Winnebago County, Wisconsin - Chapter 57, 1880

Chapter 57

Doty's Island - Its Lovely Scenery - Chicago & Northwestern Railroad - More Manufactories - The National Hotel Built - Menasha Bank - Incorporation of the City - List of City Officers and Aldermen from Date of Incorporation to the Present Time - The Wisconsin Central Railroad and Milwaukee Northern Railroad.

O R the four years succeeding, very little seems to have transpired here, out of the usual course of events. The village had steadily increased in population, business and general importance, no evidence of ov.er-growth, or any branch of business overdone. Frequent additions to the original plat had been made, and October 28, 1857, a plat of the "Town of the Island" was recorded, James D. Doty, L. B. McKinnon, Charles Doty and D. J. Pulling, proprietors.

This plat was confined entirely to the Island, as the name implies, being an addition to both Neenah and Menasha, and covered s large amount of territory.

It seems pertinent in this connection to say that no lovelier place exists, of the same extent, for city residences, than this Island, consisting of about seven hundred acres, where Nature has lavished every favor with unstinted hand, and whatever may now be wanting, is justwhattheruthlesshandof man has destroyed. The writer can well recollect this landscape as it appeared over a quarter of a century ago; its wide-spreading white oaks and lofty maples, huge beeches and towering elms, a carpet of Nature's richest patterns, with an occasional glimpse of lake and river and the far-off cliffs of Calumet, Clifton and Stockbridge beyond. Can we, for a moment, wonder that this should bathe favorite haunt of the red man? Here, even to this day, maybe found marks of his rude cultivation. Could he more forcibly express his feelings than by the free and voluntary gift of all this to Governor Doty, as a tribute of respect, unbounded confidence and esteem? And yet it has been stated in the public press, within a few weeks, that the wife of Governor Doty was taken captive by these same Indians.

Factory

In 1859, the Coral Flouring Mill was erected, at the centre of the dam, by H. A. Burts, millwright and proprietor, and after passing through many hands is now owned and operated by McGinty, Wahle & Koepfel.

In i860, the old furniture factory of Thomas Price, having been purchased and carried on by Charles Doty, was converted into a factory for the manufacture of flour barrel stock by Doty, Abel Keyes, and Charles May. In 1861, the latter sold out to his partners, and the business was continued until the fall of 1865, when the building and power were leased to Andrews & Underwood, who commenced the manufacture of children's carriages, sleds, etc. In 1869, the building was abandoned, though still standing.

Chicago & Northwestern Railroad

In January, 1861, the old Rock River Valley Union Railroad, now called the Chicago & Northwestern, was extended to Appleton, running about a mile west from the Neenah water-power, where adepot waslocated, which was about two miles west from the Menasha water-power.

The road from Neenah to the depot over a bed of clay, was, by continued heavy teaming, almost impassable, and absolutely unsafe for man or beast. A side-track was now laid at the west end ofButtes des Morts bridge, about one mile from the water-power of Menasha, of which the bridge formed a large portion of the distance.

It had been intended to cut Menasha off from the benefit of the road, but the directors of the road, making a trip of inspection, enquired of an officer why the road had been run around these water powers; he replied that it had been located by the chief engineer. The directors then requested the business men of Menasha to send a delegation to Chicago for a conference relative to a change of route. Curtis Reed, Charles Doty, and Reuben Scott were accordingly chosen, and returned with the directors to Chicago, where an arrangement was made to change the track to itspres- ent location, Neenah agreeing to pay the expense of grading and ties south of their channel, and of building the bridge across that channel, and Menasha to do the same from the north end of that bridge to the old line west of Lake Buttes des Morts, including the bridges across the lake and north channel, the depot to be located near the line dividing the two places on the Island. This change was accomplished in December, 1862.

More Manufactories

In 1862, Charles May, having sold his interest in the first barrel stock factory, this year built an establishment of the same kind, supplied with steam power, near the bank of the river and the old Reed & Doty warehouse; the latter he soon after devoted to a coopershop. In 1864, Alex. Syme became associated with him. May afterwards sold his interest, but Syme has retained his to the present time.

In 1863, Lum Hart, having settled here in the fall of 1849, had, until now, been engaged in gunsmithing, repairing, and all kinds of light machine work, now erected a small foundry and machine-shop on the water-power near the east end of Block 49. This he enlarged as necessity required, and a few years later sold out.

In the fall of 1865, G. R. Andrews, from New England, and J. R. Underwood, from Aurora, Illinois, leased the barrel stock factory belonging to C. Doty, and the waterpower connected therewith, and commenced the manufacture of children's sleds, and during the succeeding winter added the necessary machinery for the manufacture of children's carriages and carts.

This might have proved a profitable enter prise but for the hostility of the business men of the place, but after frequent changes in ownership and an existence of some four years, the machinery was removed and the property vacated.

In 1867, a stock company was organized for the purpose of building a hotel on the corner north of the public square, and some labor performed to that end; but in 1868 it was partially abandoned, and again revived in 1869, when the present National Hotel, a credit to the city, was commenced.

During the process of construction, the stockholders, one after another, sold out, or forfeiting the amount paid in, dropped out; until, at its completion, only R. M. Scott and Charles May remained as owners. It was completed in 1870, and formally opened November 4, of that year. Soon after the opening, May disposed of his interest to Scott, who having superintended its entire construction, now became sole owner, and so remains to this day.

November 1, 1870, a national bank was established here with H. Hewitt, Sr. , J. W. Williams, J. A. Kimberly, H. Babcock, J, R. Davis, Sr. , Robert Shiells, Moses Hooper and A. G. Galpin, Jr., as stockholders. Robert Shiells was elected president, and H. Hewitt, Jr. , cashier.

Incorporation Of The City

By act of the Legislature, approved March 5, 1874, the city was incorporated, and at the organic election held soon after, O. J. Hall was elected mayor; H. Hewitt, Jr., and C. P. Northrup, aldermen of the First Ward; Julius Fieweger and Pat McFadden of the Second Ward; John Harbeck and Joseph Mayer of the Third Ward; C. H. Watke and H. B. Taylor of the Fourth Ward; John Planner, treasurer;- assessors, Carlton Bachelder, First Ward; E. Wold, Second Ward; L. D. Bryan, Third Ward; William Koepfel, Fourth Ward; justices, Silas Bullard and John Potter, Jr., constables, Thomas Jourdainand James Schufelt; city clerk, Charles Colborne.

/ls'75 - P. V. Lawson, mayor; C. Colborne, clerk; John Planner, treasurer; H. Hewitt, Jr., C. ¥. Augustine, aldermen of the First Ward! P. McFadden, C Koch, aldermen of the Second Ward; H. Hewitt, Sr., E. D. Smith, aldermen of the Third Ward; Curtis Reed, Frank Engles, aldermen of the Fourth Ward.

Wisconsin Central Railroad

WISCONSIN CENTRAL RAILROAD. In December, 1871, the Wisconsin Central Railroad Company opened its road and commenced running trains from Menasha, or more properly speaking, from Doty's Island, to

Stevens Point, and in anticipation of the completion of the Milwaukee and Northern Railroad, in 1872, the Wisconsin Central erected a depot in the northern part of the city, removing its business to that point.

In 1873, the Milwaukee and Northern was completed and opened from Milwaukee to Green Bay, with depot and grounds adjoining the Central. The same year the Wisconsin Central, while negotiating with the Lakeshore and Western Railroad, then running from Appleton, via Manitowoc, to Milwaukee, for a lease of that road, constructed a track from their line at Menasha to Appleton, connecting with the Lake Shore & Western at that place, but obtaining control of the Milwaukee & Northern, negotations with the Lakeshore & Western were broken off, and subsequently the track to Appleton taken up. This gave the Wisconsin Central a continuous line from Milwaukee and Green Bay to Lake Superior at Ashland, whenever they should complete their contemplated line from Stevens Point to the latter place, which was consumated in 1877.

In the meantime, the Wisconsin Central Railroad had constructed side tracks the entire length of the water power at this point, which with that of the Chicago & Northwestern Railroad and the facilities for shipping by water from any point on the water power, gave this point advantages nowhere excelled, if ever equaled, in this particular point, and there is no place to-day that has greater advantages for manufacturing and general bnsiness, or more of them, if properly improved and made available, than Menasha. What its future will be rests entirely with its business men, and, whatever the result, they can always have the satisfaction of knowing that nature and outside influences, have done all that could be done anywhere.

Mennsha Wooden-Ware Company

The following account of the commencement and progress of the wooden-ware manufacture at this point, has just been obtained from Mr. E. D. Smith, under whose management its present proportions have been attained. The original pail factory was commenced in the spring of 1850, by Messrs. Sanford, Beckwith & Billings. A two story building, 24x36, and one small dry-house was the extent. The timber for the frame of the building was cut on what is now the canal, and stood so thick on the ground, that when the shop was done, one of the firm could not see his house, which stood directly opposite the factory, across what is now a canal, one hundred feet in width.

Their entire outfit of machinery would, at the present day, prove as great a curiosity as the original locomotive. They were delayed in starting their machinery, until a small race could be completed to supply the water. Struggling along for six months, with little means and paying high rates of interest, (as the note drawing fifty per cent, interest, before quoted, gives ample evidence), their entire production was 1,500 pails - this being the only article manufactured. In 1851, Joseph Keyes and Lot Rice became the owners, but with similar success.

In 1852, E. D. Smith purchased the establishment, and has been connected withittothe present time. Additions were at once made to the building, the old machinery taken out to give place for that which was more suitable, and further additions with all the later improvements in machinery have, from time to time, beensupplied, until at the present time two large factories and three saw-mills are kept busily engaged, with twenty-four dry kilns, extensive paint shops, cooper shops, and several large warehouses, requiring the services of from two hundred to two hundred and fifty persons.

The daily product of pails far exceeds that of the first si.x months, besides the manufacture of wash tubs, keelers, churns, measures, butter tubs, fish kits, covered buckets, horse pails and barrel covers, consuming annually, about six million feet of timber. The first ware shipped to Chicago was carted to Kaukauna, shipped thence by boat, via Green Bay, subsequently by boat to Fond du Lac, thence by railroad, and still later to Oshkosh, by boat, and from there by rail, until 1862, when the cars run through to Menasha.

The present wooden-ware company own their cars and have the choice of two railroads, or water transportation, and their wares are pretty generally distributed throughout the Northwest.

During the Government occupancy of the improvements at Winnebago Rapids, 1836-7-8, Father Vanderbrook, then stationed at Little Chute, held services at the Rapids once or twice a year, for the benefit of the few resident employes.

aticii, who inaugurated the erection of a log church, and officiated until 185 i, when he gave place to Father Colton, now residing at Fond du Lac. The congregation at this time was composed of some twenty-five families, largely from the Irish settlement in the western part of the present Town of Menasha. Father Fussedcr was the next in succession, and uniting the Catholics of the two towns, and different nationalities, the society, imder his administration, was considerably increased.

In 1854, Captain L. B. McKinnon presented the society with one acre of ground, on the Island, where the church now stands, and the present building was at once erected, although it has since been enlarged. Fathers DeBreca, Cieppe, Dale, Wilkins and Uhlmire, now succeeded each other in the order named, and under the latter, the society was divided in 1867, the German portion purchasing the building first erected by the Congregationalists of Menasha (mentioned elsewhere), and under the lead of Father Uhlmire, organized a separate church. The order of Servite Fathers, at this time, took the original church under their charge, and Father Morini was installed, and succeeded by Father H. Venturi, who still remains at the head of this organization.

In 1868, a substantial brick school house was erected on the same lot occupied by the church and parsonage (the latter having been built soon after the church). This school was opened by teachers of the order of Servite Sisters, from London, and connected with the school were one hundred and forty scholars.

In 1877, the Servite Sisters removed to Chicago and were succeeded by teachers from the order of "School Sisters of Notre Dame," five in number. One hundred and seventy scholars are now connected with the school, and one hundred and fifty -five in daily attendance. This congregation now numbers one hundred and twenty-five.

The German organization was presided over by Uhlmire until 1871, when he was succeeded by Father Joseph Neusspaum, the next in order being Father John Yaster, who in turn was followed March, 1875, by Father Andrew Seubert. the present incumbent.

In 1868, this society also built a commodious brick school house, having purchased lots adjoining the church property, until their posessions covered twelve lots. The school was opened with about ninety scholars, by teachers from the order of School Sisters of Notre Dame.

brick building is in process of construction, designed for a residence for the teachers. Five teachers are employed. The German language is taught in the morning, the English in the afternoon. The common branches are taught in English. There are now connected with the school three hundred scholars, two hundred and forty of whom are in daily attendance. It is conducted under the supervison of the resident priest and trustees. There are now two hundred and seventy families in this congregation.

Congregational

The First Congregational church was organ ized in 1851, and for the first two years the>- worshipped in a rough board school-house, in "Roby's Hall" the next five years, and in 1858, commenced the building now occupied by the Catholics, near the Central Railroad depot.

The Winnebago District convention had appointed a meeting at Menasha, in December, and it was desirable that the church should be completed previous to that time. This wish being expressed to Deacon Northrup, he declared he would "eat all the plastering they put on that fall," nevertheless the church was plasteied, and the convention held there, at the appointed time. All were too happy over their success to require a fullfillment of the Deacon's promise.

After some eight years, the necessity for a larger building became apparent, and the present edifice was constructed, at a cost of ten thousand dollars. Commencing with a dozen members the organization now consists of one hundred and twenty-five members, with an active sabbath school, and efficient church work in various ways.

Episcopal

The first regular services of the Episcopal Church held in the village of Menasha were commenced by the Rev. Charles C. Edmonds, who began them in the month of November,

On the 27th of August, Mr. Edmonds moved from Green Bay to take up his residence in Menasha. The regular services were then held every Sunday morning. During Easter Week, 1859, a parish was duly organized under the name of St. Stephen's, by the election of two wardens and three vestrymen. The Rev. Mr. Edmonds, being the missionary in charge, was chosen as rector. The parish was duly incorporated under the provisions of the statutes of Wisconsin i and a constitution adopted during Easter Week, 1859.

At a meeting of the wardens and vestrymen of St. Stephen's parish, the rector presiding, held August 8, 1859, it was unanimously resolved to build a church edifice in Menasha, and to take immediate steps to that end, ground was broken for the foundation of the church September 13, 1859. The corner-stone was laid by Bishop Kemper, assisted by the rector, and the Rev. F. Haff, of Oshkosh, September 20th. The first service was held in the church, April 28, 1861, while it was in an unfinished condition, Charles C. Edmonds officiating. Rev. Mr. Upjohn is present rector.

Methodist Episcopal

The earliest record of this organization bears date of October 10, 1853, and this is a record of the appointment of the first Board of Trustees, consisting of Charles France, Norman Woolcott, Samuel L. Hart, Charles Puffer and James Gamble.

Elmore Yocum was the first pastor. A move was soon made toward building a church, and, in 1856, under the pastorate of Rev. E. Cooke, D. D., a fine brick edifice was completed and dedicated. The lots on which the church was built, was a donation from Governor Doty.

The above churches are in a flourishing condition, and their aff"airs are managed with much efficiency. Good Sabbath Schools are maintained, and well and regularly attended.

Menasha Public Schools

The report of the School Superintendent, Silas Bullard, for the year 1879, shows that there are in the city, alone, six commodious and creditable brick school-houses, including the denominational.

The teachers employed in the public schools are one male and nine female. Their names are as follows: E. A. Williams, Delia Darrow, E. C. Tait, Emma S. Nelson, Nettie E. Howard, Mary P. Donaldson, Mary E. Geer, Mary P. Whipple, Minnie Hart, Amy Grandine.

The number of the children in the city over four and under twenty years of age, is 1,140, of which 374 attend the public schools, and 470 the denominational schools.

School Finance City Officials

CITY OFFICIALS. The present city officials (1879) are: A. J. Webster, mayor; J. W. Ladd, city clerk; Edward Wold, treasurer; A. Dillniore, Marshall; J. Armstrong, superintendent of streets; J. W. Ladd, overseer of poor; L. D. Bryan, C. P. Northrup. assessors; S. Bullard, M. M. Schoetz, justices of the peace; M. Thompson, John Harbeck, constables; John Harbeck, John Marx, Patrick O'Malley, John Schneider, H.-A. Burts, L. J. Noble, Frank Engles. and Elbridge Smith, aldermen; John Harbeck, president of the council; S. Bullard, superintendent of schools.

Fire Department

FIRE DEPARTMENT. M. Kraus, chief engineer; A. Wennege, first assistant; George A. Rasler, second assistant; August Ebert, secretary; J. Schubert, Jr., treasurer; C. Lahman, chief fire warden; Martin Arno, assistant fire warden; Ed. Smith, trustee.

Civic Societies Menasha Newspaper Press

The Menasha Advocate, was first issued by Jeremiah Crowley, in November, 1853, Democratic in politics. This was a good local paper. Crowley remained editor and proprietor until 1857, when the press and materials were sold to E. P. Morehouse, a deaf mute, who conducted it for a while, when he disposed of it.

The Conservator, first published by Harrison Reed in 1856, at Necnah, was in 1858, purchased by B. S. Heath, and removed to Menasha, where it was continued, and in i860, Goodwin & Decker became the editors and proprietors.

The Menasha Press, first published at Neenah, byj. N. Stone, as the Island City Times, later by Ritch & Tapley, as the Winnebago County Press, until 1871, when it was purchased by Menasha parties, removed to that place and conducted by Thos. B. Reid, as the

The Menasha Post (German), started in 1 87 1, by Mussans & Hein, and after an existence of about eighteen months, the press and materials were taken to Shawano County.

The Winnebago Observer (German), was first published in 1873, by John C. Klinker, it-; present editor and proprietor, and on the last of June, 1879, closed its sixth volume.