minds refreshed with the scenes of early times, as he smoothly jogged along over his chosen subject.

At this juncture Mr. A. M. Spencer introduced to the notice of the audience, which had been rapidly increasing since 1 o'clock, the "Wandering Brass Band," which he had induced to enter the hall and favor the meeting with music. The band was composed of seven Germans, who travel about the country dispensing excellent music on the streets of cities, or wherever opportunity affords, and to say that every member of "dot leetle German pand," is a thorough musician is no deviation from the truth. A collection was taken up and the itinerant horn-tooters were made extremely happy by the liberality of the assembly.

Judge Sam Ryan was then called to the rostrum, and in that happy mood for which he is characteristic, gave a brief account of his early recollections and experiences as a pioneer. Some few weeks ago, Mr. Ryan secured the records of the organization of the town of Grand Chute, and the first town meeting; also, the proceedings of the town board for several years, and from this somewhat antiquated relic he read, greatly interesting those whose memory of many occurrences had become dimmed by time. The judge, as he carelessly turned the pages, here and there perusing a few lines for the edification of his hearers, recited incidents which transpired in the early history of that town. But, if there is one thing more than another that this gentleman is posted on, it is on the history of

President Dey invited Mr. J. S. Buck to favor his pioneer friends with a speech, which he did. His remarks were appropriate and to the point, and were attentively listened to and fully appreciated.

Judg-e A. L. Collins also g-ave his recollections of early life in Appleton and Outag-amie county. The judg-e is an eloquent speaker, and did the subject, with which he is familiar, justice.

After another piece by the wandering- musicians, Judg-e Harriman preambulated to the rostrum and everybody anxiously awaited his first words. He spoke in brief of pioneer life, our advancement and finally turned to the subject that all were patiently waiting- for him to reach - his Florida trip. Mr. Harriman compared the South with the North, g-iving- a descriptive sketch of places visited during his recent trip to the "sunny south," and concluded by saying-, in substance, that he was not very favorably impressed with that portion of the continent; that the North was the place, and Appleton the place. His remarks consumed about half an hour, and the audience, althoug-h the curtains of nig-ht were rapidly descending-, would have willing-ly remained the balance of the sixty minutes listening to the jovial judg-e's interesting-, instructive and amusingillustrations of southern ways, and the honest and candid opinions advanced regarding our favored county and city.

The band discoursed excellent music as the audience disbanded, and thus ended one of the most interesting- meeting's the Outag-amie County Pioneer Association ever held.

The weather being somewhat more favorable than for weeks past the gathering was comparatively large, and all present were in a happy spirit, evidently bent on improving the short season of sociability. The meeting was called to order at 11 o'clock by the president, John Dey, and the following officers elected : President, John Dey; vice-president, Chas. Wolcott; secretary, E. Spencer; treasurer, John Leith; executive committee, Wm. F. Johnston, Jos. Rork, Appleton; John McGillan, Center; A. Ross, Grand Chute.

The business meeting was adjourned until 1:30 o'clock during which time in the neighborhood of 150 persons partook of the bountiful repast prepared by the ladies. As the hoary-headed pioneers sat gathered around the board, they chatted merrily of olden times, recalling many reminiscences almost faded from memory's tablet which suggested themselves at the sight of familiar faces.

Upon calling the meeting to order, Mrs. James McGillan enlivened the occasion by singing a favorite selection after which President Dey made a few brief remarks welcoming the pioneers and urging that the organization be kept up, for within a few short years at most the old settlers of Outagamie county will be gone forever.

I was the eldest of a family of three children, all boys. My father had a good farm for the county; but as I thought not large enough for four families, and consequently I was impressed with the idea, quite early in life, that when I became of age it would be my turn to go away and run a farm for myself, in that or some new country.

I therefore began diligently to study the geography of the valleys of the great lakes, and of the Mississippi river to search for the rivers that empty into the lakes and the Mississippi, respectively, and for such places where such waters came nearest each other, at the divide between the valley of the lakes and the valley of the Mississippi.

1 found nothing that appeared to me so likely to afford water of sufficient volume to make a navigable way between the lakes and the Mississippi as the Fox and Wisconsin rivers.

At that time railways were being constructed in the Fast, but few then supposed that in forty years there would be such a network of railways as now exists in the United States* and all men looked for great cities to spring up in future as had in the past on or at the mouths of great rivers, and that diverse population would continue to assemble on the line of navigable waters, as had been the case since the world began to be inhabited. Moved by these considerations, I had as early as 1845, when I first entered a law office as a student, determined to move to the valley of the Fox and Wisconsin rivers on my admission to the bar.

In the winter of 1848-49 intelligence reached the eastern states of the discovery of gold in California. All through that winter the young men were excited upon the subject, were almost nightly planning to go to California in the spring. I was as anxious to go as any of them, but was unable to do so without the assistance of nry father. I was away from home all winter, but when I got home in the spring I applied to my father for money to go to California. He appeared to be expecting and prepared for such an affliction. He looked me earnestly in the face and replied: I have this winter bought three hundred acres of land so as to have farms for the other boys. I have no money now to let you have, but if I had the money I would never let you have it to go to California with, where I should never

I was finally obliged to give up the idea of going to California, and to go back to my original plan of moving to Wisconsin. I was admitted to the bar in May. I had intended to go immediately thereafter, but early in tha month the cholera broke out on the lakes, and I remain ~ at home until fall. Early in September I set out in Die "Keystone State," and after a stormy passage arrived in Sheboygan. From there I went up to the Fox river, and finally came down Lake Winnebago on the "Manchester," and arrived in Appleton on the 11th of October 01 i foot, having come from Neenali on the Indian trail.

On the lakes I met the late Wait Cross and his family, and Henry Berrmouth, on their way to Appleton. I found them all here on my arrival. I stopped at first at the Appleton House, kept by W. S. Warner. In the afternoon of the day of my arrival, I visited the bank of the river, marked the volume and fall of the water in front of the village plats of Grand Chute, Appleton and Lawsburgh, and saw a Durham boat loaded with goods passing up the rapids propelled by men with poles, assisted by one or two yoke of oxen wading in the river. To me this was a new method of navigation, and appeared to be somewhat slow and tedious, but I was informed that congress had given one-half the land for three miles in width on each side of the river for the improvement of the Fox and Wisconsin rivers, and that in a very few years the Durham boats would be supplanted by steamers that would pass between the lakes and the Mississippi, by way of those rivers. The great water power at Appleton, the college, and the prospect that a navigable highway between the lakes and the Mississippi, by way of the Fox and Wisconsin rivers, would soon be completed, were the inducements that moved me to make a halt at Appleton. However, after a couple of weeks I became uneasy and thought of going to Missouri, but I was pursuaded by some whose acquaintance I had made, to remain longer, and I have continued to do so until this day.

About 1850 Cyrus Jackman built quite a large hotel on the Grand Chute plat, it was burnt two or three years after it was built. In 1849 or soon after, the followingpersons whom I now remember lived on the Grand Chute plat, but I do not recall the location of the residences of any of them. Theodore Conkey, A. B. Boner, J. W. Boner, T. P. Bing-ham, James Hanchett, and one gentleman the name of Noort, Ever Grant, Mr. Van Euthner, Mr. Quentymen, O. W. Clark, L. E. Hulce, A. S. Sanborn, John Jewett, E. C. Foot, H. C. Sheenin, and his brother, two or three men by the name of McDill, J. W. Eetchen, Eadd, William Eean, James Eean, A. M. Tanner, and others there were whose names I cannot as yet recall. John D. Pierce who in late times resided at the Chute, resided on the Appleton plat in the early day.

Althoug-h I was twenty-five years old when I came to Appleton I was classed among- the young- people; and was unmarried. There was little gaiety among us. The best and only party of young people I attended in the winters of 1849-50 was at the house of D. N. Briggs on lot 9 of block 11 of the Lawsburg plat, on the occasion of J. M. Steffin arriving at his majority.

But among the young men of the time was J. M. Steffin, Ansel Briggs, R. S. Bateman, John Moodie, J. W. Cross, Mr. Ford, Mr. Buck, R. H. Smith, Anson Ballard, John Ennis, Daniel Huntley, Harrison Green, W. G. Whorton. And among the young ladies were Amelia Bateman, Elieta Norton, Miss Briggs, a Miss Nitherpoor, one or two young ladies by the name of Rogers, Eeveol, young ladies by the name of Noort, Eeneol, daughters of Reeder Smith, Lucinda Blood, Lobeina Lanphear and Arabella Proctor.

For about three months I was the onty attorney in Appleton, then Perry Smith came and Anson Ballard with him. Perry H. Smith remained until about 1858, when he moved to Chicago; Anson Ballard remained until his death. Soon A. S. Sanborn settled at Grand Chute, and John Jewett came there shortly after, and about 1851 Frederick Packard settled at Appleton. P. H. Smith, A. S. Sanborn and I are still living. Mr. Ballard, Mr. Jewett and Mr. Packard have departed this life.

In 1849 Dr. S. E. Beach was the only physician, but Dr. Maake soon came, then Drs. Murray, Merriman, Williamson, Mayer and others, but at the present time we have no one in our medical faculty that settled here in early days.

Between here and Little Chute in those days owned and occupied by an elderly Frenchman by the name of Tyboult, the town was on the lot near the Cedars, near where the house of the late Dr. Bongers is now located.

There was quite a settlement at Little Chute in 1849. One of the first pioneers I knew at Little Chute was Van den Broek. He was quite an active man and was often to be seen giving directions about improvements going on in the village. Among my other acquaintances in Little Chute were E. St. Louis, C. A. Hamer, A. Davis, Michael Benoit, Peter LaForrest and Jacob Appleman. At Kau- kauna in those days lived Geo. W. Lawe, Charles A. Grignon, Alexander Grignon and David P. Mead, and shortly after Alfred Aspenall, Reubin Doud, for a while; Geo. N. Kontz, Peter Martin, Patrick Hunt and Lemuel Brothers.

And in this county near by lived G. W. Kelso, Truman Tuttle, Thomas Armstrong, M. B. Lemento. William H. Spoin was a surveyor and land looker in this county. He soon left and for some years resided in Portage City. He then became an attorney at law and finally fell a victim to our statute allowing cases to be carried over from the counties where the case is commenced to another, on the ground that either the people or the judge of the county where the case was commenced are prejudiced against the party making the affidavit.

Mr. Spoin was counsel to some party charged with a criminal offense in the western part of the state; the case was taken at length to Columbia county for trial; before the trial came off the main witness for the state was assassinated, that caused excitement and Mr. Spoin, having fallen into an angry dispute with some one in Portage City in respect to that alleged assassination, lost his temper, and shot and killed the man with whom he was disputing; a few moments thereafter a mob of people assembled around Mr. Spoin in the street and hanged him.

In 1849 an elderly Frenchman called Retette Grignon lived on the river bank a little above Lehman's landing. Ben I. Craft lived near the brick yard ; Mr. Rogers and Mr. Kavanaugh lived this side of that and near the river ; B. B. Murch lived where he does now ; Obed Boynton lived near him. Hector McKay and Alexander Ross lived about where they do now. John Samuel and Seth Childs lived up near Mud Creek, William Verity lived on the farm where he lives now ; and with clearing land, hunting bear and deer and keeping bachelor hall made out to keep himself employed.

Among the other early settlers in Grand Chute that I remember was Sylvester Fairbanks, James Wood, Chas. and Gideon J. Wolcott, W. May, William McGuire, Arnold Beaniliout, Henry Bissmuth, Hugh Sillars, John Nolan,

My earliest acquaintance in Greenville was Hon. Seymour Hare. He lived where Louis Perrot now resides. In 1849 an old g-entleman lived with him, related in some way to his wife I think, who had a terrible scar on the top of his head, that looked like the scar of a wound made by a slashing- saber cut; he claimed that he received the wound at the hands of an Eng-lish cavalry soldier, at an eng-ag-ement between Governor Teg-on and General Putman at Havernick, in Connecticut, in 1779. This old g-entleman left in about a year, and I never heard of him ag-ain. Seymour Hare remained only a few years and then left the county entirely.

A couple of hours after I first met Seymour Hare I met Charles Breiterick in the town of Greenville, on a path in the woods. He could not talk Engdish at all, but I made him understand that I wished to g-o to Appleton and did not know the way. He went with me a mile or more out of his way to put me on the rig-ht path. I saw him no more until the Shoiffier trial in May, 1854, when we renewed our acquaintance, and we have kept it up to the present time.

Among- my other early acquaintances in Greenville were G. N. Boon and his father, Jonathan Nye, B. G. Wood, John Leffae, A. P. Lewis, E. H. Stone, Adam Miller, Fredrick Miller, John Dey, Hubert Dey, Louis Blake, John Blake, Peter McGreg-or, L. Barclay, B. Mills, James Webly, Fredrick Bicker, Charles Lueetyee, Lith J. Dwey, Kiles Perry, M. Culbertson, Jas. Culbertson, Mr. Buchholz, John B. Jacquot, Isaac Wicknin, Miron Wicknin, Joseph Jack, Hiram Jack, Michael Shinners, Michael Woods, Georg-e E. Darling-, Leman Darling-, Alex. Culbertson, J. N. Scott, A. McCrevey, A. Bemis, Mr. Carter, Henry Greenfield, Robert Tile.

J. Nye and Mr. Wood had the misfortune to be afflicted with considerable litigation in their day; the both lived to be quite old men, and died seven years since ; each left quite large families, and many of them are residents of the county still.

One of the most dark occurrences that ever happened in this county occurred in Greenville in the loss of James Webley's little son in the woods. It was supposed by many that he had been carried off by the Indians, but for miles around the people turned out, and searched the woods for a number of days, without success ; but during the summer the remains of a child was found that was supposed to be the remains of Mr. Webley's child, where it had been covered with water when the search was made.

In Dale my early acquaintances were Stephen Balliet, William Young, William Holt, Hiram Rhodes, A. Rhodes, E. Rhodes, C. G. Vaughn, H. Hills, Corilius Koonz, James McChitchie, William Hubbard, W. H. H. Wroe, Edward Spice and W. H. H. Ware.

In 1849 there was a saw mill at Hortonville run by Alonzo E. Horton, and a hotel kept by John Easton. I stopped at that hotel over night during that fall; the house is still standing.

My other early acquaintances in Hortonia were James Hardacker, John McMurdo, Mr. Pool, Norman West and his father, David Briggs, William Briggs, Augustine Briggs, Louis Collar, Matthew McComb, James Lake, R. Lester, Henry Kethroe, M. W. Allen, Joll Illison, Mr. Owen, O. A. Blackwood, Rev. John Reinhart, C. H. Ware and D. E. Woodward.

I doubt if any one lived in Ellington in 1849 but John R. Rynders and Thos. Hilson, but since then came to this town, O. D. Peebles, J. B. Boeman, Peter Schmidt, P. H. Pew, J. Pew, Rodney Mason, William McGee, John Welch, two or three men by the name of McKeewey, Thomas Collon, Daniels.

The first settlers in Bovina that I recollect, were Milo Cobs and H. Cobs. W. D. Jordon, settled there quite early, also B. W. Main and H. G. Curtis. W. D. Jordon and H. G. Curtis living-, the others dead.

My earliest acquaintances in Center were David Barry, Patrick Barry, Peter Hephner, John Leith, F. McGillan, Edward McGillan, James Campion and John Batley. Patrick Barry died quite early in life; David Barry still resides in Center and raised quite a family, F. McGillan raised quite a family, and lived to be quite ag-ed. Many of his children still live in the county.

In Freedom my early acquaintances were E. B. Abbott, Ethan Powers, Jacob Hartman, L. A. Hine, Fredrick Souders, B. Leoeter, Mr. O'Brien, James Jackson, Hiram Rhodes, John Garvy and his family of sons; Robert Sheriff, John Flanig-an, D. D. Ang-er, Mr. Newell, Stadman Hag-er, Mr. Sanders.

The occasion of my first acquaintance with Fredrick Souders was his calling upon me one cold day in the winter of about 1851 to defend him on a charge brought by D. A. Hine, for resisting him while he was town treasurer. He was trying to make a levy on Souders' property to pay a tax that Souders claimed was wrong. He appeared to be nearly dead with cold, and claimed that Hine with a posse of men had arrested him without a warrant, and brought him to Appleton without giving him a chance to get even a coat. I defended him and got him clear. He always claimed to me that he never recovered from that ride. He died young, leaving children, some of whom reside in this county. It is due to the memory of Mr. Hine, to say that he claimed that he offered to let Souders get his coat or anything else he wanted, but that Souders was so angry and stubborn that he would not take a coat or anything to protect him from the cold, except what he had on when arrested. But the posse of citizens who came in with Hine seemed to sympathize with Souders. Hine soon sold out

My object has been to be as brief as I could to make and state the names of the people with whom I was acquainted during- the first three years of my residence here. I have been able to do it to my satisfaction.

At the conclusion of Judg-e Myer's address Mr. Breiterick, of Ellington, related his experiences of pioneer life in Outag-amie county. His remarks were interesting- throughout.

Rev. Leland, although not a pioneer of this county, but of the state, related numerous reminiscences of forming a a settlement at Eau Claire where his father and family located.

Rev. Eeland was followed by Mrs. L. B. Mills, of Greenville, one of the most practical farm-women in the state. The remarks made by this lady were entertaining and amusing.

Judge Ryan, a gentleman who is always prepared to crack a joke at the expense of a friend, related how Mr. Breiterick, familiarly known in olden times as the flying Dutchman, bought a legal paper, supposing it was a town order.

The annual meeting- of the Outagamie County Pioneer Association was held pursuant to notice at South Masonic Hall, in Appleton, on Monday, Feb. 22, 1886. At 10 o'clock a. m., meeting was called to order by E. Spencer, who was present, as secretary.

The first business in order was the election of officers for the ensuing year. John Dey was elected president; Chas. Wolcott, vice-president; E. Spencer, secretary; John Leith, treasurer. Executive Committee: Jos. Rork, Wm. F. Johnston, John McGillan, Mrs. L. B. Mills, Mrs. Almira Pierce.

The president appointed John F. Johnston, Joseph Rork and Henry Kethroe as such committee. Also, the secretary was added to said committee. Said committee

Resolved, That the president call a meeting- of pioneers at such places as he may desig-nate, some time during the months of May, Aug-ust and November.

At 12 o'clock the meeting adjourned for dinner. The ladies had prepared a beautiful repast, to which about seventy-five real pioneers did ample justice.

It was with some reluctance that I accepted the invitation of your committee to address you at this time. The time at my disposal for the purpose was too brief to allow me such a preparation as the occasion and the day reasonably requires. However, to be one your number is reason sufficient why I should try to carry out, feebly though it be, the part assigned to me in the program of these exercises. In doing so I do not flatter myself that I shall amuse or instruct you, and yet if I shall be able to make you realize that there is one thing that some of you should do before Father Time cuts you off from these fields of labor, I shall content myself with the effort.

It has long been your practice to make your annual social reunions and festivities the commemoration of the birthday of him who was "first in war, first in peace and first in the hearts of his countrymen." Therein is great propriety. The emotions that arise and the sentiments entertained in the contemplation of the labor and career of George Washington are very akin to those which possess our minds when we recall our own experiences in this wild, unfrequented region of thirty-five or forty years ago. He was of the foremost of those who in the last century were doing a great work for the present century. Like one who goes into the wild woods, where nature has not yet reechoed with the first sound of advancing civilization, and there in the solitude of the forest erects his home, clears his land, prepares a home for his family and opens up new country to human enterprise. George Washington was active in exploring the wilds of Pennsylvania and the Ohio, and in preparing in the new country homes for the oppressed in old. In his youth he was characterized by his love of truth and veracity, by diligence in the execution of his duties; in his maturing manhood adding patriotic service to his country when his country was yet Britain, and in his riper years by unexampled devotion to his country wheu his country was not Britain, but America. Always faithful to his trusts. With remarkable faith he led the armies of his country through suffering and almost hopeless despair and discouragement to final victory, and then, with consummate wisdom guided the affairs of state when the state was most in need of wisdom. To the American youth he is the great example to true manhood. Throughout the land, from the public platform and in the private circle, in the school room and in the streets, his virtues are extolled and his name revered. Every school boy is familiar with his career, and in every library you may find a " Life of Washington."

A stranger with no knowledge of the life, character and services of Washington may stand at the foot of all the towering monuments erected to his glory, and, with mute admiration read the inscriptions thereon, and he shall turn therefrom with no higher emotion than if he had been contemplating Cleopatra's needle recently brought from Egypt and erected in New York. He may visit the capital of the nation, named in his honor, view its monuments, public buildings and works of art, and he shall depart from the city with no clearer conception of his character than from a visit to the house in which he was born. He may visit the art galleries of the nation and there study the portraits of Washington executed with the utmost artistic skill, and he shall go away with no better notion of his patriotism and wisdom than if he had looked upon the portraits of the Indian chieftains adorning the walls of the State Historical Society at Madison.

But give that stranger access to your libraries, let him read the literature on the life and character of Washington, let him peruse the biographies and eulogies of Washington, and presently he shall see and understand him as the American people have seen and understood him these hundred years. The books of biography and the literature of the life of Washington exist and increase in number because his character and services were what they were. The monuments erected to his honor and the natural objects which bear his name testify to the fact that Wash' ington lives in our literature, in our libraries. Keep your monuments, your cities, towns, states, rivers, and mountains bearing- his name, but destroy all books and periodicals referring- to the life of Washing-ton and very soon he would be lost in tradition and uncertainty. Such is the purpose of written history. It becomes the memory of the people of the human race. It connects the past and present. It is a store house in which are g-athered the useful thing's of the past to be used in the present and in the future. It brings the experience of your ancestors and your neig-hbors, far and near close to you; bring-s them close tog-ether, so that yours and theirs become one continuous, widening field of past experience. And as you by the faculty of memory recall your personal experience of years long- past, so throug-h the medium of history you may be able to call to your mind, to remember, the experiences of others removed from you by centuries as to time and by thousands of miles as to distance.

Some of you came from the Pine Tree state, and granite hills of New England, some from the thickly settled portions of the Empire state, some from the Old Dominion, and the land of Penn, and some from the oppressed lands of Europe and made your homes in the wilderness of this country. Some of you came as of set purpose and well grounded reason, but many, I dare say, came here as if by chance, not knowing just why you came here, but knowing that somehow you did come. All of you have at some time felt as though you did not just know just what you came here for and while perhaps not realizing it, were yet demonstrating that

Whatever may have been your own intention, your mission has not been altogether to provide a livelihood for yourself and family and to clear up the wild land in order that you might have bread for yourself and leave a patrimony to your children. Somehow you have left something more than cultivated acres for the coming generation. I believe that there has been that in the development and growth of this county which you can and ought to bequeath to your children and your neighbors' children, but which will not pass by the last will of your property, and which will not be perpetuated by monuments at your last resting place.

Necessity is said to be the mother of invention. In early pioneer life there are many necessities and many inventions and temporary contrivances to obviate or overcome present difficulties. The applicability of the mechanic arts are very limited. Improved farm machinery is useless until the cultivation of the ground and the clearing of the land is sufficiently advanced to admit of their application. The older and ruder tools for farm labor must suffice for a time. The social wants of a new community are subjects of novel and unusual schemes of management.

In older communities the forms, and manner of conducting municipal matters and government have become settled and uniform, but in a new community they are changeable and unforseen emergencies and must be provided for and met. The management of public and private affairs in a new community often requires original genius for contriving temporary expedients of securing permanent success.

I believe there is much genius in the pioneer life of this community to afford amusement and instruction for future generations. In many respects all pioneer life is very much alike and a thorough acquaintance with the early life of such a community may save other new communities from committing serious errors. One who studied the records of our early school town and county government would often, by reason thereof, be better qualified to manage the public interest of a new community than a better educated man from an older community could do.

In the study of social and economic sciences, it has become a habit to do very thorough work in the gathering of facts of minute detail. The home life, the social conditions and the trade and commerce of the early colonies are receiving much attention, special studies are being made of the various forms and plans of city and municipal government. Every state and many large cities have their historical societies which are gathering all sorts of facts and figures for the use of the future historian. The pioneers of Outagamie county ought to contribute of their experience to the study of the social science.

A century ago the great question before the American people was for a form of constitutional democratic government best adopted to a new and growing country. The constitution of the United States was adopted and the great experiment of popular self-government began. But the great question of natural government was not all settled by the adoption of the constitution. It was found necessary to propose and adopt amendments to the original. The congress of the United States was one continuous scene of combat and struggle between two or more factions, having each its own interpretation of the constitution and of the relation of the States to the union of States. Not until the last twenty-five years have some of them been settled and that by the sword rather than by the wisdom of statement. The forms of territorial government and extension of the territorial limits of the United States, employed much of the time of the national legislature. But all these questions are, for the present at least, settled. The industrial interests of the country are now in the foreground and demand the attention of people. During the settlement of important questions of National and State government the industrial interests received some consideration in the form of tariff legislation and numerous land grants to railroads and canal companies for the extension of the commerce of the country and in the adoption of better monetary regulations. But such legislation was first and primarily in the interest of associated and organized capital, and only incidentally in the interest of the middle and lower classes.

To-day the laboring classes are organized all over the land. They are demanding a consideration of their interests. Legislation must now consult the interests of the great mass of people, rather than the wishes of the few. The demand for civil service reform, though at present mostly confined to natural offices, is but the beginning of a movement to secure the more faithful execution of the duties of all offices and departments of municipal government from the school district to the State. The effort which every community is making to improve its educational faculties is looking to the welfare of the great masses of the people. The numerous efforts at temperance legislation and reform betoken an awakening of self-interest on the part of the people. Social reforms of all kinds are now foremost in the attention and affections of the thinking men and women. But such reforms cannot be based upon fancy and visionary theories. If any progress is made it will be by faithful study of all the details of the experiences of the past. It will be in the study of history, the histor}^ of the social conditions and life of each community. To that history the pioneers of Outagamie county can furnish as interesting a chapter as any community in the state. Are there not many facts hidden in the memory of some of you which you ought to place in such form as to be available to the coming generation. What facts the future economist will most need we cannot say, therefore let him have all so that he may utilize what most he needs. Some day some one will employ his leisure time in writing a history of Outagamie county. This history ought to be full of the experiences and of the serious and amusing incidents of pioneer life. Let each one write out in quill his experience and observations and the various incidents of his early life in this county, and file the same in some secure place for the benefit of the historians of your county.

I, too, notice Mr. Dey's propensity to make those talk who will. Sympathizing with him in trying to conduct a successful pioneer meeting, where the old settlers generally stay at home, or if present when requested to respond to their names, merely say no, or I have nothing to say. Our meetings here like many others, are just what we make them. It was with this feeling- of meeting- an emergency, that I deposited this little paper at the bottom of my pocket, saying, as I did so, my lamp is trimmed and ready if wanted.

I do not see how any one that lived in times gone by, in the woods passed their time in labor, improving the wilds of Northern Wisconsin, that have not something worthy to tell. I told you last when here, I was but a child in 1848 when my parents in company with two uncles and two aunts, brothers and sisters of my mother, came to the northwestern part of Greenville to locate. Owing to a storm we were detained in our journey from Waukesha county, whither we came with ox teams. After the family were housed, the men went to Green Bay to enter the land which had been previously preempted. It was found that he was one day too late, as father's quarter section had been taken, so he located his Mexican land warrant on the quarter next north of it in the adjoining town. Long shall I remember that journey of eleven days with ox teams. There was lots of fun for most of us, but there must have been many cares for those who were older.. We usually stopped at hotels and sometimes at private houses. But the last night out we camped. Finding where we could get some hay for the stock, the men rolled some logs together, set them on fire that burned brightly all night. The covers were taken from the big wagons and tents made. This was a novelty to us. I remember aunts approaching the fire to cook supper with tin pans before their faces, and made short stays at that. When the supper was ready we ate it on our laps. It seemed so novel that it was a late hour when all was quiet. I remember wondering if the bears and wolves would come around there. We were assured by the men folks that no wild animal would come near such a fire. We were up early and ready to start by daylight. We had the promise of seeing our new home that day as it was but eight miles away, but the worn out teams and having to cut roads as we went, hindered so much that it was after dark before we reached the desired goal. It was past the middle of November and was getting- cold. We think now we must have all the fall in which to get ready for the winter. But here we were let down in a little log house that was covered with shakes and a floor of oak splints some two inches thick and five or six inches wide and laid from sleeper to sleeper. Well you would have thought it was all sleepers that night if you could have seen the beds on that floor, there was no walking room left. It snowed that night and the wolves howled, but sleep was sweet, we were home. There was a fire place in one side, but no window, on mild days there was a piece of chinking that was taken out to admit light, but generally the fire made our light. After a few days they went to Bruce Mill, now Stephensville and got lumber to make an upper floor; a ladder was made and then we were fixed up for housekeeping. In this house the family lived consisting of eleven persons and of course kept every weary traveler that came along looking for a new home.

Among the number was a little fellow that came Jan. 6, 1849, and we named him Lewis A. Hardacker. He is remembered now as the first white child born in the town of Greenville. In my mother's illness that winter she was attended by a physician named Fitch, doubtless some of you remember him, he afterward committed suicide. We have been told, don't know how true it is, that it was all on account of being "cut out" b}" one Samuel Ryan. This doctor was very small of stature, and I remember his sitting in an ordinary sized man's chair with his elbows on the arms of the chair, he tried in vain to touch his finger tips together. A hard winter followed. The men folks made shingles and took them to Neenah to sell. 'Till toward spring the oxen had nothing to eat but marsh hay and browse gave out and five out of the eight died. Then I remember my father and uncle, Isaac Wickware, went to Neenah, fourteen miles away, and brought home fifty pounds of flour apiece on their backs. That spring troughs were dug out and they made maple sugar and molasses, which was acceptable, for bread or Johnney cake with maple molasses on it was good. Our cow was of course let loose in Uncle Sam's pasture and a generous part of the milk given to the calf that was tied up, to induce the cow to come home. What butter could be made was so impregnated with leeks that it was of little use.

Those long* jaunts after the cattle I can remember how tired the men would be. Generally the way would be, to be all ready when the cows were milked and turned loose, to follow her if they could keep pace, she would take a bee line for the herd. In these journey's they always carried their rifle and now and then a deer or some other wild game would bring- "good cheer." Once in particular father came leading- old Dime by the horn and on the ox's back was a big- buck deer lashed on with moose wood bark.

My mother's great worry was that her boys might be lost in the woods and to look after them that they did not go out of sight of the clearing in their play and chase after squirrels and the like, I being older was detailed to look after them. This brought me out doors much of the time and participating in the sports I acquired an endurance of fatigue equal to my brother, something that has been a blessing to me all my life. Last summer I heard a mother say to her little girls who asked if they could go to the woods to play, "no it is so far and you might tear your shoes." Thoughts went back to when we were children, when trees were at the very doors, the woods were our play ground and nature's covering on our feet. How we would limp in to mother with bleeding toe or bruised heel, while she bound it up for us we would always hear the admonition, you must be more careful. Look well to your footsteps child ! But mother we couldn't help it, there is so much brush and stubs. You will find many obstacles in your path of life - look well to your footsteps.

As a sample of this endurance I will tell you of an event that to'ok place when I was eleven years old. My father had bought a wagon of Nordman, his farm was south of New London on the Muckwa road. Father had given his note to him for $65. He had managed to get the money read)" to pay for the wagon but was busy and asked me if I could not go there and take up his note, "Would you know it was my note if you saw it? "Did you write it father?" "Yes." "I would know your hand anywhere and can read it." I who was at his elbow when he recorded minutes of town meetings, survey of roads in town blocks as clerk, did not have to be told how he wrote. I do not know the way I was never west of Hortonville. Then with pencil and paper he told me the way on the New London road. I would know that as Steffen lived there, the only farm house on the way, then a few miles would come to Deslies and McCombs, they lived on opposite sides of the road, then the Shepard place way down by a spring. This was the last house, but on about so far we would see two pine stumps, then five rods from that a solitary one, at this place strike due southwest and in a little while you would find the road that led to his place. It was arranged that I should start next morning, with my brother Henry, 8 years old, now Dr. Hardacker, of Hortonville, to accompany me. We had no trouble in finding the way - when we reached his place he was plowing in the field next the road with his oxen. We told our errand and he accompanied us to the house. Mrs. Nordman made a hasty pudding for us and with a bowl of milk we were refreshed and started for home. Somehow the distance between Hortonville and our home seemed longer than usual. Never mistrusted what the reason was but felt quite promoted when mother said I did not have to wash the supper dishes nor Henry get in the night's wood, for we were tired. Some eighteen miles we had traveled that day. This is but a small experience compared with the many the settlers went through in early times in this county. They have proved themselves heroic in battling with the forests - enduring hardships and privations. Let us cherish their memory. I was thinking last Decoration Day as we saw the flags wave over the soldier's graves, should there not be some emblem to mark the graves of departed pioneers ?

A vote of thanks was extended to Mr. Spicer for the use of one of his org-ans, also a vote of thanks to Mrs. McGillan and daug-hters for the splendid music they discoursed at the meeting-.