Winnebago County, Wisconsin - Chapter with an unread heading (no. 36 of those read), 1880

Chapter with an unread heading (no. 36 of those read)

Fires - Bonds Issued to St. Paul & Fond du Lac Railroad - Oshkosh in '56 - Great Fire of 1859 - Northwestern Railroad Built - Railroad Accident - Items from The Northwestern - War Times - Oshkosh Volunteers - The Draft and Filling the Quota - The Close of the War - Good Times - Progresss in Improvements - The Fire of 1S56 - Nicholson Pavement - High School Building and other Structures Erected - Improvement of the Streets.

|N February 6, 1856, the planing mill of Phelps, Carlton & Co., and the saw mill of Joseph Porter was destroyed by fire. At the charter election April 6, 1856, Thomas A. Follett was elected Mayor; J. R. Forbes, City Clerk; D. C. Hicks, Treasurer; John La Dow, Marshal, and Edwin Wheeler, Superintendent

Another fire occurred July I, 1856, destroying the foundry of Williams & Stearns, and several other buildings. The loss was estimated at $12,000, and was severely felt at that time.

The Common Council, on the sixth of August, 1856, authorized the Mayor and City Clerk to issue the bonds of the city to the amount of $150,000, and to deliver them to the Chicago, St. Paul & Fond du Lac Railroad Company, on the condition that said Company pledge to the City of Oshkosh $200,000 of its first mortgage bonds as security for the faithful performance of the conditions on which such bonds were issued, and conditioned that the said Company shall expend the proceeds arising from the sale of such bonds, in constructing the road from Fond du Lac to Oshkosh; that they shall pay the interest on said bonds as the same may become due, until the road is completed to Oshkosh, and shall make cash dividends to the city sufficient to pay the interest on said bonds, if the earnings of the road be sufficient to enable it to do so; and that the Company shall deliver to the city certificates of full paid stock of said Company to the amount $150,000; and provided, that the Mayor and Clerk shall not be authorized under the resolution authorizing the issue of said bonds, to deliver any of the same to said Company, until all the conditions above are fully complied with.

Oshkosh, in the year 1856, was making rapid progress; real estate was rapidly increasing in value, and improvements were visible on every hand. The future was promising, and everybody hopeful. It was a busy little city and made a good deal of noise and bustle even in that day.

The Great Fire Ok 1 859

On the night of May 10, 1859, the startling fire alarm aroused the citizens of Oshkosh. An unoccupied barn in the rear of the Oshkosh House was in flames, which soon communicated to other buildings and speedily spread until beyond all control. It was plainly seen that the city was doomed to destruction. A terrifying scene now ensued as the flames spread with frightful rapidity, sweeping everything before them. Every building on both sides of Ferry street, from Ceape to Washington and Algoma Streets, were destroyed. This was almost the entire business portion of the city, which was in a few hours converted into a field of smoking ruins.

The courage of the strongest wavered under the disheartening effect of such wide-spread destruction, and for a moment the hope of the whole community was paralyzed at the inevitable ruin which stared them in the face, as only a small part of the loss was covered byinsurance. But the courage and energy of the people proved equal to the emergency. They were not a people to sit mourning in hopeless imbecility; and so, with praiseworthy effort, theyset themselves resolutely to workto rebuild the city, and in twenty-four hours after the flames had subsided, the work of restoration had commenced. So rapid was the progress that in six months nearly the entire burnt district was rebuilt with a better class of buildings, and Oshkosh resumed her place in the business world. Such recuperative force, even in the West, e.Kcited general surprise, and established the fact of the great strength of her resources and expansive power, which the most disastrous circumstances could not repress.

Railroad Accident

Shortly afrer the completion of the road, an excursion party comprised principally of persons from towns on the line of the road, started on a trip to Chicago. There were four cars from this place filled with residents of this city and vicinity, the excursionists little anticipating the tragical termination of their pleasure trip.

The train while going at full speed near Watertown ran over an ox that attempted to cross the track, when a number of cars were thrown from the rails and wrecked. A large number of persons were killed and wounded. Five from this place were among the number killed, and several more of our citizens were wounded. This heart-rending disaster plunged our entire community in the deepest grief; and following so soon alter the fire that destroyed the city, seemed to fill the chapter of calamities. Among the killed were some of the most highly esteemed members of this community - E. R. Baldwin, Charles Petersilea and John Lunt.

In May, 1861, a fire occurred on the South Side, which burnt every building on the south side of Kansas Street, from the Seymour House to the river.

Market Prices War-Times

The breaking out of civil war now plunged the country into excitement. War meetings were held, and military companies formed and daily drilled. As the war progressed, it largely decreased the population; real estate shrank in value, and, at first, times were dull. Soon prices of all commodities began to advance, business improved, and the day

Items From The Northwestern

The surrender of Fort Sumter is announced, and the President's Proclamation, calling out 75,000 of the militia, to suppress sedition, and execute the laws.

April 17, a war meeting is called in Oshkosh; the call signed by John Fitzgerald, S. M. Hay, Edward P^astman, Joseph Jackson, William R. Kennedy.

The Northwestern says: " We are informed that preliminary measures have been taken for a grand demonstration at Washington Hall to-morrow night. Let the hall be crowded to its utmost capacity, and make its walls echo with our renewed pledges of devotion to the Union. The country is stirred to its profoundest depths. "

April 19, 1861. "Last evening saw the greatest and most enthusiastic gathering which ever assembled in Oshkosh. John Fitzgerald was called to the chair, and resolutions were reported by Chas. E. Pike, George Gary and others, which were adopted with great applause."

April 22, 1861. "The meeting of Fire Company No. I at Washington Hall Saturday was a rouser. Large numbers were unable to gain admission. Short, stirring speeches were made. The Company volunteered their services to the Governor and then enrolled their names. The list is headed by Gabe Bouck, Ex- Attorney General, and John Hancock, Circuit Court Commissioner."

"The Oshkosh volunteers were accepted for the Second Regiment, and received orders to be in readiness for marching to place of rendezvous at any moment. "

"The drill in the city grove by Captain Bouck 's Company is going on every day, and the success of the officers is very great. A finer set of men than the Oshkosh volunteers can rarely be seen anywhere, and we don't believe a better company will go from Wisconsin during the war."

Departure Of The Oshkosh Volunteers

DEPARTURE OF THE OSHKOSH VOLUNTEERS. " The events of to-day have marked an era in the history of Oshkosh. Soldiers, enlisted from among our best citizens, have left their homes to t.ike upon themselves the hardships of a campaign. Men of high character and position in society have gone to vindicate the honor of the National Flag, and to fight for the maintenance of the National Government. They have gone under no compulsion but that of duty. Their departi86i.]

ure, at any time, would be an occasion for remark ; but, at such a time as this, and going upon such an errand as they do, the great heart of the whole community was deeply moved, and the multitude filled the public square and streets, and pressed the railroad station to give them a sincere God-speed and Farewell.

The place of rendezvous, this morning, was the City Grove. At an early hour the people began to come together there, and at nine o'clock there were several thousand gathered to witness the ceremony of presenting the Flag which had been prepared by the ladies of this city for the volunteers under command of Captain Bouck. About nine, the German Rifles, Captain Scherfif, made their appearance ; and though few in numbers, showed their usual military excellence in theirappearance and maneuvres. Soon after, the Scott Volunteers came upon the grounds with full ranks, followed immedtately by the Fire Companies No. I and 2, and by the Hook and Ladder Company. All these did escort duty for the day.

As soon as the Oshkosh Volunteers were formed in line, the united German and American brass band played " Hail Columbia, " followed by the "Red, White and Blue," sung by a select choir under the lead of Mr. Chandler, assisted by a part of Weidnei's Orchestra.

"Gentlemen: It is with mingled feelings of sadness and joy that we meet you to day ; sadness that our beloved country should be so rent by treason as to make our parting with friends necessary ; joy that, at the first call, so many bravely volunteer to defend what is dear to us all, our Constitution and Union.

Our hopes and prayers go with you ; and may you be incited to go forth earnestly and with dependence upon Him, who only can reward your efforts and save our country.

We now, in behalf of the ladies of this city, present to you the flag of our Union - firmly believing it will never be disgraced by you, and fervently hoping that it may ever remain the proud emblem of an undivided, free and happy people. ''

It is the flag under which most of us were born; the flag under which most of us have received protection from our birth ; the flag to which we have a// sworn allegiance ; and whether born beneath its protecting folds or not, it is a flag which we shall always defend to the utmost of our ability.

And while doing all in our power to maintain the Government of which this flag is the emblem, we shall never forget that those whom we leave behind us are as generous as they are patriotic.

To those who have friends and relatives among these volunteers, I wish to give the assurance, that I shall not only be their commander in the field, but everywhere, and at all times, especially in time of sickness and casuality, I shall be their personal friend. "

The "Star Spangled Banner" was then sung by Mr. Chandler, all the people present joining in the chorus, and also in singing the last verse of that admirable song.

The proceedings were occasionally interrupted by demonstrations of applause, but the prevailing sentiment was too apparent to permit anything like levity ; and the countenances

Oshkosh Volunteers

The following is a correct list of the names of the officers and men of 'Oshkosh Volunteers,' Company E, of the Second Regiment of Wisconsin Militia:

General News Items

"John P""itzgerald, Mayor, issues a proclamation iu regard to the number of incendiary fires, and calls attention to the burglars infesting the city. "

Oshkosh And Green Bay Buats

June II, 1861. "Thii Fountain City, of this line, left on her first trip on Saturday, the 8th instant, having on board 104 tons of flour and wheat. Captain J. Lapham is in command, and we have no doubt that this boat will soon become a great favorite with the community." "The Fannie Fisk alternates with the Fonntain City every other day, in making trips between this city and Green Bay, affording an opportunity to passengers to ride easily from the terminus of the Chicago & N. W. R. R. to Green Bay, which no one will attempt to do the second time over the wagon road between those points.

July 23 to 27. "The greatest excitement and anxiety prevails in regard to the news of the battle of Bull Run. A letter received at this date gives a list of the killed, wounded and missing from this place. The fears of some are confirmed, and those of others partially relieved."

August 14, 1862. "Two more military companies are now forming in this city. These two companies make seven that have been organin Oshkosh for the war, up to this date. "We have paid our war tax (of this sort) in advance all along. "

Febrary 5, 1863: The unexpected death of the Hon. John Fitzgerald, long a prominent citizen of Oshkosh, occasioned universal grief in this community. His remains were brought here from New York, and the funeral services were conducted by the Masonic societies, with a large representation from abroad.

In 1852, the firm of Darling, Wright & Kellogg, opened the banking business in one side of Scott's jewelry store. In 1856, the firm was changed into that of Kellogg, Fitzgerald & Co. , with a capital of $30,000, and in the following year organized under the general banking law of the State. In 1863, this bank reorganized as the First National Bank of Oshkosh, with a capital of $50,000. In 1865, Mr. Samuel Hay became President and has held the position to the present time. In 1872, the capital of the bank was increased to $100,000. The average amount held on deposit is $500,000. The First National Bank building is one of the finest structures in the citv; (see view of same in this work.) It was erected after the great fire in 1875, and with the site cost $40,000. President S. M. Hay; Vice-President, P. Sawyer; Cashier, Chas. Schriber; Directors, P. Sawyer, S. M. Hay, Robert McMillen, Sumner Bartlet, J. H. Porter, R. B. Kellogg.

The next bank established v\as the Oshkosh Commercial Bank, in 1856; capital $50,000. Nelson Pletcher, President, and Henry Strong, Cashier. In November, 1858, Reeves & Roe succeeded Fletcher & Strong, and have continued to the present time. Thomas T. Reeves, President, and G. W. Roe, Cashier.

The Union National Bank was organized in 1871, with a capital of $100,000, with D. L. Libbey, President, and R. C. Russell, Cashier, and who still remain in those positions. After the great fire of 1875, the bank erected its present fine building, on the corner of Main and High streets, at a cost of $25,000.

Close Ok The War

The close of the war, in 1865, brought relief, and filled the country with renewed hopes. The return of a vast multitude of people to the vocations of peace, with the great

The extension of railroad lines opened up new sections of country to settlement; improvement and progress were the order of the day; new buildings went up in every direction in the city and country; farm products commanded good prices, and all branches of industry were prosperous. Elegant residences were erected in this city; business blocks were constructed, and Oshkosh was in the full tide of business prosperity.

The New Bridge

Among the improvements of 1865 was the new bridge, which replaced the old float bridge, which had done service since the year 1849. The draw is a Howe Truss, and is one hundred and fifty feet long. The whole bridge is six hundred and odd feet in length, and cost $21 ,100. The contractor was David McCartney. The engineer was Edward Sargent.

The Fire In 1 866

In May, 1866, occurred another great fire. It commenced on the west side of Main Street, and swept the whole block, from High to Algoma Street, and, crossing to the east side, destroyed nearly the whole block from Waugoo to Washington. It then crossed to the north side of Washington, and burnt all the buildings on that street from Main to Jefferson Avenue, including the postoffice and public hall.

This left a large burnt district in the center of the city, and was the second time this tract had been swept over by fire. The desolate appearance of the place, and the impending danger which continually threatened the city with destruction, were sufficient to dishearten the most courageous. But Oshkosh, with her characteristic energy and pluck, would not yield to any discouragements, and in a few months both sides of Main Street were rebuilt with a better class of buildings than those destroyed; the west side being exclusively of brick.

Boiler Explosion

In this year, February 24th, a sad calamity occurred. The boiler in the machine shop of J. F. Morse & Co. exploded, killing four men. It was a heart rending scene, when the lifeless remains were exhumed from the ruins, and the sobbing relations, frantic with grief, stood by in heart-broken expectancy.

The Nicholson Pavement

were in a most deplorable condition, and especially so in the spring, when the frost was coming out of the ground; for at that season the streets were sometimes almost impassable.

The building of the new bridge seems to mark an epoch in the advancement of this city in the line of public improvements; for it was followed by street improvements that have resulted in giving us as fine streets as can be found in any city in the State.

In the fall of 1866 the city contracted with William Sharp and Michael McCourt for the paving of Main Street v/ith the Nicholson pavement. The work was done with dispatch and to the full satisfaction of the city, being completed and accepted early in December.

High School Building

HIGH SCHOOL BUILDING. This fine structure was erected in 1857; a view of which is given in this work. When it was erected, it was the best High School building in the State, and cost over $40,000. Its size is eighty-five by seventy-one feet; and height from base to top of tower is one hundred and thirty-one feet. The first story is sixteen feet high, and is divided up into school and recitation rooms; the former thirtyfour by forty-four each. The building is admirably constructed throughout, and is an institution in which our citizens take a just pride.

State Normal School

This fine structure was erected in 1871. It occupies a beautiful site on Algoma Street, and is an architectural ornament to the city. The opening exercises took place September 15th, 1 871, under the supervision of President Albee and an efficient corps of assistants.

Milwaukee & St. Paul Railroad

The next great event in the history of Oshkosh was the completion of the Oshkosh & Mississippi Railroad, to Ripon, in 1871. The road was then leased to the Milwaukee & St. Paul Company, which immediately put on the rolling stock, and thus extended its lines to Oshkosh. The first regular passenger train from Milwaukee reached Oshkosh December 14, 1871.

The splendid bridge of the Milwaukee & St. Paul Railroad was also constructed the same year, and is about 600 feet in length. This makes three fine, massive bridges crossing the river. A fourth bridge for wagons and foot-

Street Improvements

Shortly after the laying of the Nicholson pavement, on Main Street, the question of improving the other thoroughfares of the city began to be agitated. The result was an experiment on Algoma Street of putting on twelve inches of gravel, which was found to make an excellent and enduring road. The plan was then adopted of graveling streets, at the expense of the adjoining property; and several of the main thoroughfares were graveled to the depth of twelve inches. This system of improving the streets was followed up, until the present time, at which there are some thirty odd miles of graveled streets in this city, with a smooth hard surface, and always in excellent condition. These streets, in their cleanly appearance, add much to the attractiveness of the city.

Northern Hospital For The Insane

This immense structure, which covers about three acres of land; is located about four miles from Oshkosh, on a delightful situation, on the lake shore. It was completed and accepted from the contractors on the i ith day of January, 1875. The cost of construction was $495,484.80, and for land, out-buildings and furnishing, $129,765.20, making a total of $625,250.00.

Additional appropriations have been made for enlargements, and new wings have been added. It is a mammoth pile of imposing architectural proportions, and admirably managed under the superintendence of Doctor Walter Kempster.

Cas Works

In 1869. Mr. J. B. Davis, constructed gas works, and laid mains through the principal streets, and on the 5th of December, of that year, gas was turned on, and the city lighted.

it will be seen from the foregoing that the city made rapid progress during the period from 1865 to '73. the date we have now reached in its history. During that time great changes and many improvements were made, many new mills and sash and door factories were erected, and other branches of manufacture were established. Hundreds of elegant residences and massive business blocks were built. The High School and Normal School building, and several fine churches added to the architectural ornaments of the city. Two splendid bridges were built, Main street paved with the Nicholson, and between twenty and thirty miles of street graveled; the streets lighted with gas, and another railroad added to its lines of communication.

It was now in the full tide of prosperity, when a series of fire calamities commenced, which completely transformed the city. Probably no other place, except Chicago, was socompletely changed in so short a period. The two great fires which occurred in 1874 and '75. and not a year apart, destroyed nearly the whole business portion ofthe city, and manj'entire streets of private residences.