milwaukee Under the Charter, FROM 1854 TO 1860 INCLUSIVE. VOLUME IV. BY JAMES S. BUCK. MILWAUKEE. SWAIN & TATE, PRINTERS, 1886. Entered according to Act of Congress in the year 1886, by JAMES S. BUCK, In the Office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington. 977.59 B85p2 v.4 cop. 2 EX-MAYOR HORACE CHASE, MILWAUKEE S PRESENT OLDEST PIONEER, AND FIRST TOWN CLERK, IS THIS VOLUME MOST RESPECTFULLY DEDICATED THE AUTHOR, Down the endless vale of time Swiftly speed the fleeting years. TO PREFACE TO VOLUME IV. In coming before the public for the fourth time as a historian, the author has a deep sense of the imperfections his work contains, but as perfection is seldom attained in this world, and particularly in the compilation of local histories, he can only say that what errors there are (and there are several) are of the head and not of the heart, and must be taken as such. The intention has been to do justice to all, and show malice to none. To live in a community for half a century, and not make some enemies, is oftener the exception than the rule, and to have done this does not show any great degree of moral force in the individual who can boast of having accomplished it. That the author of these volumes has made enemies he is well aware, but is willing to abide the verdict of his fellow-citizens who have been his compeers during all these years as to the truthfulness of the political events recorded therein, or of the biographical and reminiscial* sketches, several of which are quite lengthy : and feels very well satisfied that when he shall have joined his brother pioneers in the great beyond, that posterity will do him justice. All errors that have been discovered in the previous volume (and not corrected) will be corrected in this, and all in this that may be discovered as the work progresses, will also be corrected. Among the illustrations in this volume will be a cut of the old Military Hall on Oneida street, Bilty's Tremont, corner of Huron * There were some objections made by certain members of the press to the author's use of this word, which appeared in the Preface to Volume III. But as it best expresses what he means, and is far more euphonic than the more lengthy word reminiscencial, he claims the right to use it in the same connection in this Volume. 6 PREFACE. and Cass, the old Kilbourn mansion, corner Spring and Fourth streets and John Rugee's planing mill, southeast corner Oregon and Grove streets. In closing this Preface, the author wishes to return his heartfelt thanks to all who have in any way aided or encouraged him in his laborious undertaking. But particularly are they due Horace Chase, Enoch Chase, Daniel Wells, Jr., Alex. Mitchell, John H. Tweedy, William P. Merrill, John B. Merrill, William S. Trowbridge, Uriel B. Smith, Elisha W. Edgerton, Harrison Ludington, Elisha Starr, John P. McGregor and Chauncey Simonds, of the Pioneer Association; to Nathaniel Merrill for drawings, and to the editors and locals of the Milwaukee Sentinel and Evening Wisconsin, for valuable services and courtesies rendered. The Author. TABLE OF CONTENTS. Page. INTRODUCTION.................................................. 11 CHAPTER I.—1854................................................ 13 Opening Address—Members of Legislature—Weather—McLeod Frozen—The Business Status—Milwaukee Hydraulic Company Chartered—Bridges— Attack on John Rugee—He Replies—Sketch of John Rugee—Booth vs. Shaw—Issuing Bonds to Railroads—Searched the Wrong Man—The Glover Rescue—The Bielfeld Poem—The Old Helfenstein Warehouse P'alls-— Complaints—The Spring Election—Consequences Resulting to the City from this Election—A Free Fight and its Results—A Military Company Formed— The Vance Bros., Sketch—A Runaway and Its Results—Milwaukee & Mississippi Railroad Report—William E. Goodman, Sketch—Robert C. Spencer, Sketch—Street Cleaning—Editor's Comments Thereon—Great Storm—The New Lighthouse Located—A Dam Case—Milwaukee's Second Great Fire— Rebuilding the Burnt District—A New Hotel Called for—John B. Edwards, Sketch—L. B. Rock, Sketch—Brooke & Cannon's Store Robbed—The Cloven Foot Appears—Judge H. N. Wells' Famous Cow Case—Improvements— Hun & Crosby—The Nazro Building—The Reliance Mill—Commercial Statistics—Assessments—Vessel Tonnage. CHAPTER II.—1855................................................ 67 Opening Address—Legislature—Report of Jailor—Fire—The Ground Rebuilt Upon—Business Status—Badger Iron Works—Cummings & Goodrich, Sketch —Police Court—Municipal—Spring Elections—The Mayor's Proclamation— General King's Comments—Mr. Kilbourn's Replies—Result of Election — General Rufus King, Sketch—Public Schools—A Know-Nothing on the Jury—Uncle Sam's Jurors—Journeymen Carpenter's Meeting—The Hog Nuisance—A Call for the Marshal—He Replies—Michael Bodden, Sketch— William Grant Fitch, Sketch—Charles Ray, Sketch—John J. Eves—Jabez Smith—Sebastopol Not Taken—Mentzel & Stone, Sketch—Eavesdropping— Opening Lake Shore Railroad—Street Improvements—A Fatal Mistake— Milwaukee Locomotive Works—Seaman & Wing Cabinet —Robert Eliot, Sketch—J. M. Holmes, Sketch—Church Going—A Tremendous Shower— Mrs. Epps Saves the Sugar—Board of Fire Underwriters Formed—Soon Dies—An Exciting Runaway—A Bit of a Shindy—Police Jottings—Census of Milwaukee—Census of County—Bay State Foundry—John S. Harris, Sketch—William Goodenough—William Walton—The Reliance Works, Sketch —Edward P. Allis, Sketch—The Ice Bear—Arthur Bates, Sketch—E. D. Hol-ton Struck with a Slungshot—Appointment of a Night Watch—Marine Disasters—How Is This for High?—The Sag Nicht Organized—Its Results— Herman C. Adams Shot—Organization of the Corn Exchange—Cremation— First Snowfall—Death of the General—Uncle Wm. E. Cramer Gets Sarah-naded—George Cogswell, Sketch—The Evistons—Bridge Superintendent Appointed—A Bad Boy—The Old Light-House Sold—Sam Shoyer Gets Left— Improvements—The Messrs. Christian and Gustav Preusser, Sketch—Mayor Cross' New Block—Citv Valuation—Statistics. 8 CONTENTS. CHAPTER III.—1856.............................................. 124 Opening Address—Noyes & Flertzheim's New Store, Sketch of—Legislature— Weather—The Police First Wore Stars in Sight—The Business Directory— Sketches of Ernst Conrad, Louis Salomon, the French Bros., Ogden's Carriage Factory, Warren, Hewitt & Tracy, Goodrich & Terry, Bradford Bros., Sinclair & Gunnison, and others—William Brown, of Albany, Dies—Public Market—John Johnston, Sketch—Board of Trade Organized—Charter Amendments—Railroad Meeting—Fire—The Star Mill, Sketch—Old Jones Tried—New Bridge Called For—New Jail Called For—She Wouldn:t Stay Out—Divisions of the Second, First and Fifth Wards—Council Proceedings —Spring Election—Its Results—Schools—List of Teachers—The Old Military Hail—Opening of Bilty's Tremont—Sketch of Bilty—South Side Gas Company Formed—Great Military Parade—Major Nunnemacher Makes a Speech—August Phillipp Exhibits His Horsemanship—The Golden Gate Saloon—The Old Loomis School House—Owen Goss, Sketch—A. V. H. Carpenter, Sketch—Dwight W. Keyes, Sketch—Excursion to Beaver Dam— Railroads—The Dean Richmond Goes to Europe—Chas. J. Kershaw, Sketch Political—The Democracy Organize—Council Proceedings—Railroad Vote— Criminal—Cattle Market—Great Torchlight Procession—Fall Election—Mr. Hadley Defeated—Bear vs. Bull—Weather—Funeral of Solomon Juneau— Improvements—Vessel Tonnage—Cold. CHAPTER IV.—1857............................................... 181 Opening Address—The Albany Block—New Year's Calls—The Weather—E. H. Brodhead a Bigger Man Than the Pope—A New Grocery, Sketch—Jeremiah Quinn, Sketch — Great Rainstorm — Business Status—Legislative—Ninth Ward Organized—River Opened—Mr. Evans Dies—Municipal—Politics Red-hot—Officers Elected—Andrew Mitchell, Sketch—Public Schools—Assessment—Altering the Grades—April Fool's Day—Its Results—The New Postmaster — John A. Becher, Sketch—A Park Proposed—Caleb Wall Scores the Common Council—The Messrs. Matthews Brothers, Furniture, Sketch—Opening of the Newhall— Its Success and Final End — Nathan Pereles, Sketch — Merrill's Cornet Band—A Sad Accident—The Detroit & Milwaukee Railroad Meeting—Humorous—He Wouldn't Stand It Any Longer—Political—A Puff for Mayor Cross—Martin B. Coombs—Municipal Rascality Unearthed--The City in Peril—The Meeting at Albany Hall—The Wisconsin—E. L. H. Gardner's Manifesto—The Wisconsin Defends Him— Charles F. Freeman, Sketch—Stephen A. Harrison, Sketch—Daniel L. Wells, Sketch—Improvements—Disputed the Count—Weather—Census— Vessel List—Egbert Herring Smith Outdone—The Old Forest Home Cemetery. CHAPTER V.—185S................................................243 Opening Address—Legislative—Municipal—Report of Tax Payers' Committee at Albany Hall—Tabular Statements—The Effect of the Report—The Fight Between the People and the Council—Jackson Hadley, Sketch—Taxation— Milwaukee vs. Detroit—The Harbor Question—Alderman George S. Mal-lory's Speech—More Meetings at Albany Hall—Letters from Tax Payers— The Spring Campaign—The Fur Flies—William A. Prentiss Nominated for Mayor on a People's Ticket—Result of Election—Vilification—Council Proceedings—License—A Tidal Wave—High Water—The Cordes Block Falls— July 4, and Its Results—The Council Takes a Tilt at the Common Schools— Alderman J. A. Phelps, Sketch—J. P. Rundle, Sketch—Opening of the Atlantic Cable—The Jail—Judge H. M. Wells Dies—Memorial Sketch— Charter Revision—Attempt to Remove the Court House—Rufus P. Jennings —Police Court—The Fall Campaign—A Bitter Contest—The Land Grant Steal—Judge Hubbell Buys a New Milch Cow—Chamber of Commerce Or- CONTENTS. 9 ganized—List of Its Presidents to Date—Matthew Keenan Retires from the Office of Clerk of Circuit Court—Political—Councillor Jackson Hadley Goes for Mayor Prentiss—Mayor Prentiss Replies—Comptroller Hathaway's Estimate—The Election. November, 1858—Hotel Wettstein Opened—The Young Men's Christian Association vs. The Literary Club—The Weather—Early Ship Building—Wolf & Davidson, Sketch—S. R. Smith, Sketch—Early Sheboygan Houses—Improvements. CHAPTER VI.—1859.............................................. 298 Opening Address—The Weather—Political Trickery—Reports of the County Officials—Legislative—The New Charter, and the Fight on Its Passage—The Result—The Mayor's Report—Comments Thereon—A Call for a Mass Meeting at Albany Hall—The Result—An Attempt to Divide the Third Ward— St. Andrew's Society Formally Organized—Jas. Siddell—Grain in Store— Horse Overboard—Swine Ditto—A Cow-Slip—The Spring Campaign—A People's Convention—Candidates Nominated—The Democratic Convention— The Result—Major Fut Wins the Prize—Comments of the Sentinel Upon E. L. H. Gardner's Nomination—New School Opened—School Census—Ought to Be in School—And These Ought to Be Whipped—Report—Page vs. Prentiss—Page Gets Left—The Plot Thickens—J. T. Perkins Wants More Light —J. C. Starkweather Gets a Fall—The M. S. Scott Goes to Europe—The Germans in America—July 4th Celebration—The Hog Nuisance—Mr. Pat Mc-Ginnis Makes His Maiden Speech—Likewise Did Misther O'Conner—Editorial Sparring—The Horse Railroad—Sam Piatt Gets a Bible—Father John Rosebeck on the War-Path—The Arrival of the New Steamers, the Detroit and Milwaukee—An Affair of Honor—The Old Blind Singer—How a Milwaukee Carpenter Got a Floor Taken Up—The Eagle Mill, Sketch—The Phoenix—The Brewing Interest—The Empire Brewery of Phillip Best & Co. —Wm. P. Young's Block Burnt—The Sentinel Gets Spooney—Wouldn't Call Him Judge—The Old Market House—An Attempt to Divide the County—Political—The Republicans Win—P. Van Vechten Scores the News— Winter Coming—Population—Improvements—The First Town Election— The Semi-Centennial—Statistical. CHAPTER VIL—1860............................................. 366 Opening Address—Police Report—Legislative—Horse Railroad Project—A Park Proposed—The New Municipal Court Room—Judge Foote's Court Abolished —Sid Rood's Game Cock—The Pleasant Street Bridge—A Costly Wind—Ice Left the River—The Spring Election Brings Out More Political Rascality— Gardner & Lynch Arrested—Result of Election—Jasper Vltet's Safe Seized by the Sheriff—Base Ball Discovered—Milwaukee's Third Great Fire—At which a Mecklenberger ,Makes a Discovery—Marshal Jehu M. Lewis Tried— The Public Schools—Geo. G. Houghton Takes the Helm—Council Proceedings—S. H. Martin Builds three New School Houses—Railroads—Jacob L. Bean as a Prophet—The Third Ward Market House—Belden's Old Home Saloon Removed—The Cow Question—Caleb Wall Speaks—The Horse Railroad Craze—The editor of the Sentinel Threatened with a Licking—Political Ruffianism—More Skullduggery—The Herzer Resolutions—The Lockwood Resolutions—Their Effect—The Germans Protest—Meeting of the Union Republican Club—Municipal Folly—Councillor Lockwood Brings the Malcontents to Time—Councillor Noyes Resigns—After which Councillor Rose-beck Takes the Floor—His Speech—The Fall Campaign—A Republican County Organization Effected—Election—First Snow Fall—Highway Robbery—Fred. Wardner Garroted—Burning of Nichols & Britt's Mill—Burning of Cross Block—Improvements—The Lady Elgin Goes Down—In Memoriam. ERRATA. On page 24, for " Rocraft," read " Rycraft." On page 93, for " Welbb," read " Webb." On page 191, for " J. H. Green," read " Greeves." On page 241, for " B. Stern," read " B. Stirn." On page 398, fifth line from top, for " John Lockwood," read " John Plankinton." INTRODUCTION. The local historian who attempts the laborious task of placing upon record the principal events—political, social and financial—connected with the founding of a new city, and its progress (to use a metaphor) from infancy to manhood, will, as stated in the introduction to Volume III., not get rich or perhaps win much fame, but will if he chance (as was the fortune of the writer) to have been numbered among its early men, often find himself during the progress of his work carried back in memory to the starting point, and journeying o'er life's well marked trail again, during which the scenes he has witnessed, both mirthful and pathetic, will pass in rapid review before his mental vision with a vividness that is wonderful. This journey the author of these volumes has often taken during the progress of the work, when the face and form of many who were once prominent in our city as politicians and business men, but who have long since crossed the Styx, were often seen, some of whom were good men and useful citizens, while others sought their own aggrandizement alone, wholly regardless of the consequences to themselves or to others. To write the history of this latter class truthfully is often an unpleasant task, and if it should be claimed that the political characters of any of the men sketched have been too harshly dealt with, posterity has only to refer to the public records of their lives to be satisfied, not only of the truthfulness of these sketches, but that in several instances the party mentioned would have stood a second coat of red without overstepping the bounds of truth. In closing this introduction to Volume IV., the author feels justified in saying, that to be counted as worthy of belonging to that small 12 INTRODUCTION. band, who under the name of Pioneers have been permitted to live to witness the almost marvelous growth of the city they helped to found, is an honor few can boast of having enjoyed. And to be, in however small a sense, its historian, is a much greater one. That the coming anniversary on the 19th of September next (a full text of which will be found in the Appendix), when the first half century since the township organization (out of which the city had its birth) shall have been completed, may be celebrated in a manner worthy of the occasion, is certainly the wish of The Author. Milwaukee, August 16th, 1885. CHAPTER I. 1854. Opening Address—Members of Legislature—Weather—McLeod Frozen—The Business Status—Milwaukee Hydraulic Company Chartered—Bridges— Attack on John Rugee—He Replies—Sketch of John Rugee—Booth vs. Shaw—Issuing Bonds to Railroads—Searched the Wrong Man—The Glover Rescue—The Bielfeld Poem—The Old Helfenstein Warehouse Falls— Complaints—The Spring Election—Consequences Resulting to the City from this Election—A Free Fight and its Results—A Military Company Formed— The Vance Bros., Sketch—A Runaway and Its Results—Milwaukee & Mississippi Railroad Report—William E. Goodman, Sketch—Robert C. Spencer, Sketch—Street Cleaning—Editor's Comments Thereon—Great Storm—The New Lighthouse Located—A Dam Case—Milwaukee's Second Great Fire— Rebuilding the Burnt District—A New Hotel Called for—John B. Edwards, Sketch—L. B. Rock, Sketch—Brooke & Cannon's Store Robbed—The Cloven Foot Appears—Judge H. N. Wells' Famous Cow Case—Improvements— Hun & Crosby—The Nazro Building—The Reliance Mill—Commercial Statistics—Assessments—Vessel Tonnage. Fifty years have come and gone— At least that's what they say— Since the bold Saxon race so grand Made their first plant upon the land Around Milwaukee Bay.* The commencement of 1854 was unmarked, at least in Milwaukee, by any unusual demonstration in politics, business, or religion. The excitement attending the election the previous November, growing out of the liquor question, in connection with the election of Franklin Pierce to the Presidency, some account of which appeared in Vol. 3, had in a great measure died out, and now that the battle was over, the victory won, the new year in reality commenced, and the frost-king in full control of the weather, those who were at swords' points (politically) during that exciting campaign, were now ready to bury the hatchet, shake hands over the bloody chasm, take a smilet together, and unite in the usual round of festivities that formed so *The first title to the land, upon which now stands the beautiful city of Milwaukee, was obtained at the land sale held at Green Bay, August, 1835. f A friendly glass of whisky. 14 MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. large a part of the winter life of the denizens of the Cream City, in the " olden time." Which festivities were inaugurated by the Odd Fellows with A New Year's Ball, At Gardner's Hall, followed by the firemen and other organizations, civil and military, while the politicians hied them to Madison, some for the purpose of aiding in procuring honest legislation, while others, (and by far the largest portion,) " The Lobby," for the sole purpose of bulldozing the members into turning the public grindstone while they sharpened their little hatchets with which to cut down the traditional cherry tree.* And thus the months rolled away until March ioth, when " Old Sol" again broke winter's icy fetters, although the river was not entirely clear until the 15th, and April ioth brought us the first boat from below—the brig Globe—upon whose arrival we could truly say that spring had come. The previous year had, as a whole, been a very prosperous one. A large number of buildings—including the original gas works— having been erected, at an aggregate cost of $450,000. Our population had reached 30,000, and our manufactures $2,000,000. Our railroads, also, the Milwaukee & Mississippi, and the Milwaukee & La Crosse, were rapidly extending their lines to the " Father of Waters," and the outlook for Milwaukee to soon rival Chicago was encouraging. True, she, like other western cities, had not reached her present prosperous condition without a number of drawbacks, as besides the decimation her population had received * It is a fact beyond all dispute that during the infancy of our State government our legislators were, as a rule, more willing to grant any franchise asked for by William B. Ogden, for the benefit of Chicago, than for their own State, until it became proverbial that the Legislature of Illinois held its sessions in Madison, Mr. Ogden, small blame to him—as the. Hibernian would say—always succeeding in buying up a sufficient number of those "limber-backed, spoils-seeking" members every year to accomplish his ends, until the " La Crosse Land Grant" steal came to the front, after which he threw up the sponge (as the sporting men say) in disgust, and retired from the business, as in place of "fifty dollars per capita,'' which was about the average he had been paying for "Badger skins,'7 they had advanced in price to an average of $5,000 for common, $10,000 for prime, $25,000 for extra prime, $50,000 for full grown males, and, in one instance, Si220,ooo was paid for a silver gray. (See price list in chapter 5.) Oh! politics! The lust for gold engendered in the hearts of all who once enter fully within thy courts surpasseth all other passions, even that for women. MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. 15 in 1849, by tnat fearful scourge the "Asiatic cholera," the wheat crop, upon the success of which her prosperity more than any other one source depended, had during that (and the two subsequent years) been almost a total failure, all of which had been keenly felt. But better days were in store for her, as the past three years—particularly 1853—had been prosperous ones agriculturally, and now her plank as well as her railroads were groaning beneath the burden of the rich treasures of wheat and other grains that came pouring in from the unrivalled farming region for which she was the only natural commercial outlet. Immigration, another source of wealth to a new country, had also been quite large, over 25,000 having landed here during the season of navigation, one-fifth of whom, at least, had settled within her then corporate limits. All of which tended to give an impetus to real estate, which advanced rapidly, in proof of which was the sale in January, 1854, of the south twenty feet of lot one, and the north forty feet of lot two, in block (5), third ward, by Jas. B. Martin to Henry J. Nazro, for $18,000, a large sale for those days, upon which Mr. Nazro was to erect a fine store the coming summer. This building, the present Nos. 319, 321 and 323 East Water street, which will be more fully described in its proper place, was the wonder of the day when built, and is a good store now. The members from Milwaukee city and county, for 1853 and '54, elected the previous November, were for the senate, Edward M. Hunter and Edward McGarry, and to the house, John Crawford, Jackson Hadley, Peter Lavies, Henry Beecroft, Timothy Hagerty, Edward O'Neill, John Tobin, William Reinhard, and William E. Webster. Speaker of the house, F. W. Horn. This legislature convened January 11, 1854, and adjourned April 3, 1854. Weather. The winter of 1853 and '54 was a cold one, particularly the early part, a snowfall of twelve inches, the greatest at any one time during the last six years, occurring on the 5th of January, while the ice in the river (which closed December 19, 1853,) was twelve inches in thickness, with the thermometer at twelve degrees below zero. The following is the record for nine days in January: The ther- 16 MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. mometer standing at 6 p. m., on the 7th, 12 degrees below zero; 8th, 10 degrees below zero; 9th, 12 degrees below zero; 10th, 14 degrees below zero; nth, 16 degrees below zero; 12th, 16 degrees below zero; 23d, 7 A.M., 20 degrees* below zero; 8 a.m., 19 degrees below zero; 9 a. m., 16 degrees below zero. This was cold enough to satisfy the most fastidious. The ground was frozen to a great depth, and very little work could be done out of doors during the month of January and a part of February, except to cut ice. The business status of the old firms was practically the same as in 1851, a few changes only having been made in location or partners. Charles C. Dewey, saddlery, 376 East Water street, is now a farmer in Wauwatosa. Abraham Follansbee, bakery, 107 Wisconsin street. This was the nucleus of the present mammoth bakery of Theodore Riedel, on Broadway, an establishment that has made for all of its different owners a large amount of money. Wm. E. Goodman, camphene and gas-fitting, 83 Wisconsin street. Mr. Goodman will be sketched further on. Timothy W. Goodrich and Eli S. Hunter were in the old red warehouse foot of East Water street; commission. Richardson Grangef and Thomas C. Cole, meat market, were at 322 East Water street. Jackson Hadley and Joseph W. Haskins, commission, were in the checkered warehouse on South Water street. These are a few not previously mentioned. Mr. Haskins subsequently went to California. He was a bad one. The Milwaukee Hydraulic Company Chartered. The first step looking towards the construction of water-works for the city of Milwaukee was by an act of the Legislature of 1854, and * A man named Daniel McLeod froze to death during this cold weather, in a miserable shanty, standing at that time where Angus Smith's elevator C. (the old Sweet elevator) now stands. I remember the circumstance perfectly. There was a large amount of suffering that winter among the poor, on account of the high price of fuel and the impossibility of obtaining work. fMr. Grange is yet in business and located at 265 South Water. Mr. Cole is a resident of Kansas City. MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. 17 approved April i, under the above title. The corporators and first directors were Charles E. Jenkins, James Ludington, Joseph W. Haskins, William P. Young, Duncan C. Reed, Asahel Finch, Jr., and James H. Rogers. They were to take their supply of water from Lake Michigan. There was also an act, March n, 1855, authorizing the city to issue $100,000 in bonds to aid in their construction. This last act was to be submitted to the people for ratification. It is needless to say that no works were ever constructed by this company. Bridges. The reader will doubtless remember that a contract had been made in 1853 by the Common Council with John Rugee to erect a new bridge at the foot of East Water street, and also at Spring street, for $11,500 for the two. The one at Spring street to be completed by January 1, 1854. The severe cold, however, prevented the fulfilment of this contract (as to time), and some " croaker," who evidently did not understand what he was writing about, had an article in the Wisconsin of February 3, complaining of Mr. Rugee for not removing the old bridge at Spring street in readiness for the new one, and gets the following reply from that gentleman's versatile pen : BRIDGES. To the Editor of The Wisconsin : In reply to the article in your paper of the 3d, about removing Spring street bridge, I would say, first, that the writer ot that article has not got mechanical bumps enough to know what has been done; second, that he does not know how many men are required for a structure of this kind; third, that he is apt to catch at and publish what others say without inquiring into the facts himself. If he had come to me I could have shown him the yard where all the materials are being prepared and where as many men are employed as can work to advantage. It has been represented by men that I thought worthy of belief that I have been paid a sum of money to leave Spring street bridge and go to work on the one at Walker's Point. This is too ridiculous to speak about, since they have a bridge at that place that is passable for teams now. Had the man who started that report visited my bridge-yard he could have seen men at work on the Spring street bridge for three weeks past. When I made the contract with the city I told the Bridge Committee that I could not possibly complete the one at Spring street in the time specified, but that I was willing to pay the penalty ($10 per day) if they could give me a reasonable extension, which they agreed to do if I would hurry it up as fast as I could. This I have done, and I can assure the Wisconsin that the men in my employ are not slaves, who can be driven to work in such weather as we had last month. And now a word for the public. It is as much for my interest as 18 MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. theirs to get the bridge completed. I can get all the labor I want now much cheaper than I can a month hence, and if I could set thirty or forty men at work I could save at least $400 by so doing. ^ Spring street bridge was not removed for four weeks after I gave notice that I was ready. And some of the very men who are now " barking" at me wished it kept there until January, 1854, although they knewT that my contract with the city calls for a new bridge by that time. John Rugee, Contractor. This was a good reply, although not severe enough upon the "blatherskites" who were barking at him. For the article in the Wisconsin, in answer to which this was written, was a pretty rough one, and accused Mr. Rugee of not intending to complete the new bridge by January i, 1854, the time set, and of not commencing in season to pull down the old one, when, as he says, they would not let him. It was so far completed, however, as to be opened for the passage of teams March 14, George F. Oakley being the first to cross it, which he did with his new 'bus drawn by six horses. It was fully completed March 27, when the old float so clumsy, but nevertheless so useful in its day, disappeared, at least from Spring street, forever. Upon the commencement to remove the old one, January 6, the following appeared in the Sentinel'. Spring Street Bridge.—In the spring of 1846 this beautiful structure was built by the Common Council. Yesterday its demolition commenced, to give place to another bridge, which it is to be hoped will last more than seven years. It is said that one of the Council shed tears in passing yesterday on witnessing its destruction. It is also said the Bridge Committee intend saving fragments of the old structure, to have canes, tobacco boxes, etc., made from them, as relics of antiquity and their tenacity to the old pathway.* John Rugee. This gentleman, who ranks as one of our prominent and successful master builders and architects, was born at Lubec, a free city in Germany, January 3, 1827, and from where he emigrated to this country when a boy. He settled first at the village of Poughkeepsie, N. Y., where he learned his trade (carpenter), and from there came to Milwaukee, in 1851, where he soon came to'the front as a mechanic *This bridge, erected in 1854, stood thirteen years, when it was replaced by a new one, erected by the late Daniel L. Wells, which stood until 1882, when it was replaced by the present iron one. The demolition of this last (the Wells bridge) was commenced January 24, 1882, the writer crossing it for the last time at 8 A. M. that morning. Sic transit. MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. 19 of more than ordinary ability. His first work of any importance after his arrival in our city, was the erection of a bridge over the Rock River, at Watertown, for the Milwaukee & Watertown Railroad Company. He also built the one at Janesville, over the same stream, for the Milwaukee & Mississippi Railroad, both of which are yet in use, and, as has just been seen, was then (1854) engaged in the erection of the one at Spring street, over the Milwaukee River. This was the first swing bridge (i. e.) to swing upon a center pier, ever erected in the city. It was at this time that he improvised a machine to cut off the few piles* (fenders) formerly driven as a protection to the old float bridge, there being at that time no " dredge " in the city of sufficient power to pull them. The novelty, as well as the simplicity of this invention, attracted no little attention, and its operation was watched by the mechanical portion of the community with great interest. It was subsequently put to similar use on the Chippewa River. Mr. Rugee's inventive genius was something marvelous to the mechanics of that day—there being no obstruction but disappeared before his fertile brain as rapidly as does the dew before the sun. He also, in connection with Stoddard H. Martin, with whom he had become associated as a partner, built the Newhall house in 1856-7, since which time he has devoted himself, almost exclusively, to the manufacture of building material, drafting plans, making specifications for private dwellings, and superintending their erection, a large number of which, both in the city and country, show the mark of his hand. From this, to him a pleasant employment, he has now retired in favor of his son John C. Rugee, and engaged in the lumber trade with Emil Durr, under the title of Durr & Rugee, in which enterprise let us hope that his success, as well as Mr. Durr's, may meet their most sanguine expectations. So much for his business record. In political faith, Mr. Rugee is a staunch republican, in which party he has been one of the pillars for the last twenty years, few in Milwaukee having exerted a greater influence than has he. He was elected to the legislature in i860, from the Fifth ward (in which he has always resided), has also served two terms in the common coun- * Four feet under water, 20 MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. cil, the last one being in 1857, where he was both active and efficient, and was appointed by the governor to superintend the erection of the present court-house, and also a trustee of our county insane asylum, from both of which positions he was ejected by the democrats, who wanted no one to inspect their work who was not in full sympathy with their plans. He was also elected sheriff, over John Bentley, in 1880. Such is a brief sketch of his political record. In religious faith he is a liberal, cares nothing for creeds, but judges a man by what he does, and not for what he may believe, or profess —always a safe rule to follow. In person he is of medium height, has a well proportioned and muscular frame, has dark hair and dark eyes, and is the very picture of health. He has a strong voice, speaks somewhat quick, with a slight German accent—his words coming out with a rolling intonation. He is the soul of honor, very conscientious, and always careful what he says, or what he does. He is also a good judge of character, few better in the city. He dislikes notoriety, is very undemonstrative for a politician, which to quite an extent he still is, and will make no promise to any one, political or otherwise, that he does not intend to keep. He has good executive abilities, and can handle a large force of men to good advantage. He has become quite wealthy, the result of a close attention to business and good management. Such is John Rugee, one of Milwaukee's well-known and respected representative business men, a useful citizen and one whom the people have often delighted to honor. Spicy—Booth vs. Shaw. There was quite a large amount of what might properly be called a windy correspondence, this year, by and between the Milwaukee Daily News, Daniel Shaw, editor, and the Daily Free Democrat, Sherman M. Booth, editor. If these gentlemen were at all friendly, they certainly took a curious way to show it. The News, of February 7, published what purported to be an invitation from the '• cullered " population to Mr. Booth to join them in a public dinner at Prof. " Jesse Epps, His Saloon,"# and to which invitation it As our forefathers would have stated it. MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. 21 makes Booth accept. The menu was not very elaborate, consisting entirely of ram, lamb, mutton and sheep (no horse or dog). Booth was in a fearful rage, and so was Epps, who said this was the worst insult he had ever received in his life, and that was certainly saying a great deal. There was much sport made of the affair, many claiming that the proposed dinner was fully equal to Mr. Booth's deserts, and wickedly hoped he would have a good time. It is needless to say that the dinner did not come off.# Issuing Bonds to Railroads. There was an ordinance passed at the meeting of the common council, held February n, 1854, for the issue of $100,000 in city bonds to the Lake Shore (now the Chicago & Northwestern), and also one for the issue of $200,000 to the La Crosse & Milwaukee Railrcads. The first named company gave as security for their $100,000; a company bond for $100,000, a first mortgage bond on the road for $125,000, the personal bond of the directors and others for $150,000, and full paid stock for $100,000—in all $475,000. The La Crosse gave a company bond for $400,000, a mortgage bond and notes for $250,000—in all $650,000. And the city had them all to pay in the end. Searched the Wrong Man. The constable from the country of Ozaukee brought a prisoner named Miller to the Milwaukee jail, in March, 1854, that county being then destitute of such a luxury, and who (i. 2l8 lbs pork. 49 bush rye. 182 bbls highwines, weight 60,060 lbs., 17 bbls flour. and sundry other articles 5 bbls lard, 1,400 lbs. Yours, &c, Edward Barber, Freight Agent. fThe above statement furnished by Benjamin H. Lennox, the very popular and efficient secretary to General Manager Miller, shows some difference between the equipment and earnings of this then pioneer road and its present aggregate lines. Now the number of locomotives is 654, there are 8 palace cars, 9 dining, 40 sleepers, 265 passenger coaches, 191 mail, baggage and express cars, 15,113 box, stock and freight, 4,321 flats and 416 cabooses; earnings, $2,000,000 per month. JBut it didn't though, it soon got a "list to port," to use a nautical phrase, and ran down to 7J cents on the dollar, and ultimately went on the "brokers' reef." As Mr. Brodhead once said, it was built onjaith. But then it was not faith without works. MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. 35 The number of passengers carried in 1853, on the 70 miles in operation, was 75,975. 67,000 tons of freight were also transported. Two passenger and two freight trains having been run daily (Sundays excepted), during most of the year. The sum of $20,975 was expended for a brick round house at Milwaukee,* and a frame freight shed.t There was also 14 850 rods offence put up along the line, at a cost of $13,396. And the freight and passenger stations at Fulton, Stough-ton and Madison, costing in all $11,726, were all erected this year. The machine and car shops at Waukesha, built in 1851 (See. Vol. 3, page 332,), have been sold for $12,0004 The following is inserted as a matter of history connected with the infancy of this road : The Cars. A freight train came in yesterday afternoon, towards evening, composed of eight cars. This was the first train of freight cars that had arrived since Thursday last, owing as we before noticed to the heavy drifts of snow on the track. On Sunday morning, Mr. Olin started for Janesville, with three engines, and on yesterday morning, Mr. Brod-head, the Superintendent, accompanied by Mr. Merrill, started with two more engines, one of these brought back the eight cars from the Forest House. This leaves us without an Eastern mail since Friday, and solely depending on the wires for our news. This is the first Kailroad and the first time the cars (we believe) have been stopped for any length of time in Wisconsin. P. S.—A train of fifteen freight cars arrived last evening, and an Eastern mail is probably here this morning, as it left Janesville at 6 p. m. yesterday. The following statement from the then Secretary, the late Wm. Taintor, shows the amount of capital stock subscribed up to December 31, 1853, to have been 15,422 shares, representing $1,542,200, and on which there remained unpaid at that date, $511,319.24, almost ^o per cent. I'he election of officers which occurred on the 10th of January, resulted in the re-election of the old Board. Those who voted at this election, were: John Catlin, E. B. Wolcott, Adam E. Ray, William H. Barstow, J. Cobb, S. C. Hall, Geo. H. Walker, *Pulled down in 1882 to make room for the present mammoth in freight house. fThis stood where freight No. 4, the present Western Transportation Company's shed, now stands. JThe first Machine and Car Shops were erected at Waukesha, and were sold to John Nazro, who sold it to the late K. N. Kimball, who converted it into an elevator. It was a useless piece of property, and finally burned uninsured. 36 MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. Hercules L. Dousman, John Goodrich, S. H. Alden, A. Finch, Jr., Eliphalet Cramer, Alex. Mitchell, Hans. Crocker and Edward D. Holton. The highest number of votes cast by any one, being 9863, and the lowest, 7197. A dividend of 10 per cent., $160,800, payable in stock, was declared on the 10th of January, leaving a surplus in the Treasury of $6,260.14, which was deemed by the then stockholders, as highly satisfactory. The exact earnings in 1854 were $464,237.73, an increase of 104 per cent, over the previous year. Wiillam E. Goodman. This gentleman came to Milwaukee from Oconomowoc in 1854, and opened a shop for the sale and putting in of gas fixtures in a frame building then standing where Martin's Iron Block now does, south-east corner of East Water and Wisconsin streets, where he remained until March 20, i860, when he with others was driven out by the great fire which consumed all that row and the corner on Broadway. His loss by this fire was set down at $1,000. From this location he removed to 111 Wisconsin street, where he was again driven out by fire the same year, after which he removed to 117 Wisconsin street, where he remained until 1875, wnen ne removed to his present quarters, 442 and 444 East Water street, the Pruesser Block, where he is to be found to-day. Coming into the city in the infancy of gas-fitting gave Mr. Goodman an advantage over those who came later, which he was quick to see, and consequently while he was at 117 Wisconsin street, had built a large business, and was for a long time without a competitor of any note. His fair and honorable way of dealing won the confidence and friendship of all the community who were in need of his wares, and this post he holds to-day. In person Mr. Goodman is of medium size, has dark hair and eyes, and dark complexion with a slight florid tinge. He has a pleasant voice, a pleasing address, gentle manners, has an unusually kind disposition, is very confiding (too much so at times), is a true friend, and if an enemy, is a very undemonstrative one. In political faith he is a republican, and in religious, a liberal. He is strictly honest, very conscientious, a good citizen, and as a business man stands well in the community. MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. 37 Robert C. Spencer. This gentleman, so well and favorably known in Milwaukee as a business educator, was born at Ashtabula, O., June 22, 1829, and is the son of Piatt R. Spencer, noted as the author of the Spencerian system of penmanship, now so extensively taught in this country, particularly in the West, and who assisted in starting many of the early business colleges, in the conducting of which the subject of this sketch has made such a famous record. Mr. Spencer's first move after the completion of his education was as teacher in the commercial college at Buffalo, N. Y., in 1851, shortly after which he was associated with Messrs. Bryant and Stratton in establishing what was known as the international chain of business colleges, which these gentlemen opened in some forty principal cities in the United States and Canada. This undertaking not proving to be all that its projectors anticipated, the association (mainly through the efforts of Mr. Spencer) was dissolved, and Messrs. Bryant and Stratton's control over the colleges came to an end. A new organization was then formed, under the name of the International Business College Association, of which Mr. Spencer was president one term, and subsequently the Business Educators' Association of America was formed, of which he was president one term. The Milwaukee Spencerian Business College, a link of the Bryant and Stratton chain, was established September, 1863, R. C. Spencer, manager/who, seeing that this was a grand opening for a young man, concluded to go it alone. This was a phase in the business which led to quite a warfare, ending in 1865, in a dissolution with Messrs. Bryant and Stratton, who, in order to checkmate their former partner and control the business, purchased the Lionel Lincoln College, which they enlarged and fitted up at a great expense,* and the battle raged for a short time. But in the end Messrs. Bryant and Stratton were forced to strike their flag and surrender to Mr. Spencer, who at once merged it in the new Spencerian College. The capitulation of Professor Larigo soon followed, since which time he has held the fort and is destined to for years to come. *This was in the old J. B. Martin block, southwest corner of East Water and Wisconsin streets. 38 MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. Mr. Spencer has been a very active as well as a very useful man in Milwaukee, always first and foremost in every good work. He is aggressive, and whoever thinks to drive him from his position with tufts of grass alone is not wise. He has an iron will, and in the discussion of all questions of the day in which he may become a participant wields a ready pen. He is an able writer, and never lets up on anything he undertakes that he believes to be right (and he is not likely to undertake anything that is not right), until he has accomplished his end, or its accomplishment found to be an impossibility. He is quick to see, prompt to act when action is required, loves justice, and is perfectly fearless in carrying out his views. He has served six years on the board of school commissioners, where he was very useful, as he has good executive abilities. He has taken a great interest in the phonological society for the improved education of deaf mutes, of which he is the president. He has a fine physique, a pleasing address, is not nervous and is always self-poised. In religious faith he is a liberal, and in politics a Republican. Such is Robert C. Spencer, one of Milwaukee's most active and useful cilizens, and one who has the respect of all who know him. The editor of the Sentinel asks questions and gets answered. Cleaning the Streets.—In some places the cleaning of the streets has commenced. In East Water street it is progressing with alderman-like rapidity, and if followed up in like manner the street will be cleaned to Walker's Point bridge by this time next year, certainly not before. By-the-by, what has become of the paving committee? Where are they, and what are they doing? Is the street to be paved or not? Teamsters and farmers from all parts of our state are anxious to have this question answered, and are anxious to have the council establish a "ferry" across the "straight cut" at the foot of Wisconsin street, crossing East Water street, to prevent their teams having to leap it.* In answer to his inquiries he was informed (at least he so states on the following day) by Alderman Hadley that the contract for paving East Water street, from Wisconsin to Division, had just been let, which settled that point, after which he (the editor) gives the whole board a scoring for not cleaning lower East Water street, winding up his screed as follows : But what do the aldermen care ? They can go on with the wTork of grading down the bluff in the Seventh ward (meaning between Wiscon- *What this has reference to I cannot tell, unless it was some ditch for gas or sewer pipe. MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. 39 sin and Huron streets), where no one lives, and filling up the streets in the marsh, where no one will travel for years to come (he was mistaken in that), but have no eyes to see, no ears to hear, no noses to smell, and no money wherewith to pay for attending to the wants of the most populous thoroughfare in the city. What shall be done with them ?* The worst we can wish them is that they might be compelled to sit one day on a dry goods box on the sidewalk between Buffalo and Chicago streets, which pastime would, I think, make them go to work and fix that street. For with the heaps of manure, hundreds of dogs running at large, hogs on the sidewalk, swill carts crowding the ladies into the street, our city is certainly a credit to the aldermen, or the aldermen a credit to the city. Which is it ? The council took all this abuse mildly. They didn't care a------. Large Glass. The first large pane of glass in the city was placed in the old Van Cott corner this year. Here is what the Sentinel said about it: A Pane.—That large pane of glass, measuring nine feet eight inches by six feet, is now placed in Van Cott's windowT permanently. This will make it ahead of any window in town for showing goods. There is some talk of repairing the clock on the top of the building for the accommodation of the public. Great Storm. There was a terrible storm this year on the 8th of June, which caused a large amount of damage to the shipping. Among the vessels driven ashore and otherwise damaged were the schooners Andes, Barnum, and Empire, the latter being aground between the piers. The steamer Lady Elgin lost her smoke stack. East Water street was nearly all under water below Detroit street, and taken as a whole it might be considered as a very damp time. A Crack Store, By Messrs. Jackson & Luxton, at what is now 344 East Water street. This store was to 1855, what T. A. Chapman's is to 1885, or nearly so. They made a great noise at least, and sold a large amount of goods. They were short lived, however, and finally sold out and left. I remember these gentlemen well. I think Mr. Luxton was an Englishman, but am not certain. Their sign was an immense " Bee Hive," and their advertisements would beat those of any of our present merchants. * If this question had been propounded to the late Col. Amos Sawyer, he would probably have suggested the same remedy that he did for the backsliders in the churches, to-wit: "Chalk 'em." 40 MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. Cheap People's Store. This was the way the sign read on the store of Adler & Newbouer (Solomon Adler and Goodman Newbouer), No. 19 Spring street, now 117 Grand Avenue. Query.—Which was correct—a cheap people's store, or a people's cheap store ? Will Messrs. Adler & Newbouer please rise and explain. [For the Daily Sentinel. TEAMS LEFT UNHITCHED. Messrs. Editors : In the Sentinel of this morning vou say that since Sunday noon you have seen four runaways, and think no other city in the Union can boast of so many runaways as Milwaukee. Do you think there is another city in the Union where so many horses are allowed to stand in the streets without being fastened as in Milwaukee? Do you believe there would be one-fourth the number of runaways if the ordinance upon that subject should be enforced? Have you ever reported a case where a nerson has been brought before the Police Court for violating that portion of the street ordinance requiring horses to be fastened when left in the streets? If it is not convenient for you to answer the above questions perhaps the City Marshal will. Cor-us. Milwaukee, August 30. [Immediately upon receiving the above communication, we looked out of our window and counted no less than six violations of the ordinance referred to in a single block. Our city authorities must see to it that this ordinance is rigidly and impartially enforced. Editor Sentinel.] The Jail Full. Forty criminals were confined in the Milwaukee jail in the month of September, 1854, while quite a crowd of applicants for a berth were waiting their turn, and it was not a very good month for jails either. Light House. The new light house (the present North Point light) was located this year, July 22. A Dam Case. Among the cases tried before Justice Walworth this year (and their name was legion), was one, July 28, brought against John Fertig, ostensibly for gambling, the real animus of which, however, was on account of the erection of a dam, by the defendant Fertig, across a gutter in the Second ward, by which the water was made to flow into MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. 41 complainant's cellar. Some thirty witnesses were called, who spoke five different languages, requiring the attendance of as many different interpreters. The trial occupied the better part of two days, during which the idiosyncracies of the witnesses, aided by their counsel, the late Judge Foote, or " old Phut," as the Irish called him, and John L. Doran (who for deviltry and cunning could discount Foote and give him fifty points), nearly drove Mr. Walworth crazy. The first day the defendant's wife got a continuation on account of the absence of her husband, and on the second, asked one on account of being sick herself, in proof of which she produced the certificate of Doctor Hambitzer, who turned out to be a sausage maker—M. D. meaning meat dealer. The verdict was not guilty. Some of the reporters present got off the following stanza upon this trial: There's many a tiresome case, I ween, As well as many a sham case; But of all the cases I have seen, The d-----dest is a dam case. Milwaukee's Second Great Fire. The 24th day of August, 1854, was a day long remembered by the citizens of the Cream City. It was an extremely hot day, the thermometer indicating 930 in the shade, when at 12 m. the old Court House bell pealed forth the startling intelligence, that a disastrous fire was raging; and which proved before it was fully under control, to be the most disastrous fire which had ever occurred in the city up to that time. It put the great fire of April, 1845 (m tne same locality), as far in the shade, when we consider the difference in the value of the property destroyed, as that exceeded the burning of a single dwelling. It commenced, or rather it was set, in the hay-loft of the livery barn of S. B. and J. Davis, a frame structure, then standing on the north-west corner of Broadway and Huron street (now 329 Broadway); and such was the rapidity with which it spread, that in less than two hours the entire square bounded by East Water, Broadway, Michigan and Huron Streets, was in ashes. The buildings fronting on East Water Street were with one exception, all brick, no veneered building having up to that date been erected, notwithstanding which they melted before the surging billows of 42 MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. flame, like so many stacks of hay. Taken by numbers the buildings destroyed would stand as follows: Commencing with the United States Hotel,* the office to which then occupied 130 (old numbering!), we came next to 132, then vacant; then 134,Williams Lee's old place, occupied at that time by C. Schorst| as a hat and cap store; then 136, Jacob Steinhart, clothing; 138, by Russell H. Benton, boots and shoes; 140, by Peck & Baker (Henry P. Peck and Theophilus L. Baker), dry goods; 142, by Rood & Goodrich, jewelry; 144, by Edward M. Hurd, crockery; 146, Ly Emanuel M. Shoyer, clothing; 148, by Caleb Wall, auction and commission; 150, by Irving D. Hull, as a bookstore; 152, by John H. Silkman, hats and caps. (These three last-mentioned were frames.) We come now to the E. B. Dickerman block, containing three stores, in the first of which we find Samuel Shoyer (clothing), David G. Power§ (land office), and Philetus W. Yale (merchant tailor), below, and in the second sFory (the old Odd Fellows' hall) by the offices of the Merchants' Mutual Insurance Company, the musical society, the law office of George E. H. Day, and others; 160 was occupied by Wm. S. Welles, clothing, 162 by J. P. Barker, hats and caps, and 164 brings us to the corner, in the second story of which was the office of the Wisconsin Marine and Fire Insurance Company (Alex. Mitchell||), above which, on the third floor, was the office of the Daily Evening Wisconsin, which brings us to Michigan street. Turning east on Michigan, we come first to the Exchange block, a two-story brick, occupied at that time for offices, among whom was that of Jas. Mallory, attorney, Geo. W. Mygatt, architect, Doctor Jas. Garner## and others, which brings us to the alley, across which stood the old Tremont, a two-story frame, see volume II? page 242, kept at that time by Dixon S. Pollett, which brings us to Main street *For description of this hotel, See Vol. II, page 237. fThe present numbering is 330, 332 and so on. JI think this name is incorrectly given, as no such name appears in any of the old directories. \ Burned at the Newhall, January 10, 1883. ||This building had a very high basement story, there being some seven or eight steps to ascend in order to reach the bank entrance. ** Shot by Mrs. Wilner, March 2, 1876. MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. 43 (Broadway), where, upon turning south, we come first to the Tre-mont stables, then to the livery barns of Messrs. Butler & Bowers, of J. Weatherby, and of the United States Hotel barns, which brings us to the point where the fire started, where, upon turning west, we come first to the meat market of Matthew Broome, and of J. Gallagher, then to the grocery and boarding house of Jas. Dixon, which brings us to the alley in rear of the United States Hotel, and then to East Water street, crossing which we come to the northwest corner of East Water and Huron streets, upon the corner of which was a small frame building, erected by G. Myrose, at what is now 329, then 131 and 133, occupied by Lawrence Herscherde and Frederick Schendt, as a confectionery at 131, and by Joseph Carey, at 133, as a clothing store, next to which, on the north, was the Jas. H. Rogers' block, standing at what is now 3^3, 335 and 337,* occupied at that time by Messrs. H. Bosworth & Sons, druggists, at 2>33^ John D. Gardner & Co., dry goods, at 335, and Messrs. Haney & De Bow, hardware, at 337, all of which were consumed. The hardware stock of Henry J. Nazro, at 341, the dry goods of Sexton Bros. & Co., at 347, and the leather stock of G. Pfister, at 349, were also more or less damaged by water. The books of the Wisconsin Fire and Marine (Alex. Mitchell), together with those of the State bank (now the Milwaukee National), located at that time at what is now 361 East Water street, which building it was thought at one time would burn (as well as most of the money), were placed upon the tug Tift, in charge of John B. Merrill, and taken down the river to a place of safety, until the fire was subdued. A second alarm was sounded during the night, on account of the breaking out of the flames among the debris of Bosworth & Son's store, which brought the worn out firemen once more to the spot, where they were compelled to work several hours before it was finally extinguished. Among those who by their coolness and good management saved their stock from destruction upon this occasion, was our well known pioneer crockery dealer, Franklin J Blair, who at that time occupied what is now 359 East Water street, whose stock, on account of its * The Jas. H. Rogers building, a cut of which was given in vol. II, page 220. 44 MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. frailness, could not be removed, which he did by closing all the doors and windows, and fighting it from the inside by keeping the windows wet down with water brought from the river in pails, a very laborious as well as dangerous task, as had the fire once got inside nothing could have saved them from certain death; such was the intensity of the heat as to crack the glass in several of the windows, but it did not fall out. For the next three days subsequent to this fire, the city papers were filled with the suits against those arrested (ninety-one in all) for stealing, as well as the complaints of the lookers on, and who, as usual, were profuse in their suggestions as to how it should have been handled, as well as in their criticisms as to how it was handled, which at last drew a sharp reply from that old veteran fireman, Andrew J. Langworthy, after which they were silent. The number of buildings destroyed at this fire was thirty-six taken as numbers, but as separate buildings there would be twenty-five, several of them—the Dickerman, James H. Roger's, the Exchange block, and perhaps one or two others—having three numbers each. This fire revealed one fact, that most merchants are greatly overestimated as to wealth, the largest stock being that of Messrs. Sexton Bros. & Co., $80,000; Haney & De Bow, $50,000, and Bosworth & Sons, $25,000; William S. Wells, $35,000. The balance were comparatively small. A flaming advertisement does not by any means establish the fact that the advertiser has got one-half he claims to have. The total loss was estimated at $500,000, a large amount for those days. It footed up at $381,900, and the total insurance to $233,101, divided in the following agencies : Ellis Worthington, $45,550; Allen Wheeler, $50,900; William J. Whaling, $83,451; Charles J. Cary, $8,800; Leonard Kennedy, $37,400; J. C. Boise, $6,000. Rebuilding the Burnt District. The smoke of this disastrous conflagration had not fully disappeared before contracts were entered into for the erection of new and more substantial ones. Eleven were let within eight days, viz.: Three by Messrs. Shepardson and Cross and two by Eliphalet Cram- MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. 45 er, upon the United States hotel site; and adjoining these, on the north, were two for Thomas H. Roddis, and one for Mrs. William Pierce, all to be fire proof on the outside. There was also one for Lester Sexton* and one for Messrs. Bosworth & Sons, upon their old sites. The architect for these buildings, with the exception of the one for Mrs. Pierce, for which James Douglass was both architect and builder, was George W. Mygatt. The contracting mason for the Cramer, Roddis and Bosworth buildings was Hiram R. Bond. The carpenter for Mr. Cramer was Frederick Y. Horning, for Mr. Roddis, Walter S. Babcock, and for Messrs. Bosworth & Sons, George Southwell t The iron columns for Messrs. Cramer and Roddis were furnished by Decker & Saville, and for Bosworth & Sons by James Sheriff. The total cost of these eight stores was $50,000. In addition to this Mr. Silkman and E. M. Shoyer, both rebuilt. The mason for both was John Rycraft, and the carpenters Messrs. Spaulding and Foote. The architect was G. W. Mygatt. A New Hotel. There was an attempt made at this time by a few of our business men to erect a mammoth hotel. (See annexed.) The New Hotel.—The Wisconsin has the following notice of the new hotel which we alluded to the other day: " We were yesterday shown, at the room of Mr. Mygatt, architect, a draft of the proposed new hotel, to be located on the corner of East Water and Michigan streets. It is to be 60 feet on East Water street, 254 on Michigan, and 120 on Main—extending from Water to Main street, and forming an L—to be built of brick, with iron caps and sills, six stories high, besides the basement, which will reach about five feet above the sidewalk. The lower story is intended for stores, banks, &c. The State Bank is to occupy the room on the corner of Water and Michigan streets. The plan is certainly a good one, and neatly executed. It is to be christened the Shepardson House. We learn that there is now about $60,000 subscribed towards defraying the expense of its erection. It will require a subscription of only $40,000 more." This project all fell through for want of money, and there are not probably one hundred persons in the city to-day who remember *Built by James Ludington, now Nos. 341 and 343 East Water street—the Robert TIaney store. fWcnl afterwards to California, 46 MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. anything about it. The leading spirits in this enterprise were John Lockwood, James Ludington, Thos. P. Williams, James B. Cross, C. Shepardson, and a few others now forgotten. Taxation. The following is inserted here as an important comparative item of the past with the present: To the Mayor and Common Council of the City of Milwaukee : In compliance with the provision of the charter, I hereby submit the following estimate of the expenditures of the city for the fiscal year ending April 1, 1855, as well as the amount necessary to be raised the current year, to defray the expenses and pay the interest coming due in 1855 on the city debt, also the amount required for ward purposes: For Citv Purposes, $5,500; Bridges, $1,200; Tending same, $900; Printing, $1,200; Stationery, $250; Police, $600; Elections; $9C0; Salary of City Clerk, $1,500; Comptroller, $2,000; Marshal, $800; Attorney, $600; Treasurer, $1,500; Assessor, $600; Surveyor and assistants, $1,500. Police Justice, $700; Contingent, $1,500._ Total, $21,250. # The increase in the fire department is for a new engine house, new hose, and to pay salaries of the foremen of the nine companies, $300 each, $2,700, in accordance with an ordinance passed April 6, last, and to take effect December 31, 1854, which, with the $2,128.27 wanted for repairs, form the basis of the $5,500 asked for. The estimate for bridges, to become hereafter a general city charge,* has been raised from 600 to 1,200, making in all $24,224, which will require a levy of 2 mills on the taxable property in the city, provided the amount of real estate exhibits no increase over last year. The special tax levied for 1854 was, for the First Ward, $11,162.11; Second, $8,305.18; Third, $12,560.38; Fourth, $12,113.21; Fifth, $10,305.15, and for the Kacine street extension, $1,450; land taken for new harbor, $3,914, and for opening streets in Third, Fourth and Fifth Wards, $2,987; total, $52,792.03. John B. Edwards, City Comptroller. August 31, 1854. Biographical. John B. Edwards, who signed this report, was for many years a prominent Democratic politician and office-holder in Milwaukee. He was naturally a smart man and competent to fill any position in the official corps of the city. But he could not bear prosperity, and whisky got the upper hand with him, as it has with thousands of other good men who mix in political life, and he fell. He was a generous fellow, full of ambition. He also unfortunately married a woman who helped drag him down—a " stately dame," from New York—a Mrs. Vrqns. She was one of those women whom it is well *Up to this time the Cherry, Chestnut and Oneida street bridges had been kept in repair by the First and Third Wards respectively. MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. 47 to let alone. That was what was the matter with John B. Edwards. He started fair, but fell by the wayside. Lewis B. Rock. This well known and popular railroad official is a native of Canada East, having been born at Drummondsville, in that province, on the 13th day of August, 1825, where he remained on a farm until nineteen years of age, when, like many others who disliked the drudgery as well as the monotony of a granger's life, he struck out for himself, his first "plant" being at Bristol, N. H., 200 miles from the paternal roof (the whole of which had been traversed on foot), under the late Sherburne S. Merrill, as an employee in a hotel. Here he remained for four years, when, wishing to see more of the world than could be learned in a " one-horse " country village, he went to Lowell, Mass., where he remained one year, when the gold fever took him to California. This was in 1850. He remained in California until 1854, when, tiring of the excitement incidental to the life of a gold miner, and learning that his old employer at Bristol was in Milwaukee, he started for that city, which he reached on the 20th of July, 1854, where he was at once given a position as baggageman by Mr. Merrill on the Prairie du Chien division of the present Chicago, Milwaukee and St. Paul Railroad, which he filled for a little over one year, when he was appointed conductor first of a mixed, then of a regular passenger train, in which capacity he remained until 1866, when he was promoted to the position of assistant superintendent, and in 1867 to division superintendent of the Northern division (the old La Crosse), which position he holds to-day, having reached a plane which not one in five hundred of his fellow-craftsmen ever reach. Mr. Rock belongs to that class of men who always aim to do their whole duty, and who never indulge in any such word as can't; but if beaten at one point, always tries it again, and who always wins. Starting at the foot of the ladder, he has climbed steadily up until the topmost round is in sight, and stands high among his brethren who hold similar positions. He, too, possesses to a goodly extent the same qualities necessary to make a good railroad man as did his late chief, viz., quickness of decision, executive ability and 48 MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. discipline. He also has the push, and when the storms come (as they surely will'in the life of every railroad superintendent), he goes steadily and systematically at work to clear the track, and never fails to accomplish it. In person Mr. Rock is rather below the medium, has dark hair, dark eyes and dark complexion. He is very nervous, very quick motioned, speaks short and quick, is always pleasant, and with old acquaintances very social; but when talking business always has the necessary amount of dignity requisite for the position he occupies, and holds a warm place in the hearts of the employees under his control. He is now suffering from the effects of overwork, from which let us hope that he may speedily recover and fill his present position for many years to come. The following, taken from the Sentinel of the 14th of August, 1885, is inserted here as an evidence of the esteem in which Mr. Rock is held by his old associates: Superintendent Rock's Birthday. The Milwaukee and Hartford friends and employees of Mr. L. B. Rock planned a very pleasant surprise for him in honor of his sixtieth birthday, at Hartford yesterday. After taking dinner at the Alton house the guests from Milwaukee were joined by many prominent citizens, and the party took carriages for Pike lake, the pleasant summer residence of Mr. Rock. They were greeted with generous hospitality by their host. Mayor Sawyer, of vHartford, delivered an address, dwelling upon the enterprise and thrift which has characterized Mr. Rock's life. He presented him, on behalf of the employees of the Northern division and friends, a beautiful two-seated carriage. In response to Mr. Sawyer's address and in behalf of Mr. Rock, United States District Attorney A. K. Delaney thanked the donors and gave several pleasing reminiscences in Mr. Rock's life. He stated that L. B. Rock began his career as a railroad man as baggageman on the Prairie du Chien road in 1854. In 1856 he became a passenger conductor, and in 1865 assistant superintendent of the Northern division. Two years later he was made superintendent, which office be has continued to hold with profit to the company and honor to himself. His energy and sterling integrity have both materially advanced the interests of the road and endeared him to his employees and friends. He said Mr. Rock would long be remembered as one of that splendid trio—S. S. Merrill, H. C. Atkins and L. B. Rock. Remarks were made by Dr. Rogers, after which the party spent some time in inspecting the premises. At about half-past 2 o'clock a bountiful lunch was served at the cottage. Soon after the party returned to the station, bearing away happy memories of a pleasant day. Among those present were Assistant Superintendent C.P.TJtley, Master Mechanic J. M. Lowry, Master Car-builder E. W. Kittredge, Mr. and Mrs, L. M. Sherman, A, K. Delaney, all of Milwaukee; Mr. and Mrs. MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. 49 E. Mansen, Markesan. Among those from Hartford were Mayor Sawyer, Dr. Kogers, Mr. and Mrs. P. W. Sanborn, Mr. and Mrs. J. S. Sanborn, Messrs. J. Liver, D. Jackson and W. Le Count. Mr. Rock is ably seconded in the management of his division by his lieutenant, Charles P. Utley, who fills the responsible position of assistant, and who is in every way qualified to fill it. Mr. Utley has a clear head, runs his trains on time, and seldom makes a mistake. Brooke & Cannon's Store Robbed. The clothing store of Messrs. Brooke & Cannon, 423 East Water street, was robbed of all its contents by a man named Wm. H. Thompson. The goods were all recovered by Sheriff Page and Mr. Beck, at Thompson's house, 461 Milwaukee street, and Thompson sent to the penitentiary. This will be referred to again further on. The Cloven Foot Appears. As the time for the fall election drew nigh, in 1854, the political atmosphere became obscured by clouds. The calling of a republican county convention at the court-house, October 21, and the nomination of a full county ticket, with Daniel N. Neiman for sheriff, Lewis M. Gates for register of deeds, Robert P. Cady for clerk of court, Clark A. Place for county treasurer, William R. Perry, for clerk board of supervisors, Jonathan Crounce for county surveyor, and Owen Aldrich for coroner, supplemented by the nomination of that veteran legislator William A. Prentiss for the Assembly, against Jas. B. Cross, the democratic nominee, roused the ire of the leaders of the dominant party, and resulted in the publication in the Daily Wisconsin, of October 30, of the following singular correspondence, which fully showed the desperate straits to which they were compelled to resort in order to retain their grip on the city treasury : To William A. Prentiss, and James B. Cross,* nominees for the Assembly from the First ward of the city of Milwaukee : Siks : As it has been rumored that you belong to the order of " Know * It was supposed at the time, and as the reader will see further on, proved to be true, that both of the letters containing the interrogatories, as well as the answer to the one addressed to Mr. Cross, were written by himself, as the idea of his joining the " Know Nothings'' was too utterly awful for anything, and that their being addressed to both was done simply to cover his track, but it was too bunglingly done to pass unobserved. 50 MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. Nothings,"* recently established in this city, we desire to know the truth of the matter, and for that purpose respectfully request your respective answers to the following interrogatories: 1st. Have you, within the last six months, joined or become a member, partially or fully, of the order commonly knowm as the " Know Nothings?"* 2d. Have you, within the last six months, sworn or taken upon yourselves the obligation of an oath to never vote for any Roman Catholic, or foreign born citizen, or anything in substance to that effect ? 3d. Have you ever sworn or taken an oath, in substance or effect, that in case you were elected to any office which empowered you with authority to appoint any one to office, that in such case you will not appoint any Roman Catholic or foreign born citizen ? Your respective answers to the above are required, as soon as convenient. And in order to give satisfaction, you will please subscribe and swear to the same, before some officer of this State, legally qualified to administer an oath. In case of your refusal to comply with the above requisite, we shall be constrained to believe you are a member of the said order and shall act accordingly. Milwaukee, October 30, 1854. F. A. Luening. Geo. Bkemer. H. C. HlEDIE. H. SCHWARTING. F. Trencamp. Titus Ferno. Gustave Ppeil. Carl Rattinger. F. Neikerk. Simon Levy. Milwaukee News will please copy. Mr. Cross Replies. To Messrs. Luening, H. C. Heidie, Bremer, Schwarting and others: Gentlemen: I perceive in the Wisconsin of last evening, a communication addressed by you to William A. Prentiss and myself, propounding certain interrogatories for us to answer, and in reply to which I will answer as follows: To the first I would say, that I have not within the last six months, or at any time previous, joined or become a member, partially or fully, of an order commonly known as " Know Nothings." 2. I have not within the last six months, or at any time previous, solemnly sworn, or taken upon myself, an obligation, or oath, to never vote for"any Roman Catholic or foreign born citizen, or anything in substance to that effect. 3. I have never sworn, or taken an oath, in substance or effect, that if elected to any office which empowered me to appoint any one to office, that in such case I would not appoint a Roman Catholic, or foreign born citizen. In conclusion, permit me to state, that I stand now, where I ever have stood, ready and willing to grant to every citizen, wThether foreign *This organization, which sprung up simultaneously all through the North in 1854, was gotten up expressly for the purpose of protecting the rights of the native-born Americans against the encroachments of their foreign born fellow citizens, who, led on by the unscrupulous and mercenary leaders of the democratic party, who were to the "manor born," and who seeing the handwriting upon the wall foretelling the wrath to come, were attempting to keep possession of the government by the help of the foreign vote. Their efforts filled the air with music for a while. The "Know Nothings" wrere to them what "Peaceful Nathan" was to the Shawnee Indians. It was their " Jibbinenosey." MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. 51 born or native, the same political rights and privileges that I claim for myself. I proscribe no man on account of his religion, or his want of religion, or the circumstances of his birth. And I make no distinction in men, except in real merit, believing, as I do, that one man is just as good as another, if he demean himself as well in all his relations to his fellow men, to society, and to his country. Jas. B. Cross. To Messrs. Luening, Heidie, Bremer, Schwarting and others. Milwaukee, October 31, 1854. State of Wisconsin, Milwaukee County, ss. On this thirty-first day of October, 1854, personally came before me, the above named Jas. B. Cross, and made oath to the above statements by him subscribed, as true in substance and in fact. Clinton Walworth, Police Justice. Mr. Prentiss replied as follows : To the Electors of the First Ward of Mihvaukee : The Wisconsin of Monday evening contains a letter addressed to myself and James B. Cross, nominees, purporting to come from Doctor Luening and several other respectable gentlemen, asking our views on Know-Nothingism, the Catholic religion, etc., the answers to which are required to be made under the solemnities of an oath. The authorship of the letter has been traced to James B. Cross himself, one of the persons to whom it was addressed, and the signatures thereto were all procured through his instrumentality, all of which can be shown by the most indubitable proof.* Now, I have no objection to be catechised in relation to my views on all matters of public interest, if it is done in decent language and for a proper purpose. But I shall never submit to the degradation of verifying my answers under oath for the sake of obtaining votes for any office whatever. And any man who will do so is not, in my judgment, fit to represent a free people. If my declarations are not to be taken without an oath in a case like this, they are not fit to be received with one. Lest, however, any person may cavil in the matter, I take this occasion to state to you what I now am, together with my antecedents, and you may give the statement such credit as my past life will authorize: First—I am an American citizen, born in the good old state of Massachusetts, and my father was a surgeon and my grandfather a colonel in the army of the Eevolution, through which they passed without a stain of dishonor. Second—I have been a resident of this city for the past eighteen years, and my politics have ever been of the liberal Whig kind. Third—I have ever been opposed to the Fugitive Slave Law, conceiving it to be unjust as well as inconsistent with the rights and safety of the American people. Fourth—I am now, and from the beginning have been, opposed to the repeal of the Missouri Compromise, and that if repealed it absolves the North from all obligations to any compromise heretofore made. Fifth—I have ever been willing to give to persons of foreign birth all *That the letter in question, as well as the interrogatories, were written by Mr. Cross is undoubtedly true, from the fact that it was published in the Wisconsin in the evening and answered in the Sentinel of the following morning, showing most conclusively that both must have been written at the same time and by the same person. a of ill, ua, 52 MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. the rights of an American citizen whenever they comply with the Constitution and laws. I am in favor of toleration of all denominations of religion, holding that man is accountable to God only for the views he may entertain upon that subject. These are my views on the several subjects referred to, and during the coming canvass I shall neither beg nor buy votes, nor demean myself by getting up categorical letters, or by doing any other mean thing to get them. And if you have not sufficient confidence in my integrity or ability to represent you in the legislature, give your votes for some one else and I shall be satisfied. William A. Prentiss. Milwaukee, November 1, 1884. Comment upon these two letters is unnecessary. One, the last, is a clear, dignified and manly answer, while that of Mr. Cross shows the demagogue all through. But the matter was not suffered to rest here, the interrogators themselves being called upon to answer a similar series (under oath) as to their religious belief, and whether they were or were not members of the order of infidels. This correspondence, of which only a small part has been given, closed with the inquiry from some one who wanted to know if this James B. Cross, the Democratic nominee for the Assembly from the First Ward, was the same person who, in 1843, helped arrest a fugitive slave and carry him back to bondage.* " I have been so informed," he says, " by an old settler who was here at the time (and saw it done). Can anybody furnish all the particulars, or will Mr. Cross furnish them himself under oath?" The toils were beginning to thicken around James, but he did the best thing he could do under the circumstances, L H CD w ?3 wisconsin street. Cut No. 2. 64 MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. ice (which was not strong enough to bear the weight of both) as they proceeded until they neared the shore, when those standing on the bank seized the one upon the ice by the legs and drew them to the land. But it was a close call for Mr. Fowler. Vol. III., page 18. There is an omission in a foot-note, when speaking of the framing of the first Constitution, of the following words: After the word that (at the bottom of the page), it should read—" was submitted to the people in April. The members from Milwaukee were D. A. J. Upham," etc. This was an error of the printer. Page 45, Vol. III., when speaking of the Washington Guards going to Racine to attend the execution of David Bonham, the date should have been the nth December. See Secretary of State's certificate, page 46. Page S9, Vol. III. When speaking of the election, held September 6th, the names of those elected to the second Constitutional convention should have been given—as they were elected at that time. On page 268, Vol. III., when speaking of the purchase of Solomon Juneau's portrait, the price, $40, should have been $400. This was a typographical error. And in place of Robinson as the painter, it should have read Samuel M. Brookes. Page 347, Vol. III. The paragraph (this was followed by a proclamation), should have appeared directly underneath the return of the special tax bill, on page 348, to which it alone has reference. Page 303, Vol. III. Thos. L. Baker should be Theophilus L. Page 134, Vol. III. Jas. Magee should be Jas. Magie. On page 123, Vol. II. Calvin J. Ripley should have been Franklin Ripley, Jr. Page 331, Vol. III., 7th line from top. For Horace Chase read Doctor Enoch Chase. Vol. III., page 472. The name of L. G. Loomis was given as E. G. This was a typographical error, as it was given in manuscript as L. G., which is correct. Page 352, Vol. III. When speaking of the old Lansing Bonnell homestead, now the residence of William H. Wolf—for Milwaukee, read Marshall street. Also, of the Nazro building—the one spoken MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. 65 of there was not the present Nos. 321 and 323 East Water street, but the store now No. 337 East Water street, which was also built by Mr. Nazro. Vol. III., page 121. For J. McCollum read J. B. Zander, for justice. Vol. I., page 20. When speaking of the first land sale at Green Bay, in 1835 (in foot note), the date was given as October. It should have been August 31, I think. Page 158, Vol. III. Alderman—for H. N. Shumway read C. N. Shumway. Vol. III., page 343. For assessor—for Chas. Lee read Chas. Lane. Vol. III., page 431. For M. Delany read Chas. H. Orton. Vol. III., page 230. When speaking of the erection of No. 418 East Water street, it was stated that it was erected by John Thomps-sen. It should be by Henry Wedderhoff. Vol. III., page 155. (Financial Exhibit.) For 1884 read 1848. This is a typographical error. In Vol. III., page 76. When speaking of the late John B. Smith, it was stated that he came in 1845. He came first in 1842, went to Michigan, and returned for good in 1845. Vol. II., page 96. Sketch of Wm. P. Lynde. When speaking of his being delegate to Congress, the date 1841, should be 1847. This was a misprint. Vol. II., page 220. The date of the burning of the Rogers block was given as August 17th. It should be August 24, 1854. In Vol. II., page 147, it was stated that the first tannery was erected on Clybourn street, between Thirteenth and Fourteenth streets, in what was then a great ravine, by Daniel Phelps. This has been found to be incorrect, and that one had been erected in 1841, upon the water power, about four rods north of the present Empire mill, by John Trumbull, now a resident of Tabor, Racine county, and who informs the writer that he supplied Mr. Phelps with bark to start with in 1842, which I think justly entitles Mr. Trumbull to the honor of erecting the first tannery in Milwaukee. He also claims to have shipped, in 1844, the first wool ever sent East from Milwaukee. The wool was packed in the Holton warehouse on West Water street. Mr. Trumbull takes great interest in the early history of Wisconsin, 66 MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. and particularly of Milwaukee, and is one of the landmarks. He is a lineal descendant of the Trumbull family, whose sons have figured so extensively in the early histoiy of Connecticut. Removals. The Old Hospital.—The building which formerly stood at the southeast corner of Oneida and Jackson streets, and was used for a long time as a hospital by the Sisters of Charity, has been removed to the Third ward, having been purchased by Mr. M. Page, for a tavern. Many a tale could that old building tell of suffering, and patient, careful watching by the benevolent Sisters; the subjects of whose care were of every religious faith, and of no faith. As this was the only hospital in the city, all who needed care and were unable to pay for it, were taken there; and besides the sick, and wounded, and racing among our citizens generally, who were the subjects of the Sisters' care, the sick sailors have always been taken to this hospital. The building, in its new location, southwest corner Jefferson and Detroit streets,* will witness far different scenes, but the Sisters are still engaged in their kindly mission, at the hospital on Jefferson street. Vol. II., page 137. When speaking of the town election, the words " which went into operation this year," are an interpolation, as the town was organized September 19, 1835, as ^as Deen already seen, Vol. I., page 29 (given there erroneously as the 17th). * This, as stated on page 42, Vol. III., was the old schoolbuilding of Low & McGregor. It was also there stated that it burned in 1862. This date the author has since found to be incorrect. It was burned December 7, 1857. CHAPTER II. 1855- Opening Address—Legislature—Report of Jailor—Fire—The Ground Rebuilt Upon—Business Status—Badger Iron Works—Cummings & Goodrich, Sketch —Police Court—Municipal—Spring Elections—The Mayor's Proclamation— General King's Comments—Mr. Kilbourn's Replies—Result of Election — General Rufus King, Sketch—Public Schools—A Know-Nothing on the Jury—Uncle Sam's Jurors—Journeymen Carpenter's Meeting—The Hog Nuisance—A Call for the Marshal—He Replies—Michael Bodden, Sketch— William Grant Fitch, Sketch—Charles Ray, Sketch—John J. Eves—Jabez Smith—Sebastopol Not Taken—Mentzel & Stone, Sketch—Eavesdropping— Opening Lake Shore Railroad—Street Improvements—A Fatal Mistake— Milwaukee Locomotive Works—Seaman & Wing Cabinet—Robert Eliot, Sketch—J. M. Holmes, Sketch—Church Going—A Tremendous Shower— Mrs. Epps Saves the Sugar—Board of Fire Underwriters Formed—Soon Dies—An Exciting Runaway—A Bit of a Shindy—Police Jottings—Census of Milwaukee—Census of County—Bay State Foundry—John S. Harris, Sketch--William Goodenough—William Walton—The Reliance Works, Sketch —Edward P. Allis, Sketch—The Ice Bear—Arthur Bates, Sketch—E. D. Hol-ton Struck with a Slungshot—Appointment of a Night Watch—Marine Disasters—How Is This for High?—The Sag Nicht Organized—Its Results— Herman C. Adams Shot—Organization of the Corn Exchange—Cremation— First Snowfall—Death of the General—Uncle Wm. E. Cramer Gets Sarah-naded—George Cogswell, Sketch—The Evistons—Bridge Superintendent Appointed—A Bad Boy—The Old Light-House Sold—Sam Shoyer Gets Left— Improvements—The Messrs. Christian and Gustav Preusser, Sketch—Mayor Cross' New Block—Citv Valuation—Statistics. The winter of 1854-55 was as a whole a very pleasant one, the first snowfall occurring on the 4th of November. This, however, all disappeared in a few hours. Our beautiful river was first coated with ice on the 2oth,# lasting, however, only two days, and again on the 27th, which also lasted but three days. It formed again Decem- *There have been six winters in Wisconsin which might properly be termed mild since its settlement, viz., 1835-36, 1839-40, 1844-45, 1854-55, 1857-58, and 1877-78, during nearly all of which there was very little snow or ice either in the lake or river, and from the present filthy condition of the latter none can be expected from this time on, neither do I remember of but one winter, viz., that of 1874-75 (see Vol. II., page 227), when the lake has been so nearly frozen over as it was the present (1884-85), during which navigation has been practically suspended ; three of the propellers engaged in the transportation of goods from Milwaukee to Grand Haven and other Michigan ports having just been released from a two months' imprisonment in the ice, and one, the Michigan, having gone to the bottom. It has been the hardest winter without exception for navigation ever known on the lakes. 68 MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. ber 5, two inches in thickness, and on the 10th the boys were skating. This continued only five days, after which it remained open until the 19th, when it skimmed over again and closed solid on the 27th, and so remained until January 7, during which time it was covered from the Oneida street bridge to Huron street with the youth of both sexes enjoying the fine skating, the acrobatic feats of some of the performers being of the highest order, while those of some not so expert were of a lower order (occasionally).# The 7th of January, however, put an end to it all by a furious rainstorm, lasting twenty-four hours, which sent the ice out into the lake. Neither did it form again until the 13th, when the frost-king laid his " gelid hand " upon us in earnest for a few days, after which it moderated again, and with the exception of now and then a cold snap, remained pleasant the entire winter. The sleighing, however, that winter was the finest we had enjoyed for the twelve previous years. The snow fell on the 23d of January eight inches in depth, giving us six weeks of that healthful enjoyment, which, in connection with the usual round of balls at Gardner's hall,t where the votaries of Terpsichore kept time to the music of Father Hess'! quadrille band during the long winter nights, caused the time to pass rapidly away until April 5, when the ice left the river, and May 2 brought us the first boat from below, the schooner Republic, and spring had come. In a business way the previous year had been a prosperous one commercially as well as in growth, the fine fall weather permitting of out-door work up to and well into December, which gave the owners of the burnt district a chance to complete the new buildings in process of erection in that locality. *There were some very fine " skatists " of both sexes in Milwaukee in those days, and much interest was manifested in the exercise when the ice was good. f No building has ever been erected in our city since its foundations were laid for the purposes of amusement which has been as popular, or where so much enjoyment was obtained, as at Gardner's hall. It was a notable place, and the remembrance of it will not fade from the minds of the early Milwaukeeans while life remains. It was their lecture room, opera house, concert and dance hall combined in one. Sic transit. JAdam V. Hess, who is still living and whose quadrille band was very popular with the dancing portion of our community for many years. Mr. Hess, who has now retired from the business, resides at 195 Greenbush street. MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. 69 Legislative. The members from this city and county in 1855, elected the previous November, were, to the senate, Jackson Hadley and Edward McGarry. Assembly—James B. Cross, Jasper Vliet, Edward O'Neill, Ira E. Goodall, Edwin De Wolf, John Ruan, Peter La vies. Reuben Chase and Frederick Moscowitt. This legislature convened January 10 and adjourned April 2, 1855- Charles C. Sholes, of Kenosha, speaker of the house. The business of the new year was opened with the usual reports, both financial and statistical, from the secretaries of the various corporations, as well as of the city functionaries, prominent among whom was the county jailor, who also presented a report of the business done in his department, in which the number of arrests for 1854 are put down at 449, showing most conclusively that the business of his department had not fallen off materially during the year. Of this number, 158 were for violation of the wood ordinances; 14 were for obstructing sidewalks (these were merchants), and leaving teams unhitched; 44 were for violation of the liquor law; 10 were for gambling; 40 were for nuisance; 8 for violation of the bridge ordinance, and 18 for that of weights and measures. Upon which the whole amount of fines collected was $344.00, A sorry amount to receive for so much trouble. But such is usually the outcome of municipal " skullduggery." A cent goes in where ten go out. The total cost of these arrests, including the time and pay of the officials who participated in them, could not have been less than $5.00 for each case, making a total of $2,245.00, while the amount received was the munificent sum of 50 cents. Comment is unnecessary upon all such municipal stupidity, for if any of these parties arrested were guilty of the offense charged, they should have been made to pay the actual cost of such arrest. But if innocent, then the party causing the arrest should certainly have been made to foot the bill. But en resume. The status of our business firms, as to location, was nearly as in 1853 and '54, very few changes having been made, except those caused by the fire of the previous August, which of course caused quite a number. There were, however, some new 70 MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. enterprises started, among which was the new boiler manufactory of Messrs. Cummings & Goodrich (John Cummings and John C. Goodrich), known as the Badger Iron Works, situated on the southeast corner of Main (Broadway) and Chicago streets.* Biographical. John Cummings was born at Hamburg, Erie County, N. Y., July 22, 1811, and immigrated to Milwaukee in 1846, where he quickly came to the front as a first class mechanic (i. e.), a worker in iron, and was for many years one of the most prominent in that ancient "guild." He is a man of indomitable will, great perseverance, and will cling to a project after most men would have abandoned it as impracticable, there being no such word as can't in his vocabulary. He has also been quite prominent as a local politician, and was a hard man to buck against in that role, as he is a splendid wire puller —has served as alderman, councillor, and school commissioner, from the Third ward, in each of which offices he was very efficient—his quick perceptions, coupled with his bull-dog pertinacity and good practical common sense, enabling him to do much towards keeping the wheels of the city government running smoothly. He was also very efficient in helping to unearth the frauds which were being perpetrated among those old time democratic politicians, in the palmy days of Taylor, Lynch and Gardner, et al. Mr. Cummings' life financially has not been what the world calls a success, but want of energy was not the cause. The trouble with him was in always going in too deep for his means, and when hard times came—which always will to a man in that boat—he of course went to the wall. In political faith he is a republican. He is a man of large frame, is possessed of fine social qualities, great kindness of heart, and is a splendid friend. He is now, although well down the western slope of life's journey, in charge of the pumping engine at the West Side Branch Water Works—a position he is eminently qualified to fill. Mr. Goodrich, who left many years ago, and is now a resident of * This shop, which was of brick, is yet standing, and used for a boiler shop by John W. Eviston, its present owner, and is with the exception of the one run by Richard Davis, northeast corner of Barclay and Oregon streets, the largest private one in the city. MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. 71 Chicago, was of an entirely different temperament from Mr. Cum-mings. He was in stature below the medium size, lithe in form, and supple as a cat. He was a genial companion, but not one of the kind to bear much chaffing, and whoever attempted that would be likely to come to grief. He could lay out more men in a given time than any other man of his weight, unless it might perhaps be James Crummy, that the writer ever knew in Milwaukee, and to see him go through a crowd, when his metal was aroused, made one think of a cyclone. Whoever he struck was as sure to go down as he would if hit with a maul. I remember John, and often think how handy he was with his knuckles. He came to Milwaukee from Buffalo, N. Y. Fire. There was a fire on Market square, on the third of January, that destroyed three frame buildings, standing at what is now 459. 461 and 463 East Water street, one of which (459) was the same one spoken of in Vol. III., page 244, as being occupied as a saloon by August Philip, and known as hell. Neither is it any injustice to the living or the dead to say, that a worse place, or one that came nearer being a perfect representation of the locality it was named for, could not be found in Milwaukee, in those days, than was this saloon. It was rightly named. It was the headquarters for those who took such an interest in defeating the license law, and who, as has been seen, made " Rome howl," literally, from 1849 to 1854. The orgies enacted there would have disgraced bedlam. The second, No. 461, was occupied by Herman Schwarting, as a grocery and liquor store. And 463, by C. F. Rice, as a hat and cap store.# There was more fuss made at this fire than there would be to-day at. the destruction of an entire square. These were all replaced the same season with the present brick buildings, Nos. 459 and 461 by Philip Best, and 463 by Herman Schwarting. The ones burned belonged to Schwarting and Hilgen (afterwards at Cedarburg). The ground all belonged to Schwarting, who sold to Mr. Best the portion he built upon. These buildings are in good condition to-day. * I think Mr. Rice did not remain in Milwaukee but a short time, as his name does not appear in any of the early directories, or in the one for 1854 and '55. 72 MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. There was also a fire the same winter on the northeast corner of Reed and Oregon streets, which cleaned off a lot of old rookeries, and gave us the present brick block upon that corner. Police Court. John Wing, Edwin Townsend, David P. Hull, and Philetus C. Hale, all men of renown, were fined for not cleaning sidewalks, and it was not much of a day for fines either. All of which goes to show that men of renown tried to dodge the law in those days, same as now. Their excuse was that they had hired laborers to do the work, but those laborers had not performed their duty. They all paid their fines like little men, and went their way. Municipal. As the ides of March drew near, in 1855, tne regular democracy put on their war paint, held their convention, and made the following nominations: Democratic Nominations.* For Mayor—James B. Cross. City Attorney—Erastus Foote. Controller—John B. Edwards. Marshal—Timothy O'Brien. Treasurer—Ferdinand Kuehn. Police Justice—Clinton Walworth. First Ward. Aldermen—Jackson Hadley, two years. Victor Schulte, one year. Constable—Frederick Kessler. Assessor—Patrick Mchol. Railroad Commissioner—Herman Schwarting. Second Ward. Aldermen—Hermen Haertel, two years. Conrad Meyer, one year. Constable—George Fischer. Assessor—Joseph Kluppak. Railroad Commissioner—Joseph Walter. Third Ward. Aldermen—John Shortell, two years. Daniel Kennedy, Sen., one year. Constable—John H. Ryan. Assessor—A. McCormick. Railroad Commissioner—John Keegan. * The nomination for ward officers made at this caucus were a little too much for Uncle William £. Cramer (who was at that time slightly innoculated with democratic virus) to swallow, and he went back on them. He probably saw the handwriting on the wall, and concluded it would be a wise move to join " Gideon's Band," while he could. MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. 73 Foukth Ward. Aldermen—A. H. Johnston, two years. Jesse Scholl, one year. Constable—John Slattery. Assessor—Patrick Mar key. Railroad Commissioner—S. C. West. Fifth Ward. Aldermen—Henry Millman, two years. Charles Johnson, one year. Constable—Charles Mayer. Assessor—W. W. Yale. Railroad Commissioner—Carlton Holland. Some one having stated that the Third ward nominees were tinctured with republicanism, a second caucus was held, which put out the following ticket: Third Ward Meeting. Milwaukee, March 31, 1856. At a meeting of the tax payers of the Third ward, held at the Engine House of No. 6, the following names were brought forward to be supported at the election to-morrow, to-wit: Aldermen—Michael Dunner, 2 years. Michael Bray, one year. Assessor—R. G. Owen. Railroad Commissioner—Thomas Eviston. Constable—Patrick Fahy. Justice of the Peace—William Holland. If any names should appear on tickets, purporting to be republican, they were not nominated at this meeting. Independent Democratic Ticket.* For Mayor—James B. Cross. Treasurer—Herman SchwTarting. Comptroller—John B. Edwards. City Marshal—Daniel Haffner. City Attorney—Wilson Graham. First Ward. Aldermen—Wm. H. Wright, two years. Henry Smith, one year. Assessor—Geo. A. McGarigle. Railroad Commissioner—Benjamin Skidmore. Constable—George Berkle. Third Ward. Aldermen—Michael Dunner, two years. Michael Bray, one year. Assessor—Richard G. Owens. Railroad Commissioner—John Eviston. Justice of the Peace—William Holland. Constable—Patrick Fahy. Fourth Ward. Aldermen—Caleb Harrison, two years. Joel Hood, Adam Ernst, one year. Assessor—Ambrose Ely. Justice of the Peace—Norman A. Millard. Railroad Commissioner—P. Jacobus. Constable—John Myer. * There does not appear to have been any nominations upon this ticket in the Second or Sixth wards, they being in those days the strongest democratic wards in the city. But there appears to have been two sets in the Fifth. 74 MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. Fifth Ward. Aldermen—Jasper Humphrey, Wo years. Joseph H. Cordes, one year. Justice of the Peace—Oliver Parsons. Assessor—Francis Conrad. Railroad Commissioner—Charles H. Larkin. Constable—S. Otto. Alderman—John Rosebeck, two years. W. A. Hawkins, one year. Assessor—Edwin DeWolf. Justice of the Peace- -Oliver Parsons. Constable—August Meyer. Railroad Commissioner—W. P. Merrill. Seventh Ward. Alderman—W. A. Prentiss, two years. H. Hill, Francis J. Jung, one year. Assessor—J. W. Dunlop. Justice of the Peace—Albert Smith. Constable—August Seifert. Railroad Commissioner—J. Murray. This was followed by a people's convention, held on the second, the delegates to which made the following nominations: Independent Nominations. Mayor—Cicero Comstock. Comptroller—John B. Edwards. Treasurer—Ferdinand Kuehn. Marshal—William Beck. Police Justice—Clinton Walworth. City Attorney—C. L. Buttrick. First Ward. Aldermen—For two years, E. B. Wolcott; one year, W B. Hibbard. Assessor—James Murray. Railroad Commissioner—John Furlong. Constable—John Scheffel. Third Ward. iUdermen—For two years, James Reed; one year, Patrick O'Don-nell. Assessor—A. McCormick. Railroad Commissioner—James O'Shaughnessy. Constable—John Ryan. At a subsequent meeting James Reed was nominated alderman for two years and George M. Colgate for one year, Hiram Church for assessor, and J. F. Birchard for railroad commissioner. Fifth Ward. Aldermen—For twTo years, Jasper Humphrey; for one year, J. M. Jones. Assessor—John C. Smith. Railroad Commissoner—C. Holland. Constable—Charles Meyer. A people's ticket is usually a failure, from the fact that all the defeated ones on the regular ticket attach themselves to it, like barna- MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. 75 cles to old timber. They are reformers only in name. All they want is the " loaves and fishes." One wants to be governor over his state, And works every card to get put on the slate. He thinks, if defeated, the people have erred, And the choice that is made he calls so absurd. But so it is ever, for mankind is vain, And in this fool's warfare vast numbers are slain. But the ranks are soon with others who hold That the half of their wisdom can never be told. Mr. Corson Declined.—We are glad to learn from a card in last evening's Wisconsin that Mr. Dighton Corson declines to be a candidate for justice of the peace in the Seventh ward. This leaves the present efficient justice, Albert Smith, Esq. (who is a candidate for re-election) without a competitor. This declination was a stunner, as Mr. Corson (who had managed to get nominated in some way) was one of the most inveterate office-seekers the writer remembers among all those " old timers." What could have induced it ? General Rufus King was put in nomination by the Wisconsin for city marshal in quite a lengthy article, descriptive of his peculiar fitness for the position, to which the General gave the following spicy reply: One Good Turn Deserves Another.—Our attentive neighbor of the Wisconsin nominates us for city marshal, compliments our "military strategy," and thinks that we might be profitably employed in "the arrest of the numerous porkers which infest our streets." Should the people ratify this excellent nomination, we promise to make the editor of the Wisconsin our powder-monkey on all " military " excursions and pound-keeper for all the " porkers " we may arrest. In that event the "bounty on every sow's year," which he thinks the new city treasurer would favor, would fall to his share as " the faithful custodian " of the city porkers. Mr. Cramer was apparently very anxious for the General's promotion. They were not a very loving couple in those days, and always on the watch for a chance to stone each other. Closing the Saloons. As it was evident from past experience that trouble might arise on election day if free liquor abounded, the mayor issued a proclamation closing them, of which the annexed is a literal copy: To all Tavern Keepers, Groceries and Beer Halls: You are respectfully requested to keep closed against the sale of any liquor, wine or bier* on election day until 4 o'clock p. m. B. Kilbourn, Mayor. P. S.—After 4 o'clock p. m. you can let her go. *That is the way it was spelled. 76 MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. This proclamation was commented upon in the Sentinel something as follows: The P. S. after the close of the mayor's proclamation was a stunner— at least for a mayor to make. Not much dignity about that. If it was best to close the saloons at all, why " let her go after 4 p. m.?" The following will perhaps best illustrate this case: We remember an old German, who was remarkably blunt but honest, who had a cow and calf for sale, to whom another German applied as a purchaser, when the following colloquy took place: " Veil, Hans, how much you vant for dis cow?" The price given was so extremely low as to cause the would-be purchaser to imagine something must be wrong, and he asked: " Is dot cow got goot calf?" " Yah, she gif goot milk. "Veil, den, vat for you vant to sell her?" " Veil, I vill tole you. Dis cow vill gif goot milk, but yoost so quick as she pees done gif dot milk, she up mit her foot and kick him all over der bail." "Veil, den," says Hans, "I dond puy him. Dis cow no goot. She vort noddings. I let her go." We cannot but compare the proclamation to the German's cow—first gives good milk, and then kicking it all over. The proclamation was all right, but the P. S. was not. This was replied to on the 9th as follows: General King : I find that my little P. S. has greatly disturbed your equanimity, as the Sentinel of this morning has half a column of abuse concerning it. I am aware of your morbid passion for fault finding, and am glad that you have at length found something in my administration which offers some opportunity to work off some of the excess of " gas " with which you are habitually so much inflated. Had I retired from office without giving you such opportunity, I fear there would have been an explosion which would have deprived the public of your valuable services in after years. B. Kilbourn. Let her go. And the General did. He was not the kind of a man to make any reply to such an article as that. A call was also made by the " outs" for the present " ins" (against whose proceedings, as has been seen, there was no little complaint) to show up and give an account of their stewardship, to which, as might have been expected, there was no response. They were too sharp for that. The result of the election held March 6* was as follows: *This election was held March 6, in accordance with Section 1 of Chapter 2 of the amendments to the city charter, approved February 20, 1852. Changed back to the first Tuesday in April, under the act of the legislature approved February 21, 1856. See book containing charter, together with the acts of the legislature amendatory thereto, published 1857, pages 53 and 200. MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. 77 Mayor—James B. Cross. Comptroller—John B. Edwards. Treasurer—Ferdinand Kuehn. Police Justice—Clinton Walworth. Marshal—T. O'Brien. City Engineer—William S. Trowbridge. City Attorney—Erastus Foote. ALDERMEN. First Ward—Jackson Hadley, Victor Schulte and George S. Mallory. Second Ward—Herman Haertle, Conrad Meyer and Richardson Houghton. Third Ward—John ShorteH,* John Coughlin and Daniel Kennedy. Fourth Ward—Haven Powers, Jas. Ludington and Caleb Harrison. Fifth Ward—Henry Millman, John Rosebeck and Andrew Mitchell. J. Hadley, president. Robert Whitehead, city clerk. Assessors. First ward, Patrick Mchol; Second, Jos. Kluppak; Third, Andrew McCormick; Fourth, Ambrose Ely; Fifth, Wallace W. Yale. Justices. First ward, Albert Smith; Second, Chas. F. Bode; Third, Wm. Holland; Fourth, Haven Powers; Fifth, Oliver Parsons. Commissioners of Survey. First ward, Peter Martineau; Second, I. A. Lapham; Third, Elisha Eldred; Fourth, Ira E. Goodall; Fifth, Martin Delaney. Fire Department. Chief Engineer—Samuel S. Daggett. First assistant, Jno. C. Goodrich; Second, Jos. Sprague; Third, Frank H. Greenleaf. Fire Commissioner—Daniel Neiman. Fire Wardens. First ward, Robert C. Jacks and Nicholas Ludwig; Second, F. Chichester and Linus N. Dewey; Third, Frank Devlin and Jas. H. Ryan; Fourth, Charles Bierbach and Thomas Reed; Fifth, Russell Eddy and* D. F. Thompson. Railroad Commissioners. First ward, Herman Schwarting; Second, Joseph Walters; Third, John Keegan; Fourth, Alonzo L. Kane; Fifth, Carlton Holland. Constables. First ward, Frederick Kessler; Second, Geo. Fisher; Third, John Ryan; Fourth, Washington G. Haack; Fifth, Chas. Meyer. City Printers—English, Daily News; German, Daily Banner. Sealer of Weights and Measures—Jesse M. Van Slyck. Council rooms in Martin's block. *Mr. ShorteH was a carpenter and a shopmate of the author's for several seasons. He was of medium siz , had dark hair and eyes, was of a very quiet demeanor, and very popukr with his countrymen in the Third ward. I remember him well. I think he died long ago? but am not certain, s 78 MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. The assessed valuation of the city in 1855 was $17,699,272, divided as follows: Keal and Personal. First Ward............................................. $6,029,840 Second Ward.......................................... 2,659,040 Third Ward............................................ 4,257,900 Fourth Ward.......................................... 2,700,420 Fifth Ward............................................. 2,052,072 $17,699,272 The county officers were: Sheriff—Herman L. Page. Under Sheriff—Samuel S. Conover. Deputies—William Wedemeyer, John Mitchell, August Seifert, William Beck. District Attorney—A. R. R. Butler. Register of Deeds—Chas. J. Kern. Treasurer—Garrett M. Fitzgerald. Surveyor (in his mind)—John Gregory. Coroner—Timothy O'Brien. Superintendents of the Poor—Edward Weisner and Chas. James. Supervisors. The two-year aldermen were supervisors in their respective wards tx-officio. Towns were: For Wauwatosa—Thomas Tobin. Lake—J. C. Howard. Oak Creek—M. Hawes. Granville—Thomas Bare. Franklin—Thomas J. Rice. Greenfield—Peter Lavies, Jr. Milwaukee—Thomas Kehliher. Jackson Hadley, chairman. A. Bade, clerk. Board of trade met this year over the Exchange bank of Wm. J. Bell & Co., southeast corner of Huron and East Water. The officers were: J. G. Inbusch, president; S. B. Grant, secretary; Wm. J. Bell, treasurer. Admsission fees, $2. Some difference between then and now. School Commissioners. First Ward—Rufus King, Thomas Duggan and Jackson Hadley. Second Ward—Chas. E. Jenkins, Benj. Church and Eno Meyer.* Third Ward—John Cummings, Ed. O'Neill and Edward McGarry. Fourth Ward—Samuel L. Elmore, Priam B. Hill and Haven Powers. *The books in the office of the city clerk show that Eno Meyer was elected to fill a vacancy, but do not state whose resignation caused the vacancy. It was probably, however, that of Dea. Samuel Brown. Yf- Z44s&U^ MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CH\RTKR. 79 Fifth Ward—Andrew Mitchell, Clark A. Plaeo and Edwin De Wolf.* Rufus King, president. Robert Whitehead, secretary. Public Schools. There were six good substantial brick school buildings in Milwaukee in 1855, each of which had a primary, intermediate and grammar department. The highest salary paid was $850, and the lowest $300. The number of children in the city between the ages of four and twenty years on the last day of August, 1855 (the time the census was taken) was 9,345^ number attending public schools was 2,013; attending private schools, 1,995. The amount paid for salaries for teachers was.........Ill,259 53 Contingent expenses............................................... 2,077 97 ------------$13,337 50 The state appropriation was.................................... $6,541 50 Balance paid by city............................................... 6,796 00 ------------$13,337 50 Biographical. General Rufus King, who for many years occupied so prominent a position in Milwaukee as a journalist and educator, and whose name appears in the above list as the president of the board of school commissioners for 1855 (and ex-officio superintendent), was born in the city of New York on the 26th day of January, 1814. The family from which he sprang was an old and influential one. His father was President Charles King, of Columbia College, and his grandfather, Rufus King, had the honor of being the first senator elected from the Empire State upon the formation of the present government, and also served as minister to England during Wash- *This was the gentleman who served two terms as school superintendent, and who spelled gone " gon " and whole "hole." He was a literary gem. He was a blatant politician, and his election to that office was the natural result of bringing the public schools into the cess-pool of politics. fThese were proportioned in the different wards as follows: Wards. Males. Females. Total. First.........................M36 1,636 3j°72 Second.......................I>372 r>297 2,669 Third........................ 688 600 1,288 Fourth......................... 497 494 991 Fifth.................?.,TW. 680 645 1,325 4,673 4,672 9,345 80 MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. ington's administration. The prestige of such an ancestry could not fail to have great influence in shaping the future career of the subject of this sketch, and as a natural sequence he was honored with the appointment to a cadetship at West Point, that then Mecca of the sons of the wealthy and influential citizens of the young Republic, and from where he graduated in July, 1833, with high honors, ranking No. 4 in his class, and was assigned to duty upon the engineer corps of the regular army. His first employment in his new vocation was to aid in the construction of Fortress Monroe under Robert E. Lee, at that time one of his country's most valued and trusted sons, but who subsequently betrayed her and became the Confederate leader during the great rebellion. But to return. The monotony as well as the indolence incident to army life soon became distasteful to one of his ardent temperament. He wanted something more stimulating, more exciting—something outside of a strict military occupation, and in order to obtain it he resigned, in 1836, and accepted a position as assistant engineer upon the preliminary survey then being made for the New York and Erie railroad, which he held until 1838, when he left and accepted that of editor-in-chief upon the Albany Advertiser; and commenced the life in which he became so famous in after years. He had now found his proper sphere, and at once commenced to take an active and prominent part in all the exciting political issues of the day. He was also commissioned in 1839 as adjutant general of the state, a position his thorough military education rendered him eminently well qualified to fill, and which he held until July 1, 1843. He remained upon the Advertiser until 1841, when, at the solicitation of Governor William H. Seward (between whom and himself a strong friendship existed), he severed his connection with that paper and became associate editor upon the Albany Evening journal, in which position he was the trusted friend and adviser of that renowned journalist, Thurlow Weed, its then editor-in-chief, whom he greatly aided in carrying out the plans of that grand historic statesman, William H. Seward, in his efforts to rescue the Empire State from the withering sirocco of Democratic misrule. Here he remained until 1845, when, induced by liberal offers, he MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. 81 came to Milwaukee and assumed the editorial chair upon the Milwaukee Sentinel, then (as now) the leading Whig organ in the state, and where, for the next twelve years, he made that paper a power in the cause of liberty and the dissemination of Whig principles. He also, during most of this time, held the responsible office of school commissioner, and had the honor to be elected the first president of the board (and superintendent ex-officio) upon the organization of the present public school system in 1846, and in 1847 made the first report (see Vol. III., page 71 to 76 inclusive), a document that shows him to have been just the man to fill that responsible office. Neither is it any injustice to his successors to say that no one of them has ever filled it with more credit to himself or benefit to the schools than did General Rufus King. But to return. While the editorial department of the Sentinel was being so ably conducted by General King, unfortunately the business management (to which he gave no attention) was very badly mismanaged, resulting finally in financial embarrassment during the commercial panic of 1857 that necessitated a change of ownership to a considerable extent, General King remaining, however, as editor-in-chief for a season, during which his best energies were devoted to restoring it to its former financial standing, but was ultimately compelled to let it pass into other hands, who, in its ownership and present success, are reaping the fruit of the seed he had sown. This disaster was a sad blow, and threw him so to speak off the track until March, 1861, when, without any solicitation on his part, he received from his friend, Hon. William H. Seward, the then secretary of state for the United States under Abraham Lincoln (and who had always kept him in sight), the appointment of minister to Rome, which he accepted, and had placed his baggage on board the vessel which was to convey him to that city of the Caesars, when the attack was made upon Fort Sumpter, at the breaking out of the rebellion, in April, 1861. This changed the programme. The commission to Rome was returned, and, resuming the sword, he was at once commissioned as a brigadier-general, his brigade being composed of Wisconsin volunteers, including the 19th Indiana, which, under his firm hand, were soon brought to that high condition of discipline and military efficiency which gave it subsequently its great fame as 82 MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. the Iron Brigade, while under the command of General Gibbons, General King having been promoted to the command of the division, with which he participated in General Pope's campaign of 1862. The arduous duties incident to this campaign were of such a nature as to greatly impair his splendid constitution, and he asked to be relieved, which was granted, and he was assigned to duty upon court martials, and in the defenses of Washington. This continued until the spring of 1863, when he again took the field in command of a division, at Yorktown, where he was actively engaged in watching and counteracting the rebel movements in that region, until the fall of 1863, when he was again reappointed to the Roman mission, where he remained until its abolition in 1867; after which he returned to his native city, where he died October 13, 1876. Such is substantially the record of Rufus King, who while he lived had no superior in the editorial or educational corps in Milwaukee, and whose memory will be cherished by her citizens for many years to come. Personnel. In person, General King was of the average height, straight as an arrow, walked with a regular military step, was always courteous and gentlemanly, while at the same time he maintained the dignity suitable to the position which by birth and education he felt himself entitled to assume. He had a clear, comprehensive, well balanced mind, was quick to see the true inwardness ol the political trickery going on in the democratic party, and prompt to expose it. He was a born journalist, wielded a ready pen, and was the acknowledged leader of the whig party throughout the State in its struggle for supremacy during her early history. His editorials were of the first order, always dignified and terse, but when occasion required he could be sarcastic or caustic. He was a member of the second constitutional convention, and aided largely in forming our present State constitution, and was for several years one of the regents of the State university. He was also a prominent official in the* old volunteer fire department, and of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, in which latter organization he took great pride. General King, like most men who receive a military education and training, and subsequently engage in business pursuits, did not get wealthy. He placed no value MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. 83 upon money, except the gratification its expenditure brought, and like Daniel Webster would pay it out without stint. While he was keenly perceptive and vigilant as to the wiles of political adversaries he was guileless, confiding and easily overreached in personal money matters, and of course suffered in consequence. There is a fine portrait of General King in our city library, where it properly belongs. He left one son, Col. Charles King (also a West Point graduate), now of this city, and who although still young has already made a good record as a soldier and author, and is a worthy son of a worthy sire. That he may be as useful a citizen, reach as high a plane, and leave as good a record as did his honored father, is certainly the wish of all who know him. A Know Nothing on the Petit Jury. Some allusion was made in Vol. III., to the loose manner in which our jury system was conducted, as well as to the class of men usually selected, and one or two incidents as to its workings given. But here is another case, that certainly should not be lost to posterity : A Know Nothing on the Jury.—A curious affair came off in the county court yesterday morning, and the evening previous. A suit in trespass wTas tried by a jury, between Archer C. Flanders and the Milwaukee & Mississippi Railroad Co. The case was given to the jury about sundown on Wednesday, and an officer sworn to take charge of the jury; the Court adjourning to yesterday morning, giving instruction to trie jury that if they agreed upon a verdict, to write it out and seal it up, to be given to the Court the next morning. The officer in conducting the jury to their room found there were but eleven—one of the jurors having left, and could not be found by the officer. The eleven soon agreed upon a verdict—obeyed the instructions of the Court, wrote it out, and it was returned to the Court yesterday morning. On enquiry of the absentee juror, he said he supposed it was all through with—the case was ended, and he had gone home as the rest did. And on further enquiry he didn't know what was expected of him as a juror, or anything relating to the duties of a juror. The parties for the suit agreed to take the eleven, satisfied that the verdict was as good without the twelfth as with it. But ought such men to be put upon the jury list by the supervisors? The last place for a natural Know Nothing is the jury box. Juries should be composed of the most intelligent people in the community and not men selected for the ends of a political party. I remember this occurrence and the laugh it made in the community at the time. The man had been in the country but a few weeks, and could not understand a word of English. The sheriff, when asked by the court why he placed such men on the jury, replied that he was a good fellow and had nothing to do. He was, how- 84 MILWAUKEE IJNDER THE CHARTEk. ever, informed by his honor that if such a thing occurred again that the court would find him (the sheriff) something to do in the jail. Uncle Sam's Jurors. This was the heading of an article in the Sentinel during the trial of Booth for the Glover rescue, called out by an exhibition of heads at the windows of the old United States court-room in Martin's block during the Sunday they were out for a verdict. Some one who was not posted thought they were the " Know Nothings," who, he had been informed, were as thick as blackberries and had a lodge in that building—at least he had been told so, but didn't know nothing about it himself. It was finally decided that it was the jury in the Booth case, and who were unwilling to pay $1,000 (the regular government price at that time) for a nigger,* and could not get out until they did. They paid it finally, /'. 34, 35 and 4i- A beautiful monument, upon which the names of all these unfortunates are chiseled, mark their final resting-place in our own Forest Home, where let them sleep until He who made them shall bid them rise. The site of this unfortunate hotel has been purchased by that gigantic corporation, the Northwestern Mutual Life, for $90,000, upon which they have erected the magnificent structure here represented at a cost of $500,000, which, let us hope, may prove a success. ihlt&reAt MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. 217 Nathan Pereles. This gentleman, who for many years occupied so prominent a place in the legal fraternity, as well as in financial circles, in Milwaukee, was born at the village of Sabotist, Neutia county, Hungary, on the 2d day of April, 1824. It was not his fortune to belong to that class who (to use a metaphor) are born with a silver spoon in their mouth, as his parents, although occupying the respectable position of teachers, were very poor, the only legacy they were able to bestow upon their son being the rudiments of an education and their blessing, with which, at the early age of fifteen, he bade adieu to the paternal roof and struck out on life's broad main for himself. His first employment was as clerk in a wholesale indigo and seed store in the city of Prague, attending strictly to business during business hours, but spending his evenings and holidays in study, for the purpose of fitting himself for a higher position. Not a moment of those precious hours went unimproved. Indeed, so rapid was his progress that five years later (1844) he was promoted to the honorable as well as responsible position of confidential clerk to his employers, the highest round ever reached by the majority of those who make book-keeping their objective point. This promotion, although a good advance in life, did not satisfy him. He longed for something more independent, something over which he would be the manager, and to obtain which, after one year's service in his new position, he resigned, and bidding a long adieu to his native land sought in America the prize for which he was aiming. His first act after his arrival in New York city, that Mecca of the emigrants, was to engage as a laborer upon a farm on Long Island, reserving the privilege of attending school in order to acquire a knowledge of English. He also gave lessons in music and French as opportunity offered. He remained in that locality until 1847, when, having accumu-latee a small capital, he came to Milwaukee and commenced business for himself. His first plant was a retail grocery, with which he subsequently connected dry goods, at what is now Nos. 11 and 13 Chestnut street. Here he quickly built up a large trade and made money rapidly—so rapidly, in fact, as to enable him (in 1853, see 218 MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. Vol, III., page 441) to assume the contract of Mr.-------Schultz* upon the then La Crosse Railroad, that gentleman having failed, and complete it. It was at this time that the writer first saw him. He had now reached a point in his career when he felt himself able (financially) to adopt a profession more in accordance with his tastes than was the vending of groceries or dry goods, viz., the loaning of money in connection with the purchase and sale of real estate, and as this required a certain amount of legal knowledge in order to make its pursuit a success, he at once commenced the study of law in the office of the late Geo. W. Chapman, and was admitted to the bar as a full-fledged disciple of Blackstone and Chitty September it, 1857. He was now fairly established in a business he liked, and from whence, until the day of his death, his march to wealth and influence was extremely rapid. His first associates in his new vocation were our well known fellow-citizens R. N. Austin and D. H. Johnson. This partnership was, however, dissolved in 1868, Mr. Pereles being desirous of forming a new one with his two sons, Jas. M. and Thos. J. Pereles, whom he had trained to the business. This was accomplished in 1874, under the title of Nathan Pereles & Sons, which is its title to-day, and under which it has become one of the soundest private moneyed institutions in the city. Such in brief is the history of the origin of the house of N. Pereles & Sons. Personnel. In person Mr. Pereles was in height below the medium, very stoutly built, and inclined to corpulency. His head, which was unusually large, was thickly covered with dark, crispy hair, inclined to stand erect; he had dark eyes, set wide apart, a large, round face, lips slightly intumescent (or pouting), spoke distinctly, looked you directly in the eye when conversing, and belonged to that class of men who seem by intuition to know the valne of money, and how to use it to the best advantage. He was a good judge of character, and did not need to be in the company of any one long before he *The writer has been unable at this late day to obtain the first name of this gentleman. MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER 219 was in possession of all that person's weak points, and the best way to handle him. He was a first-class diplomatist, and if after a trade would approach the subject with a touch so velvet-like as to scarcely be felt. He was sharp and keen to an unusual degree, and to get the better of him in a trade was not often done. His bump of caution was very large, and had he been a banker would have made a very successful one. He was very benevolent, of which the world knew little; and when compelled to resort to the strong arm of the law to obtain his just rights, always did so with reluctance. His industry was something wonderful; he was never idle a moment, his vigorous constitution, coupled with his strictly temperate life, enabling him to perform an amount of mental labor that few professional men could endure, but which he performed with apparent ease. In political faith he was a Republican always, and a consistent one, and took a deep interest in the various political issues of the day. Such are a few of the leading characteristics of Nathan Pereles, who, it is no injustice to others to say, was entitled to be ranked among our best foreign-born citizens; one who, by industry, economy, and the practice of correct principles, raised himself from poverty to affluence, from obscurity to prominence, and who has left a record for honesty, business integrity and usefulness to which his children may point with pride. He died in the prime of his usefulness, from the effects of a tumor, January 28, 1879, ^^ fifty-six. Merrill's Cornet Band. This was a famous band, and was the first and the last, as far as I know: composed wholly of Americans. They played splendidly. The following were known to have belonged to this band: Freebun L. Mayhew, B flat basso. Hiram R. Bond, E flat tenor. Jas. Bond, B flat cornet. H. D. Webster, snare drum. L. J. McCracken (Tangle), P^ flat tenor. ------Miller, E flat basso. ------ Winslow, B flat baritone. 220 MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. John Westlake, B flat cornet. Chas. Perch, bass drum. ------Jansen, B flat basso. There were also three brothers by the name of Comarck (lost on the Lady Elgin) who at one time were members of this band.* A sad accident occurred September 7, by which six men were drowned through the upsetting of a boat containing forty men (workmen) returning from the shipyard on Jones' Island, caused by the swell raised by a passing tug. There was much excitement about this affair at the time against the captain of the tug. Martin B. Coombs. This gentleman was a play-actor, and often performed in the theater away back in the '50s, his favorite pose being that of Shy lock in the Merchant of Venice. He finally got involved in a difficulty with Dighton Corson, on account of being too intimate with the wife of that gentleman (at least that was the rumor), and fled to Maine, where he attempted and I think committed suicide or " hari-kari," as the Japanese have.it. The following, making inquiries about him, appeared in the Wisconsin of March, 1885 : Inquiry About Martin B. Coombs. A letter was to-day received from parties in Carroll county, la., inquiring of the sheriff's department if there lived in Milwaukee an attorney named Martin B. Coombs, who was known to reside here upwards of thirty years ago. Martin B. Coombs was years ago a prominent Milwaukee lawyer. In 1858 he became involved in a quarrel with a brother attorney in relation to the latter's wife, shortly after which he left the city. He was next heard of in Bangor, Me., where, on September 8, 1858, he committed suicide. The object of the letter of inquiry is not known. Detroit & Milwaukee Railroad—Humorous. There was a meeting of the common council September 8, called by some one in the interest of the above road, for the purpose of getting the city to issue bonds to aid in its construction. But it *This was furnished by Nathaniel Merrill, whose brother was its first leader. It was this band which played against Bach's band on East Water street, in June, 1852, for one hour and a quarter, the tune being Yankee Doodle, which collected such a crowd that the police were finally compelled to stop it. No doubt many yet living remember the occurrence. MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. 221 proved to be an inauspicious night for that purpose, the boys going in for fun. Among the resolutions offered was the following: Whereas, The common council of the city of Milwaukee met pursuant to a call from somebody, for the purpose of helping build a railroad to some point to this council unknown; therefore be it Kesolved, That this unknown railroad receive no further encouragement from this honorable body without first covering the palms of the hands of each member with a $1,000 full-paid certificate of stock and a free pass (particularly the pass) for himself, his heirs and assigns forever. Passed unanimously. He Would Not Stand It Any Longer. A tailor by the name of Richard Clarey, wdio worked for the Messrs. Shoyer, getting tired of life (or of his wife), made an attempt to drown himself, October 25, by jumping into the raging Milwaukee. He was much encouraged thereto by Mrs. Clarey, who, with arms a-kimbo, stood by and sicked him on with such encouraging remarks as, " Drown, ye dirty baste, if yees want to," and " Oh, I only wish he would sink." He was fished up, however, after which his amiable spouse led him home by the ear, just as one would a Newfoundland dog. It was rich. The Sentinel of the 26th, in commenting upon it, had the following : A Man Running Away from His Wife and Jumping Into the River to Avoid Her ! Yesterday forenoon rather a ludicrous affair took place between a husband and wife, in the neighborhood of Furlong's block, on Huron street, which came near ending fatally. A tailor named Clarey got quarreling with his better half, or rather his better half got quarreling with him, and he ran away and left her—as every man should do when his wife begins to scold. But Mrs. Clarey was not to be baffled by this, and being nearly as good a traveler as he, put after him and overtook him in the place above mentioned, when she commenced pummeling her liege lord in a manner that would have been creditable to an old pugilist. He retreated under a heavy pounding towards the bridge, but as the draw was open there was no room for him to retreat further unless he jumped into the river, and in he jumped! The water was quite cold, and we think it had the effect of bringing him to a true sense of his perilous situation. He worked hard to keep above the surface of the water, and after getting a pretty thorough soaking, he was fished out by two men who were working at the bridge in a boat. In the meantime the vixen wife stood upon the abutment quite coolly, looking at her husband struggling in the water, and when he kept up longer than she expected, she was heard to exclaim, " I wish to the Lord he would sink !" He didn't sink, however, for which he may be thankful—or the contrary—to the boatmen. H 222 MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. Among the political moves made this fall was an attempt by a few of the old bourbons to place Doctor Huebschmann on the track for governor, but their medicine was not strong enough. A puff for Mayor Cross also appeared in the papers in October, in commendation of his course on the money question (bonds). There was a song of a different meter, however, in November, when the following expose came : Municipal Rascality Unearthed. Near the close of 1857, the atmosphere became filled with rumors that not only was the city treasury in a very delicate state of health, but that the people were also in the toils of as unscrupulous a set of scoundrels as ever disgraced any city, and that financially we were as near bankruptcy as it was possible to go, and escape that peril. A committee (self-appointed in part), some of whom had previously succeeded in getting a peep behind the scenes, had made discoveries which fully convinced them that something was rotten in Denmark, and the result was an examination of the books of the city clerk and comptroller, after which there was a call for a mass meeting at Albany Hall, on the 17th of November, composed of democrats and republicans, both native and foreign born, to whom, after the object of the meeting had been fully explained by Messrs. Otis H. Waldo, Chas. K. Watkins, Doct. Huebschmann, and a few others; Mr. Waldo, on the part of the committee, made as the result of their discoveries the following report: The Report. The recent developments (referring to several communications which had passed between John B. Edwards, the former comptroller, and E. L. H. Gardner, the present one,*) have disclosed a state of things in our city, that has filled the minds of all sober and thinking citizens with just alarm and gloomy apprehensions. We are astonished at the present demand for the payment of a tax in amount * There had several spicy communications passed between Mr. Edwards and Mr. Gardner upon this defalcation, caused by the knowledge that a committee of tax payers were on their track, in which each endeavored to prove the other a scoundrel, and himself a model of all that is lovely, MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. 228 without precedent in this country, and too enormous to be believed; whether we compare it with that raised in this city under the comparatively economical administration of former years, or consider the proportions of the aggregate amount of the same to the number of our population, or the nominal percentage of the cash value of the property assessed upon which this tax is levied and now ordered to be paid, in a season of extreme pecuniary distress; a lax levied in disregard of pledges repeatedly made, and in violation of good faith, since it is known to all that the power to raise this percentage (as authorized by law) was given in ^ iew of the low assessments formerly adhered to since the organization of the city government, and that was expected to be adhered to still; a tax levied upon an assessment procured, as we think there is good reason to believe, by fraud; an assessment full of gross irregularities, and unjust discriminations, in favor of the friends and favorites of the present city government. The demand made for this tax is followed by the more startling discoveries of an enormous city debt, both bonded and floating, amounting,* as we are informed by our city officials, in addition to the issue of bonds in aid of the railroads, to the enormous sum of thirteen hundred and eighty thousand dollars ($1,380,000), and to which there has been issued, in addition, the sum. of five hundred thousand dollars in city bonds within the last twelve or fifteen months, and the sale of a large portion thereof at ruinous prices, and the disbursements of large sums, the proceeds of these bonds, in a manner wholly unknown to the charter, by the mayor himself, without, so far as we can learn, any entry, check, or record, by the proper officers, thus at once destroying all the safeguards which the formalities of law have placed around our financial system, and opened a door for the most dangerous speculations and abuses. Again, we are informed that many of the resolutions and safeguards of the original charter, in regard to the contracting of debts, the issue of bonds, fixing the amount of taxation, the letting of contracts, the ordering of work, and the limitation of ward expenditures, have all been practically annulled, either by the alteration of the laws passed from time to time by the legislature, or by the practice of the common * $8oo?ooo of this was floating. 224 MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. council and ward officers, and that special enactments have now been procured, by which more than $600,000 of additional bonds can be issued, in addition to the railroad debts already contracted, by the issue of the $1,380,000, and, aside from this, $800,000 floating debt, already mentioned. Of this amount, $n,ooo,ooo,# $200,000 can be issued for hydraulic purposes, without security, and $100,000 to each ward for a public park, making, for the nine wards, $900,000, besides an unlimited amount for harbor, schools and school buildings, and, as the law is now interpreted, these bonds, when issued, may be sold at any sacrifice, and the proceeds, instead of being paid into the treasury, may be received and disbursed by any agent whom the common council may appoint, without further warrant, entry, or record. We find, also, a rumor current (and believed), that several hundred thousand dollars of bonds have been delivered to railroad companies, without any security as required by law, and other large sums without any security. Again, it is notorious that the current expenses of the city are prodigal and extravagant in a high degree, that unnecessary officers are employed, and the salaries of others very largely as well as improperly increased, yet we hear of no step looking towards retraction or reform. In view of these facts, what security can we have, while the present management continues, that if the taxes now demanded (or a reasonable part thereof) should be paid, that the proceeds thereof would be used to pay the liabilities already incurred, and not wasted in new schemes to perpetuate the present system of mismanagement ? We cannot now depict the details of the wrongs already committed; only the most thorough investigation can do that, or fix the measure of blame to be attached to the city officials for the last four years; and only the sovereign power of the State, together with the utmost watchfulness on the part of the people, can prevent a recurrence of similar frauds in the future. Your committee can therefore only recommend the passage of the following resolutions, to-wit: * Consisting of the $500,000 added to the $600,000, MILWAUKEE UNbER thE CJHAkTER. 225 Resolved, That the imposition of the tax nowT ordered to be collected is an act of intolerable oppression, and in cruel and reckless disregard of the pecuniary distress of the people. Resolved, That this tax ought to be reduced if the power exists to reduce it, and the terms of payment extended. Resolved, That the common council are hereby requested to suspend all proceedings to sell property for the non-payment of taxes until the legislature shall have had time to offer relief. Resolved, That a committee, consisting of one from each ward, be and are hereby appointed to investigate the state of the finances of the city, particularly the amount and character of the debts—bonded and floating—of the whole city and of the several wards, the value and character of the securities received from the several railroads for bonds issued to them, the books and transactions of the several financial officers of the city, the various issues and sales of city bonds, together with the mode of disbursements of the proceeds thereof, and generally to examine into the condition and management of the city affairs so far as may be necessary to ascertain the real condition of the finances; that the committee be authorized to employ one or more accountants (and counsel, if they deem it necessary), and to report the result of their investigations as soon as may be at an adjourned meeting. Resolved, That the present and former officers of the city be requested to furnish any assistance or information in their power in aid of the labors of such committee. Resolved, That the same committee prepare and report a memorial to the legislature, to be signed by the tax-payers of the city, praying the legislature to perform the dutv enjoined upon it by the second article of the constitution of the state, to-wit, to restrain the powers of cities and villages in taxation (assessments), contracting debts, running credits, etc., and to prevent abuses in the same; and to this end First—To repeal all and every provision of law authorizing the further issue or sale of bonds or loaning the credit of the city. Second—To limit the power of taxation hereafter for all purposes in this city and county to a certain and reasonable sum, to be fixed beyond the control of the city council and county board. Third—To restore the checks, restrictions of authority and guards against the abuses of power contained in the original charter, with such other restrictions and guards as experience has shown to be necessary, and to provide, as far as may be in their power, for the reduction of the present tax and for the extension of the time for the payment thereof. The following were the committee appointed at this meeting : First Ward—Chas. K. Watkins. Second Ward—Francis Huebschman. Third Ward—Hans Crocker. Fourth ward—Nathan Pereles. Fifth ward—Andrew Mitchell. Sixth ward—Cicero Comstock. Seventh ward—John H. Tweedy.* Eighth ward—S. B. Davis. Ninth ward—Chas. Quentin. After which the meeting adjourned to meet again at the call of the committee. *Mr. Tweedy was the power behind the throne in this investigation, and was untiring in his efforts to ferret out the thieves and bring them to justice. 226 MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. F. Huebschmann, president. The committee reported at Albany hall, January 12, 1858. This report brought one in reply from Mr. Gardner, dated December 12, published in the Wisconsin of the 14th, in which he does not deny the allegations in the report of the committee, but very adroitly attempts to throw the blame upon his predecessor, Mr. Edwards— intimating that when his (Gardner's) official report at the close of the fiscal year (April. 1858) appeared all would be lovely, and closing with the following words: But, Mr. Editor, too much space has already been occupied in opening this, my first vial. But if called upon again, a still larger space will be required in opening the second vial, when all things would be revealed. But, alas for his boasting, the opening of the first vial was sufficient to send him to California a criminal and a fugitive from justice. It needed not the second. But I digress. This pronunciamento of Mr. Gardner's was commented upon somewhat severely in the Sentinel of the 15th, and was replied to in the Wisconsin of the 18th,-* in an article entitled " Excessive Taxation," intended to shield Mr. Gardner, and in which Mr. Cramer accused the Sentinel of wishing to bring the honesty of the then city administration into disrepute, particularly that of Mr. Gardner, who he characterizes as not only a competent and careful official, but ventures the assertion that when his books came to be examined that they would be found all right. It was useless, however, for the editor of the Wisco?isin or any other paper to defend Mr. Gardner; the whole thing had to come out and the whole gang ousted before anything like a sound system of finance was again established. But they died hard. Charles F. Freeman. This gentleman, who has made so honorable a record as a business man and citizen, is a native of Corydon, McKean county, Pa., where he was born June 20, 1832, and from where he removed in *Mr. Cramer appears to have been grossly ignorant of the true state of affairs, or if not so to have had a strong leaning to the Democratic side, to justify him in writing what he did. But he got his eyes opened at last and went in for punishing the thieves. MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. 22? 1843, to Genessee, N. Y., and from there to Milwaukee in 1857, where he at once commenced to lay the foundation for a business life. His first occupation after his arrival was to act as a foreman for Charles H. Larkin, on the old Beloit & Milwaukee Railroad, a section of which Mr. L. had contracted to grade. This, however, was altogether too monotonous a life for him, and he commenced to purchase grain, for which purpose he formed a partnership with C. C. Collins, then a prominent dealer in the cereals. This, however, did not continue long, as he soon made up his mind that he preferred to be alone and "paddle his own canoe," which he has done to the present time. He has been quite successful, his courteous demeanor and sterling integrity causing him to make friends very rapidly, and has built up a large business. He subsequently went into the political arena, in which he was also successful; was elected alderman from the Fifth ward in 1873. He has also served as school commissioner both in the Fifth and Eighth wards. He was also appointed from the board of aldermen, in connection with D. G. Hooker, mayor, B. K. Miller and Levi H. Kellogg, from the council, and Jacob Velten, from the board of public works, on the part of the city, in 1873, to proceed to and examine into the system of sewage in use in the cities of St. Louis, Rochester, Brooklyn and Chicago, and decide upon the best plans for Milwaukee to adopt in view of the success of the plans in use in those cities. He was also a representative to the legislature from his district in 1870 and again in 1879, where he was both active and efficient. He has also served as president of the chamber of com_ merce for two years (1882-83), where, by his gentlemanly deportment as well as judicious management he was very popular, and is to-day one of the most active members of that well known organization, where the game of " heads I win, and tails you lose " is played daily by those seeking to get something for nothing. This part of the game, however, in playing which so many of the members of that body indulge, Mr. Freeman takes no part, all his business being done on strictly business principles. Personnel. In person, Mr. Freeman is stoutly built, and is very muscular. 228 MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. He walks with a quick, nervous step, and will pass directly through a crowd of men without looking at one of them, and yet can tell you every one (that he knows) who were in it. He is usually in a study (/. Ek the charted There has been no winter like it up to 1877 and 1878, during which, as stated in Vol. II., page 227, there was no frost, dandelions blooming in January and nearly all the fruit trees budding in February, the difference between the two winters being in the amount of fogs and dampness mainly, of which (dampness and fogs), owing to the almost total absence of frost, we had an unusual amount in 1877 and 1878, while in 1857 and 1858 the weather was clear, with about the usual November frosts, the sun coming up as clear nearly every morning during the months mentioned as it does in July. There was no ice in sight in the lake, and on the 22d of January there were four sail vessels in the bay, one of which, the schooner Harriet, of Sheboygan, came up the river and landed her cargo, and the first ice seen during all that winter (except the freeze-up in November, previously mentioned) was on the 31st of January, when it formed one inch in thickness. This, however, all disappeared on the 2d of February, and two government dredges were working on the new harbor, while the fishermen were setting their nets in the river in which to catch suckers. The ice formed again, however, above Walker's Point bridge on the 4th thick enough for skating, and on the 5th some four hundred men and boys were sporting upon it, and on the 6th the ice men commenced cutting. But the best and thickest ice was not obtained until March, at which time it had obtained a thickness of twelve inches or more. Legislative. The members to the legislature from Milwaukee city and county in 1858 were: To the senate, August Greulich and Patrick Walsh; assembly, Dighton Corson. Alex. Cotzhausen, John Hayden, Duncan E. Cameron, Mitchell Steever, Fred. R. Berg, Orlando Ellsworth, Joseph Carney and Michael Hanrahan. Mr. Hanrahan, who was from the town of Granville I believe, was the one who, when the house was polled, answered " Here, sor," neither could such an answer as " yea " or " nay " ever be got out of him. He had been an old-time juryman too long for that. This legislature convened January 13 and adjourned May 17. F. S. Lovell, speaker. Milwaukee under the charter. 245 Municipal. There was a meeting of the common council held on the ioth of January/ 1858, for the purpose of devising some means to revive the city's credit, which, as has been seen in the previous chapter, was at a low ebb. Nothing was accomplished, however, owing to the want of harmony among the members, except to adopt, after a lengthy discussion, the following report of the committee on finance, viz., that the sum of $200,000 in Milwaukee city bonds, bearing 7 per cent., be issued under the act providing for a sinking fund, and as an offset for these bonds so issued. They further recommend a remission of 2 per cent, of the tax now due ($129,000) and an extension of thirty days for the payment of the balance thereof, a petition for which had been presented to the legislature (then in session), and that these bonds so issued should not be sold for less than 75 per cent, of their face value, and that when so sold the proceeds thereof to be paid into the city treasury and applied as follows : First—To the payment of the interest of the bonded city debt, which will fall due on the 1st of February next, to the amount of $11,725. Second—To the payment of the sinking fund to be redeemed after the 1st of February next, amounting to $18,850. Third—To the payment of the notes of the city comptroller, now in the hands of the Farmers' and Millers' bank, to the amount of $90,000, and of the Juneau bank, to the amount of $30,000, said notes falling due in January and February, 1858. Resolved, That his honor the mayor be and is hereby authorized and requested to make and sign a memorial to be presented to the legislature, and that our representatives be hereby earnestly requested and instructed to procure the passage of an act authorizing the common council of the city of Milwaukee to remit such portion of the city taxes levied for the year 1857 as they may deem necessary, and to refund to those parties or persons who have already paid their taxes the same proportion or part as would be remitted by the common council to those who have not paid, and also to extend the time for the collection of said taxes for thirty days.f Feed. Kuehn, J. Hadley, A. Greulich, A. McCormick, Finance Committee. *The action of the board at this meeting, in relation to taxation, was no doubt intended to soften the blow which they knew (or at least suspected) would fall upon them, or such of them then in the board as had been members of the old one, during which nearly all the rascality complained of had been perpetrated. f I remember the excitement about this tax ; it was an enormous one, and had it not been remitted in part it would not have been paid, as the exemption of the Newhall House alone would have vitiated it. Four years more under the administration of J. B. Cross et al. would have bankrupted the city forever. 246 MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. The Report at Albany Hall. The following is a synopsis of the report made at Albany Hall, January 12, 1858, by the committee appointed the previous November, known as the investigating committee, which report filled nearly two pages in the Sentinel of the 28th, and is the most complete document of the kind ever presented to the people of Milwaukee. It shows up the rascalities of certain officials named therein in a way not very complimentary to them, to say the least, and when we consider the youth as well as the poverty of the city at that time, their conduct appears all the blacker, and should entitle them to a place in the ranks of the worst thieves ihat ever infested New York city, in the palmiest days of that illustrious financier and democratic leader William M. Tweed. The committee state, among other irregularities discovered, that several of the mortgages given by the dififerent railroads to the city, as security for loans, to-wit: three of those given by the Milwaukee & Watertown, the Milwaukee & Beloit, and the Milwaukee & Superior, have never been placed upon record, two of which were found in the office of the city treasurer, and one in that of the clerk of the Board of School Commissioners, and that two others, to-wit: those on the Milwaukee & Mississippi, and the Milwaukee & La Crosse, could not be found at all, nor were they accounted for by any city officer. See statement annexed taken from their report: Tabular Statements of City Taxes, Expenses, Etc. Upon examination by the committee, we found the following securities were given by the several railroad companies to secure the city against loss, in reference to the City Bonds, issued for railroad purposes. Milwaukee & Mississippi Railroad Company. Two Certificates of Stock at.................................$84,090, and $150,000 Another Certificate of Stock................................................... 325,000 Bond of Company for............................................................ 600,000 Second Mortgage (is not found nor recorded) for.................... 300,000 Milwaukee, Fond du Lac & Green Bay Railroad Company. One Bond to the City, executed September 1,1853. and signed by J. Kneeland, Pres't, and I. N. Mason, Sec'y.............. $400,000 One Bond to the City, executed September I, 1853, and signed by J. Kneeland, J. A. Hoover, J. H. Rogers. Moses Kneeland, E. Townsend, W. P. Flanders, S. H. Alden, M. J. Thomas, and M. Finch, Jr.................................... 100,000 One Mortgage to the City, dated September 1,1853, on the first section, commencing in the city, extending 40 miles northwesterly.............................................................. 200,000 MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. 247 Gkeen Bay, Milwaukee & Chicago Railroad Company. Second Mortgage, properly recorded...................................... $200,000 Milwaukee & La Crosse Railroad Company. One Bond to the City, executed February 16th, 1854, and signed by Stoddard Judd, Pres't, and L. Burnell, Sec'y of said Company........................................................... $400,000 Second Mortgage on 40 miles, commencing at a point where it leaves the line heretofore adopted by the Milwaukee, Fond du Lac and Green Bay Railroad, in the County of of Washington, thence westward to the town of Beaver Dam, in the County of Dodge, subject to a prior Mortgage of $10,000 a mile. This Mortgage is recorded in Dodge and Washington Counties, and has been sent back by the Recorder, but is not found. Milwaukee & Watertown Railroad Company. A second Mortgage on road from Junction to Watertown........ $75,000 One Stock Certificate, No. 189, for 1,000 Shares....................... 100,000 One Bond to City for $150,000, signed by J. S. Rockwell, Pres't, and J. L. Hathaway, Sec'y, December 10th, 1853............ 150,000 One Bond of Company to City, May 8th, 1854......................... 100,000 One Bond of Milwaukee & Watertown Railroad Company to City, May 22d, 1856....................................................... 400,000 One Stock Certificate for 2,000 shares...................................... 200,000 One Mortgage to City, dated March 22d, 1856, on part of the road extending from the junction of said road with the Milwaukee & Mississippi Railroad, to the village of Columbus, in Columbia County, subject to a prior mortgage of $10,000 a mile, approved by J. B. Cross, Mayor, but not recorded. Milwaukee & Horicon Railroad Company. Bond of Company for............................................................ $332,000 Personal Bond of J. B. Smith, Ganet Vliet, D. H. Richards and Jasper Vliet.......................................................... 200,000 Second Mortgage to Herman Schwarting, City Treasurer, dated two months and a-half before he entered the office of City Treasurer, not recorded......................................... 166,000 1,660 Shares of Stock............................................................... 166,000 Milwaukee & Lake Superior Railroad Company. 100 First Mortgage Bonds....................................................... $100,000 Farmers' Mortgage Bonds...................................................... 50,000 Bond of Company.................................................................. 200,000 Second Mortgage, not recorded............................................... 100,000 Stock Certificate, 1,000 shares.................................................. 100,000 Personal Bond of C. R. Alton, H. Haertel, Ed. Button, D. P. Hull, Julius White and Joshua Hartz............................ 100,000 Milwaukee & Beloit Railroad Company. Personal Bond of Directors, Horatio Hill, William J. Whaling and Martin Medberry, of the City of Milwaukee, and of several other gentlemen residing in the County............ $150,000 100 First Mortgage Bonds........................................................ 100,000 Bond of Company.................................................................. 200,000 Certificate of Stock................................................................. 100,000 Second Mortgage, not recorded............................................. 100,000 248 MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. From the above it will be noticed that by the criminal neglect on the part of the proper city officers, several mortgages have been left unrecorded. It is proper to state that, at the request of the Committee, the City Treasurer has promptly taken measures to have the mortgages recorded in the several counties through which the Railroads are located. They also find the bonded debt, as appears by the books, to be as follows: Sinking Fund Bonds.............................................................. $187,000 Harbor................................................................................. 159,000 School................................................................................... 175,000 Dredging.............................................................................. 50,000 Bridge................................................................................... 50,000 Fire Loans............................................................................. 11,850 " First Ward............................................................ 1,400 " Second Ward........................................................ 500 Collateral Security Bonds...................................................... 50,000 Total amount issued...................................................... $684,750 Of these Bonds the following are reported as yet unsold (viz:) $50,000 hypothecated to Juneau Bank for loan, $30,000 of which is due in February. $10,000 Bridge Bonds in the office of Comptroller. $3,000 in hands of Mayor. $10,000 left by Mayor, and $16,000 left by Comptroller with Wm. Shell & Co., of New York, for sale, and $2,000 previously pledged by them, for loan by Bell & Co. In all, 91 Bonds. And that the Mayor and Clerk have the power, at any time, to execute additional School Bonds to the amount of $40,000. Of these bonds issued since August, 1856, the Mayor has received $440,000. He reports sales of $220,000 at $161,763.07 net proceeds. He sent $140,000 to Wm. J. Bell & Co., who report sales of $120,000 from March to July, 1857, at about 80 per cent., less commission. The other 18 were pledged or transferred for sale to Wm. Shell & Co., in October last, and on the 21st of October the Mayor left with the same house 76 other bonds for sale, receiving an advance of $10,000. 66 of these bonds have been sold for $34,924.27, less commissions, and $25,000 of this amount drawn, as he states, by the Mayor. The report also further states, that the tax levied for 1857, for general city purposes, and now in the hands of the city treasurer for collection, is $434,735.59, an amount greater than for the five previous years put together, and the amount levied for specials was $253,762.59, a total of $688,498.28, an amount twice as large as the whole State tax for the State of Wisconsin, and larger than the whole city tax for the three previous years, that of last year being only $122,171.22, showing an increase of 150 per cent, in one year, the increase in the State, county and school, for the last five years, averaging 20 per cent., and the general city 22 per cent., showing the increase of this year to be seven times the average of the last five, an increase of the percentage in every ward, but the Seventh, from MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. 249 Y^ to 4 and 5 per cent., being in amount five times as large as that of Detroit, a city of much greater wealth as well as popoulation, showing a state of affairs, says the report, for which a parallel cannot be found, when wealth and population are taken into account, in any city on the globe. On a valuation doubled, the total tax is about seven per cent., and is divided as follows : County, State and School........................about 2 per cent. Ward tax, except in Seventh ward.................. 2 " General City Expenses.................................... | " 'Old Debt and Interest...................................... If u Sinking Fund.................................................. J " Total.. Tax for current City Expenses.......................... 148,738 79 Expenses estimated by Comptroller.................. 102,000 00 In order to pay the salaries of officers, the City borrows from other funds, and the Mayor has used trust funds to pay himself and the rest of the City Officers. Statement of Taxes Levied in the City of Milwaukee for the Years 1852 to 1857, Inclusive. 1852. General City purposes..! $15,853 70 Interest on Bonds, of...J 15,681 09] First Ward purposes....| 5,076 01 Seventh " " ....I................ Second " " ....! 2,6^8 33| Sixth Ninth " " Third " Fourth " " Fifth Eighth " 7,452 47 2,644 75 2,472 55 51,888 90 Sinking Fund...... State Fund.................j 7,619 91 County Fund.............. 22,206 59j School Fund................j 5,442 ?() Total.....................I 35,219 301 1853. 1854. 1855. 1856. 1857. $16,654 51; $26,900 00! $21,476 781 16,550 84: 20,015 60 28.563 171 6,709 67 9.705 60j lv',272 50 3,179 64 3,101 40 8,161 84| $23,975 95 31,967 93 6,278 521 13,111 11 6,150 79| 3,985 72! 6,355 921 9,095 05! 7,096 50 5,969 50; 6,820 56 6,581 50; 3,643 37| 5.014 87| 6,832 34! $48,738 79 113,723 85 11,647 00 13,863 60 12 075 58 4,679 33 6,056 96 29,449 02 18,014 27 17,224 30 4,598 45 5,254 63! 122,756 45! 280,071 16 ...........................I 32,492 53 16.666 70! 10,835 10' 9,784 63 13,538 62! 28,220 66 5,646 53j 21.367 59! 41,625 18 5,550 03 30,185 17] 45.277 76] 7,516 29 22,377 55 24,694 32 84.480 57 12,997 01 47,951 89j 9,590 38 47,405 811 68,542 ! 83,009 22! 79 919 82! 122,171 90 Street Commissioner's Certificates. 1852. | 1853. | 1854. 1855. 1856. 1857. First Ward.................. 401 60| 2,607 88 11,162 11 12,440 44 11,337 61 15.698 50 8,992 08 10,141 00 8,412 18 Seventh Ward............. 69,695 72 Second Ward.............. 5,735 07j 4,275 67 8 305 18 9,600 20 16,829 12 Sixth Ward.................. 8,155 10 ..............1. 15,719 71 Third Ward................. 4,290 56| 364 38! 686 37! 10,515 30 14,313 75' 11,282 01 12,560 38 12,113 21 10,300 15 ii',388 26 17,971 58 18,953 74 .........r...... 20.169 57 35,828 94 31,797 06 58, 46 11 Fourth Ward.............. 24,739 79 Fifth Ward.................. b8,128 71 Eighth Ward............... 13,644 45 1 11,477 98 42,994 6l| 51,441 03 203,646 91 73,354 22 134,264 66 253,762 69 Total..................... $98,636 18$ 149,473 87$ $254,618 07 $326,940 93 $688,498 28 250 MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. General City Expenses. Salaries. Estimated. 1852. 1853. 1854. 1855. 1856. 1857. Comptroller................................. $2,000 00 1,379 53 600 00 405 00 40 00 1,110 35 $2,000 00'$2,000 00 1,300 OO! 2,126 27 600 00 7»-.0 00 375 00 1,000 00 30 00| 30 00 767 52 1,990 12 $2,533 00 2,533 00 1,300 00 1,000 00 $2,846 00 4,048 25 2,183 00 1,400 00 $4,000 00 4,000 00 City Clerk.................................... City Attorney............................... 2,800 00 2,250 00 Contingents............................... City Treasurer.............................. 3,004 08 3,627 58 4,500 00 Commissioner of Survey............. Commissioner of Ordinances....... 630 00 100 00 92 50 273 00 190 00 Police.......................................... Citv Marshal................................ 800 00 668 13 800 00 501 28 670 00 356 00 1,659 75 324 73 425 54 800 66 Police Justice............................... (2,800 00 Watchman.................................... ......i...... Constables.................................... 824 77 257 93 243 00 3,195 10 578 00 13,543 12 440 00 17,666 66 Marshal for collecting business.... 395 00 1,000 00 Chief Engineer............................ 300 00 300 00 300 66 800 00 ............. Police. 1852. 1853. 1854. 1855. 800 00 450 00 1856. 1857. Chief of Police..........................., 2,000 00 Inspector of Buildings................. Inspector of Bridges..................... 25 00 838,73 262 36 Superintendent of Bridge............ 800 00 Salary for burying nuisances....... ............. Condition of the General City and Ward Accounts as Exhibited by the Ledger, March 26, 1857. First Ward-Debit, amount expended over tax levied............... Add delinquent tax of 1852 to 1856 inclusive. ...... Second Ward-Debit, amount expended over tax levied............... Add delinquent tax as above.............................. Third Ward-Credit amount tax levied over amount expended.. Deduct delinquent tax, as above................... .... Fourth Ward-Credit amount tax levied over amount expended.. Deduct delinquent tax, as above........................ Fifth Ward-Credit amount tax levied over amount expended., Deduct delinquent tax....................................... Sixth Ward-Debit, amount expended over tax levied............... Add delinquent tax............................................ Seventh Ward-Credit, amount tax levied over expenses................ Delinquent tax.................................................., General City Fund-Debit, amount expended over tax levied.............., Delinquent tax................................................., Old debt, Interest Fund-Credit amount tax levied over expenditures.. D^lii^wmjija^^................. 2,072 13.......................... 1,141 57,To'ld'bt 3,213 70 152 84!......... 1,192 02To'ld'bt 11,015 30 1,139 99 737 98 2,915 07 2,330 11 1,829 96 114 00 1,660 28 133,569 64 5,426 92 9,875 31 To'ld'bt 500 15 19,375 46| 28,142 721 632 13 919 25 1,344 86 2,177 09 1,551 38 32,703 91............. 4,506 7537,210 66 47,043 97 Amount of interest due or paid, not ascertained, MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. 251 General City Printing, Etc. Printing................................... Bridge repairs.......................... Bridge tending........................ Books and stationery............... Contingent expenses................ Rent of conncil room, etc....... General city, contingent........... Fire department....................... Election expenses.................... Furnishing council rooms and city offices............................. 1852. 1853. 1854. 1855. 273 08 568 22! 702 50! 315 27 631 40 325 00 2,421 41 454 15 1,113 00 1,236 67j L486 66[ 568 38 746 19 179 47[ 188 70| 727 90 2,249 37 362 50' 325 00 ............| 4,284 62 3,535 10 5,868 46: 858 50j 448 24 2,175 3,872 1,438 124 3,616 450 4,940 6,690 723 Total......................................!13,794 6614,691 47.............1.............1.............!l01,547 03 4,262 34! 6,000 00 6,514 47: 14,000 00 1,757 82 621 35 2,876 22! 4,000 00 1,000 00 3,400 00 450 00 2,600 00 3,854 67 12,000 00 9,968 00 12,000 00 941 49......-...... 5,097 02 Statement of Tax Levied for "Street Commissioner's Certificates," for Several Years, and the Amount of Delinquent Tax on Same, in April, 1857. First Ward, levied....... Delinquent...... ....... Second Ward, levied... Delinquent............... Third Ward, levied...... Delinquent............... Fourth Ward, levied.... Delinquent............... Fifth Ward, levied...... Delinquent............... Sixth Ward, levied....... Delinquent............... Seventh Ward, levied.. Delinquent............... 1852. 401 60 5,735 07 9 79 4,290 56 700 70 364 38 686 37 129 52 1853. 2,607 ; 4,275 67 408 55 10,515 30 247 99| 14,313 782 95| 11,282 01 2,253 92l 17 50! 547 55 1854. 162 11 301 50| 305 18| 456 35 560 38 677 65 113 21 300 94 300 15 360 49 ' 67 5' 2,676 76' 440 44 895 75 ,600 20 129 35 388 26| 312 041 971 58 784 42| 953 74 910 81 2,027 64) 1*533 59 1856. 11,637 51 7,020 62j 3,992 08 £,172 70| 20,169 57 7,355 97 35,828 941 15,484 29 31.797 06| 19,541 04 10,141 00J 2,924 88 15,698 50 9,514 26 Total i Total levied, delinqt'. 38,249 54 '36,908*20 "61,924"07 9,215 87 8,176 74 80,591 86 73,019*33 lOHl'oO 15,6 98" 50 23,352 60 30,225 "78 ""5,737 69 14,272" 16 Total levied...............11,477 9842.994 61!54,441 03j"3,354 22134,264 66316,532 50!............... Total delinquent.......1 857 51 4,240 96 14,541 26 21,623 60 67,013 86!..............[108,277 19 The reading of this report produced a profound sensation in the community, and the necessity of having the amendments offered at the November meeting (1857) incorporated into the charter at once, was apparent to every one having the good of the city at heart. Three meetings more were accordingly held, the first March nth, at which Messrs. Chas. K. Watkins, S. M. Booth, Gen. Jas. H. Paine, Jas. S. Brown, and Hans Crocker advocated their passage, while John L. Doran, Ed. McGarry, and Jackson Hadley opposed it This meeting was a stormy one, as Mr. Hadley, who foresaw in their adoption the defeat of all his plans, as well as the curtailment of his powers as the head of the Board of Street Commissioners, also opposed them bitterly, while the mass of the people, now that they saw the pit into which they had fallen, financially, were just as determined that they should pass. The result of the fight at this time was 252 MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. an adjournment to the 17th (in order that the amendments might be printed), when they had another circus and adjourned to the 20th, at which the reformers, as the people's party was called, won the day. They came very near being beaten, however, as after it was all done and the amendments declared adopted, Mr. Hadley played his last card, by offering a resolution to postpone the whole matter for twenty days, in order, as he said, to give the dear people, whose interests he had so much at heart, time to read them. This was a sharp move on his part, as it would, if adopted, have postponed the whole matter, not only until after the adjournment of the legislature, but until after the coming charter election also, which would have given him as well as his followers full control of the city offices for another year, by which time he would have had the taxpayers where Boss Tweed had the New Yorkers. So smooth was his tongue, And his manner so bland As to near beat the taxpayers Out of their land. But the people saw through the move and at once voted it down, after which there went up such a shout from that assemblage as was never heard in Albany Hall before, such was their joy that the victory was won. This done, a committee, consisting of Wm. P. Lynde, Jas. Kneeland, Doct. Chas. E. Wonderly,* John H. Tweedy, and Doct. Jas. Johnson, were at once appointed to proceed to Madison and urge the immediate passage of the proposed amendments,! which also was done. But although beaten in a general engagement with the people, Mr. Hadley, with the aid of his friends, carried on a regular guerilla warfare in the council for the next two years, as will * This gentleman was a promininent German doctor, a politician, and, as the reader has seen, was one of those who took an active part in the investigation in 1857. His homestead was the present well-known property adjoining the South Side Brewery of Ph. Best & Co., where his widow yet resides. This property still retains the primeval grade. He died February 21, 1859. f One of the proposed amendments was the change from three aldermen in each ward to one alderman and two councillors, and the appointment of a board of three, one from the East, one from the West, and one from the South Sides, who in connection with the comptroller, city attorney, and treasurer, were to constitute the Board of Reform or Commissioners. This was the nucleus of the present Board of Public Works, the first appointees upon this Board being Daniel Schultz for the West, Thos, Keogh for the East, ancj Hiram, Merrill for the South Sides., MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. 253 be seen in due time. He had a strong following, particularly among the contractors and laboring classes, and with their aid came very near winning the day.* Biographical. Jackson Hadley, who came to our city in 1844, was without exception one of the ablest men who ever lived here, and was, from the day of his arrival to the day of his death, one of the most active as well as influential Democratic politicians in the city; neither would he play second to any one. He went in for a front seat always, and if ousted from that would never fail to make it exceedingly warm for his opponents. He was a first-class diplomatist suave in manner, and could usually do whatever he listed with those with whom he was associated politically or otherwise. He was the most aggressive man in that direction in the state, Byron Kil-bourn—who, in the ability to plan as well as carry out vast schemes for public improvement as well as for self-aggrandisement he much resembled—not excepted, and left no stone unturned that if turned would enable or aid him to accomplish his purpose, and in such contests there was no friendship. While he would grant a friend. any favor of a pecuniary nature, if within his power, freely, he would, if pitted against that friend for office, beat him if possible, no matter by what means, and think it all fair. In such a contest that friend would find, as did the Scottish King, Fitz James, in his contest with Roderick Dhu, so poetically described by Sir Walter Scott in his " Lady of the Lake :" It wras no play to hold his own With Hadley's arms around him thrown, Whose vice-like grip his frame might feel Through bars of brass or triple steel. This, of course, made him many enemies, for which, like Mr. Kil- * It is not surprising that Mr. Hadley should oppose the amendments to the Charter, particularly the one which placed the street work in the hands of three commissioners, as he could then no longer march his army of graders to the caucus, or the polls, to carry his own election, or to Albany Hall to break up a taxpayers' meeting. There were other officials, also, who might find themselves deprived of the little kites (to which they formed the tail), and unable any longer to dictate to the democracy, or dragoon their constituents into carrying out their games for plunder. 16 254 MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. bourn, he cared very little, never slacking his efforts in the least on that account. Politically he knew no North, no South, no East, no West, and cared for no one but himself, The writer was well acquainted with Mr. Hadley, and outside Of politics would never wish for a better friend. He was a power in Milwaukee while he lived, socially and politically. Mr. Hadley took an active part in the organization and construction of the old La Crosse Railroad, being at one time its secretary, and as has been seen was much in office. He was a very active member of the common council from 1852 to 1858, as well as in the school board. He also represented his ward (the First) in the assembly in 1854, 1865 and 1866, and his district in the senate in 1855 and 1856, and was re-elected again in 1866 for two years more, but did not live to serve out his full term, dying literally in the harness. He was a splendid-looking man, not one in a thousand in any country possessing as fine a physique as did Jackson Hadley. He was finely educated, was a fluent speaker, a ready writer, and a polished gentleman. In the portrait gallery at Madison is what purports to be a likeness of him, but it is far from doing him justice. He was born at Livonia, Livingston county, N. Y., May 22, 1815, and died March 3, 1867. Taxation Again. The Sentinel of January 14, 1858, contains the following article from a tax-payer, which speaks for itself, and besides showing pretty plainly where a part of the evils of our financial system lie, makes a comparison of our city with Detroit, after which he gives some good advice in reference to what should be done. He proceeds to state that Detroit, with a population about equal to ours, has never sold a bond for less than 3 per cent, premium, and that her taxes do not exceed 1 % per cent. He then compares the salaries of our city officials with Detroit, showing that ours cost $22,000 per annum more than Detroit, and proposes to reduce ours to the same. He also proposes to abolish the police department entirely, as well as the comptroller, sell the furniture in the school commissioners' rooms (he was right about that), then attach the MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. 255 property of Alderman Jonathan Taylor to reimburse the city for what he had stolen, and in short to put the city on the same basis financially as a business man would his own private affairs, and he would guarantee that our bonds (if we found it necessary to issue any) would not be at a discount. It was not done, however, and our taxes to-day are double those of Detroit, and will continue to be until politics are entirely ignored in the selection of men to fill our municipal offices. Will it ever be done? There was an attempt made to do this, as far as the salaries of the city officers were concerned, at the meeting of the council held on the 2d of January, by Alderman John Plankinton, who offered a resolution to reduce the salaries of the comptroller to $2,500, out of which he was to pay his own clerk, city attorney $1,500, chief of police $1,000, bridge superintendent $400, and policemen from $50 to $35 per month. Laid over under the rules, and never heard of again. The harbor question* also came up at this meeting, as per agreement at which time the joint committee made a report, recommending that the city issue $95,000 in bonds as a final settlement of the matter. This proposition, however, after a lengthy discussion, was, on motion of Alderman William A. Prentiss, also laid over until the next meeting (February 3), when it was expected the outside com-mittee,f consisting of Messrs. Geo. W. Mygatt, John Rugee, Edward P. Allis. John Sercomb and John Fellenz (appointed at a previous meeting)—after a bitter opposition from Aldermen Hadley and Mal-lory, and strongly advocated by Alderman Wm. A. Prentiss—were expected to report.| But instead thereof a motion was made by Alderman Alex. Johnston that the present harbor committee and the *It was not the intention of the writer to have said anything further upon this subject, having given what he considered a sufficient account of it in Vol. II., pages 140 and 141; but as it looms up again as an important factor in the report of the investigating committee made January 12, as well as in some of the council proceedings of 1857 and 1858, he can not very wTell avoid referring to it again in this connection. fOr referees, as they were called. JThe appointment of this outside committee, or the referees, as they were called, became a firebrand among the already over-heated contestants, and no good came of it to either party in interest, 256 MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. city engineer be added. This was supplemented by one from Alderman D. C. Reed, that Messrs. Tweedy, Crocker, Huebschmann and Waldo be also added (done solely to break it up), after which the whole matter was postponed for one week (February 9), at wrhich time the committee offered a lengthy and somewhat one-sided report, recommending that ninety-five harbor bonds of $1,000 each, and a city order for $264.33, be issued to Isaac Hasbrouck in full of all claims for the construction of sections 1, 2 and 3 of the straight-cut harbor. This report was signed by F. Kuehn, George S. Mallory, J. Hadley, A. McCormick, committee on finance; J. Hadley, D. C. Reed, George S. Mallory, Ferd. Kuehn, S. Wagner,* A. McCormick, G. G. Loeffler, harbor committee. Which, after being discussed by Aldermen Hadley, Plankinton and Alex. Johnston, was finally laid over for another week, as the referees had not joined in the report. Alderman Geo. S. Mallory on the War Path. At this meeting of the council, held February 9th, Alderman Geo. S. Mallory arose in his place, and, after a few preliminary remarks, proceeded to relieve himself of the contempt he entertained for the " anti-harbor" portion of che board, as well as the investigating committee generally,t and Messrs. Aldermen John Plankinton, August Greulich, the "Jenny Lind Club," and the newspapers particularly, thusly : I am down on newspapers in general and the " Jenny Lind Club," who he claimed were trying to bring the action of the council into disrepute for political effect in particular. He was surprised to hear the gentleman from the Fourth ward (Plankinton) take up the outside cry of fraud, and claim that $25,000 was all that Mr. Hasbrouck was entitled to, when a committee of the council had just recommended that $95,000 be paid him, particularly as his late colleague and coworker, Jonathan Taylor, had just been indicted, and whose conduct had brought all this disgrace upon the council. The gentleman from *I think this is a mistake, as there is no such name in the directory or in the official reports for that year, although there was an Alderman Wergen from the Eighth ward in 1857. f Meaning J. H. Tweedy, Otis H. Waldo, Chas. K. Watkins, and others, who had been active in unearthing the rascalities of the two previous years. MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. 257 the Fourth ward occupied a delicate position and should keep still. His action in this matter looked to him (Mallory) like a man kicking himself, and he was ashamed that any gentleman should support such a resolution as that offered by the gentleman from the Second ward (Alex Cotzhausen).* He (Mallory) was not surprised that that gentleman had been made a tool of by his colleague (Greulich) to present such a resolution^ as he (Cotzhausen) did not probably know when he was kicked.J Mr. Cotzhausen might be an agent of the Jenny Lind Club for all that he (Mallory) knew, but if he was expecting political preferment at the hands of the people, he was getting such a load on his shoulders as would break them. He then went for the committee. Look at them, he says (meaning the investigating committee), their report is so shameful that not one of them dare sign it. He (Mallory) was for having some respect shown to the council, and thought them perfectly competent to investigate their own acts. Hoped the gentleman from the Second ward would stand on his resolution, but did not think it would pass. Mr. Mallory was severely censured by the mayor, Wm. A. Prentiss, for this speech, and for attempting to blacken the character of the committee, who he said were men of good standing in the community and among the early settlers of the city, men of good character, and that such remarks were very foolish.§ This report, made January 20th, was pretty severely commented upon in the Sentinel of February 8th, by a taxpayer, in which, after displaying some legal acumen in defining his points, he proceeds as follows: * A resolution for a new committee, who were to go over the whole ground again, from the letting of the first contract to Abel Hawley to the completion of the work by Messrs. Hasbrouck & Conro. I Intimating that the resolution was written by Greulich, and offered by Cotzhausen. % The Germans were strongly opposed to paying $95,000, for what such men as John Plankinton, William A. Prentiss and others, claimed did not cost over $45,000, and which could have been settled for $65,000. And the reason Mr. Cotzhausen gave for his action was, that he had been informed that one of the committee (Hadley) had an interest in the contract, which from the anxiety he manifested to get the $95,000 allowed, strengthened his belief in the assertion. \ Alderman John Fuldner, who many yet living must remember, was present at this meeting, and when asked by one of the disputants what he proposed to do in the matter, answered that he did not know " sumdings." He was right. 258 MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. There appears to be much difference of opinion among the different members of the council as to the propriety of any further legislation or investigation into the harbor contract. They object—(/. e.) the present committee—to any plan that would take it out of their jurisdiction, while the chairman (Hadley) prefers to take the report of the committee* as his guide. Another (Plankintont) pins his faith upon the report of the engineer, while Mallory wants to keep the matter within the control of the council, for the purpose, I suppose, of maintaining its dignity. Does the gentleman think there is any dignity remaining in an institution, one of whose members (Jonathan Taylor) has lately been indicted, and is now a fugitive from justice, while the people are daily looking for a stampede among those remaining. We must have a committee, Mr. Editor, not members of the council, or of architects,^ but a committee of engineers, with Mr. Gunnison, the government superintendent, at its head, and then and not until then will the people get at the facts in this matter. An injunction was finally put upon this referee business March 10 by Judge Byron Paine, at the request of Anson Eldred, Hans Crocker, Jas. Kneeland, Lester Sexton, Josiah A. Noonan, John H. Tweedy, Dr. F. Huebschmann, E. B. Dickerman, Alpha C. May, Jno. J. Orton, David Ferguson, Henry C. Heidie and Doctor Lemuel W. Weeks, in order to prevent any further action by the officers of the council. The attorneys for the city were E. G. Ryan and Norman J. Emmons, and for Messrs. H. and C., John L. Doran and Jas. S. Brown. The case was argued March 12 and reported in the Sentinel of the 13th. The injunction was sustained. It is sufficient to say in closing that after some twelve years litigation the city had to pay $484,000 to Messrs. Hasbrouck and Conro, * Whatever faults were charged against Jackson Hadley (and there certainly were some), in connection with the construction of the present harbor, and the settlement with Messrs. Hasbrouck & Conro, justice to him requires me to say, that the fact of the city having been compelled to pay, at the end of a long litigation, nearly half a million for what they could have settled for less than $100,000, in 1858, is not chargeable to him, as he certainly did recommend the acceptance of this report as a final adjustment of the matter. f Alderman Plankinton was for giving them $25,000, and William A. Prentiss was in favor of giving $45,000. \ Meaning Rugee and Mygatt. MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. 259 for what could have been settled in 1858 for $75,000 at the outside. But such is often the case in this country, where so many different interests are at stake and the chances for plunder are so common. Milwaukee has suffered beyond comparison, and is now (1885) in chains, wholly on account of not putting the right men on guard. Will her citizens ever learn wisdom from past experience ? I fear not. The Fur Flies. As the time for the charter election drew near in 1858 the people became excited as they never had been before, and among the leaders of the different parties the excitement was intense. More lies were told in one day than the newspapers could contradict in a week. Even that virtuous Democrat, Jonathan Taylor, wrote from his forced retreat in California a letter intended to blacken the character of Cicero Comstock and Robert Whitehead, both of which were answered in a way calculated to cause Mr. Taylor to crawl into his hole and pull the hole in after him. It put him in the front rank as a campaign liar. A call was made for Wm. A. Prentiss to run for mayor on a people's ticket by the reformed Democrats.* At the people's convention, held March 24, William A. Prentiss was nominated by the following majorities: First Ward............................................................ 201 Second Ward......................................................... 288 Third Ward............................................................ 108 Fourth Ward......................................................... 215 Fifth Ward................................................................ Sixth Ward............................................................ 118 Seventh Ward....................................................... 860 Eighth Ward......................................................... 122 Ninth Ward........................................................... 144 Cicero Comstock was also nominated for comptroller, Herman Schwarting for treasurer, and Geo. Woodward for attorney. Third Ward Nominations. The regular Democracy of the Third ward, at their caucus on Satur- *Singular as it may appear there was a democratic reform meeting (and there was need of one) held in the Sixth ward, at which, among other suggescions made, was one declaring it improper for any alderman to be a school commissioner or a member of the legislature, and that no officer of the council should serve as a juror. But, like other spasmodic efforts at reform, it all ended in wind. 260 MILWAUKEE UNJDER THE CHARTER. day, after electing six Irishmen and one German to represent them in the city convention, proceeded to nominate the following ward ticket: Alderman for two years—Michael Bray. Alderman for one year—Dan Kennedy, Sr. Justice of the Peace—Wm. Holland. Assessor—John H. Dolan. Railroad Commissioner—T. H. Eviston. Constable—William Hurley. All of the nominees, we believe, are sons of the Emerald Isle. The News, as in duty bound, indorses the nominations as excellent ones, and enjoins upon all true Democrats to support them. Hoping we don't intrude, we should like to have the News inform its readers and the public if Dan Kennedy was not a member of the common council a year or two ago, and what befell him there.* It may help the tax-payers of the Third ward to a realizing sense of what is in store for them should these nominations be ratified at the polls. Couldn't Wipe It Out. Among other electioneering documents published just previous to this election was one that appeared in the Sentinel of April 3, intended no doubt to destroy the effect of the investigating committee's report of January 12, by a reference to that of the one from the common council.f But if that was the object, a more complete failure could not well have been made, as it did not refute a single statement in that document, but, on the contrary, admits the truth of each and every allegation there made. It was entitled by the Sentinel " Hadley's Whitewashing Report," which would imply that if not written by him, it was written in his interest, as he was then running for and was elected to the board of councillors. It is certainly a curious document, and had it been written by Emanuel Sweden-borg, would have been all right, as it explained nothing, neither did it make any point, but after wandering around a while in the land of shadows finally came out at the same hole where it went in.{ *This has reference to a little toot the alderman indulged in one hot summer day, during which he became so boisterous as to necessitate his being locked up, and resulted in his expulsion from the board He was a terror when in that condition, and when arrested upon that occasion raised such a row that it took five men to convey him to the jail. He was very large and as strong as three ordinary men. I remember that arrest. He died many yeara ago. ¦j-The council had, of course, appointed a committee of investigation directly after the meeting at Albany hall, November 18, 1857, who, of course, found nothing wrong in the then state of the city finances, and their report was simply worthless. Their object was to conceal and not reveal the rottenness of Mayor Cross' administration. JThis document was supposed to be the work of E. L. H. Gardner, but nothing is certainly known about it. MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. The election held April 6th resulted as follows: Mayor—William A. Prentiss. Comptroller—John L. Hathaway. Deputy—William L. Hinsdale, appointed. City Clerk—Robert B. Lynch. Deputy—Alex. Bolton, appointed. Treasurer—Herman Schwarting. Deputy—Moritz von Baumbach, appointed. Attorney—Geo. A. Woodward. Clerk—John 0'Grady. The following is the official vote : Recapitulation . £ ?H p sen. odward. ntiss CD haw dine wart zhau son. CD 50 Pre But o3 M Gar Sch o o Cor Fra First ward....... 405 292 383 313 541 156 335 318 51 Second ward.. 587 242 528 391 334 567 123 321 474 Third ward..... 585 498 634 448 860 192 881 131 70 Fourth ward .. 540 267 513 245 357 404 198 230 347 Fifth ward..... 437 336 291 410 650 307 241 464 68 Sixth ward.... 289 263 288 262 229 396 86 296 220 Seventh ward 755 245 722 271 698 282 903 203 80 Eighth ward .. 169 225 94 238 296 37 81 237 16 Ninth ward..... 339 475 319 489 458 344 161 491 159 Total......... 40^2 2998 3772 3097 4427 2895 2759 2681 1257 Aldermen. First ward—Matt. Keogh. Second ward—Joseph A. Phelps. Third ward—Thos. Carroll. Fourth ward—John Plankinton, Fifth ward—Geo. G. Dousman. Sixth ward—William H. Lindman. Seventh ward—Samuel S. Daggett. Eighth ward—John C. U. Neiderman. Ninth ward—John W. DeVose. J. A. Phelps, President. R. B. Lynch, Clerk. Councillors. First ward—Frederick Heineman and Jackson Hadley. Second ward—I. A. Lapham and Jobst H. Buening. Third ward—J. McGrath and A. McCormick. Fourth ward—John H. Tesch and Hiram R. Bond. Fifth ward—Henry Kroeger and Francis Conrad. Sixth ward—Carl Busach and Joseph Walters. Seventh ward—Victor Schulte and Otis H. Waldo. Eighth ward—Frederick Vogel and Edward H. Hayden. Ninth ward—John Leubenheimer and Matthias Human. J. Hadley, President. R. B. Lynch, Clerk. 262 MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. Board met in Cross' Excelsior Block, northeast corner East Water and Huron streets. School Commissioners. First ward—Silas Chapman, Dennis Culligan and Henry Runkle. Second ward—Chas. F. Bode, Andrew* J. Langworthy and Jas. B. Selby, Jr. Third ward—John Horan, Ed. O'Neill and John Shortell. Fourth ward—Alex. H. Johnston, John A. Seger and Samuel C. West. Fifth ward—Edwin DeWolf, Chas. H. Larkin and Duncan C. Reed. Sixth ward—Cicero Comstock, Daniel Daggett and Ferdinand Kuehn. Seventh wTard—Albert Bade, Rufus King and Geo. S. Mallory. Eighth ward—Geo. Burnham, Geo. B. Bingham and Chas. P. Melms. Ninth ward—Samuel Brown, Dirk J. Doornick* and Henry Hilmantel. Geo. S. Mallory, President. J. A. Seger, Secretary. Police. Chief of Police—William Beck. Number of Police—Eighteen, (viz:) P. W. Dodge, William H. Garlick, Labron Capron, J. B. Rodee, Albert Beck, Thos. Shaughnessy, Thos. Bohan, John McCarty, Peter Smith, William H. Perrigo, Thos. Poulter, Jere O'Connor, Fred. Kessler, Adam Just, Adam Bingenheimer, Paul Schuengel, Geo. Gruber and Peter Dusolt. Of this number Peter Smith and Jerry O'Connor are yet on the force. Commissioners op Survey. Herman Haertel, Ira E. Goodall, Sanford B. Grant, F. Schumacher, D. W. Keller, Otis B. Hopkins, Elisha ELdred, Andrew Mitchell, A. C. Bergeld and John Ogden. Assessors. Jas. Johnston, Christian W. Schwartzberg and Stoddard H. Martin. City Engineer. City Engineer—Fred. Schumacher. F. S. Blodgett, Deputy, appointed. Sealer of Weights and Measures—Christian Meyer, appointed. Justices of the Peace. First ward—Jas. B. Turk. Second ward—Chas. F. Bode. Third ward—William Holland. Fourth ward—D. L. Deyo. Fifth ward—C. C. Meyer. Sixth ward—C. Wichelhaus. Seventh ward—Albert Smith. Eighth ward—William A. Tucker. Ninth ward—F. R. Berg. Constables. First ward—J. Schoeffel. Second ward—Chas. Neuman. Third ward—M. Purtill. Fourth ward—Edward Mallon. Fifth ward—F. Holzenger. Sixth ward—M. Schwiebinger. * Mr. Doornick must have been a hard one. It is suggestive. MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. 263 Seventh ward—H. Guenther. Eighth ward—N. U. Ulman. Ninth ward—Christian Maas. Railroad Commissioners. First ward—Philip Acker. Second ward—F. W. Hundhausen. Third ward—Thos. Eviston. Fourth ward—Perry Ray Isham. Fifth ward—C T. Stamm. Sixth ward—Adam Portner. Seventh ward—Christian Preusser. Eighth ward—Chas. T, Melms. Ninth ward—F. Foertsch. Fire Department. Chief Engineer—Daniel Schultz. First Assistant—O. M. Hofford. Second Assistant—J. H. Butler. Third Assistant—John Larkin. Fire Wardens. John B. Meyer, Chas. May, Wm. Spence, W. H. Holland, L. Buen-ning, Morris Louis, Casper Dusolt, T. P. Kelly, Chas. W. Bierbach and William Perrigo. Districts. There were five districts. In case of fire the alarm shall be as follows: First, 10 strokes of the bell, preceding the strokes for the number of the district. First ward, 1 stroke; Second ward, 2; Third ward, 3; Fourth ward, 4; Fifth ward, 5. County Officers. Sheriff—Herman L. Page. Clerk of Court—Matthew Keenan. Under Sheriff—William Beck. Deputies—Robert Wasson,* Ava B. Page, Henry Hillmantel, John Mitchell and John Shortell. Register of Deeds—Abert Bade. Treasurer—Garrett M. Fitzgerald.f Surveyor—John Gregory. Coroner—Robert Wasson. * It would appear from the record that Mr. Wasson was both deputy sheriff and coroner. f The election of Mr. Fitzgerald to the office of county treasurer proved a dis" astrous affair to the county, as he became a defaulter for a large amount, a full report of which can be found in the proceedings of the County Board, held April 1st, 1859, and reported in the Sentinelof the 22d. Mr. Fitzgerald was a man of generous impulses, and no doubt entered upon the duties of his office with honesty of purpose, but so completely was he in the toils of the unscrupulous leaders who fit that time ran the democratic machine, that he fell. I remember Mr. Fitzgerald well, and often think of him as he appeared in his palmy days, and his unfortunate end only furnishes another example of the corrupting influence of American politics. 264 MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. Supervisors. (The Aldermen of each ward were ex officio Supervisors.) Towns. Wauwatosa—Thomas Tobin. Granville—J. F. Brandt. Milwaukee—Chas. G. Everts. Lake—Andrew Douglass. Greenfield—Patrick Walsh. Oak Creek—N. Howes, Jr. Franklin—Michael J. Egan. Thos. Tobin, Chairman. Chas. F. Casten, Clerk. Henry Gosch, Deputy. w X < do cd • rt a? « O^ g a § * > F 3 c3 £ 03 ^ O ^ HOD N £ -P •rH CD OQ ^ ^ CD < M cJ)£ ^ M CD 2H^ ®™ 2 O eg o_£ CD 45 a™ cd o3 ; m CD o3 CD r^ d£>d O d cj3 CD H CD^ CD +3 O +* o 32 E"1 d M oh o s d o H N^GOOJOOGOO 00 CNJ -h "M OS iO iO CO lO (M "^ OJ C --1 LO »jO CO Cft ^h CO t—I CM GO ^ QOOOaCDlMMM coco —i^cqoco-H ^ r-T >C~ CO co o> ^ co r-1 00 Milwaukee city bonds, then deposited in the Ocean Bank of the city of New York, and also ordered to be given to him; and also of the $10,193.74 taken from the city treasury and not accounted for. Laid over under the rule. This was amended in the board of aldermen by adding the words: " Provided that the mayor shall deem it for the best inteiest of the city to make such report." Concurred in. But it did not bring the report, neither did it come until the mayor was ready to give it. Amount Wanted. The comptroller's report for 1855 shows the amount wanted for general city purposes to be: First ward.......................................................... $6,000 Second wrard...................................................... 3,900 Third ward......................................................... 11,600 Fourth ward..................................................... 4,300 Fifth ward......................................................... 9,500 Sixth ward......................................................... 3,900 Seventh ward..................................................... 6,000 Eighth ward...................................................... 2,950 Ninth ward....................................................... 3,300 Total............................................................$51,450 MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. 283 Election. The election for members of legislature in 1858 was held November 2d. The annexed is a part of the res gestce, as the lawyers call it, of the proceedings had previous to the election, and go to shovv that the people were in earnest: Republican Assembly Caucus for the First and Seventh Wards. The court house was quite filled last evening, at the caucus for nominating a republican assemblyman for the First and Seventh wards. The Hon. Byron Paine was called to the chair, and J. R. Brigham appointed secretary. On motion of John H. Tweedy, the meeting agreed to adopt the viva voce vote in nominating a candidate. S. S. Daggett and Chas. K. Wells were appointed tellers, between whom each voter passed, and gave his name and his choice for the nomination, which was recorded by the secretary. Mr. Edwin Palmer having received forty votes was declared nominated by the convention. Mr. Tweedy then alluded to the fact that no nomination had yet been made for State senator against Jackson Hadley. He alluded in glowing language to the outrage that would be perpetrated upon common decency if such an openly and notoriously corrupt man should be allowed to run into the senate, without opposition, from this district. The Hon. Wm. A. Prentiss followed in a caustic analysis of the character and career of Jackson Hadley, and suggested the name of the Hon. Nelson Cross, as a suitable man to run against him. Gen. J. H. Paine made a warm speech upon La Crosse Bonds Hadley, and proposed the name of Cicero Comstock, as the one to defeat the wily demagogue. The suggestion was received with great applause, and Cicero Comstock was nominated by acclamation. Mr. Comstock being present, was called out upon the floor, and very handsomely thanked the convention for the compliment, and signified his acceptance. Committees were then appointed for challenging at the polls, and for election duties, ten in each ward. Much enthusiasm and confidence was felt, and expressed by the meeting, in the result of next Tuesday, and with a three times three, for the candidates and the cause, the assemblage adjourned to meet at the polls and elect the ticket. The election resulted in the defeat of both Hadley and Bade. I remember this election, and the excitement it caused among the old Bourbons. The News nearly went wild over it. The Argus was right. No party could carry such a load and win, and there was wailing on account of it. Hotel Wettstein Opened, November 20. Opening of the Hotel Wettstein.—The new Hotel Wettstein, on Market Square, of which Messrs. Wettstein & Hoeingerare proprietors, was formally opened on Saturday, and a grand ball given in the evening in honor of the occasion. A magnificent supper was partaken of by at least 300 guests about nine o'clock, after which dancing and all manner of merry making took place. The building is a large and commodious one, and is elegantly fitted up and furnished. Success to the gentlemanly landlords. 284 MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. There was some trouble in the Young Men's Christian Association this year resulting in a kind of breaking up, which some wag put in the following shape in the Sentinel oi November 19th. The names alluded to here, as well as the puns upon them, will be duly appreciated by many of the n on-elect as well as by the elect. For the Sentinel. Obituary. Died, on the evening of Thursday, December 16th, after a lingering illness of six weeks, the Literary Club of the Young Men's Christian Association. Though watched by a Good " Shepherd," who would have gone to the "Towns-end" to serve it, no "Taylor" could prolong its thread of life. The " Root" of its disease was too deeply seated, and having no "Constitution" to fall back on, nothing could save its " Bacon," and it kerflummixed. Its disease was a very painful one; for three weeks previous to its death it never spoke, and finally perished of non est inventus (which may be liberally, not literally, translated, nobody there). Requiescat in pace. " Facilis decensus Averni." Squix. The Answer. For the Sentinel. The Literary Club of the Y. M. C A. Mr. Editor: Fearing that the " Obituary Notice," which you published on Saturday morning last, may mislead more, as I know it already has a few of your readers, I take the liberty of requesting you to inform the public that it was only the " Literary "Club" of the Y. M. C. A., and not the Association itself, which "died on the evening of Thursday last," and that the last named society is as yet all Wright; and having bidden Farewell to the SkePton of their illiterate club, and employed a Boy'ntown (who was a Savage Young Man, by the way) to Cleav'er Root from Branch, they procured a Carter (Johns 'son) to Wheel'er for her Hide and Gall Down the Lane, through the Dale, over the Bridges, beyond the Park, and out of the Parrish into the Cavern(o) which stands one Rood and an El'more beyond the Dyke, near Towns-'end; where the Sexton gave her Fitt burial, with her Head to the West. The association has thus cleared itself in all Menzies of any Taint 'or suspicion of a disposition to Mix in Literary pursuits at any Price; and though nothing could save the Bacon of that unfortunate club a String 'fellow can, and with Hemp 'shall bind us in the Bonds of brotherly Love and keep us Ever'in'ham, while the Moody Freeman who refuses to Holt 'on, now that our Chapman heralds the approach of Day, merits a Whaling with a Branch of Beech 'er Cherry. I write myself an Milwaukee, December 20. ASSociate Member. The Weather. The Sentinel oi November 30 had the following upon this subject: Autumn takes its leave of us to-day, and winter dates its reign from to-morrow. We have no compliments to bestow this year upon our MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. 285 fall weather. Not to mince matters it has been abominable. True, September was a fine month, as well as the first four days in October. But from that time on it has been rain, snow and slush. Let us hope that when the Frost King once takes the helm that he will give us a regular old-time winter, like 1S4.4.-4.J and '48, with plenty of good sleighing. River closed in 1858, November 15. The Frost King did get control in a few days and gave the General all he wanted. See annexed: December 8—Mercury at 7 o'clock a. m. 8 degrees below zero. " 9 " " o " "12 " " 2 " above zero. "12 " 7 o'clock p. m. 8 " " River closed, but opened again on the 13th below Walker's Point bridge. The boys were skating above there on the 15th. Early Ship Building. Ship building in Milwaukee dates from the infancy of its settlement by the whites, the first vessel, the schooner Solomon Juneau,* of ninety tons burden, having been built upon the east bank of the Milwaukee River, at (or near) the intersection of North Water street and Broadway, by Capt. George Barber, in the winter of 1836. See Vol, I., Author's Pioneer History, page 86.f She was followed by the little steamer Badger in 1837 (ibid, page 116), from which time the business was carried on to a greater or less extent by our citizens at various points, without the establishment of any permanent yard, prominent among whom was the late David Merrill, George D. Dousman, Clark Shepardson, J. A. Helfenstein, Daniel Newhall, Robert K. Caswell, Capts. James and William Porter and * She was the first two-masted vessel. There was a small sloop (or at least it is claimed that there was) called the Wenona, of thirty tons burden, built by Capt. Barber for William Brown, Jr., for a lighter, previous to that, but of the truth of this I have no knowledge. t It was there stated, upon what was supposed to be good authority, that this pioneer craft was lost on Lake Ontario. This has, however, proved to be incorrect. She was lost at Milwaukee, at or near the foot of Chicago street, in the fall of 1846, while in charge of the late Capt. Jas. Doyle, who, in attempting to make the harbor, mistook a light in a dwelling on shore for the pier light, thus causing her, after a varied life of ten years, to lay her bones at rest within less than a mile of the spot from where she was launched. Sic transit. 18 286 MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. others, who built in all some fifty vessels prior to 1852,* when the nucleus of the present mammoth plant, now known as Wolf & Davidson's Ship Yard, Was started by Jas. M. Jones upon what is now known as Jones' Island,f upon that portion then occupied by the late Caleb Harrison with a Marine Railway,^ which Jones also purchased, and near which he also erected a sawmill for the purpose of sawing ship timber. This was the first mill ever erected in the city for such uses. Here Jones did an extensive business in building and repairing vessels. Among those built by him at this yard, and other points, were the Advance, barque Badger State,§ schooners Emily, D. O. Dickinson, Milwaukee Belle, Norway, Fred. Hill. Adda, Indus, May Queen, Undine, Odin, J. M. Jones, the barques Shanghai, Hans Crocker, schooners Driver, Brilliant, and the propeller Allegany. Upon the advent of this propeller, the first one ever built here, the Milwaukee Sentinel had the following puff: The Propeller Alleghany. This new propeller, the first ever launched in our waters, is now lying in the river, about ready for sea. She was built by Jas. M. Jones, Esq., for the American Transportation Company, to replace the old Alleghany, wrecked in our bay last fall. Her dimensions are: 113 feet long, 28 feet beam, 12 feet 6 inches depth of hold, measuring about 600 tons. She was moulded and constructed under the direction of John W. Capes, and superintended, on the part of the company, by Captain S. Alexander. Captain A. S. Curtiss, of the former Alleghany, will command her, and she has been fitted out under his immediate supervision. * For a complete list of the men who were foremost in investing their capital in vessel property, in the infancy of the business, the reader is referred to the table in Vol. III., page 485. Also for the names of the master mechanics who built them. Of these, Capt. Samuel Fannin is supposed to be living in Oregon, or California, Capt. Geo. Barber died at Sioux Falls, Dakota, in 1881, Jas. M. Jones is carrying on the business at Detroit, and Alfred Gilson is a resident of Oshkosh. t So called on account of his establishing a yard there. J Caleb Harrison, who was always at something useful in a mechanical way, had constructed a marine railway at that point, for the purpose of hauling out vessels, no floating dock at that time having been constructed. \ Built upon the south side of the Menomonee River, where the present St. Paul Freight House, No. 6, now stands. She was launched sideways. She was built in 1853, for Thos. P. Williams and Chas. H. Wheeler, and is I believe still afloat. The frame of this vessel was drafted by John B. Merrill in the garret of the old John Childs' house, now the residence of Hon. Geo. H. Paul, and known as Nos. 321 and 323 Hanover street. MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. 287 The joiner work, which will compare with any on the lakes, was arranged and put up under the superintendence of Mr. J. P. Wilson, of New York. The ornamental painting and gilding was done by Messrs. Lane & Corbusier, of this city, and is a first-rate job throughout, both as to taste and finish. We do not think a more neatly painted cabin is to be found on our seas. The carving is the handiwork of E. H. White, of this city, and is a most creditable sample of his skill. The engine is the one formerly in the old Alleghany, but it has been thoroughly refitted, improved and put under the direction of Mr. Lawrence, the repairs and alterations being made at the works of the Messrs. Lee. The coppersmithing and plumbing was done at the shop of Messrs. Read & Felthausen. The furniture and decorations came from Bradford Bros, and Seaman & Wing. In short, the propeller was built, fitted and furnished complete by the mechanics and dealers of our own city, and her neat, finished and tasteful appearance reflects credit upon all concerned in her construction and equipment. The result shows that we have every facility here for building and fitting out steamers as well as sail vessels, and we see no reason wThy Milwaukee cannot henceforth successfully compete in this business with any city on the lakes Certainly, the Alleghany and the Hans Crocker, both launched from Jones' ship-yard this season, can safely challenge comparison with anything afloat on our inland seas, and are splendid specimens of Milwaukee-built steam and sail crafts. She was an unfortunate craft at first, as besides the accident at her launching,* she got a hole stove in her shortly after and sank. See annexed: Peopeller Alleghany. This unfortunate craft lies on the bottom of the river, heeled over so that the starboard side is under water, in front of the Chequered warehouse dock. Every attempt to raise her so as to get at the leak seems to fail. Two of the marine pumps have been tried and failed to clear her. Floating docks have been applied without success. The schooner Napoleon is now moored alongside, and large timbers passed across to the arches of the propeller, so as to get a purchase upon her, but the operation did not seem to succeed. It is a pity that such a fine craft should be in jeopardy for want of a good dry dock at this port for vessels of her class. She was finally raised, repaired and ran for several years for freight and passengers between Chicago and Buffalo, and s now (1885) owned at Tonawanda, N. Y., and running in the lumber trade between that village and East Saginaw, Mich. The money lost in the construction of this propeller, coupled with the stringency of the money market in 1857, was too much for *She was launched stern foremost, but owing to the shallowness of the water, as well as the softness of the ground upon the island, her stern had hardly reached the water before her ways spread and she stuck upon the ground, and where she remained over a month before she was released. This accident cost Jones (including demurrage) over $10,000. The general foreman of this yard at that time was William H. Wolf, while Theodore Lawrence had charge of the marine railway, which Jones still used for the repairing of vessels. 288 MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. Jones, and he, with many others who were in debt, went into liquidation, which virtually suspended the work in the yard (except general repairing) until 1858, when the assets passed into the hands of Buel B. Jones, who at once removed the plant to the site of the present Elevator A, upon the Menomonee river, southeast corner of Oregon and Hanover streets, where he built the brigantines Chas. G. Breed, Tanner and Hanover, and in the winter of i860 and 1861 the barques Constitution and Golden West, Thos. Davidson (who came from the island as foreman for B. B. Jones in 1858) having charge of the work in the construction of the Constitution, and J. M. Jones of the Golden West. The success attending the building of these vessels resulted in the formation of a copartnership by Lemuel Ellsworth and Thos. Davidson with B. B. Jones, under the title of Ellsworth, Davidson & Jones, which continued until the spring of 1862, when Jones retired and the firm became Ellsworth & Davidson, who carried on the business until the spring of 1863, when they bought out the yards of Wolf & Lawrence,* at the foot of Biddle street, in the present Seventh ward, to which they at once removed their Menomonee yard, and where they carried on the business on a large scale. Among the vessels built there was the celebrated barquentine Nelson, one of the finest as well as fastest ever built in Milwaukee. They remained here until 1867, when Mr. Wolff repurchased Ellsworth's interest, and the firm became Wolf & Davidson, under which title it has remained until the present time. The new firm remained at Biddle street until 1868, when, having outgrown their quarters, they removed to their present location at *William H. Wolf and Theodore Lawrence, mention of whom has previously been made as foremen in the original plant upon Jones' Island, had, upon the failure of Jones in 1857, formed a copartnership for the construction of fish and yawl boats, which they carried on for a year or more in connection with vessel work, when, wishing to enlarge their facilities, they built a floating dock, the largest at that time upon the lake, which they had located at the foot of Biddle street, and where they were doing a large business in general vessel work. f Mr. Wolf, upon the sale to Ellsworth & Davidson in 1863, went into the same business at Fort Howard, Green Bay, where he built among other craft the side-wheel steamer G. L. Dunlap, the propeller Favorite, the schooners Columbia, Winnie Wing, Lottie Wolf and the Minnie Slawson, besides doing a large business in lumber, and where he remained until he returned to Milwaukee and repurchased his former interest, as stated in the text. MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. 289 the foot of Washington street, thereby restoring the plant to within a stone's throw of its birth-place, and where, under the good management of its energetic proprietors, it his grown to gigantic proportions. It now covers nine acres of ground,* upon which, besides the buildings incident to and necessary for such a plant, they have nine floating docks, besides one stationary dry dock 325 feet in length, capable of holding the largest vessels upon the lakes; they also have a branch yard in Chicago, in which are two dry and several floating docks, and where they also do an immense business. Their average working force is two hundred. SucK in brief, is the history of this mammoth ship yard, which from small beginnings has grown to its present status, without a break except as to ownership, and whose present proprietors were among its first employees. Commencing at the foot of the ladder, they have worked steadily up until they have reached the top—the sure result of doing honest work, coupled with good judgment and economy. Among the vessels constructed at this yard since the formation of the present firm are the following: Schooners Resumption, Ford River, Penokee, Geo. G. Houghton, Typo, and Lem. Ellsworth; barques Angus Smith, Joseph Paige, Marengo, Alice B. Norris, Saveland, Moonlight; the steamships Minnesota, Business, Jim Sheriff; sidewheel steamer Flora; the steamship Progress; besides small vessels ad infinitum^ And have now, January, 1886, on the stocks, a 1,600-ton steam barge, to be completed about September 1. She is intended for the market. Her dimensions will be 218 feet keel, 37 feet beam, and 23 feet deep. She is to be double-decked, iron-strapped, and as strong as wood and iron will make her. She is to have a fore-and-aft compound engine, which has not yet *In addition to which they have a branch yard for the manufacture of deck plank and cabins, and where they also do a general business in planed lumber. f The localities where several of these vessels were set np (not previousyl given) were as follows: The S. R. Marvin and the Michael Dousman were built between the north end of Clinton and the present Ferry street, at what is now Nos. 264 and 266 South Water street; the Nucleus a little east of the Elevator known as Angus Smith's A., and the Mary G. Bonesteel at the foot of Detroit street; the Nebraska at the foot of Prairie street in the Second ward. Could the exact locality where all these early vessels were built be obtained, it would form an interesting scrap for some future historian. But it will probably never be done. 290 MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. been contracted for, and steel boiler. Her cost will be about $100,000. Biographical and Personal. William H. Wolf, the senior member, as well as the financial head of this firm, is a native of Germany, having been born near the village of Mientz, on the River Rhine, on the 7th day of August, 1828, from whence he came to America in 1836, and to Milwaukee first in 1849, on an exploring tour, remaining a short time, after which he visited other parts of the country, but finding nothing which suited him better, he returned again in 1853 to stay, his first work, as previously stated, being at Jones' Island, first as a journeyman and subsequently as foreman for J. M. Jones. In person, Mr. Wolf is of the medium height, compactly built, is very muscular, and capable of great physical endurance. He has a large head, a large, expressive and somewhat protruding blue eye, in which a mischievous smile will often be seen lurking, a florid complexion, and in personal characteristics is wholly unlike his partner. He has a strong, powerful voice, speaks very distinctly, is brusque in manner, has a nervous temperament, and is no wise diffident in expressing his sentiments upon any matter in which he may have an interest, and if opposed will be found on the ' bull " side every time and always ready to face the music, and is a hard man to beat. He is a keen observer of men, reads character readily, makes up his mind what he wants to do and then does it. He has good executive ability, is very aggressive, and, like Jas. Kneeland, always acts upon his own judgment, never asking or taking advice from any one, and consequently as a rule always wins. He is a very good diplomat, seldom taken off his guard, is fond of argument, will often have his antagonist badly tangled up before he is aware of it, and as a repository of anecdotes (with which he is usually loaded to the muzzle) is the Abraham Lincoln of the Cream City, and like him alw7ays has one ready for every occasion. He is a genial companion, has the faculty of making and retaining friends that few who are as outspoken as is he can boast. In political faith he is a thorough going republican, is an active politician, and a very influential man in the party. He has served in MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. 291 the Board of Alderman, where his voice was always heard for the cause of right and justice. In religious faith he is a liberal, his creed consisting in doing what he conceives to be right. In short, the golden rule is the guiding star with him. He is a good friend, and if an enemy an open one. He is fond of music and works of art, loves sociecy, has good conversational powers, and is a general favorite with all who know him. Such are some of the leading characteristics of William H. Wolf. He has reached a high plane as a mechanic, made a good record both as a business man and citizen, and is ranked as one of Milwaukee's representative men. Mr. Davidson, who has the control of the work in the yard for his department, is of an entirely different temperament from Mr. Wolf. He possesses none of the brusque manner so natural to that gentleman, but, on the contrary, is one of the kind who, to use an expression common among railroad men, " goes slow around the curves." He first saw the light among the heather clad hills of uAuld Scotia," having been born at Ayreshire, March 20th, 1828, and possesses to a remarkable degree the cautious and methodical ways for which that historic race from which he sprung are so renowned. He first came to Milwaukee in July, 1855, his first employment after his arrival being as journeyman for J. M. Jones, which continued until the failure of that gentleman in 1857, and the sale to Buel B. Jones in 1858, when, upon the removal of the plant to the Menomonee, he was appointed to and accepted the position of foreman, which he held until the spring of 1861, when, as already seen, he became a member of the new firm of Ellsworth & Davidson, and B. B. Jones, since which time to the present (with the changes in partners previously mentioned) he has continued in business the last eighteen years, the firm having been Wolf & Davidson. In person, Mr. Davidson is in height a little above the average, weighs about 160 pounds, and belongs to that class of men whose muscular development is perfect. He too has a large head, a large face, square cut features, has a clear blue eye, which when conversing with any one is fixed upon that person with a look that seems to read his thoughts. He is not nervous, always cool and collected, is very reticent, dislikes change, is fond of his friends, and will cling to them to the last, often to his own disadvantage. 292 MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. He is also very conscientious and believes in doing right, is slow to anger, but if once aroused the old Scotch blood comes to the front and he will fight to the last for what he conceives to be his right. His likes and dislikes are very strong. He is a splendid mechanic, understands all the technical points connected with shipbuilding, depends on his own judgment, keeps his own counsel, wants every one in his employ to do just as he is told and ask no questions, and will take no back talk from any one. In political faith he is a Republican, but not a politician. In religious faith his motto is the Golden Rule. Mr. Davidson, like Mr. Wolf, has reached the autumn of life, and like him can look back with just pride upon the record he has made, both as a business man and model citizen, and has won the respect as well as the confidence of all who know him. That his pleasant face and stalwart form, as well as Mr. Wolf's, may be seen upon our streets for many years to come is certainly the wish of all who know them. This firm is noted for the length of time it retains its employees, among whom is their confidential clerk, Stephen R. Smith. Mr. Smith was born at Troy, N. Y., May 13, 1843, came to Milwaukee in 1854, and went into his present office in 1863, since which time to the present he has held the keys and is one of the fixtures. He is a splendid book-keeper as well as an accountant, and handles a pen with a rapidity and skill which makes him an invaluable acquisition. Few men in the city have filled a similar position for one house for as long a period. Besides Mr. Smith's qualifications as a book-keeper he is also a fine musician, and has manipulated the keys of the organ in Hanover street church for the last twenty years, a longer period than any other organist in the city. Mr. Smith, who is yet comparatively a young man, was also one of those who went to the front in the late rebellion as a member of the Twenty-fourth Wisconsin, and was wounded at the battle of Stone River. He is one of the kind of men who are always ready to do their whole duty, and is justly entitled to the position he has attained both as a business man and useful citizen. MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. 293 Biographical. David Merrill, whose name appears in connection with this sketch, was a very prominent man among the early ship-builders and furnished the funds, in whole or in part, to construct several vessels, particularly the barque Nucleus, the schooner Michael Dousman, the S. R. Marvin, and perhaps others. He was a wide-awake, energetic man, and very aggressive, and generally accomplished all he undertook, while at the same time he was a very kind-hearted man. He disliked all sort of wrong-doing, always acted on the square, and wanted no dealings with any one who did not. He was no talker, but more of an actor, and left a good name among his brother pioneers. He was a native of the old Pine Tree state (Maine), and was the father of our well known fellow-citizens, W. P. and J. B. Merrill, of this city, and Hiram Merrill, of Janesville. He was born December 12, 1793, and came to Milwaukee February 25, 1837, where he died March 12, 1872. He was buried in Forest Home. Peace to his memory. The Milwaukee Shipyard Company (the old Allen McClellan yard) was chartered in 1874, with a working capital of $50,000. President, John Fitzgerald; secretary and treasurer, A. M. Joys. The master mechanics are Robert Allen and Louis Pahlow. This yard is situated on VogePs Island. Their working force when in full blast is one hundred men. They turn out $100,000 worth of work yearly. Among the vessels built here since the organization of the company are the three-masted schooner Myosotis and the steamer R. G. Peters. This company has two sets of sectional docks and a dry-dock capable of lifting a vessel of fifteen hundred tons. A Correction. The statement in the History of Milwaukee, published in 1881 by the Western Historical Company, page 439, concerning the advent of the old steamer Detroit, in 1837, would imply that she was also built here. This is not so. She was an old boat when she came, and was purchased for the occasion. 294 MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. Improvements. The Jonathan L. Peirce and John Esh blocks, southwest corner of Wells and West Water streets, was erected this year. There were also seventy-five buildings, costing $88,000, erected in the Fifth ward; thirty-four, costing $50,000, in the Sixth ward ; fifty, costing $358,000, in the Seventh ward, and fifty-four, costing $901,-300 in the Fourth ward. Some of these were commenced in 1857 but completed in 1858. It is not claimed that this list is perfect, but it is as near correct (as far as it goes) as can be expected at this late day. The following are a few included in this list of which I will make a special mention : First is the addition to the Albany, erected by the late James S. Brown. Addition to the Albany. Among the many substantial and elegant buildings commenced in our city last fall and completed during the present winter, that erected by James S. Brown, Esq., on Main street, south of and adjoining the Albany, and of which it is to be a part, may fairly claim the palm for the beauty, novelty and completeness of its interior arrangements. It is a three-story brick building, 40 feet front by 120 deep, with a high peaked and slate-covered roof. The facade is neat and plain, corresponding very nearly with that of the Albany. The first, or ground floor, is designed for a first-class restaurant, and is provided with every convenience required for such an establishment. The second story, which forms one single apartment, is to be occupied as a billiard hall, and will be one of the largest, as it certainly is the most elegant, halls in the country. It is 118 feet long by 39 wide, and of corresponding height; lighted at either end with four long windows, and abundantly provided with gas lustres for the evening. The walls and ceiling are painted in distemper by Mr. F. A. Lydston, late of Springfield, Mass., an artist of great promise, who is about to make Milwaukee his home. The third story of Mr. Brown's building is divided into a rotunda and four side rooms. Two of these, on the front, will be occupied as family rooms by Mr. Dickinson. One of those in the rear is intended for a dressing room; the other communicates, by a dumb waiter, with the restaurant on the first floor, and will be used as a refreshment room. But the peculiar feature of this story, and the gem of the building, is the rotunda. This is an oval-shaped apartment, with arched ceiling, of artistic design and most graceful proportions. It is 74 feet in length by 38 wide, and 35 in the clear. The ceiling is dome-like in form, divided into panels, and, with the walls, of purest white. At the top is a skylight of ground and tinted glass, corresponding, in shape and proportions, with the room itself. Around the walls are thirteen niches, 7 J feet high, 3 feet wide and 1J in depth, each of which is occupied by a graceful and appropriate plaster cast, copied from models of Grecian statuary. These figures are not only good in themselves, but greatly enhance the beauty of the apartment. They are the handiwork of MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. 295 Joseph Nicollet, whose residence is on Huron street, between Milwaukee and Main. The room is abundantly lighted in the daytime by the skylight of the dome, while at night forty-nine gas lustres will eclipse the brilliancy of the day. This elegant apartment, certainly the handsomest we know of anywhere, is designed either for a supper room in connection with the grand ball room of the Albany, or for a picture gallery, or for a concert, lecture or ball room, when not over five hundred persons are expected. The rotunda communicates by two ample passage-ways with the Albany. The whole building is a credit to the enterprising owner and an ornament to the city. The masonry was done by James Allen, the carpenter work by Babcock Brothers, and Mr. Dillenburg was the architect. They may all well feel a just pride in this work of their hands and monument of their skill. This building stood directly south of and adjoining the Albany Hall, its site being now occupied by the chamber of commerce. It was an attachment in part to the Albany. Bonesteel's new store, now No. 381 East Water street, was built this year and, according to the Wisconsin, was the wonder of the age. Nearly the whole of the front of the first story, says the editor, was of glass, immense plates, 3x2^ feet, costing $400, and it contained two hundred feet of solid mahogany counters. But, alas, all the primeval glories of that famous store have become a thing of the past, arid as I stood gazing upon it to-day (October 18, 1884) the face and form of John N. Bonesteel came to view in memory's eye. Its habits (/. e., the store,) were regular. It opened every morning (Sundays excepted) at 7 a. m. and closed at 8 p. m., old style. J. N. Bonesteel is at present a resident of the city of Brooklyn, N. Y. The Mabbett & Breed block,* northeast corner of Reed and Lake streets, was built this year. It was a wonder when built, but is of little account to-day. The Byron block, now Nos. 620 to 630 Grand avenue. Elevator A (now C), by Jesse Hoyt and Angus Smith; 200 by 70 feet wide and 98 feet high; master mechanic, Alex Miller. The first cargo shipped from this elevator was by the W. J. Whaling, November 26, 1858. *Hiram Mabbett and Charles Breed. 296 MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. Organ Manufactory. An organ manufactory was established this year by Chas. E. Le Droit and John O'Brien. They erected the first church organ ever built in Milwaukee, the one formerly used in the old First Baptist church on Wisconsin street, wdiere Chapman's store now stands. Mr. Le Droit was from Montreal. He died many years ago. I think Mr. O'Brien is still living. Those Early Sheboygan Houses. In the Milwaukee Sentinel of July 13th, 1885, was the following: All the Way from Sheboygan. An Emigrant to Milwaukee Who Brought his House Along with Him. " There are a number of old landmarks in Milwaukee that have queer histories," said an old citizen yesterday, "and among the most celebrated of the lot is a house of fair appearance, located on Fifteenth street, between Wells and Cedar. The house was built at Sheboygan, in this State, in 1836, by Wm. Farnsworth, one of the first settlers of the country. He was a fur trader and a great friend of Solomon Juneau's. In that year Sheboygan showed great promise of being a leading trading post, and of eventually becoming a metropolis, but it was a failure as a trading post, and as soon as the town showed signs of weakness, those who had erected houses took them apart as much as possible, placed them on scows and started for other points. Among the lot was the Farnsworth residence. It was landed at the piers here, and hauled in sections to the spot where Alexander Mitchell's greenhouse now stands, at the corner of Grand Avenue and Tenth streets. It was again erected and sold to Judge A. D. Smith, who resided there from 1840 until a few years after, I don't remember how many, when it was removed to its present site. The house was occupied until recently by Louis Eindskopf and family." This statement is incorrect. There were some four buildings removed from Sheboygan, and one or two from Port Washington, to Milwaukee, between 1837 and 1841, one of which was the Wells' Block mentioned, and cut given, in Vol. II., page 180, burnt in the great fire of 1845. One of the old frames, now standing upon the southwest corner of Milwaukee and Michigan streets, was also brought from Sheboygan by the late Richard Hackett. But the Farnsworth buildings were placed upon Jackson street, at what is now Nos. 419 and 421, and pulled down or removed about four years since, to make room for the present double brick erected upon their site. MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. 297 It is true that Judge Smith li\ ed in one of these old Farnsworth houses on Jackson street for a short time, and I believe Alex. Mitchell. But the dwelling upon Grand Avenue and Tenth street was erected by Judge A. D. Smith in 1850, at a cost of $1,700, see Vol. III., page 28, and was the first one ever erected upon that corner, where he resided until his death in 1863, after which it was sold to the late Alonzo Fowler,* who died there, and his son, William H. Fowler, sold it to Alex. Mitchell, who, as there stated, sold it to Louis Rinds-kopf for $850, who removed it to its present location. Mr. Farnsworth never lived upon the West Side, and never spent a year in Milwaukee all put together. * This gentleman's name is given in Vol. III., page 282, as Chas. E. It should have been Alonzo. CHAPTER VI. 1859. Opening Address—The Weather—Political Trickery—Reports of the County Officials—Legislative—The New Charter, and the Fight on Its Passage—The Result—The Mayor's Report—Comments Thereon—A Call for a Mass Meeting at Albany Hall—The Result—An Attempt to Divide the Third Ward— St. Andrew's Society Formally Organized—Jas. Siddell—Grain in Store— Horse Overboard—Swine Ditto—A Cow-Slip—The Spring Campaign—A People's Convention—Candidates Nominated—The Democratic Convention— The Result—Major Fut Wins the Prize—Comments of the Sentinel Upon E. L. H. Gardner's Nomination—New School Opened—School Census—Ought to Be in School—And These Ought to Be Whipped—Report—Page vs. Prentiss—Page Gets Left—The Plot Thickens—J. T. Perkins Wants More Light —J. C. Starkweather Gets a Fall—The M. S. Scott Goes to Europe—The Germans in America—July 4th Celebration—The Hog Nuisance—Mr. Pat Mc-Ginnis Makes His Maiden Speech—Likewise Did Misther O'Conner—Editorial Sparring—The Horse Railroad—Sam Piatt Gets a Bible—Father John Rosebeck on the War-Path—The Arrival of the New Steamers, the Detroit and Milwaukee—An Affair of Honor—The Old Blind Singer—How a Milwaukee Carpenter Got a Floor Taken Up—The Eagle Mill, Sketch—The Phoenix—The Brewing Interest—The Empire Brewery of Phillip Best & Co. —Wm. P. Young's Block Burnt—The Sentinel Gets Spooney—Wouldn't Call Him Judge—The Old Market House—An Attempt to Divide the County—Political—The Republicans Win—P. Van Vechten Scores the News— Winter Coming—Population—Improvements—The First Town Election— The Semi-Centennial—Statistical. The winter of 1858-9 opened cold. The previous fall, as has been seen, was not of the Indian summer character of 1857-8, or even of the present one (1884-5). True. September and a few of the first days in October were very fine, but with the commencement of December the scene changed. The thermometer began seeking winter quarters very rapidly, ranging as low as 8° below on the 8th, which froze the river solid. It opened again on the 13th below Walker's Point, but above there it remained frozen until the last of the month, when it began to soften up a little, and January 2 we find the following 'plaint from General King in the Sentinel* which reads as though it had thawed some. And it had: *The Sentinel came out in an entire new dress January 1, 1859. MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. 299 The weather still continues drop-sical. For a week wTe have had scarcely enough sunshine to write by. We would this " winter of our discontent" could be made "glorious summer" for a day or two by a little solar effulgence, if it were only to thaw out the housed fair ones and set the hoops rolling once more. As we write, there is every appearance of another rain (of terror). If those little mud fairies at the crossings could sweep the india ink out of our sky with the same success they display in scattering the mire of our streets, they might reap a harvest of pennies, at least from the be-nighted editors. The General refers to the subject again on the 6th, thusly: O tempo, O mud! "Terra firma" is as unstable as an ocean of soft soap.* Mother Earth looks like a badly compounded jelly—our streets hardly passable. If we were a poet (which we are not), what a beautiful "thaw-it" might be composed out of the present state of the weather. White stockings dance over the crossings as though they were afraid of being ad-mired, and the damp rascals who scrape the crossings with damp sponges have a very persistent way as they stick out their little palms for the money. Whereupon some modern Hiawatha, thinking this did not reach the case, tries his hand at it in the following ditty: The Weather Yesterday. When we wroke up in the morning Janus over all, his banner White and pure had just unfolded And the summer air that recent Made us talk of spring and flowers, Was dead and decked in white array. But we mourned not as the snowflakes Shrouded all our vernal wishings, Mourned not at the death of sunlight, But with prophet ken we uttered Huge predictions for the morrow. How the cold and gloomy storm wind, With its cold and downy burthen, Would not with the weight of winter, Smother out those promised sleigh rides, Would not chill the cheery jingle, Jingle of the fleeting cutter, With its load of furs and whalebone. Then we laughed as fell the snowflakes, Laughed and rubbed our hands together, As we watched the tiny crystals Building up the path of pleasure. five o'clock p. m. Now, alas for human wisdom, All our hopes and all the snowflakes, Like the promised joys of riches, Like the visions of the school-boy, All have vanished into tear-drops, Leaving nothing but the sighing, Sighing of the watery south wind. *And the mud did resemble that article as far as its slippery qualities were concerned . 300 MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. The river soon closed again above Walker's Point bridge, where the youth of both sexes (and occasionally some who were not so young) could be seen almost every day gliding over the ice. But below the bridge it was kept open by the boats. The river opened this spring April i, and April 2 brought us our first boat from below, the steamer City of Cleveland, after which we could truly say that spring had come. Politically the past year had been a stormy one. A fearful amount of lying, or, to put it in a milder form, prevaricating, had been done by the Democratic papers, in order to shield the thieves then under suspicion for robbing the public treasury, in which laudable effort they had the aid of the leaders, or at least some of them, and who were doing all in their power to prevent any further investigation. But it availed them not, for the hands of the people were not stayed until the whole villainy was exposed and the thieves, or at least some ol them (the small fry), brought to justice and others driven from the country. But notwithstanding all this the amount of improvements during the past year had been very large, and for those days some of the buildings erected were quite expensive. But the financial crash of 1857, caused by the over-issue of bonds to railroads (all of which were eventually paid by the city), and of city bonds for municipal purposes, kept the tax-payers in irons, so to speak, for several years. The business of the year opened with the reports of the different city and county officials, prominent among which was that of the jailor, who gave the number of commitments as 687, of which number 78 were females; of the whole number, 175 could neither read nor write, and 82 of these were under sixteen years of age. As to their nationality, 258 were Irish, 18 were Scotch, 105 were American (natives), 89 were English, 6 were Norwegians, 8 were Canadians, 2 were Welshmen, 1 Dane, 3 were Hollanders, 174 were German, 8 were French, 9 were negroes, 6 were Swedes, and 1 Bohemian; of this number, 47 went to Waupun. Robert Warren, jailor, December 31, 1858. Legislative. The members of the legislature for 1858-9, elected the previous November, were: MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. 30J For the Senate—Cicero Comstock and Patrick Walsh. For the Assembly—Edwin Palmer, Chas. J. Kern, Thos. H. Evis-ton, Jas. A. Swain, Wm. S. Cross, Jos. Walter, Frederick Moscowitz, Jacob Beck and Edward Hasse. This session commenced January 12, 1859, and adjourned March 21, 1859. Erastus D. Canfield, Lieutenant-Governor, president of the senate. William P. Lyon, speaker of the house. The New Charter. This document, for draughting of which mention has already been made of the appointment of a committee, with Judge A. G. Miller as chairman, was formally presented to the Council for examination, January 3d, upon which Councillor Hadley offered a resolution that the communication (as he chose to call it) of Judge Miller be placed on file, and the Charter published six times previous to the 15th, in the Daily News, Seebote, Sentinel, Wisconsin, Free Democrat, and the Grad-Aus, and that the clerk be instructed to call a special election for the last Tuesday in January, for the purpose of its adoption, and that the Atlas be also added to the above list. The mention of the Atlas brought Councillor Andrew McCormick to his feet, with a motion to amend by including the Tomahawk and Scalping Knife* claiming that it was a prominent paper, and came out every day with flying colors.! To which Councillor O. H. Waldo objected, claiming that it would be very improper to publish it in any but the official papers. In this he was sustained by Councillor Hadley, who stated that the paper mentioned was published clandestinely, and had no responsible head. Councillor Lapham thought that if such was the case it had better * A little 7x9 sheet, got up at the Light House (or some out of the way place), but by whom no one but its author knew. It was a spirited little sheet, and a perfect terror to evil-doers and snobs. It was supposed that the real editors of that spicy little sheet were Alexander and John Corbitt. Will the last named gentleman please rise and explain? f A broad grin illuminating the Councillor's classic face as he made the proposition. He was a great wag, and always on the watch for a chance to hit some one. J9 302 MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. be included in the list, because if it had no responsible head there would be no tail to it, and therefore no bill to pay. To which Councillor McCormick replied, that the editor of the Tomahawk and Scalping Knife was a prominent gentleman, and that he was acquainted with him. Upon which Mr. Hadley withdrew his objections. [Laughter.] Councillor McCormick then moved the adoption of his amendment, which was put by the Mayor, William A. Prentiss, a peculiar smile illuminating his counteuance as he did so. Lost. Councillor Hayden then objected to the adoption of the resolution. He believed the publication of the Charter in any other than the official papers would be an unnecessary expenditure.* Councillor Hadley insisted upon the necessity of having it spread broadcast before the people. He thought it contained many excellent provisions, but upon the whole was inadequate to the wants of the city, from the fact that it made no provision whatever for the payment of our debts. He wanted, therefore, that every taxpayer should have an opportunity of seeing it before voting upon it. Councillor Lapham inquired as to what would be the cost of having it published as proposed. Councillor Hadley said he had been informed that it would be about %Zo in each English paper, and about $100 in the German papers. Councillor Waldo said he had not supposed it could be published for that amount, and he would vote for the resolution with the understanding that the cost did not exceed $80 in the English, and $100 in the German language. An amendment to this effect was adopted. At the suggestion of Councillor Biersach, the resolution was amended by allowing $100 to the Seebote only, thus paying $20 for translating, and the other German papers could copy from it, and extending the time for publication to the 20th. The resolution thus amended was adopted. On motion of Councillor Waldo, that portion of the resolution * This I believe was true, as the Judge's reason for omitting such provisions was, that he did not believe a city should ever create a debt. Pay as you go, was his motto. A good and always a safe rule to follow. MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. 303 referring to a special election was rescinded, and referred to Councillor Hadley to be drawn up in different form and reported at the next meeting. After which the Board adjourned. An Unkind Cut.—The New Charter. The Sentinel of January 6th, contained the following upon this subject, entitled: Repudiation. At the meeting of the Board of Councillors, held January 3d, Councillor Jackson Hadley characterized the New Charter as a repudiating instrument. "The idea," says the editor, " of Mr. Hadley accusing his political friend, Judge Miller, of getting up a repudiating Charter. Mr. Hadley might as well accuse the Judge of assumption." The vote upon this Charter, taken February i, was 392 for, and 1,093 against. This Charter was not rejected so much for what it contained as for what it did not contain. It was considered inadequate, inasmuch as it made no provision for paying the city's indebtedness, which made it look like repudiation. Report of the Mayor. The following synopsis of the report made by Hon. William A. Prentiss to the Common Council, January 7th, 1859, is inserted here as a proper part of the city's financial history, in connection with and during the administration of Jas. B. Cross, and is copied from the Milwaukee Sentinel of January 8th, 1859 :* To the Common Council: On the 8th day of May, 1853, an ordinance was passed, authorizing an issue of City Bonds, bearing interest at the rate of ten per cent, per annum, payable semi-annually, to the amount of one hundred thousand dollars, to be used or disposed of only " in the payment of, or in exchange for bonds, and the interest thereon, issued by the City, and in the payment of debts contracted previous to the 6th day of April, A. D. 1858, at not less than par value, as provided by law."' At the same time resolutions were passed, directing the Mayor and Comptroller to proceed to New York, for the purpose of making an arrangement to retire some portion of the City debt; and in compliance with the resolutions referred to, the undersigned, and J. L. Hathaway, Comptroller, soon after left for New York. Immediately after our arrival, we proceeded to engage in the duty *This is the document so persistently called for by Councillor Hadley at the meeting of the Council held October 27th, 1858, mentioned in previous chapter. 304 MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. assigned us; but soon found the credit of the City in such a condition, owing to the non-payment of the principal on certain bonds, and the interest thereon, then past due, and also the interest on a large amount of municipal bonds, previously issued, that no arrangement could be made for the sale of new bonds which were authorized to be issued, under the amendments to the Charter and the ordinance referred to, nor could any exchange be made for past due City indebtedness. The undersigned, and Comptroller, remained in New York nearly two weeks, and made all possible exertions to dispose of the bonds authorized to be issued, with a view to restore the credit of the City to a healthy condition; but all to no purpose. Inquiries wTere made of us at all places as to what amount City bonds had been issued, to aid in the construction of railroads, and what provision had been made for the payment of the interest coupons on the bonds issued to the several companies. Our reply was, that no provision had been made, either for the payment of the principal or interest on these bonds, the city authorities having entirely relied on the securities taken, and the pledges of the officers of the several railroad companies, to meet the interest coupons, as they fell due, and ultimately the principal. Finding all further efforts useless, the undersigned returned with a view to await the collection of the taxes of 1857, which had been extended by the Legislature, calculating that if the interest and sinking fund taxes were paid in, a sufficient sum could be realized to pay off the past due municipal indebtedness, and thereby to some extent we should be able to restore the City credit. After waiting until the 1st of August, and ascertaining from the city treasurer that full one-third part of the city taxes were unpaid, and deeming it important that a further effort should be made to restore our credit in the city of Newr York and other places East, I caused the bonds to be issued, and with the comptroller entered into an arrangement with certain parties to take up a considerable portion of the past due city indebtedness, consisting of matured bonds, the interest due thereon, bills payable, and the interest which had already accrued on the municipal bonds, the principal of which was not yet due. In the arrangement we agreed to furnish $20,000 out of the sinking fund levied for 1857 and the other parties the balance, but owing to the default of the tax-payers, only $10,000 could be obtained from the treasury, which sum was received by the comptroller and his receipt given therefor. For the money thus taken the comptroller will render an account, and return interest coupons and other city indebtedness taken up to a larger amount.* For the labor and expense of taking up the indebtedness referred to, the undersigned and comptroller agreed to pay a small commission, not exceeding 4 per cent., in sinking fund bonds, which had been placed in the Ocean Bank, New York, in March last, by my predecessor. These sinking fund bonds could not then have been solcl for fifty cents on the dollar, but were to be received in payment of the commissions at par. Being unable to obtain the additional $10,000 from the interest and sinking funds, we were obliged to close the matter up, and I herewith report a statement of the city indebtedness in my hands, wdiich has been taken up by a sale of a _ portion of the new issue of bonds, and also herewith return the remaining bonds, which I recommend be canceled.* I deem it proper for the information of the tax-payers of the city to advert to the manner in which a very large amount of city bonds were disposed of by the late administration between the 22d of May, 1857, and the 10th of January, a. d. 1858, and I herewith subjoin a schedule, This part of the report being wholly tabular has been omitted. MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. 305 marked B, taken from the report of E. L. H. Gardner, late city comptroller. It will be seen, from an examination of the schedule, that the sum of $122,073.18 was discounted on the bonds sold during that period to maintain the city credit. During the same period a loan was made of the Farmers' and Millers' Bank, amounting to $90,000, and also a loan of $30,000 of the Juneau Bank, but from the improvident manner in which the public funds had been used during the preceding three years, they failed to pay the indebtedness due the 31st of March, 1858, and the credit of the city was consequently brought into disrepute. 1857. May 22.—Discount on 94 bonds sold by J. B. Cross................ $20,376 31 July —.—Discount on 65 bonds sold by Meyer & Streeken..... 13,000 00 July 16.—Discount on 31 bonds sold by Bell & Co.................. 6,200 00 Aug. 4.—Discount on 25 bonds sold by Bell & Co.................. 4,777 36 Aug. 14.—Discount on 1 bond sold by Bell & Co..................... 103 11 Aug. 14.—Discount on 25 bonds sold by J. B. Cross................ 6,871 95 Aug. 15.—Discount on number not stated nor bv whom sold.. 2,505 81 Oct. 22.—Discount on 5 city bonds sold by Schall & Co........... 2,341 63 Nov. 30.—Discount on 92 city bonds sold by J. B. Cross......... 30,988 67 Dec. 2.—Discount on 66 city bonds sold by Schall & Co.......... 31,075 71 Sept. 2.—Discount on number not stated nor by whom sold... 697 60 1858. Jan. 14.—Discount on 11 city bonds by whom sold not mentioned............................................................... 3,135 03 Total amount of discount on the foregoing bonds............$122,073 19 This exhibit does not show the commissions paid on the sale, and I can find no statement thereof in the report of the late comptroller.* W. A. Prentiss, Mayor. January 7, 1859. Several articles commenting upon the condition of the city finances appeared in the Sentinel, following the publication of this report, prominent among which was the following, from some one signed X., in which the Mayor was very highly complimented for the faithful as well as able manner in which he had performed his duties, in clearing the city of the bad odor that had clung to her from the unwise, as well as illegal, manner in which Mayor Cross had administered the city government. The article stating, among other things, that now our bonds were eagerly sought after by eastern capitalists, while three years ago they were being hawked about the streets for forty-five cents on the dollar.t * Made to Council March I, 1858. f It would appear from this, that little as Mr. Prentiss was able to accomplish by this trip, it was sufficient to largely restore our city credit, and cause our bonds to be sought after once more, which was true. 306 MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. They All Defaulted. As was prognosticated by many of our citizens when the city was so willing to grant subsidies, in the shape of bonds, to aid in the construction of the different lines of railroads entering the city (upon which both principal and interest was to be taken care of by said roads), that said loans would in the end prove to be a gift, came to pass, as they all defaulted, which led Mayor Prentiss to make a report to that effect, to-wit, that the Milwaukee & Watertown, the Milwaukee & Horicon, the Milwaukee & Beloit, and the Milwaukee & Superior, had all defaulted on interest due December 31, 1857, and that the Milwaukee & Mississippi had done likewise upon that due January 1, 1859, thereby adding an additional burden to the already over-tasked tax-payers, and which culminated in the following call in the Sentinel of January 15 for a mass-meeting at Milwaukee's " Fan-ueil Hall" (the Albany), on the 22d, of which the annexed is a copy : Call for a Mass Meeting at Albany Hall. All persons interested in maintaining the credit and character of Milwaukee, and of the whole state, and who believe that something should be done effectually and speedily for that purpose, are invited to meet at Albany Hall, on Saturday evening, the 22d mst., at 7 p. m., to consider such measures as will be called for bv the present emergency. E. Townsend, J. H. Rogers, G. D. Douseman, John H. Tweedy, J. A. Helfenstein, Alex. Mitchell, A. C. May, H. Ludington, Thomas L. Ogden, John H. Van Dyke, L. W. Weeks, James B. Martin, J. A. Phelps, D. A. J. Upham, W. H. Lindwurm, James Kneeland, R. B. Lynch, J. Taylor, John Plankinton,^ A. F. Clarke, J. Magie, * J. Hadley, P. Kane & Son, Bradford Bros., J. B. Cross, Chas. H. Larkin, Sexton Bros., J. K. Bartlett, Chas. F. Illsley, D. Ferguson, John G- Inbusch, Geo. H. Walker, James Johnson, A. R. Chapin, John Finley, D. McDonald, Levi Hubbell, Emil Spangenberg, C. D. Nash, A. R. R. Butler, E. Cramer, J. P. C. Cottrill, G. Pfister, J. R. Brigham, Henrv Williams, H. Crocker. At which Mayor Prentiss presided, and at which the late Judge MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. 307 Levi Hubbell made an eloquent speech upon the rascality that had been practiced by the former city officials, and in consequence of which our present mayor had been grossly insulted in New York city while endeavoring to extricate our city out of the pit into which she had been plunged by the misconduct of these same officials. He was followed by James H. Rogers and John H. Tweedy, after which a committee was appointed, to act in conjunction with the committee from the common council, and report at a meeting to be held at the same place on the 24th, at which they reported as follows :# First—That the people of Milwaukee were never in favor of repudiation. Second—That the city issue new bonds, running from twenty to thirty years, bearing a less rate of interest, and refuse to issue any more or contract any more debts. [Milwaukee Sentinel, January 24, 1859.] After wrhich they adjourned. A partial attempt was made this year to attach that part of the Third ward from Wisconsin to Michigan streets to the Seventh, upon which somebody got off the following: A Sagacious Discovery. The Madison correspondent of the News has discovered that the object of the bill to take a block from the Third and attach it to the Seventh ward is to make the Sevenths Republican ward. The petition for this change is headed by A. G. Miller. The idea of our Federal judge being engaged in a plot to make his own ward Republican is a peculiarly " Sioux " invention. This would have been a singular move on the part of the Judge (with this object in view) but the truth is that the majority of the people in that tier of blocks were the movers, as their status among the unterrified democracy of the bloody Third was not a pleasant one on election days in the olden times; it is somewhat better now. The St. Andrews society was formally organized this year, Jan. 18, at the Newhall House. President, Arthur McArthur; Secretary, Jas. MacAlister; Treasurer, James Murray. Back Again. We observe that our friend James Siddell, the well-known and popular grocery and provision purveyor, is back again in his old business, *This meeting was the first of a series resulting finally in the readjustment act of 1862. 308 MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. after rusticating a year or so in the country. Mr. Siddell's new establishment is in the brick building, corner of Second and Wells street, a few steps from the Oneida street bridge. He has a very neat store,well filled with the choicest goods in the market, and it is enough to induce a call, at least, from his old customers, to know that his sojourn in the country has not at all changed his proverbially pleasant manners, and that he sells groceries just as cheap as of old. Mr. Siddell has been quite a prominent grocer in his day, and has accumulated a handsome fortune, the bulk of which was made during the civil war. He is a good citizen and has a clean record. He has now, however, retired from active business, in favor of his son. Police. Isaac Jacobs, a red man of ye forest, tasted of civilization to excess, and his primitive constitution couldn't stand it. In a word, the firewater he drank riled him considerably, and a policeman took him to the Captain's office to settle. Fined $1. August and Christian Smith were arrested for behaving in anything but an august or Christian manner. The city attorney asked whether they plead guilty or not guilty, to the charge of disorderly conduct. Christian answered, nichts verstay. Miss-----, another member of the family, then testified in a series of nichts verstays, that it was a family jubilee, or free tight, or something else of an entirely domestic nature, and our city attorney, with his known abhorrence at meddling in the private concerns of others, dismissed the case. Grain in Store March 1st, 1859. It has been stated by some of our merchants, that there are over half a million bushels of wheat in store in this city. We think it somewhat exaggerated, and would suggest that they obtain the correct figures. However that may be, that our warehouses have a capacity for holding large quantities of grain, cannot be doubted. The Sentinel of this morning says: The Badger State warehouse, owned by Dan'l Newhall, on Walker's Point, has on the first floor 5,000 barrels of flour, while the upper part of -the building contains no less than 185,000 bushels of grain, the greater portion of which is wheat, making a grand total, including flour, of 210,000 bushels of grain. Mr. Newhall has chartered the schooner L. J. Far well to load from his warehouse at " going rates," upon the opening of navigation. The Farwell drew up to the dock yesterday, and is now taking in the first cargo of the season. Horse Overboard. A singular accident occurred March 2, 1859, to one of the horses then belonging to the late firm of Butler & Post, foot of Mason street (where Benjamin Mock now is) which as it showed the power of endurance possessed by that noble but much abused animal, the horse, I will relate. This horse took it into his head to have a bath, and acting upon the impulse of the moment, slipped his halter, after which he slipped out of the stable, and before any one was aware of Milwaukee uNDEk the CHARtEk. 309 his absence had slipped into the river and nearly reached the middle of that classic stream without going under the ice; and for the next hour Spring street bridge, as well as the roofs of the adjoining buildings, were packed with an excited crowd, anxious to witness the result of this Arctic bath. He was finally rescued, when nearly dead, by G. W. Haack, P. N. Adams and Mr. Bower, by means of a long boat, and was finally brought round all right by means of several hot whiskeys and rubbing. I remember this affair as though il were but yesterday. There were two more of a similar kind, see annexed, at nearly the same time. Sudden Fall in Pork. Two adventurous porcine individuals (sometimes yclept " grunters") foolishly ventured on the ice near Spring street bridge, Saturday afternoon, and when some distance from the shore they broke through, and one of them sunk to rise no'more, but the other kept bobbing up and down for an hour, to the amusement of an excited crowd on the bridge, until a courageous individual, by the aid of a plank, succeeded in rescuing it from a watery grave. An Early Cow-Slip. Yesterday, a cow, supposed by the spectators to belong to somebody, fell into the river, and with true animal instinct, made for the Wisconsin office. After paddling about in the vasty and nasty deep, she was finally rescued by several heroic individuals, one of whom, we are proud to say, is an attache of the distributing department of this journal. This was a cut at uncle Win. E. Cramer. A people's convention called for. See annexed : Call for a People's Convention. At the request of many of our citizens, both republicans and democrats, we publish, this morning, a call for a convention of the people, without distinction of party (who are opposed to the nominations made by the late tax-eaters' convention), to be held at the Common Council Chamber, to-morrow afternoon, at 2 o'clock. The friends of the movement, and all who are in favor of making independent nominations for offices to be filled at the approaching Charter election, are urgently requested to meet at the places named in the call, in their respective wards, this evening, and nominate six delegates from each ward to the city convention. No time is now to be lost, and if those who are opposed to allowing the city government to pass quietly into the hands of the hungry politicians, who controlled the late convention, will only act promptly, they will be sustained by the masses of our people, the credit of our city maintained, and certain defeat will be the doom of the tax-eater. The nominees to this convention, held March 30th, were for 310 MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. Mayor, John G. Inbusch; Comptroller, Cicero Comstock; Treasurer, C. Cotzhausen; Attorney, DeWit C. Davis ; Municipal Judge, Albert Smith; Clerk, J. B. Zander.* S. S. Daggett was chairman, and Ed. Townsend, secretary. The regular democratic convention met the same day at the Courthouse, where the representatives of the democracy arrayed themselves in picturesque order (in the square), and of course the anxious candidates improved this opportunity for laying pipe, in which laudable employment they all appeared to be ubiquitous. But in the amount of craft displayed in the way of button-holeing the delegates, Major Foote (or Phut, as the Irish called him,) appeared to distance all his competitors, each delegate receiving a hearty hand shaking, as well as a knowing wink, from that anxious patriot. The convention was finally called tc order by the late Matt. Keogh from the First ward, after which Edwin DeWolf, that very intelligent school superintendent, was made chairman, and Geo. A. Wardner? secretary, after which a motion was made that each delegate vote viva voce, whereupon one of the delegates arose, and, after blowing his nose (he used no handkerchief), spoke unto the august assembly as follows : Misther Chairman, and I " mane" that they name the man [laughter); concurred in, after which the committee on credentials reported and were discharged. One of the delegates then stated that in his opinion there was altogether too much log-rolling going on to suit him, and made a motion that all but the delegates be put outside, (carried), but not carried into effect, as no one appeared willing to undertake it. The balloting resulted in the nomination of H. L. Page, for mayor; Erastus Foote, for municipal judge; Henry Hilmantel, for clerk, and E. L. H. Gardnerf for comptroller. After which they adjourned. This convention, like most of the democratic gatherings in the olden time, was a scene of noise and sometimes of a li ruction.'' The great part of the confusion at this one, however, grew out of the nomination of Erastus Foote for Police Justice. As his case * There was a public call for Mr. Lapham to run for Mayor, and for Mr. Zander for Clerk. f Ezra L. H. Gardner. MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. 311 came up for ballot when each delegate was to vote viva voce, and at the same time " name the man," the first one called answered Old Foote, the next one Fut, and the third, who was pretty well set up, and had gone to sleep, answered "Here sor." The next, thinking he was in a saloon, and that some one was going to set 'em up, answered Beer. It was a rich scene. The Sentinel of April 6, in commenting upon the nomination of Mr. Gardner, had the following: For the Sentinel. Who Shall be Comptroller? Cicero Comstock was our first Comptroller. He took the office when the city credit was at its lowest ebb; when city orders were held at fifty cents on the dollar, and when the greatest confusion pervaded the city finances. Under his administration order was restored and the city credit raised to its highest point, the city bonds were sold at a premium, and the expenses of the city government were only fifty-one thousand dollars! Under the administration of Mr. Gardiner the old confusion was restored, and became worse confounded; our city bonds went down to fifty cents on the dollar, and the annual tax for 1857, over and above special taxes, was over four hundred thousand dollars. No man has done more than E. H. L. Gardiner to reduce our city to bankruptcy' and render Milwaukee the subject of contempt everywhere. And who are the men who support Gardiner and oppose Comstock ? The men of spoils—the men of contracts and jobs—men who, under the administration of the late Comptroller, could get Street Commissioners' certificates countersigned on contracts four years old—the men who procured the certificates for cleaning the sewer in the Third ward—the men who could procure Street Commissioners' certificates to be countersigned, and issued under contracts which had been annulled, orwThen the work had never been done. Fellow-citizens! Under the Charter as it now is, all bids for jobs are received and opened by the Comptroller. Would you prefer that delicate duty, where fraud and stealing is so easy, to be confided to E. L. H. Gardiner, or to Cicero Comstock ? April 4th, 1859. A Taxpayer. He was elected all the same. His medicine was too strong, as well as the pipes too well laid, and the people had to suffer for a while longer. The election resulted as follows: Mayor—Herman L. Page. Treasurer—Moritz von Baumbach. Comptroller—E. L. H. Gardner. City Attorney—Henry L. Palmer. Police Judge—Erastus Foote.* Citv Engineer—Fred. Schumacher. Deputy—F. S. Blodgett. * The vote for Police Judge stood, Albert Smith, 1,717. Erastus Foote, 8,264. C. Walworth, 2,785. 312 MILWAUKEE UNilER THE CHARTER. City Clerk—Robert B. Lynch. Deputy—Alex. Bolton. Clerk of Municipal Court—Henry Hilraantel. City Assessor—Geo. Cogswell. Chief of Police—William Beck. Bridge Superintendent—Alanson Sweet. Sealer of Weights and Measures—Christian Meyer. City Printers—(English) Jas. Kerr. (German) August Kavell. Official Papers—(English) Daily News. (German) Seehote. Aldermen. First ward—Nicholas O'Neil. Second ward—Joseph A. Phelps. Third ward—Edward Smith. Fourth ward—Samuel C West. Fifth ward—Geo. G. Dousman. Sixth ward—Joseph Philips. Seventh ward—WTm. A. Prentiss. Eighth ward—J. C. U. Niedermann. Ninth ward—J. H. Lippert. S. C. West, President. R. B. Lynch, Secretary. Councillors. First ward—John Lockwood, F. Heineman. Second ward—Henry F. Buening, Louis M. Auer. Third ward—Frank McCormick, John McGrath. Fourth ward—Alex. A. Johnston, John H. Tesch. Fifth ward-^John Rosebeck, Henry Kroeger. Sixth ward—Ernst Herzer, Carl Busach. Seventh ward—William A. Noyes, Victor Schulte. Eighth ward—Edward G. Hayden, Frederick Vogel. Ninth ward—S. H. Rueckertt, J. Laubenheimer. W. A. Noyes, President. R. B. Lynch, Clerk. Council met in Cross's Excelsior Block. Commissioners op Survey. Herman Haertel, John Ogden, I. E. Goodall, Otis B. Hopkins, S. B, Grant, Elisha Eldred, F. Schumacher, Andrew Mitchell, I). W. Keller. A. C. Bergeld.* Assessors. City Assessor—Geo. Cogswell. First ward—Stephen Hoff. Second ward—Jacob Gintz. Third ward—Edward Hackett. Fourth ward—Ambrose Ely. Fifth ward—Patrick Mallen. Sixth ward—Otto Fieburg. Seventh ward—Jas. Murray. Eighth ward—Daniel Keller. Ninth ward —Mathias Human. * This name is certainly misspelled, as no such name appears in the columns of the City Directory for 1859. MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. 313 Justices of the Peace. First ward—Jas. B. Turck. Second ward—Chas. F. Bode. Third ward—William Holland. Fourth ward—D. L. Devo. Fifth ward—C. C. Meyer. Sixth ward—0. Wichelhaus. Seventh ward—Albert Smith. Eighth ward—William A. Tucker. Ninth ward—Abram Vliet. Constables. First ward—Geo. Berkel. Second ward—Chas. Neuman. Third ward—Patrick Fahey. Fourth ward—William Burnes. Fifth ward—F. Holzinger. Sixth ward—Edward Klabatz. Seventh ward—Gottfried Luther. Eighth ward—Nathan Ulman. Ninth ward—John C. Maas. RAILROAD (JoMMlSSJ0NERS. First ward—John Fertig. Second ward—Bernhard Berchel. Third ward—John Jennings. Fourth ward—Chas. Cunningham. Fifth ward—Martin Olson. Sixth ward—Peter Schram. Seventh ward—F. A. B. Becker. Eighth ward—Peter Buckhard. Ninth wTard—A. C. Cron. Fire Department. Chief Engineer—Thos. H. Eviston. First Assistant—John Larkin. Second Assistant—Fred. Heineman. Third Assistant—Jas. O. Byrne. Fire Wardens. First district—William Spence, John Keller. Second district—C Dusolt, Hezekiah Moore. Third district—Jas. O'Brien, Jas. Hay. Fourth district—C. W. Bierbach, P. Jacobus. Fifth district—Pat. Mullen, A. Hallert.* Trustees Fire Department. President—William H. Holland. Vice President—Henry Middleton. Treasurer—Christian Preusser. Collector—C. Reingaas- County Officers. Sheriff—Andrew J. Langworthy. Register of Deeds—Samuel Wiegil. Evidently misspelled. 314 MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. Treasurer—Garret Barry. Surveyor—John Gregory. Coroner—Duncan C. Reed. Under Sheriff—Wm. W. Brown. Deputies—John W. Dunlap, L. Casper, Benj. F. Smith, F. W. Hund-hausen, John C. Crilley. Supervisors. First ward—Nicholas O'Niel. Second ward—Joseph A. Phelps. Third ward—Edward Smith. Fourth ward—Samuel C West. Fifth ward—Geo. G. Dousman. Sixth ward—Jas. Philips. Seventh ward—Wm. A. Prentiss. Eighth ward—J. C. II. Niedermann. Ninth ward—John H. Lippert. Wauwratosa—Andrew Eble. Granville—John Boyd. Milwaukee—Chas. Haupe. Lake—Peter Yates. Greenfield—Peter Lavies, Jr. Oak Creek—Richard Hearty. Franklin—M. J. Egan. M. J. Egan, Chairman. Chas. F. Kasten, Clerk. Police were the same as 1858. School Commissioners. First ward—Dennis Culligan and Nelson Ludington.* Second ward—C T. Bond and A. J. Langworthy. Third ward—Ed. O'Neill and John Shortell. Fourth ward—John A. Seger and H. H. West. Fifth ward—Duncan C. Reed and Edwin DeWolf. Sixth ward— Seventh ward—Albert Bade and Rufus King. Eighth ward—Geo. B. Bingham and Geo. Burnham. Ninth ward—Samuel Brown and Henry Hilmantel. Schools. There were nine Public and two High Schools, the latter being in the Second and Seventh wards, the Principals of which were: First ward—A. Markham. Second ward—F. W. Spaulding. Second ward High School—E. P. Larkin. Third ward—Fenimore C. Pomeroy. Fourth ward—D. C Davis. Fifth ward—J. E. Bate man. Sixth ward—H. W. Spaulding. Seventh ward—H. B. Coe. Seventh ward Hi^h School—J. G. McKindlv-t Eighth ward—J. Todd. Ninth ward—G. H. Dimmick. * There were but two from each ward this year. f New School.—The New School building, the present Seventh ward, was open the first time for pupils January 13th, 1858. MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. 315 List of teachers same as in 1858, nearly. There were also eight select and secular schools. School Census. The number of children between four and twenty years of age, as shown by a census taken by J. A. Segar, under the direction of the school board, in 1859, was as follows: 1858. 1859. First ward......................................... 1,635 1,705 Second ward..................................... 1,343 1,293 Third ward........................................ 1,639 1,588 Fourth ward..................................... 1,390 1,544 Fifth ward........................................ 1.391 1,588 Sixth ward...................................... 1,397 1,254 Seventh ward................................... 1,584 1,711 Eighth ward..................................... 927 1,292 Ninth ward...................................... 1,998 2,058 Total..........................................13,304 14,033 Showing an increase of 629. Of this number 6,940 were attending school—5,133 in the public and So7 in private schools, the difference between the census report and the school report being 2,162, i. e., the census showed that only 5,133 attended the public schools, while the school report shows the number to have been 7,299. Ought to Go to School. Signs of the Times. Some of the enterprising tradesmen of the Second ward have taken natural but not very pretty means to attract the attention of the world to their several establishments. One—we presume he is a baker—recently finished and displayed the following announcement: "PISE AND KAKES." Another, in Third street, between Chestnut and Prairie, has the following shingle: "MENS AND POYS CLOTHING. And these ought to be whipped soundly: Mud Laeks. We call the attention of our gallant police to a bevy of dirty fairies, otherwise "inud larks," that infest the stairs and landings of the Sentinel building, particularly on rainy days. We have long foreborne bringing them into public notice, feeling sure that some day or other, when sliding down those banisters, one of them would break his or her juvenile neck, and then we would have an item. Having waited long enough for so devout a consummation in vain, and these little wretches 316 MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. having of late taken it into their precocious noddles to besmear the hand railing with tar, whenever the spirit moves them, we now earnestly, pathetically, call upon Mr. Beck to transplant them to some more congenial locality. Chamber of Commerce. No. i Spring street. President—John Bradford. Vice President—Horatio Hill. Treasurer—Orrin E. Britt. Secretary—L. L. Crounse. Board of Directors—L. H. Kellogg, Amos Sawyer, A. L. Hutchinson, L. Sexton, J. Plankinton, D. Ferguson, E. Sanderson, J. H. Crawford and Chas. H. Wheeler. Committee of Reference—L. H. Kellogg, O. E. Britt, Wm. B Hibbard, Angus Smith and L. J. Higby. Standing Committee—S. T. Hooker, F. Layton, E. D. Chapin, N. G. Storrs, Wm. Young, Robert Eliot and L. W. Weeks. Mayor's Report. At the last meeting of the old board, held April 15, Mayor Prentiss presented the following report: Gentlemen of the Common Council: The term for which we were intrusted with the duties of legislating for and protecting the local interests of the people of this city having expired, it becomes my duty to declare this common council dissolved; but before proceeding to make such declaration I deem it not improper briefly to refer to the policy and measures which we have labored to establish during the past year. In my inaugural address, delivered on the 9th day of April last, I stated that the condition of the treasury, the heavy burdens imposed upon our tax-payers, and the large amount of outstanding demands against the city, required as great a reform in our expenditures as would be consistent with a wise economy and the urgent wants of public service. To this object I have devoted my energies throughout the year, and although retrenchment has not been carried to the extent I desired, yet I have confidence to believe that we have set an example of reduction in salaries and other expenditures which, if continued, will enable the incoming administration still further to reduce taxation for the fiscal year ensuing. For the purpose of showing to what extent the taxes for general city and ward purposes have been reduced, I append a statement of the amount levied for the years 1857 and 1858, by which it will be seen that taxation for 1858, on account of the general city and ward expenses, has been lessened the sum of $77,725.78. I also"append hereto a statement of claims audited by the city comptroller and claims not yet audited, which shows the current expenses of the year for ordinary purposes, amounting to $115,147.60. The last-mentioned sum covers the general city and ward expenses for 1858, and the remainder of the taxes, when collected, amounting to MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. 317 about $60,000, can be used in payment of the interest and sinking fund debt. I should have been glad to have reduced the expenditures still further, but circumstances render it impossible. Statement of taxes levied for general city and ward purposes in 1857: Old debt interest fund..........................................................$113,723 85 General city fund................................................................. 48,738 79 Sinking fund........................................................................ 32,492 43 $194,955 07 For ward purposes............................................................... 109,134 27 $304,089 34 Taxes Levied foe the Year 1858. For general city purposes..................................... $59,037 96 For old debt, interest and sinking fund................ 116,230 99 For ward expenses.............................................. 51,094 71 ----------------$226,363 m Less in 1858 than in 1857................................................ $77,725 68 The expenditures for 1858 have been as follows, as appears by the comptroller's book: General city fund.......................................... $5,808 86 Fire department........................................... 9,506 49 Police department......................................... 12,211 64 Bridge tending.............................................. 2,152 63 Bridge repairs............................................... 5,591 46 School houses................................................ 7,591 96 Contingent..................................................... 1,176 18 Printing......................................................... 3,645 96 Books and stationery..................................... 790 66 Salaries......................................................... 8,955 54 Property, etc................................................. 102 83 Total.......................................................$57,534 21 General Fund. First Ward.................................................... $4,450 88 Second Ward................................................. 2,803 06 Third Ward................................................... 8,673 82 Fourth Ward................................................. 3,911 48 Fifth Ward,................................................... 11,267 70 Sixth Ward................................................... 2,514 01 Seventh Ward............................................... 4,289 89 Eighth Ward................................................. 2,646 03 Ninth Ward................................................... 2,056 52 Total.......................................................$42,613 39 Aggregate of city expenses, as above............ $57,534 2L Aggregate of ward expenses, as above.......... 42,613 39 Claims in hands of comptroller, not yet audited..................................................... 15,000 00 Total.....................................................$115,147 60 The above amount does not include any portion of the interest or sinking fund liabilities for the past year. 20 318 MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. At the time we entered upon the discharge of our duties the municipal debt of the city exceeded $750,000, and the liabilities for aid rendered in the construction of the several railroads leading into the city amounted to $1,614,000. This heavy and burdensome debt, connected with the previous loss of the city credit, rendered all efforts abortive to place our beautiful city in the condition it should stand before the world, in relation to the prompt payment of all its obligations; yet I have hopes that if a prudent system of economy is entered into, and carried out for the next four or five years, we shall be able to overcome all the embarrassments connected with our financial matters. It has been my wish throughout the year to bring the expenses of the city to a more rigid basis of economy than had heretofore been practiced; but retrenchment is not so easy or agreeable a policy to establish as expansion, and at the commencement of our duties there were peculiar impediments which rendered success difficult. Among others was the failure on the part of a considerable portion of the property-owners to meet promptly the heavy tax levy for 1857, thereby placing it out of our power to pay but a small portion of the interest debt of the city. I am conscious, however, that I have done everything in my power to bring about a restoration of the city credit, and am willing that our constituents should decide whether all has not been done that could have been under the circumstances. I feel under great obligations to you, gentlemen, for the kindness and courtesy extended to me throughout the year, and the recollection of the friendly relations which have existed between us will remain fresh in my memory through life. William A. Prentiss. This report was commented upon by the incoming mayor, the late Herman L. Page, in his inaugural, in which the statement was made that in place of the indebtedness of the city having been decreased, it had in reality been increased $56,000, without any provision for its payment. To this statement ex-Mayor Prentiss answered in the Sentinel of the 16th, in which he gave Mr. Page the lie square, to which Mr. Page replied on the 18th, endeavoring to substantiate his statement. This was answered by Mr. Prentiss in a way that effectually silenced Mr. Page, and which answer showed Mr. Prentiss to be not only an honest man, but a smart one, and one who was not to be put down by any little dirty political game like the one attempted by Mayor Page. Failing in this attack an attempt was then made by the News to show that Mayor Prentiss should have discharged the whole police force, and made entirely new appointments, claiming that it was an inexcusable blunder on his part in not doing so, adding in closing that, as to his administration— MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. 319 To late we find It leaves a real sting behind.* The Plot Thickens. This attempt not panning out just as they expected, another was made by the then comptroller, E. L. H. Gardiner, to blacken the reputation of the previous administration, by a failure (on his own part) to submit the necessary estimates ($265,244.62) for the fiscal year ending April 1, i860, for which he claimed the administration of 1858 was responsible. The fallacy of this charge was quickly shown by Mr. Prentiss, by the following statement. City Taxes. [For The Daily Sentinel] Mr. Editor:—The city comptroller, on the 25th of last month, submitted his estimate of the amount necessary to be levied for city and ward purposes for the fiscal year ending April 1, 1860. He states that the total valuation of property assessed in the city, is $11,694,809.53, and recommends that the following taxes be levied: To pay current expenses of city government..........................$59,935 90 ' Interest on municipal debt.......................................... 59,935 90 " Ward expenses........................................................... 44,651 82 " Part for construction of new school houses................. 5,000 00 $169,523 62 The common council in pursuance of this recommendation, have proceeded to levy the above taxes, and in addition a school tax of one mill on each dollar of the assessment roll for the purpose of paying the expenses of the public schools in the city for the fiscal year. The latter tax will amount to $11,694.80, making the total levy for general city, ward and schools, $181,218.42. Now I can show that this amount does not cover the expenses of the city government for the fiscal year by a large sum, as a very considerable amount required by law to be levied, has been entirely omitted. An ordinance passed in August, 1856, and now in force, requires the levy annually, of a sinking fund tax, equal to five per cent, of the city indebtedness, and the amendments to the city charter passed in 1858, also provide that the residue of the general city tax, after paying the interest on the city debt and general city expenses, shall be applied to sink the public debt. By an act of the legislature, passed in 1859, reorganizing the board of school commissioners in this city, the common council are required to levy a tax sufficient to pay the overdrafts of the school board in 1858, and also a tax sufficient to pay the annual expenses of the public schools. The levy for these purposes, with the *Mayor Page had discharged all the men on the force when he came in, and placed them, upon being reappointed, under less pay, upon which Policeman Dodge sued the city and recovered a judgment of $200, on the ground that the pay of a city official could neither be increased or diminished during his term of office. And as he was one who held over, that he could not be discharged except for cause. This being a test case, the result was that the whole force had to be paid the same as formerly, thus scoring another for Mayor Prentiss. 320 MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. exception of the one mill school tax, has been entirely omitted. To cover all the requirements of the law, it is absolutely necessary that taxes be levied amounting to $265,644.62, as will be seen by the following exhibit: Old debt interest (being municipal bonds and bank debt)..... $59,935 90 General city expenses.......................................................... 59,935 90 Overdraft of school board (stated by comptroller)................. 25,834 00 School expenses of 1859 (estimated by superintendent, as stated by comptroller.....................$50,075 00 Deduct a sum equal to the amount received from state and county tax in 1858............................. 22,787 00— 27,286 00 Special tax towards payment of new school houses............... 5,000 00 Sinking fund tax required by law for sinking public debt.....................................................$800,000 00— 40,000 00 Ward tax for all the wards reported by comptroller.............. 44,651 82 Amount actually necessary for the fiscal year 1859...........$262,643 62 The comptroller says that the amount of tax necessary for this year is $61,840.02 less than the tax of 1858, and seems to be highly elated with the reform. That his estimate is a fallacy, and a misrepresentation of facts, will be seen at once by the foregoing exhibit. Instead of the tax necessary to be levied for 1859 being $61,840.02 less than in 1858, it is really necessary to levy $84,426.20 more than is estimated for, as will be seen from the foregoing statements. In 1858 the general city tax levied for interest, sinking fund and current expenses was $175,000; for wards, $51,094, making a total of $226,094, being less than what is actually necessary this year, $39,550.62. The comptroller imputes bad faith to the common council of 1858, by charging that it omitted to levy a school tax sufficient to meet the over draft of the school board. No such tax could have been legally levied, as the amendments to the charter limited the amount to $175,000, and this sum would be entirely absorbed in paying the interest on the city debt, current expenses of the year and the sinking fund. The comptroller also says that " the failure to pay the interest on our bonded debt has been a source of much embarrassment to the city officers in retiring the past due bonds in exchange for a new issue. Now, it will be recollected that when the common council came into power, in April, 1858, a very small portion of the taxes of the previous year had been paid, and the treasury was empty. The preceding administration (Democratic to the core, with the present comptroller as the financial officer) had failed to meet the principal and interest on bonds which matured in March, thereby striking a fatal blow to the city credit, thus rendering the common council of 1858 powerless in the matter of meeting any city indebtedness. Was the administration of 1858 therefore blamable in these matters, and is not this whole scheme of levying a tax of only about two-thirds of the actual sum necessary for political effect? I have no doubt that it was gotten up and carried through for that sole purpose, but whether our tax-payers will swallow the pill thus sugared over will be determined on Tuesday next. Wm. A. Prentiss. November 5, 1859. The ability, as well as the honesty, that characterized the administration of William A. Prentiss, was a terrible eyesore to the democracy. It was the only republican administration (up to that time) the city had ever enjoyed, and the exposures it made of the rascal- MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. 321 ities of the democratic leaders, was a hard thing for them to bear. Hence their hostility. They were extremely anxious to wipe it out, but no matter how much they lied, it could not be wiped out, and Mayor Page* et al. were put to shame in every attempt they made to smirch Mr. Prentiss or his administration. They were a lovely crowd, those leaders of the Democratic party in 1859. But their feet all slid in due time, and they passed down the political incline to oblivion, where those who are now wasting their strength in quarreling over the license question and turning the meetings of the common council into a pandemonium are sure to follow. Verily, the way of the transgressor is hard, and the wages of political sin is political death. John T. Perkins wants more light and gets it: Office of Merchants & Traders' Insurance Co., Phoenix Building, Milwaukee, May 6th, '59. Mr. John T. Perkins:—Sir: You ask my opinion of your new Portable Gas Lamp. Well, I have used a good many different kinds of light in my day, among which are rush lights, sperm candles, tallow candles, lard oil, whale oil, camphene, benzine, lightning bugs, pine knots, and kerosene, everything in fact, from a skillet of soap grease to the morning sun, and I say, without hesitation, after three months' trial, that your Gas Lamp is the best and cheapest artificial light I ever used. In this world I want nothing better, and I'll have nothing else. But if I get a little more light in the next, I shall not object. I cannot think of anything more to say in favor of your light; if I could, I would say it. Yours truly, etc., Sidney L. Rood. Milwaukee Light Guard Visit New York. Excursion of the Milwaukee Light Guard.—The Milwaukee Light Guard, Capt. J. C- Starkweather, leave our city, at noon to-day, on their * Herman L. Page, who came to Milwaukee from Nunda, Livingston county, N. Y., in 1844, was a very able man, but like all renegades, was twice as bitter in his hostility to the party from which he had deserted, than are those born in the fold. He came to us an abolitionist, but having high political aspirations (and seeing no other way in which to gratify them) he forswore allegiance to that party and went over to the democracy, body and soul, where, as has been seen, he obtained his reward. But as it happens to all who seek political fame, at the expense of their self-respect, so it happened to him. His feet slid in due time, and he followed his predecessors down the political incline, to that political oblivion from whence no politician has ever returned or ever will. He was a man of fine presence, good business ability, very qu^'ck to see any opening where money was to be made, and while in office accumulated a handsome fortune. Socially Mr. Page was a good representative of the American gentleman, well educated and qualified to fill any position to which he might be called with credit to himself and the community. He was a splendid presiding officer and a prominent Odd Fellow, very ambitious, and terribly aggressive. He died while on a visit to Germany, I think in 1874 or 1875, anc^ at n^s own request was buried there, I believe at Dresden. 322 MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. trip East. They will be accompanied as far as Detroit, and perhaps farther, by a number of our prominent citizens and, as is hoped, by the Governor of the State and the Mayor of Milwaukee. We trust that every member of the M. L. G., while on this somewhat extended tour, will bear in mind, that not only the credit of the company, but the reputation of our City and State, is more or less involved in the conduct of the corps during their excursion. Milwaukee " expects every man to do his duty." The following is Capt. Starkweather's order of march: Head Quarters Mil. Light Guard, May 30th, 1859. Order No. 15- First—Company and Staff officers, privates and band, will be at the Armory on the 6th of June, at 10:30 o'clock a. m. Company will leave for the boat promptly at 11:15 a. m. Dress—Full fatigue, white cross and body belts, knapsacks and shakos. Fatigue cap will be attached by strap to left button of coat at waist in the rear. Overcoats will be packed in and covered by flap of knapsack. Musket covers, with brush broom, hair brush and comb and six pair of white gloves, will be carried in knapsacks. Second—Full dress uniform, with white shoulder knots, will be carefully packed in trunk, together with such citizen's clothing as each man may desire to take. Third—All baggage will be delivered to the baggage master at Armory by 9:05 a. m., on 6th June, and names of persons owning same placed upon his check book and numbered. Fourth—Assessments and subscriptions for trip will be paid to Treasurer before 1 o'clock p. m. of 4th of June. Honorary members will report to the Commanding Officer at Armory on morning of 6th June at 10:30 o'clock. John C. Starkweather, Captain. Capt. John C. Starkweather Gets a Fall. There was a ludicrous incident occurred on the journey, in which our esteemed fellow-citizen, Gen. John C. Starkweather (then the Captain of the Milwaukee Light Guards) got a bad fall. John was proud of his command, and well he might be, for a finer looking or a better drilled company could not be found in the West, and of course at every town where they stopped, while en route, would put them through their paces. Now it happened that the little village at the Falls of Niagara lay in their path, and of course they had a parade, and while crossing the foot bridge into Canada, in order that Her Majesty's loyal subjects might examine their uniforms, it occurred to John that it might be well to see that the boys kept time, and for that purpose he faced about and commenced " advancing backwards" when some obstruction caught his heel, causing him to measure his length upon the floor of the bridge with a force that came near part- MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. 323 ing the cables, his " shako" landing some twenty feet ahead of him. The boys were greatly amused at the mishap, but John wasn't. The M. S. Scott Clears for Europe. The schooner M, S. Scott, Nelson Blend, master, cleared for Europe direct (Liverpool), via the St. Lawrence, May 31, 1859, with a cargo of 170,000 feet of oak, black walnut, ash and maple lumber. She was owned by John Thorson and M. Fosdick. The Scott left Quebec June 30th, and made the run down the river at a rapid rate. She was a splendid sailor. The speed she made caused the pilot (a Frenchman) to remark in his patois, " By Gar! how de shoer (schooner) do go troo de water." She made the run from Quebec to Liverpool in nineteen days; thirty nine from Milwaukee to Liverpool. The Addie also cleared for Providence, R. I , on the 28th, with a similar cargo, from the yard of J. C. Stevens, St. Joseph, Mich. This cargo was shipped by Messrs. Rufus Cheney and S. C. Hall, of Whitewater. There was quite a furor about these shipments at the time, many believing that it was to continue, but as the canals were too small at that time to allow the passage of any but a small class of vessels, it was not repeated. But the time is not distant when it will become a regular channel for a large part of the surplus of the West, and will prove a much cheaper route than through New York with its re-shipments. The Germans in America. The writer has often been asked by his German acquaintances why he does not say something about them and the effect the advent of such a vast horde of the descendants of the old Teutonic races, with all their national characteristics as well as social customs, so different from those of the Puritans, as well as the more liberal and free thinking portion of their descendants, will ultimately have upon our civilization. This, although he does not think that the proper time for such an attempt has come, or will before the close of the present century, if then, he had concluded to do and had prepared a short paper upon that subject. But the Milwaukee Sentinel of Oct. 324 MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. 9, 1883, contains an article from the pen of Hon. Horace Rublee, that, although not lengthy or by any means covering the whole ground, he has concluded to insert here as containing much that is right to the point, and undoubtedly superior to anything he could have written himself, only saying in addition, that for music Germany beats the world. She has also given to the world some of the brightest men it has seen as scientists, and is a land where more intelligence is diffused among the masses than in any other European State. It is also a land where the laws are made to be obeyed and not disobeyed, as is too often done in this country. The Germans in America. The two-hundredth anniversary of the settlement of Germantown was widely celebrated Sunday. Within the past two hundred years some 3,000,000 of Germans have come to this country, and with their direct descendants they form about a fifth of the total population. For several years we have received more immigrants from Germany than from any other country, and there is every reason to believe the annual influx will increase rather than diminish for some years. The German thrives in America. With the habits of frugality developed by the conditions of life in Germany, he attains to a comfort and to a wealth unknown to his class in his mother country. He has had an influence on American social life, and particularly on the political life of the country. He has been able to effect a modification of American customs, while his own have undergone a considerable modification. The emigrant who comes with a ridiculously short coat, a china pipe, a cap and queer old boxes, is likely to become the progenitor of a lusty lot of young Americans. There is much in his appearance, in his customs and in his clannishness that inspires criticism. But while he is in some respects very different from the ideal of the ultimate American, he will have very much to do with shaping the destiny of that person. It should be remembered that while there is much about the German which is not at all to the taste of the American, there is also much about the American that is distasteful to the German. There is absurdity for absurdity, prejudice for prejudice, and bad habit for bad habit. The conditions of life are so very different in Germany and the United Stated that we should expect what actually happens—that the people of each nationality should criticise the other, and that the Germans, coming into a strange land, should exhibit more or less clannishness, and should resist in a measure the progress of assimilation; that German newspapers should be published, although they retard the progress of the immigrants toward Americanization; that there should be German societies of all kinds, which are only bodies for the obstruction of the assimilative process; that the Germans should act more or less together in politics—in short, that they should form a distinct class. But in spite of these natural exhibitions of exclusiveness—in spite of the difficulties in the way of changing the character of their civilization—the progress of assimilation goes on steadily and rapidly. With the strongest dispo-position to adhere to the customs of the fatherland, with organizations based on nationality, and with an unusual measure of political co-opera- MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. 325 tion, the ways of the German's life are greatly modified and often entirely changed by the conditions of American life. On the other hand, the native-born citizen, in spite of his dislike of German customs and his criticism of German frugality, finds his opinions and his habits modified by contact with Germans. The mutual criticisms have a use in producing happv modifications of character. As the German abandons the feather bed for the spring bed, as he adopts the modern styles of dress and falls into the business ways of the country, he also loses" some of that spirit of nationality which is forever struggling to raise a wall against New World customs. The American, in contact with the German, loses something of the feverish restlessness, the absurd extravagance and the narrowness in morals which distinguish him among the people of the world. The ultimate American will gain much from the German, while retaining that which is best in the American character. Out of the combination of Americans whose nativity dates back several generations, and of later arrivals from Europe, will come a magnificent man. Whatever may be his immediate influence on the political and social life of the United States, the coming of the German is of incalculable benefit to this country. He is daily losing such of his peculiarities as are not adapted to the conditions of this country. A law of progression is working out a future to which the presence of the Germans is highly essential, and they should be welcomed as important contributions to the grandest work of the ages—the evolution of the highest type of man. The true friend of the race and of the Germans will labor to remove all the obstructions to the speedy Americanization of the immigrants—will frown especially on the political movements calculated to hold the Germans together as a body. Celebration of the Glorious Fourth. The Fourth of July was celebrated this year with the usual amount of speech-making, exploding tire-crackers and accidents. The following were those who officiated as committee of arrangements : John S. Fillmore, S. S. Daggett, Caleb Wall, Christ. Preus-ser, Thos. H. Eviston, Ed. O'Neill, Dennis Culligan, John Rosebeck, Phillip Best and Alex. Johnston. A procession was formed consisting of the fire department, the Turners, city and county officers, civic societies, " Old Folks," Sons of Malta in carriages, Revolutionary soldiers, the dragoons (horse marines), butchers (mounted), Major-General John L. Hathaway and staff, Brigadier-General Best and staff. E. B. Wolcott, marshal. The Sentinel, in commenting upon this celebration, has the following puff: The Rink-Tum Spoodle-Whangers. During the day a very amusing calvacade of " fantasticals " made its appearance on the streets. Some of the talent and chivalry of the City of Bricks, mounted on every conceivable modification of horse ana 326 MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. jackass flesh, and attired in satirical and outrageous wardrobes, delighted to wind their devious way through town, followed by the multitude, the latter laboring under the clear conviction that after a due exhibition of fun the former would triumphantly slide out of town on a barrel of soft soap, as per announcement. However, the company, like a great many others, failed to perform all on their bill, and after a kiln-ing display at the Newhall we lost sight of them. The same paper had the following allusion to that very annoying question: The Hog and Cow Question. There is a pleasant little village situated on the shores of Lake Michigan, not two hundred miles from Chicago, with over fifty thousand inhabitants. In this village the most distinguishing feature—setting aside its bricks—animate and inanimate, is the taste and cultivation displayed in the grounds attached to the residences. Another feature of this town is its cows and hogs. The two features taken together (and they generally are so found) form an interesting subject for statisticians, and measures have been taken to secure the invaluable services of our friend Caleb Wall to compile the amount of damage sustained by each ward through their very foolish practice of voting the freedom of the city to such unworthy animals. And thus the war went on, until finally the people called a mass meeting at Albany Hall on the 13th, for the purpose of taking some action in reference to this intolerable nuisance. The meeting was called to order, when Caleb Wall opened the ball in a neat little speech, stating, among other things, that the meeting was not called, as some claimed, for the purpose of injuring the poor man, upon which Pat McGinnis, from the Third ward, backed by a crowd of his brother Celts, took the floor, and spake unto the august assembly these fearful words: Well, now thin, if yees don't want to oppriss the poor, what the divil would yees be alter doing the loikes of this for, be jabers. For sure what is a poor man or a widdy to do wid her cow or pig, and she not the schmell av a pin to kape them in. Why couldn't yees get a shilling's worth av nails and a boord and fix up yees' old gate, and not be makin' sich a sphlatter as this? He was followed by a gentleman by the name of O'Connor, who, sans coat, sans collar, sans shirtsleeves, and for the last six months at least had been sans razor, felt called upon to take a hand in aiding Mr. McGinnis, which he did in a " nate a little spache," that no reporter has ever been able to translate, to the great amusement of those present (at least the American portion), and to the great joy MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. 327 of Mr. McGinnis et al. Misther O'Connor was followed by Dr. L. W. Weeks, who spoke as follows : I can speak feelingly on this subject, for I have been soiled and sub-soiled and manured. I have yet to hear one reasonable excuse for such an intolerable nuisance. I have kept hogs and cows, and I know by experience that it is more expensive to let them run at large than to pen them up. The idea of making an agricultural field of our city on which to run hogs, cows and pigs, is too preposterous a proposition to be entertained. Dr. Weeks then gave a scrap of hog history, eloquently pointing to the halcyon days when hogs were not allowed on this side of the river, and said : If our citizen (Mr. McGinnis) of the Third ward is so noor that he must pasture his cows on the city, for God's sake let him go out four miles wThere he can get land enough to raise cows and hogs right. This is a beautiful city and must be kept beautiful. I have planted trees three times before my lot, and if I have got to box them up, I will let them go; there are two out of fifteen left. The cows come the whole length of my sidewalk—drop, drop, all the day; and though I instruct a man to clear the path off every afternoon, so that ladies and gentlemen may pass by to the church, the same thing occurs the next morning. I say this is not to be endured in a city like this. It is self-evident that no man has a right to keep property that is an injury and nuisance to his neighbors. And I see but one way if we want our streets to correspond with our buildings and taxes, and that is to take some decisive action immediately. After alluding to the excellent regulation in Massachusetts, and pointing out the benefits arising therefrom, he said : The common council tax us all we can bear, and some more. Shall we be taxed and have no protection from the people who pasture their cows and hogs upon us ? Mr. Aiken then made a few remarks, narrating how he discovered a sow in one of the stores down town, with her head in a firkin of butter, of which she ate ten pounds. He then read the following resolutions, drafted, he said, immediately after driving two hogs out of his yard: Whereas, Our city government has long neglected to take proper and efficient action in regard to the suppression of the disgraceful nuisance of allowing cattle and hogs to run at large in the streets of the city, it becomes necessary for the people, in their primary capacity, to act in this matter, and demand of their servants such public action as the exigencies require and the popular will demands. Therefore, Eesolved, That the neatness, beauty and good name of the city, as well as the interests and convenience of its citizens, demand that an ordinance be at once passed and enforced that shall entirely and for- 328 MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. ever rid the streets of all hogs, cows, and other animals found at large therein. Resolved, That the daily destruction of trees, shrubbery, gardens and yards, by the hogs and cows that roam at large over the city, is so extensive and annoying that our city government cannot delay action longer without forfeiting all claim to act as the representatives of the people and the conservators of the public good. Resolved, That no argument can be brought against the action requested, that cannot be brought in favor of stealing and piracy; for the man who will allow his cows and hogs to forage upon his neighbors' trees and shrubs, is worse than the thief who robs our houses of that which money will readily replace. Resolved, That such members of the council as favor the passage of a strict ordinance on this subject are requested to press the matter to a vote, that we may know who represent the people and who represent the hogs. Resolved, That when this nieeting adjourn, it adjourn subject to the call of the chairman in event immediate action is not taken by the common council. The above were adopted tremendously if not unanimously, notwithstanding the fortunate possessors of public cows, Mr. McGinnis and friends, united in a very savage yell of " No." I was present at this meeting, and remember the fun we had there. It was the first regular blast against the cows and hogs, and culminated finally in their expulsion from the city. Editorial Sparring. There was a sensational item sent to the Sentinel concerning an accident said to have occurred on the raging Milwaukee, by which William E. Cramer came near going to Davy Jones' locker, to which the Sentinel made the following reply : The gross story sent us by an evil-minded person, that our friend of the Wisconsin, while rowing on the river, came near losing his life, because there was a weak spot in the vessel and he put his foot in it, is not true. The latter part of the " yarn " is especially incredible—that he only saved the lives of the party by putting his head in the hole until they were pulled ashore, thus stopping the leak. We don't believe that would have stopped it. It would appear from this that General King had some doubts about Mr. Cramer's head holding water. The Horse Railroad. There was a horse railroad called for in August, this year, upon which, as usual, some chronic individual, who evidently was not friendly to the enterprise, went for it like a bull at a red flag, and MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. 329 who, if alive to-day, would advocate it as strongly as he opposed it then. Ground was first broken for this road on the 28th of November, 1859. See annexed: City Raileoads. Mr. John Myers, the engineer and contractor for our horse railroads, will break ground on Monday for the road on the east side of the river. Commencing about a hundred feet from Walker's Point bridge, the track will be laid up East Water street to Wisconsin, and up Wisconsin street past the post-office. It is not yet decided what street the road will follow from Wisconsin street north. The first trip on the new horse railroad was made from the foot of Wisconsin street to Jefferson, up Jefferson to Biddle, up Biddle to Van Buren, up Van Buren to Division, up Division to Prospect, up Prospect to Albion, May 30, i860, cars (first trip) drawn by four horses. The earnings the first day were $38;* earnings Sunday, June 10, $168.10. Sam Platt Gets a Bible. Presentation. Last evening a very pleasing affair came off at the Newhall. A select number of friends assembled in one of the parlors, the occasion being the presentation of an elegant Bible to S. K. Platt (formerly ticket agent of the Milwaukee & Mississippi Railroad), bearing the following inscription on one of the clasps: "To Sam Keyes Platt, by Messrs. Wm. Taintor, H. O. Wilson, E. H. Brodhead, Fred. West and H. C. Taintor." In presenting the book Mr. Taintor made a few pertinent and feeling remarks, which were happily responded to by Mr. Platt. I remember Mr. Platt very well. He was a genial fellow, loved good cheer and all that it implies, and probably needed that Bible. He left here long ago, but some of his former boon companions are on the u war path " yet. Sam must have enjoyed that Bible muchly. John Lewis appointed flour inspector, the first one appointed, July 23; fees, 2 cents per barrel. John Rosebeck on the War Path. A Jolly Councillor. Councillor Rosebeck is an ambitious Councillor, and withal a humorist. Not content is Rosebeck with the monotonous line of duty marked out in the " order of proceedings" of the honorable body. He boldly *The writer was one of the party who rode to Prospect street on this trip. 330 MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. marks out an entirely original path of his own. Instance the following from the official report of the last meeting of the Board: Councillor Rosebeck offered the following: Whereas, The dignity of all men rests on the pillars of honesty, and as the press should be looked up to as the maintainers of that principle, which has, to a certain extent, as yet been a failure in this city, " especially by the Sentinel and its reporters." Therefore, This Board is in duty bound to protest against all foul or rotten machines, which the Sentinel has always so readily furnished; and this Board can't stand any longer the encroachments of such; therefore be it Resolved, That this Board has the fullest right of cleaning, cleansing and ordering out, all such as have been guilty of any such offences; and in case they do not leave on request shall be waited upon by the police, as the honor and dignity of this Board must be preserved. On the motion of Councillor McCormick, it was referred to the Committee on Taxes and Committee on Licenses. As our readers probably never heard of Councillor Rosebeck before (and those who read the above will scarcely want to hear from him again), we will volunteer to throw a little light on the origin of the emanation we have quoted. Some weeks ago Councillor Rosebeck volunteered a heavy speech on a very light subject, and the Sentinel reporter, appreciating as he supposed the humor of the thing, published the speech verbatim, which was as follows: On the question to refer, Councillor Rosebeck spoke as follows: I hope, Mr. President, this question won't be referred. I don't see why we shouldn't take the bull by the horns; we have handled about these lords long enough, and it's time they was told to mind their own business. Some of the honorable members maybe is afraid, but I ain't. I don't think there is nothing to be afraid of; and I hope the resolution will be adopted. Motion to refer carried. To this undue publicity of the irate Councillor's speech, we owe his after-clap of Municipal wrath. The facetious old gentleman spent half a day or more in running after the reporter, denounced his own words as "an undue persecution," and threatened to stop the publication of the paper, by virtue of some peculiar attributes of his own, unless an extra edition was got out, retracting the fact. Councillor Rosebeck is duly impressed with a salutary sense of the awful dignity of his position. Unfortunately, no one else is. Councillor Rosebeck is peculiarly sensitive. Publicity galls him, and the reflection of his own sentiments hurt his feelings. Councillor Rosebeck, as a man, undoubtedly is an extra fine fellow, we don't doubt it for a moment, but as a Councillor, we apprehend, not only in the eyes of his more intelligent fellow-members, but to the public at large, he will be regarded henceforth and forever as—to use the words of a popular writer—an "unmitigated ass." Uncle John Rosebeck, who is yet alive, was a wind-mill of no small dimensions, and kept the pot a-boiling while the boys looked on. This speech was a fair sample of his forensic abilities. Navigation. The new steamers, the Milwaukee and Detroit, arrived August 28, upon which there was a great torch-light procession. This was a great day for Milwaukee. MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. 331 The Milwaukee was under the command of William S. Cross and the Detroit of James McBride. They were great favorites while they lasted, but had their day, and like their gallant commanders have passed away, while other boats, as well as other men, have taken their places. They were too expensive as well as somewhat unfortunate, the Milwaukee going ashore November 29 at Grand Haven, getting off again December 24. They were better fitted for the ocean than the lakes. An Affair of Honor. Among the amusing scenes occurring in the olden time was an affair of honor, growing out of a dispute over billiards. See annexed •: The Card-Writer in Trouble. The card-writer Morrison, who was initiated into the mysteries of the 1001 when he first came here, last evening, we understand, got a glass of ale applied to him externally, and the glass which contained the contents came in collision with his hat, and projected it violently out doors into the street. It occurred at a billiard room, and arose from the card-writer audaciously giving the lie to a gentleman he had been playing billiards with. Otherwise Morrison was uninjured, and to-day he is as serene and tranquil as ever. Mr. Morrison was of course very indignant when he saw this, and answered thusly: Mr. Morrison Becomes Indignant and Indites a Card—A Duel on the Carpet. Having mentioned yesterday, as an instance of what is occasionally going on in the way of pugilism that does not get into the police court, the circumstance of the well known card-writer having been roughly treated by a gentleman he had been playing billiards with, because he gave him the lie, Mr. Morrison writes us to-day that some of our details were untrue. The main facts, however, which he does not deny, stand out in glaring and terrible proportions, and this being so the details are of but little consequence comparatively. We fear the affair is likely to become one of national importance, for Mr. Morrison informs us that he has been challenged by his antagonist, and he has accepted the challenge, and selected pistols at ten paces, and his antagonist can name the place and time. Mr. Morrison has evidently got blood in him, and don't mean to be hoodwinked. We publish his card with pleasure: "August 18, 1859. "Editor Wisconsin: Sir—I contradict the statement in your paper that the card-writer was initiated into the order of 1,001, and that my hat was, as you say, projected into the street the evening alluded to, or even knocked off my head. 332 MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. "I therefore ask you to bring proof to the contrary, or admit that you have published what is untrue, and what has been basely concocted to injure me. Yours, etc., S. H. Morrison." Jg®^The duel will certainly come off if the parties can evade the city officers. As the boys saw fun ahead in this affair, in order that it might not fall through, sent Mr. Morrison the following: Mr. M.—Dear Sir: The public insult you gave me last evening, even after the rough handling I gave you on the spot, is not yet sufficiently atoned for. I therefore demand of you the satisfaction due to a gentleman, and if you are one you will arrange the preliminaries with my friend, the bearer. Smith. Mr. Morrison's reply : My Dear Sir: I consider myself as much of a gentleman as you are, and stand ready to give you any satisfaction that you may require as a gentleman in a manlv way. I choose pistols at ten paces, the time and place to be appointed by you. Yours, M. Reply of J. S.: Your weapons suit me. I therefore select, through my friend, a very appropriate distance from the city on the shore of Lake Michigan, at 7 p. m. this evening. My friend will arrange as to the precise locality. And while upon this subject it seems proper for me to give you a little wholesome advice now, as I may possibly never have the opportunity again. Firstly, that by strict attention to your legitimate business of card-writing and penmanship you can make a better living and more friends than as a billiard expert; and, second, do not confine your studies in the English language to the labels on brandy bottles alone, as that was the main cause of your using the language for which I have called you to account. Yours truly, S. The duel was fought upon the lake shore, between Mason and Oneida streets. At the hour appointed the parties were placed in position, lacing north and south. This was afterwards changed to one east and west, as it was considered too dangerous to fire into the city, particularly with the ammunition their pistols contained (homoeopathic pills). Finally, after all was satisfactorily arranged, the fatal word was given, when crack went the pistols, and both fell. A stream of blood (red ink) at once flowed from the breast of Smith. This, however, did not frighten Morrison in the least, nor did he run, as he was strongly advised to do. But he was finally persuaded to retire and await the effect of Mr. Durand's wound, which enabled that gentleman to get oft' the field unobserved, after which the following appeared in the News: MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. 333 The Duel on the Lake Shore. Cards prom Morrison, the Card Writer. Morrison, the young man who so nobly defended his honor upon the gory dueling field, Thursday night, requests us to publish the following cards, which are particularly aimed and directed at Brick Pomeroy. We must say Brick has got his match in Morrison, and Morrison means every word of what he says. Morrison calls Brick a sardine, a dough-head (Morrison spells dough, doe) and other crushing epithets, and says D. (the enemy of Morrison) has bought up Brick with a glass of whisky, to injure him. Things are working up hot between Brick and Morrison, and to set the matter right before the public, we publish Morrison's statement: Milwaukee, Aug. 20, '59. Editor of News—Sir: I saw in your paper of yesterday, a gross misstatement of facts relative to the duel of last evening. It is not true that I said my hand was more used to writing cards, and proposed to wait until morning. It is not true that after having fell my antagonist, I ran up the lake shore, or any where else. Nor will I shrink from my duty under any circumstance or at any time, when called upon the field to vindicate my honor. Now, sir, I hereby require you to make a public retraction of the libels you have given publication to. And it is my opinion that if yoxi can find nothing wdth which to fill up your columns without publishing gross falsehoods about a persou who' comes amongst you as a citizen seeking a livelihood in an honorable way, you had better discontinue your publication. Morrison. Editor op Wisconsin—Sir: The above is a copy of the letter sent to the editor of the News, which he refused to publish, because it was not signed by a responsible name. I consider my name responsible for anything I write, which is more than the editor of the News can say, as he denies being present at the encounter between Mr. Durand and myself, which is false, as I can prove by responsible men that he was present. He also accuses me of running, wrhich is untrue, and I can prove beyond doubt, and I will here state to Brick Pomeroy, that unless he makes a full retraction of what he has written prejudicial to my character, he will have an opportunity of finding out whether I will run or not. I have an idea that Brick's eyes were not straight, or that he was not in proper shape to judge of my shooting when he stated that I shot around a bank. Certainly, he must be green in the use of fire arms, and green generally not to know whether a pistol will shoot around or straightforward. S. M. Morrison. Mr. Editor: You will confer a favor by publishing the above letters. M. This closed the scene, and with the exception of the celebrated duel between F. A. Wmgfield and Egbert Herring Smith, mentioned in Vol. I., page 170, of the author's Pioneer History, is the only one ever fought in the city. Both were of the homoeopathic order—red ink and beet juice being the only blood spilt in both cases. 21 334 MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. The Way He Sang It and the Way It Reads. A man goes about the streets of Milwaukee at nights, with a bull's-eye lamp stuck in his breast like an overgrown glow-worm, and chants, in a snappish manner, popular airs while he grinds. Last evening he drew up near the Sentinel office and discoursed the following eloquent and touching language: Thas man af laf as pas, An efen cam as las, As pring mas das treem af was haffy das; Af man fas as sas, Upon das villach kreen, Spatas mit das poor das tra. Upon buying a copy of the ballad we managed to make out the following, which is a literal translation: The morn of life is past, And even's come at last, It brings me a dream of a once happy day; Of the many forms I've seen, Upon the village green, Sporting with my poor dog tray. Many will no doubt remember the old musician of 1859. How a Milwaukee Carpenter Got a Floor Taken up at the Blue Warehouse, in October, 1859. The annexed sketch gives a full description of this affair, as well as to illustrate the ventriloquistic powers of Mr. Davis, who is yet living, as is also the boss of the gang who did the work (Owen Goss), who swears a little occasionally, even now, when reminded of it, and insists that Mr. Davis ought to pay for that work. But Davis says, not a red. How to Take Up a Floor. Not many days ago, one of the large warehouses, near Walker's Point Bridge, had to be elevated several feet, and the job necessitated the taking up of the floor. Our friend Davis, not of omnibi celebrity, but of the Camera obscura notability, superintended this portion of the work. Davis is a noted ventriloquist, and it occurred to his fertile imagination that the gang of Milesians might be imbued with a zeal as novel as it would be efficacious, by a little display of his vocal abilities. It so happened that there was a large hole in the floor, already cut, and as the crowd of hod-carriers, armed with crow-bars and axes, gathered about it and peered down into the dark depths, a voice of stifled anguish came up, and palsied them. " Och, murdtheration, isn't there any uv yee's '11 be afther getting me out of this hole, before I'm kil't entirely. Och hone; oh Mary, Mary, the blissed vargin, have pity on the likes of me!" " What's that?" said the crowd of brawny diggers. " Be Dom, an there's a man benathe the floor," ejaculated the wises, MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. 335 " Be lively, boys—an ye's wouldn't be shtandin in that way, if ye's wur in his fix, shure." Two of them brought a girder and inserted it beneath the flooring, and tore the boards up after the manner of a streak of lightning. " Can ye's get out now, ye shpalpeen?" " Och, ye're not anywhere near me," replied the incarcerated voice, in a weaker tone. " And where the divil are ye, any wav?" " Oh for the love of Saint Patherick couldn't yis lower me down a wee dhrop o' whisky, before the breath laves me inthirely." The effect of this appeal was not lost; the boards flew from the old floor like lath, and the sympathizing Irishmen worked as though their own lives depended on their exertions, keeping up a continual strain of consolation to the miserable wretch, such as, " We're afther rachin ye now; be aisy, me boy; or what in bloody murther brought ye beneath the floor?" Just before the necessary lumber was all removed, the secret leaked out in some way, and the shower of choice epithets which fell about the person of the Cameraman, can be better imagined than printed. But Davis declares it was the " quickest taken up" floor he ever had anything to do with. The Eagle Mill. Prominent among the various establishments for the manufacture of flour, located upon what was formerly known as the " Water Power,"* and not previously mentioned, stands the Eagle Mill of John B. A. Kern & Son. This mill was originally founded by Col. John Andersont and Doct. Erastus B. Wolcott, who, in 1844, erected the frame building yet standing at the foot of Poplar street (now Spring Avenue), known subsequently as the Bertschy Mill, and which went into operation October 1st of that year. This pioneer institution was known as the Anderson and Wolcott Mill until 1846, when it was sold to Jacob Bertschy, formerly of Sheboygan, by whom it was christened the Eagle Mill, and who with his son, John Bertschy, continued to operate it until 1855, when Jacob Bertschy died, and the business was continued by John Bertschy until 1859,! * The old Canal, alias "the water power," has, during i883-'85, been filled up, and its former bed converted into a street, to be known as Commerce street, thereby obliterating every trace of what was once intended as the eastern terminus of the contemplated, but never constructed, Milwaukee & Rock River Canal. A project that, from the day of its inception in 1837, to its final decease in 1885, has been a continual source of litigation between its projectors and those who were unfortunate enough to own leaseholds under its officials. And its death is not lamented. Sic transit. f Col. John Anderson constructed both the Canal and the first dam in 1842 and 1843. I remember him well. He died at Racine the present year, 1885. Peace to his memory. X I find it stated in the History of Milwaukee, issued by the Western Historical and Publishing Company, of Chicago, in 1881, that Mr. Kern (who came in 1858) 336 MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. when the subject of this sketch, and Frederick Bertschy, a younger son of Jacob (formerly teller in the Second Ward Bank), purchased the property of the estate (John retiring), and continued the business under the title of Bertschy & Kern. The annexed cut is zfac simile of this pioneer flouring mill, as it appears to-day, March i, 1886, except as to the warehouse seen in the rear, which was not put on until after the mill passed into the possession of Messrs. Bertschy & Kern. The new firm commenced with three run of stone, a large mill for those days, (there had previously been but two,) their average daily out-put being about 200 barrels. This continued until 1861, when Fred. Bertschy retired and John became a partner, Fred, erecting a new mill on River street, now known as the Gem Mill, where he continued to do business until his death, a few years later.* was not a partner until 1861. This is incorrect, as he came from Philadelphia, where he had previously been in business, for the express purpose of taking an interest, he having, in 1855, married Miss Lena Bertschy, and whose interest, in connection with his own, he also represented, * Frederick Bertschy was a wide-awake, go-ahead fellow, full of life and ambition. I remember him well. He did a large, but not a very profitable business in that mill for several years. He never liked to be interested in anything he could not control, and always wanted his own way. Hence the dissolution in 1861. MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. 337 The new partnership (/. e,, with John Bertschy) continued until 1866, during which the business was pushed to the utmost limit of the old mill, when Mr. Kern, becoming satisfied that there was a bonanza concealed in the milling business if properly handled, and wishing to paddle his own canoe, dissolved the partnership, and as more room was wanted, the present location, foot of Vliet street, was secured and a building, 40x130, the nucleus of the present structure, erected thereon, into which he put seven run of stone, an immense mill for those days, and the real work of his life as a miller began. He now pushed the business for all there was in it, and commenced to make money rapidly. Indeed, such was his success, that three additional run were added before the close of the first year, and as the business continued to increase additions were not only made to the mill, but run after run of stone were added, until the number reached thirty-five, making it one of the largest, if not the largest, mills in the country. This continued until the introduction of the roller system in 1878, when, notwithstanding all this vast outlay then just completed, the whole interior was again remodeled, as well as the mill itself enlarged until, in place of the original plant of 40x130 and two stories in height, it has grown to the mammoth proportions of 180x135, witn a height of six full stories (see cut), and has in operation 150 sets of 338 MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. the patent rollers (or crushers), besides eleven of the original thirty-five run of stone, employs 125 men, and has a daily capacity of 1,500 barrels of flour. Such, in brief, is the history of the founding, growth and present status of the Eagle Mill of John B. A. Kern & Son, the largest private institution of the kind in the city, and one which has a record for manufacturing a brand of flour that few other mills in the country have ever equalled, and which none have excelled. Personnel. John Baptiste Adolph Kern, whose business history has just been given, is of ihe medium height, stoutly built, and must, when in his prime, have possessed wonderful powers of endurance. He is a man of great energy and industry, and keeps things moving. He has a large head, face slightly oval and beardless, a florid complexion, auburn hair and blue eyes, and is one of the most even-tempered men in the city. His executive abilities are of a superior order, as his success fully shows, and, like Plankinton or Newhall, will go long or short on wheat, real estate or stocks for almost fabulous amounts with a nonchalance that is wonderful, and whether on the winning side or not his countenance will always retain the same mobile expression. He is not much of a talker, dislikes all kinds of sham, as well as change, and has men in his employ who have been there from boyhood, and in wrhom he has implicit confidence. He greets every one with a pleasant nod, has an unusually pleasant voice, and carries within his breast a heart full of the milk of human kindness. He is very conscientious, careful of what he says as well as what he does, loves justice, hates deceit as well as unfair or dishonest dealing, and if once deceived by any person will have nothing more to do with that person. In political faith he is an independent, and his religion is the Golden Rule, to which he adheres in all his dealings as closely as it is possible for a business man to do and live. The writer has been acquainted with Mr. Kern since he first came to our city, during all of which time he has watched him very closely, and will venture the assertion that few business men can be MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. 339 found who can show a cleaner record for honesty, probity and business ability than can he. He has raised himself, unaided by friends, from poverty to affluence, from obscurity to prominence, and is justly entitled to be ranked as one of Milwaukee's solid and most respected representative business men and useful citizens. He was born at Bavaria, Germany, September 29, 1829. The Phoenix Mill, of Sanderson & Co. (Edward Sanderson and Isaac Van Schaick), is the next in size, it having a capacity of 1,400 barrels, and, like the Eagle, has been remodeled until scarcely a trace of its original shape can be seen. This mill was founded by Cicero Comstock in 1848, who put it in operation with two run of stone, and of whom it was purchased by William and Edward Sanderson. William died in 1868, since which time it has been operated and known as the PhcEnix Mill, of E. Sanderson & Co., and, like the Eagle, has made a good record as well as a large amount of money for its enterprising owners. Edward Sanderson, the senior member of this well known milling firm, is a man of wonderful energy and business capacity, and has from the day of his landing in Milwaukee to the present time been one of the most influential as well as successful millers in the West, and is now, although entering upon his autumnal years, as full ol energy and ambition as when he first came. He was also one of the first to help organize the present board of trade, and has always been among its most prominent and successful operators. Like Plankinton or McGeoch, he will go long or short for large amounts, and is almost invariably found upon the winning side. He has a nerve like steel, and a will that stops at nothing short of accomplishing all he undertakes. There is no compromising with him. His perception is quick. He is also quick to decide, prompt to act and, like James Kneeland, always acts upon his own judgment. In politics he is a Republican, and the acknowledged leader of the party in Milwaukee, He is a good wire-puller, a born diplomat, and understands the modus operandi of running a campaign perfectly, is a hard man to beat, and has doubtless spent more time, as well as money, for the benefit of the party than any other one man in the county, if not in the state. He has hosts of friends, and outside of 340 MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. politics, as far as the writer knows, no enemies. He is generous to a fault, and has the respect and confidence of his fellow-citizens of all classes and creeds, has made a good record, and is justly entitled to rank among Milwaukee's solid men. The third in rank of the pioneer mills, located upon the water power, nee old Rock River Canal, was the one originally called the Kilbourn Mill, built in 1850. This mill has passed through many changes. From Mr. Kilbourn it passed to the late Col. Amos Sawyer, who operated it with fair success until his death, February 16, 1878, after which it was sold to Edward Sanderson and Edward P. Allis, who converted it into a Roller Mill at a cost of $100,000, christened it the ': Daisy," and who operated it in partnership for a short time, when Mr. Allis purchased Mr. Sanderson's interest, placed L. H. Hurd* (to whom he had sold a fourth interest) in charge as * Lou H. Hurd. MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. 341 manager, who built up a large business, and wTho continued to run it until December 8th, 1885, when it, together with its congener the Empire, was burned. Thus, one by one, through fire's destructive power, Two early landmarks perish in an hour. But, nothing discouraged, Messrs. Allis & Hurd purchased the New Era Mill, erected in 1880 by B. Stern, foot of Washington street, which they are remodeling and converting into a 1,000 barrel mill, and which will doubtless, under the wise management of Mr. Hurd, fulfill all the expectations of its owners. The cuts here here given represent this pioneer mill as it appeared both before and after the fire, adjoining which, on the north, can be seen a portion of the old Empire Mill. The small frame, seen in the foreground, is the office of the Daisy. Sanger, Rockwell & Co. Among the establishments devoted to the manufacture of building material, and which from small beginnings has grown to mammoth proportions, is the sash, door and blind factory of Messrs. Sanger, 342 MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. Rockwell & Co., northeast corner of Park street and Sixth Avenue. This firm is composed of Casper M. Sanger, Henry H. Rockwell, and Chas. H. Moss, and commenced business at the present location in 1873, with a cash capital of $40,000. Mr. Sanger, who waswTholly unacquainted with the business, placed Mr. Rockwell (in whose capacity he had the utmost confidence) in charge as manager, and through whose good management it has grown to its present status. This factory was founded in 1858, by the late John Hiles, the original plant being a small frame building located upon the northwest corner of Reed and South Water streets, in which was a planing mill and a basket factory. Here it remained until July 12, 1861 when the mill was burned. Shortly after this disaster Mr. Hiles formed a partnership with the late Truman H. Judd, and a new one was erected upon the same site, where they did business for a short time, when the ground being wanted for a railroad yard, the buildings (or a portion of them) were removed to the southwest corner of West Water and Clybourn streets, where they carried on the business, adding thereto that of manufacturing sash, doors and blinds. Here they made money rapidly until March 19th, 1871, when the whole plant was destroyed by fire. This dissolved the partnership, after which Mr. Hiles built the original plant at the corner of Sixth Avenue and Park streets, which was first put in operation in 1872, and operated by Mr. Hiles until his untimely loss by the sinking of the Ironsides? September 15th, 1873, after which the plant passed into the possession of Messrs. Sanger, Rockwell & Co., as stated above. The capacity of this now immense establishment has been increased as business increased, until the original plant of 50 by 80 feet, with a height of two-stories, has grown to 220 by 180 feet, with a height of three-stories, and with a daily capacity of 1,000 doors, or its equivalent, and a working force of 300 men and boys. This is the largest establishment of this kind in the State, and their work is sent to all the Western States and Territories, including Oregon. This plant has proved a bonanza to its enterprising projectors, and they are pushing it for all there in it. Casper M. Sanger, the senior partner, is a man of wonderful energy, and has large interests in several other ventures to which he devotes most of his time (viz:) milling and mining, in all of which he is successful as a rule. MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. 343 He is also quite a politician, and has been one of the few who have held up the hands of Moses (to use a metaphor) in the struggle between the democracy and the republicans for supremacy in Wisconsin. He is a staunch republican, and will back his friends with substantial aid when required. He is a splendid friend, large hearted and generous, a model father and citizen. He is fond of a good horse, and is never without one. Mr. Rockwell is of a more quiet demeanor, does not love excitement, but prefers to run their factory, the details of which to the merest minutiae he carries in his mind. Neither is anything likely to go wrong where he presides. His eye takes in at a glance all that is being enacted around him, whether it is his own business or not. He is, although a republican, not a politician, and wants no office. He is no talker, has no time to waste, attends strictly to business, decides a matter quickly, seldom changes his mind, or plans, and in this firm is the right man in the right place. Mr. Moss, the junior partner, attends to carrying out the details of the work, both in and out of the factory, and is also the right man in the right place and, like his co-workers in this plant, is coining wealth very rapidly—the sure result where all the members of a firm in any business conduct their affairs as do the Messrs. Sanger. Rockwell & Co. (/. s} to the Republicans, who had commented pretty severely upon the administration for permitting Governor Wise, of Virginia, to hang John Brown. Here is what the News said about the affair, and the Sentinel's comments: MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. 351 Not a Bit Scared! The Republicans of the rural districts do not seem to be in the least alarmed by the truculent threats of George Brass Smith, backed by "Bob Acres" of the News, that the government wTould hang them all, as it was about to hang old John Brown, if they dared to carry out their principles. Hear the defiant reply of the Janesville Gazette to this menace: " Going to Hang the Republicans.—George Brass Smith, of fragrant memory, proposes that the government shall hang the Republicans if they attempt to carry out their principles. " The Milwaukee News says: " * Old Ossawatomie Brown was pointed at as a striking illustration of the dangerous tendency of this slavery agitation; and he (Smith) very truly said: " Whenever the Republicans undertake to carry out their principles the government wTill hang them as thev are about to hang Old Brown." ' " George B. and all his miserable doughface crew whom he so fitly represents had better say their prayers before they commence." We think as much. We trust that every Republican of Milwaukee will come to the polls to-morrow and carry out his principles by voting the straight Republican ticket, as an invitation to George Brass Smith, the News, and the Government to commence their cotilion. And they did. A call was made for Ed. D. Holton to run for the assembly. See annexed: Independent Candidate for the Assembly—Fourth Ward. A call, signed by 275 electors of the Fourth ward, has been addressed to Mr. Edward D. Holton, inviting him to become an independent candidate for the Assembly in the Fourth ward. Mr. Holton accepts the invitation, as may be seen by the correspondence in to-day's paper. The names signed to the call give great weight to it; and Mr. Holton, as all men know, has every qualification to represent the ward faithfully and ably. James H. Paine was also nominated in the First and Seventh wards. A Republican caucus was also held in the Fifth and Eighth wards. See annexed: At a Republican caucus held at Melms' saloon last evening, on motion S. H. Martin was chosen chairman and Wm. Goodnow secretary. On motion the following delegates were chosen: H. Toser, Wm. Cook and S. H. Martin from the Fifth ward, and R. Neukirk, Wm. Greenslade and Wm. P. Merrill from the Eighth ward. The caucus was well attended and the best feeling prevailed. Moved that the proceedings of the meeting be published in the Sentinel. S. H. Martin, Chairman. Wm. Goodnow, Secretary. Election held November 8, 352 MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. Peter Van Vechten Goes for the Milwaukee " News." Hear him : Good for Number One! The News of Saturday made a savage attack upon Engine Co. No. 1, of this city, for tolling their bell and setting their flag at half-mast on Black Friday, as a mark of sympathy for John Brown. The News called upon the mayor to disband the company, or remove the foreman, Peter Van Vechten, Jr., one of the oldest and best members of our Milwaukee Fire Department. To all of which Peter, good fellow, makes answer as follows: Mr. Editor:—The News of Saturday morning contains an article headed "An Insult to the City," in which it makes a personal attack on myself. As to the detriment or credit any article published in that paper would have upon my personal character, I care not, neither do I care for the expression of a paper whose only existence is the city printing; but that the matter may be set right before the public. I make this statement: I was informed that the other bells would be tolled, then I said I would have the bell belonging to Engine Co. No. 1 tolled also. The bell spoken of in the News belongs to the company exclusively; the flag the city has not one cent interest in; even the rope which tolled the bell belongs to the company, and was paid for by the private funds of the company; so with all the property inside the house we occupy, except the engine, hose-cart and hose. We have even paid for our torches. If the mayor and common council wish to disband the company because I ordered the bell tolled, let them do so. I claim the right to direct the action of my company according to the dictates of my conscience, regardless of the opinion of the News. < I shall continue to do so as long as I have command. They cannot intimidate me with threats nor tempt me with bribes. Unfortunately for the News my company, with one or two exceptions, think as I do in this matter; there lies the difficulty which the News cannot overcome. In regard to breaking me of my office, the mayor and common council may do it if they see fit. I shall exercise command of my company just as I see fit as long as I hold the office of foreman. All that the News can say about my ambition will not alter my views or change my action. Yours, etc., * P. Van Vechten, Jr. Of all the public prints in the city in 1859 the Daily News was undoubtedly the meanest. It was to the North what the Okolona Gazette of to-day is to the South. If it ever told the truth (politically) it was wholly by accident. But it furnished just the kind of food such men as Albert Bade, John White, Edward McGarry, Jonathan Taylor, and a few others of the old-line Democracy, wanted, a few fossilized specimens of whom are to be seen upon our streets today, who have all the symptoms of having been palsied, and who, politically, are petrified samples of the effect of that lying sheet during the editorship of J. R. Sharpstein and Geo. W. Clason. MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. 353 Winter Coming. River closed December 3, upon which General King said winter has come ; air is full of needles. Eight degrees below zero on the 7th. First snow fell on the 17th, six inches in depth, with nice winter weather. It remained cold during the month, not varying much until the 30th, when the frost king gave us 300 below zero, closing the river from the mouth to the dam with ice six inches in thickness. Literary. The Milwaukee Advertiser, a literary quarto, was started this year by Messervey & Culbertson. The Wisconsin editor, in speaking of it, says he doubts its success, but that, in the language of Governor Randall, it has his prayers. This killed it, of course. Population. The population of Milwaukee in 1859 was 51,449. In 1857 it was 44,524. A gain of 6,925. The only ward which fell behind being the Third; the cause claimed for which was the wasting away of the beach by the encroachments of the Lake, causing quite a number to migrate. City Improvements. The following statement of the amount of city improvements is from the Sentinel, and furnished to them by that wide-awake citizen, now long since gone to his rest, Caleb Wall, who was indefatigable in his lifetime in helping make Milwaukee a thing of beauty, as she is to-day. City Impkovements. From the tables prepared by Caleb Wall, which we have published, it will be seen that the cost of the new buildings now in progress in this city is $722,350; or, deducting difference in cost of labor, and $140,000 for public buildings, $33,850 in excess of the improvements of last year. There are many small buildings not reckoned in and, in all probability, $100,000 may be set down in addition to the above, on that account, either now contracted, or to be so during the summer. Second Ward. Among the improvements in this ward were three brick dwellings, northwest corner Fourth and Poplar streets by Geo. Abert, one on Winnebago street, and the present Second Ward Bank building. This 354 MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. was built by a Mr. Wise at a cost of $15,000. The gross amount known to have been built in this ward was $60,000. Third Ward. Seven stores on Main street (Broadway), by John McA. Lindin, yet in use, and known as Nos. 185 to 195 inclusive; one No. 269 Broadway, and the old ruin known as Nos. 197 to 201 Broadway. This building has never been a paying investment; it was built twenty years ahead of time for that locality. Also three brick stores on southwest corner of Broadway and Huron street (now the property of Mrs. Samuel Chandler), and some thirty frames in various parts of the ward—in all $100,000. Fourth Ward. Among the improvements in the Fourth ward were sixteen brick stores on West Water street, cost $100,000. Five of these were on the southeast corner of West Water and Clybourn streets, by Jonathan Taylor (Nos. 100 to 108 West Water). Two, Nos. 35 and 37 West Water, by E. D. Holton,* Nine, by Hans Reese, Nos. 130 to 146 West Water, inclusive. And a Jewish Synagogue on Fifth street, cost $7,000. Five brick dwellings on Spring street; four on Eighth street; two on Clybourn street; one on Sixth street. Seven frame buildings on Spring street; one on Tamarack street; two on Fourth street; one on Wells street; one on Seventh street; one on Eighth street; four on Seventh street; two on Seventh street; one on Spring street; one on Clybourn street—costing in all $66,000. The Sentinel gets spoony over Hans Reese's block. Hear him: West Water Street is looking up. It would be difficult for bricks to take a more imposing form than they have assumed in Hans Reese's block. Look at it from any point it is grand, and to a person coming down Michigan street from"Albany Hall at night, when the moon falls upon this pile across the river, and its long rows of windows are duplicated in the water, it bears the appearance of an immense coliseum. Five minutes walk from Spring Street Bridge, in either direction on West Water street, will bring you to several significant improvements; half a score of new buildings have grown up w^ith the past summer, and look bright and fresh across the river to the dusky walls on this side. And these buildings are all massive and stylish, not mere shells run up to order, but gifts from architecture to commerce; monuments of beauty and utility which are making West Water street advance with rapid * I think the contractor for this block was a negro. There certainly was one worked on it. MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. 355 strides. Considerable progress has also been made in the grading, so that the street may be said to be rising in a literal as well as a figurative sense. West Water street may never attain to the picturesque dignity of a Broadway, but we will hazard the assertion that it is destined to be the business street of Milwaukee at some future time. The heavy street, where Gunnybags shall store his investments, and Mr. Firkin feel the variations of stock, and where he can take the horse cars at Spring street and glide up the hill to his mansion. This block, although yet in use, is, when compared with those more modern, a ruin, and did it not occupy a prominent point for business would be considered worthless and probably converted into a depot for rags. It did not net its owner much rent for a number of years after the erection, but pays well to-day. It is yet owned by Mr. Hans Reese, and is in charge of Edgar J. Tapping, who is a sharp business man. Seventh Ward. Of improvements in this ward, Caleb Wall says: We presume it is well known that this ward contains all the finished dwelling houses in our city (with a very few exceptions). Its situation is delightful, being principally along the shore, from which we have a fine refreshing breeze. As we ourselves live in the Seventh ward, it would not be in good taste to say much about it; but one thing we must say, and will say, that there are more hogs and cows at large in the Seventh ward, which destroy trees and muck sidewalks, than ought to be. I wonder what argument one can make use of, to get our esteemed city council and aldermen to make a law to prevent hogs and cows running at large. I (Caleb Wall) promise this: If they will pass some law, to prevent hogs and cows from making so much destruction, that a benefit shall be set up immediately in the beautiful Albany Hall, to be expended at our Newhall House, for a supper that has not yet been equaled. Now, Mr. Aldermen, what say you to that ? Improvements in the Seventh Ward. Two brick stores on East Water street. One " Two " Two " " Market street....... One u " " ...... Two " " " ...... One " " Martin street....... $3,000 5,000 10,000 6,000 3,000 3,000 4,000 356 MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. Four three-story dwellings corner Main and Biddle streets...... 16,000 One brick store back of Juneau Bank...................................... One handsome brick dwelling corner Martin and Cass streets... *10,000 Two brick stores on Milwaukee street...................................... 7,000 Three tine brick dwellings on Wisconsin street........................ 20,000 Two brick dwellings on Jefferson street.................................. 12,000 Large brick addition to house corner of Oneida and Van Buren streets.............................................................................. 2,000 Two brick dwellings on Biddle street....................................... 6,000 One " " on Jefferson street................................... 3,500 One " " on Van Buren street................................ 5,000 One " " " " .............................. 2,500 Three brick dwellings on Milwaukee street............................. 14,000 One brick dwelling ou Milwaukee street................................. 3,000 Two brick dwelliugs on Jackson street.................................... 8,000 One small brick dwelling on Main street................................... 800 One frame dwelling on Jefferson street.................................. 2,500 Two frame buildings on Division street.................................... 2,000 Total.............................................................................. $154,300 Besides these, the following were erected in the First ward: Two frames on Ogden street, three on North Water, one on Lyon, one on Jefferson, one on Milwaukee, one on Racine. Six brick, the Hadley block, southeast corner Jackson and Lyon, nine brick on Jackson northeast corner of Knapp, known as the Grant block, two on Marshall street, cost $17,000, one frame $8,000, one brick on Knapp, one on Division, one corner of Marshall and Knapp, and one on Prospect street by Hans Rees. Total, $80,000. Besides these there were the Mayor Page residence, No. 2629 Grand avenue, now the property of Geo. E. Lyman; the Keenan mansion, Nos. 455 and 457 Jefferson; the old Levi Merrick house, No. 420 Jefferson, and the present Sentinel building, and the building known as Union Hall (see annexed), were built this year. Union Hall—Something New. Our old friend and fellow-citizen, William Sivyer, has just completed a newT and handsome three-story brick block, on Main street, between Huron and Detroit streets, Third ward. The lower story is divided into two large and handsome stores, with spacious cellars beneath. In the second story are dwelling rooms over one store, and a dining-hall, or supper room, connected with the hall above, over the other. The third story is the Union Hall, forty feet wide by eighty feet deep, with convenient side rooms, and all nicely fitted up for concerts, lectures or balls. The building is a neat and substantial one, and was put up under the immediate supervision of Mr. Wm. Sivyer himself, who laid the first brick and raised the first boy in this good city of Milwaukee. That same " boy," by the way, is now a man, doing business on his own * By John Harris. MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. 357 hook, and offering a first-rate stock of family groceries and "feed for all " at the north storje in the new block.* The block on the northeast corner of Reed and Lake streets was also built this year by Hiram Mabbett and Chas. G. Breed. Mechanical, Mercantile and Professional. There were in Milwaukee in 1859-60: 17 insurance agents, 12 houses for the sale of agricultural instruments, 7 architects, 3 salt agencies, 4 steamboat agencies, 7 auctioneers, 38 bakeries, 3 billiard table manufactories, 13 billiard saloons, 34 blacksmith shops, 5 blank book manufacturers, 4 block and pump manufactories, 62 private boarding-houses, 4 boiler shops, 9 book binderies, 6 book-sellers and stationers, 38 boot and shoe dealers (wholesale and retail), 52 shoemaker shops, 3 bowling saloons, 30 brewers, 9 brickmakers and dealers, 27 master carpenters and mason builders, 32 carpenters only, 20 cabinet manufacturers, 5 oil-cloth makers, 16 crockery stores, 36 tobacco and snuff stores, 12 civil engineers, 29 wholesale and retail clothing stores, 8 carriage manufacturers, 6 coal dealers. 64 commission merchants, 20 confectioners, 41 cooper shops, 2 copper-smiths, 10 dentists, 6 distillers, 17 dressmaking establishments, 26 retail drug stores, 10 wholesale drug stores, 49 retail dry goods stores, 15 wholesale dry goods store, 9 who kept dye-stuffs, 23 flour and feed stores, 9 flouring mills, 14 forwarding houses, 12 foundries, 12 fruit stores (wholesale and retail), n furniture dealers, 5 gas and steam-fitting shops, 22 gents' furnishing goods stores, 4 gilders, 4 grate, register and furnace dealers, 224 retail grocers, 27 wholesale grocers, 20 hair-dressing establishments, 17 hardware and cutlery stores, 12 harness shops, 17 hat and cap stores, 12 hide and leather stores, 42 hotels and taverns, S house-movers, 2 hub and spoke manufacturers, 7 iron and steel warehouses, 7 lamp and chandelier stores, 73 lawyers and law firms, n livery stables, 27 lumber dealers, 12 machine shops (iron), 70 meat markets (retail), 27 milliners, 37 house and sign *This was an unfortunate block. The alteration of the grade on Broadway soon after it was built (by raising it) rendered it almost untenable, and Mr Sivyer sued the city, and after an expensive litigation recovered $8,000, or about that. The building, however, remained in that condition until 1882, when it was purchased by O. D. Bjorkquist, who pulled it down and has erected a handsome block upon its site for a boot and shoe store, known as Nos. 300 and 301 Broadway. 358 MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. painting shops, 64 physicians and surgeons, 62 produce dealers, 23 provision stores (only), 27 real estate brokers, 15 restaurants, 6 safe manufacturers, 202 saloons, 60 tailors, 14 tanneries, 29 tin and copper-smith establishments, 13 trunk manufacturers and dealers, 28 wagon shops, 18 jewelry stores, 51 wine and liquor stores, 5 wood-yards, 9 wooden-ware stores, 6 wool dealers, 2 woolen manufactories. Correction. On page 202, Vol. IV., when sketching E. P. Matthews, the writer omitted to state, when speaking of the official positions he had filled, that he also represented the Fourth ward in the legislature in 1880 and 1881. They Are Passing Away. This cut or diagram is a fac simile of the buildings* formerly standing upon the southeast corner of Grand avenue and Second street, and known (present numbering) as 119, 121, 123, 125, 127, 129, 131, 133, 135, 137 and 139 Grand avenue, and which, although an eye-sore to the community for the last ten years, were as much of an improvement when erected, over their predecessors (which were small frames) as will be their successors when completed over them. The history of the erection of these buildings, as well as the occupation of a portion of them, is substantially as follows: The nucleus of the two seen upon the left, and known as Nos. 119 and 121 Grand avenue, present numbering, and 2>Z and 35 Spring street, old numbering, were erected in 1847 by John Plankinton,f who, in connection with G. W. Evins, had purchased May 11,1846, the north fifty feet of lot 18, block 71, Fourth ward, of J. L. Bean, for $800. Evins sold his interest September 2, 1847, t0 Nelson H. Northrop,J of Palmyra, N. Y., for $600, who built the next one, No. *Now (May 1, 1886) partly demolished. f rhese buildings stood directly west of and adjoining the alley, and were the first brick ones ever erected upon that part of the block. This alley has now, however, (1884) been vacated and occupied by a portion of the hotel. J Mr. Northrop was the successor of John E. Cameron in the American House livery stable. He was a brother-in-law of George F. Oakley, to whom he subsequently sold out, I think in 1853, and returned back to Palmyra. MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. 360 MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. 37, now No. 123. These three buildings were partially destroyed by fire June 6, 1850, while occupied by the common council in the upper story and by Doctor Malloy in the second. This fire also destroyed a pcrtion of the city records. These buildings were, however, all quickly repaired, after which Nos. 119 and 121 were converted into a livery stable,* i. e., the old American House stable previously mentioned, then standing upon the north end of lot 19, directly in the rear, was moved up to and connected with them, they forming the carriage-house and office part, in which condition they were occupied by Mr. Oakleyt until the great fire of July 4, 1861, when they, with the American House, were destroyed, after whichj they were rebuilt, as seen in the diagram (Nos. 33 and 35, old numbering), by Mr. Plankinton, and No. 37 by Jonathan Crouch, who had purchased the Northrop interest, and which he occupied as an undertaker's store below and as a dwelling above until 1864, when he sold out the business (Mr. Crouch going directly across the street and opening another store, and where he was also burned out at a later period. Mr. Crouch died many years ago), to Messrs. Judson & Morse; John B. Judson, who had previously been in the fruit business with Simon Stone, under the title of Simon Stone & Co., and William Morse, who at once removed the stock to No. 33 (now 119), the Plankinton building (the Crouch building being converted into a millinery store), where they remained until 1875, when they dissolved, Mr. Morse going to Waukesha, and Mr. Judson, who is yet in the business, removing to 409 Grand avenue, after which these three stores were occupied for various purposes until 1884, when they were pulled down by Mr. Plankinton, who had also purchased the Crouch interest, and their former side, in connection with the alley (vacated) occupied with the extension of 1884. The erection of the Plankinton House was commenced Ma.), *The Northrop store being devoted to mercantile purposes. fGeorge F. Oakley was a very prominent liveryman in Milwaukee for several years, and but for the disgraceful conduct of a harlot who, in an evil hour, he had made his wife, would have been (if living) at the head of the column to-day. She was a terror, and soon drove him to the wall. He was lost on the Lady Elgin, September 9, i860. JFor full particulars of this fire see Vol. III., page 225. MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. 361 1867, at which time all that portion from 109 to 115 Gnmd avenue inclusive, representing a froniage of 115 feet with a depth of 200, was completed, the master mason being Hiram R. Bond. It remained in this form externally (although internally it was remodeled several times) until 1875, when that portion known as the Arcade, designated as Nos. 169 to 177 West Water street, inclusive, representing a frontage of 100 feet, was erected, also by Mr. Bond. And in 1879 that part known as the Birchard block, representing 85 feet on Grand avenue and 100 on West Water, after being remodeled so as to conform externally with that part of the hotel then completed, was also annexed (under a lease), which was its status until 1884, when, as has just been seen, the buildings Nos. 119, 121 and 123, present numbering (33, 35 and 37 old numbering), were pulled down, and their former site, together with the alley,* making an additional frontage of seventy feet occupied by the hotel extension of 1884. The next, Nos. 125, 127 and 129, present numbering, were erected by Simeon and Walter S. Babcock,t and 131 and 133 by the late Lester G. Newbre (all in 1858 or 1859, I think) upon ground leased from the late Elisha Eldred, who owned the 100 feet adjoining No. "^Previously stated as having been vacated. f I am not quite certain about this, but think that these three stores were all erected by the Babcock Bros. MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. 363 123 on the west, and from whose heirs (Mr. Eldred having, prior to his death, come into possession of these buildings by purchase), No. 133, with the ground (20 feet), passed to Henry Tischafer, and 129 to Edward H. Pantke, from whom, in 1885, they passed to Mr. Plankinton, wTho also purchased 125, 127 and 131 from the heirs of Mr. Eldred. Nos. 125, 127, 129 and 131 are yet standing, but will be pulled down the coming season. This brings us to the corner of Second street, the former site of the old Unitarian Church,* which subsequently came into the possession of Alex. Mitchell, who erected the building seen in the diagram, viz., Nos. 135, 137 and 139 Grand avenue, as well as its congener, standing directly in the rear, and known as Nos. 156 and 158 Second street, and from whom, including the buildings, the ground also passed to Mr. Plankinton. These five stores, including 133 Grand avenue (the Tischafer store), have now (1885) all been demolished, and their former site occupied by a portion of the new block now in process of erection. There were also two small frames built by William Furlong, known as Nos. 146 and 148 Second street, whose site is also occupied by the new building, one of which (148) was the residence of George Burnham during the winter of 1844 and 1845. The demolition of these old relics of a former age, and the erection of their successors, to be known as the Metropolitan, might be justly said, when taken in connection with the erection of Alex. Mitchell's bank and Chamber of Commerce building (cuts of which appeared in Vol. II., pages 135 and 243), the Plankinton library and the new insurance building (cuts of which will appear in this volume), to have (geologically speaking) inaugurated the dawn of the Miocene period of architecture in the Cream City. The erection of the Metropolitan, and its connection when completed with the present Plankinton (at what is now 125 Grand avenue), not only makes the block continuous from West Water to Second street, but it also gives that popular caravansary a frontage of '^Mentioned in Vol. II., page 295, where, by a typographical error, it was made to stand upon the northwest corner. It should have been on the southeast corner. 364 MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. 420 feet on Grand avenue, 200 on West Water, and 140 on Second street, all of which, with the exception of the Birchard block, 85 feet MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. 365 (previously mentioned), has been erected by Mr. Plankinton. The whole cost of this immense plant, including the ground, has exceeded $1,000,000, the Metropolitan alone, the upper stories of which will contain sixty-four apartments, to be used for hotel purposes, costing $350,000, making this not only the finest hotel in the state, but it also stamps its large-hearted owner as one of the most public-spirited citizens in Milwaukee, and one who has her best interests at heart. That the same success which has attended all his former years may continue, and that the day may be far distant when his well known face and form shall be seen upon our streets no more, is certainly the wish of every citizen of our fair city, for whose development and prosperity he has done so much. The annexed cuts represent the different views of this famous hotel. No. 1 gives a view from West Water street up to and including what was 123 Grand avenue; No. 2 gives an enlarged view from West Water street up to the same point, and No. 3 gives a view from the West from Second street to West Water, and have been inserted here as an heir-loom of what the first half century from the settlement of Milwaukee by the Anglo-Saxous has produced in the way of hotels. Another Landmark Going. The demolition of the old Kilbourn mansion, northwest corner of Fourth street and Grand avenue (a cut of which, as well as of its successor, will be found on page ti6 of this volume), was commenced this morning (May 10, 1886), and will in a few days have disappeared. Thus, one by one, the early landmarks pass away. 23 CHAPTER VII. i860. Opening Address—Police Report—Legislative—Horse Railroad Project—A Park Proposed—The New Municipal Court Room—Judge Foote's Court Abolished —Sid Rood's Game Cock—The Pleasant Street Bridge—A Costly Wind—Ice Lett the River—The Spring Election Brings Out More Political Rascality— Gardner & Lynch Arrested—Result of Election—Jasper Vliet?s Safe Seized by the Sheriff—Base Ball Discovered—Milwaukee's Third Great Fire—At which a Mecklenberger Makes a Discovery—Marshal Jehu M. Lewis Tried— The Public Schools—Geo. G. Houghton Takes the Helm—Council Proceedings—S. H. Martin Builds three New School Houses—Railroads—Jacob L. Bean as a Prophet—The Third Ward Market House—Belden's Old Home Saloon Removed—The Cow Question—Caleb Wall Speaks—The Horse Railroad Craze—The editor of the Sentinel Threatened with a Licking—Political Ruffianism—More Skullduggery—The Herzer Resolutions—The Lockwood Resolutions—Their Effect—The Germans Protest—Meeting of the Union Republican Club—Municipal Folly—Councillor Lockwood Brings the Malcontents to Time—Councillor Noyes Resigns—After which Councillor Rose-beck Takes the Floor—His Speech—The Fall Campaign—A Republican County Organization Effected—Election—First Snow Fall—Highway Robbery—Fred. Wardner Garroted—Burning of Nichols & Britt's Mill—Burning of Cross Block—Improvements—The Lady Elgin Goes Down—In Memoriam. The winter of 1859 and '6o was a cold one, particularly the closing month in 1S59, during which, as has been seen, the thermometer sunk to eight and ten degrees below zero nearly every day, and to thirty on the last day, closing the river from the mouth to the dam with ice six inches in thickness. Neither was there much abatement of the cold during the month of January, the thermometer going to thirty-two below on the fifth of that month. Cheerless and cold were those December days in 1859. Veiled was the sun by clouds, As through the shortening days He held his wonted course, from East to western bourne, Often unseen by human eye, While from the frozen North Old Boreas sent his gelid breath To strip the forests of their wealth of leaves, And chill the earth with frost, Causing both man and beast To flee for shelter from its icy touch. MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. 367 And in addition to all this, there was a large percentage of cloudy as well as foggy weather, being in that respect like the present one? 1884 and '85, during a large part of which the ear-splitting tones of that mellifluous instrument, known in the vernacular as the Government Fog-horn,"* have no doubt caused many of our citizens to think------, if they did not speak it. The writer will admit that he has been troubled that way occasionally, during " The wee sma' hours Ayont the twal." Financially, the previous year had been a prosperous one, and, except for the dark clouds of secession looming up in our southern horizon, we had nothing of which to complain. But the agitation attending the discussion of the slavery question, always an element of discord between the North and the South since the foundations of the government were laid, had now reached its meridian, and was soon to involve this nation in a civil war, that for devilishness and cruelty has never had a parallel in the history of any government, but out from which she was destined to emerge purified as by fire. But I digress. Police Report. The whole number of commitments for 1859 were: Males, 433. Females, 87. Total, 520. Under 16 years, 53 ; unable to read and write, 131. Nationality—England, 26; Canada, 7; Ireland, 183; Scotland, 8; France, 8; Germany, 157; United States, 92; Spain, 2; Nova Scotia, 1; Isle of Man, 2 ; Holland, 5 ; Sweden, 2 ; Wales, 4; Norway, 2; Russia, 1; Negroes, 13; Bohemians, 4. A. J. Langworthy, Sheriff. The members of the Legislature, elected November, 1859, were : For Senate—Cicero Comstock, Patrick Walsh. Assembly—Henry L. Palmer, Louis A. Schmidtner, Edward * I do not believe there is another city in America cursed with a Fog-horn, that for pure, unadulterated cussedness can beat ours in tone. A full feline orchestra on a moonlight night is like the music of the spheres compared to it. No other Horn upon the whole chain of Lakes (not excepting the one at Cedar-burg) can furnish another such a perfect representation of what might be supposed to be the "wail of the damned," as can ours. It is no doubt true that as a city we are behind the age in many respects, but we own a Fog-horn whose dulcet notes (when in good health) cannot be duplicated this side of '' Sheol." It is the Boss, 368 MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. Keogh, Edward D. Holton, Edward G. Hayden, Matthias Human, Patrick Dockery, John Ruan and Andrew Eble.# This session commenced January n, and adjourned April 2, i860. Wm. P. Lyon, Speaker. Among other enterprises started or contemplated this year was the construction of a Horse Railroad from Week's addition in the present Twelfth ward to Murray's addition in the present First ward, by that wide-awake citizen, the late Caleb Wall, and on the strength of wrhich real estate in both sections mentioned took a big rise, but the near certainty of the civil war put a stop to this as well as many other new enterprises for a season. It was constructed, however, in 1877. Public Parks Called For. Father John Rosebeckf (who does not remember Father John) wanted a Park. Hear his " spiel:" Municipal Lungs. Councillor Rosebeek is not so bad a man after all. He proposes to infuse a little more oxygen into our city—to inflate the corporate town with health, wealth and prosperity by means of a series of parks, located here, there and everywhere. Whether Councillor Rosebeek, in the exuberance of his fancy, intended these parks to be all " Central Parks," with landscape gardeners at work on serpentine paths, and parterres sprinkled with statuettes, and skating ponds, and a great in memoriam of the Councillor and father of the pjlot himself standing in plaster, like the Colossus at Rhodes over the main entrance—we cannot say. But from what we have seen of the gentlemen's productions, we consider him to be a man of rare picturesque ability, and suppose such was his intention. Here we have the Resolution, as presented to the Board of Councillors at their last meeting. Heralded with a musical and not very comprehensible preamble, as the. peregrinating vender of yeast plays you a strain of " the Star Spangled Banner" before he gives you a penny's worth. Councillor Rosebeek offered the following: Whereas, Health and prosperity adds greatly to the comforts of man, and as the city of Milwaukee should be the pride of the State, and the citizens in general are, as yet, not sufficiently awTare of their own interest, for reasons so plain to" be shown, in the great lack of public parks, market squares, etc. Therefore, Resolved, The Board of Aldermen concurring, that all the Milwaukee members in our present Legislature are hereby requested by the Common Council of Milwaukee, to do all in their power in order to bring about a special act, as will enable all wards as are yet destitute of such, or should apply for the enlargement of the same, and in that case the * Died during the session, and Theodore Harting elected to fill vacancy. f Father Rosebeek was what the Germans call a " prick-staine," (i. e.), he was solid for what he went in for. MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. 369 city shall issue bonds for the amount, and the Comptroller shall be instructed to levy sufficient taxes in such wrards, so as to pay the interest yearly on the bonds so issued; also, the property so purchased shall be mortgaged to the city until the final settlement of the same. Councillor Schulte moved to amend so that the bonds should be issued by the wTards, and not by the city. Which was accepted. On the motion of Councillors Lock wood and Buening, the resolution was amended by inserting, after the word "Wards, the following words: " Excepting the First and Second wards." And the resolution was adopted. It all ended, however, in talk, and although many have subsequently made the attempt, still we have no park to-day worthy of the name, but any amount of beer gardens. It is a burning shame to Milwaukee that it is so. Why will not our city fathers look to this ? The New Municipal Court. There was a large amount of windy newspaper discussion this year in relation to converting the new Market House (the present City Hall), mentioned in previous chapters, into a Municipal Court Room. The West Siders claimed that inasmuch as they furnished the largest share of the criminals to come before it, that they were entitled to it, and it ought to be located on their side. It was virtually the old Bridge War in a new role. One of the arguments against its being converted into a court room was that it did not possess the requisite strength, which was answered by architect Mix, as follows: The Market House a Safe Building. Editors of Sentinel—Gentlemen: At a meeting held in the Fourth ward, at Kilbourn's block, a few evenings since, it was stated by one of the speakers upon an avowed experience of twenty years as an architect and builder, that the building known as the Market House is a weak and shabby aifair of insufficient strength for the proposed alterations, that the walls were but one foot thick and therefore not strong enough for the support of the weight intended to be added to the floors, roof, etc.; also stating that the intention was to remove the floor timbers of the old building, thus weakening and shattering the old walls; that the proposed changes were therefore unsafe, and if carried out would probably entail on the community another edition of the Lawrence catastrophe; and, finally, that the cost of the alterations on the plan proposed wTould not be less than 120,000. In reply to the above, and for the truth's sake, I wish to say that the Market House is at present one of the strongest buildings in the city, being substantially built with brick walls from sixteen to twenty-eight inches in thickness. That the plans of the alteration do not contemplate the removal of a timber of the present floor, and that the additions to be made, viz: the 370 MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. building of a new front and belfry, and the internal division of the building by partitions to form the various offices, will tend rather to strengthen the building than otherwise; and, finally, the contract for all the proposed alterations being let to a responsible party for less than $5,000, who has given good and sufficient bonds to fulfill the same. I am at a loss to know how, even with his ripe experience, the gentleman can support his figures. I should not take the trouble to answer the above objections, did I not suppose they arose from ignorance of the facts of the case in the gentleman making them, and that they might have misled some who take things from hear-say instead of judging for themselves. Good judgment is often as serviceable as experience. Respectfully yours, E. Townsend Mix, Architect and Supt. of City Hall. The opponents of this measure finally brought the matter into court on a writ of certiorari in March, i860. The real trouble with these people (who were mostly contractors) was that Mr. Mix did not make it cost enough ($20,000, as they claimed it would, in place of $5,000), and out of which they could get rich. But the change was, nevertheless, effected, after which it was used by the common council and city officers until the erection of the new court-house in 1871, into which they removed. The municipal court, however, still continued to hold its sessions at the city hall, where all seeking a position in the county chair factory (alias house of correction) as involuntary guests can have their passports thereto " vized " by Judge Jas. A. Mallory on short notice, and as the Hibernian policeman once said, " Divil a ha'porth will it cost them for the journey out." The police court was removed from the old police station on Broadway to its present quarters, in the old city hall, September 3, 1867. Judge Foote's Court. The reader who has perused the previous pages cannot have failed to notice that great dissatisfaction existed among the people, particularly the members of the bar, about this court and its disreputable judge, and in order to get rid of him the question of the legality of its organization was raised, which brought it before the supreme court, who gave a decision against it, wrhich threw him out.# ^Tradition has it that the news that his court was abolished came to him while holding one of his morning levees, and that, after reading the document (for it was official), he sprang to his feet and exclaimed, in his usual elegant style, "This court is busted, by G—d!" MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. 371 This decision abolishing it was rendered February 21, i860, after which the following appeared in the Sentinel of the 25th: Since Judge Foote was ousted by the supreme court our municipal tribunal has been without a head. This deficiency should be supplied without delay, and we hope that the legislature will at once pass a law authorizing the governor to fill the vacancy—temporarily at least. Which was done, and the governor appointed Jas. A. Mallory, who has retained the office to the present time. Mind Over Matter. Ex-Chief of Police William Beck relates the following incident as occurring in connection with this court. As might have been expected, Mr. Foote was highly elated with his position as municipal judge, and put on airs accordingly. Now, it happened shortly after his assuming the judicial ermine that our well known fellow citizen, George W. Featherstonhaugh, was among the spectators at one of his usual morning levees, whereupon the judge came down from the bench, seized the colonel's hand, led him up, and gave him a seat at his side, where the colonel remained a short time, after which he arose, and waving an adieu to the judge, left the place, remarking to Chief Beck as he went out the door, " Now, was not my being invited up there a great triumph of mind over matter?" I think it was. Sid Rood's Game Cock. That Cock Won't Fight. One of our friends, who shall be nameless here, noted for his bluff speech and love of sport, particularly an occasional cock fight, has a friend, of the medical profession, also a lover of the same sport, and for whom he had been raising, during the past summer, a handsome and thoroughbred game cock. The bird, by dint of great care and considerable expense, had been brought to perfection, and was carefully conveyed into town to be sent to the party for whom it had been raised. Our bluff friend being somewhat in a hurry took the bird into a store, where he was in the habit of dealing, and requested that the storekeeper would permit his porter, a German, to take the bird, which was in a bag, up to the Doctors house, at the same time naming the Doctor. The latter part of the conversation it would seem the Dutchman did not hear, but taking up the bag started on his errand. The game cock was duly conveyed to the Doctor's house, but alas! not to the proper one, but to the residence of a German doctor, living at No.-----street. Here the game cock was consigned to the cook, the Doctor thinking, doubtless, that some generous patient, in his gratitude for a cure, or a light bill, had sent him the fowl as a present. 372 MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. Our friend who had raised the bird, not having heard from the Doctor to whom he intended it should be taken, inquired of the Doctor how he liked him, when it was discovered that the Dutchman had taken the game cock to the wrong place. A messenger was dispatched to the German doctor's house for the game cock, when lo! the only satisfaction obtained was that the rooster had been cooked, the cook remarking that " he was so tough as he could be," adding, " I tink dese Yankee shickens no goot for te table; vat you tink?" This is thought by some to be the best joke on S-----d R-----d that has yet been practiced. S-----d's remarks on Dutchmen, on learning the fate of the game cock, were particularly complimentary. This has been inserted here as a part of the " res gestae," as the lawyers call it, and as showing the inside life of the old settlers in the days when we all went :'gypsying." The Cid did not "schwear" much. Oh, no. He just said a few cuss words. But he did not hear the last of that game cock for a long time. The Pleasant Street Bridge. See annexed: Will the voters of the Sixth and First wards tell why it is that the city engineer, Mr. Schumacher, and Hon. Jackson Hadley are in favor of building a bridge from the Sixth to the First wards, at a cost of at least $60,000, and that in the meantime Mr. Hadley is a candidate for Councillor of the First ward ? A Citizen. This bridge was built in part, i. e., the bents or piers were all put in place, and the stringers put on ready for the plank, in which condition it remained for a short time, during which the writer crossed on it several times. It was to connect Pleasant street on the East Side with Walnut street on the West Side, and was no doubt one of Mr. Hadley's pet schemes for improving First ward property, of which at that time he owned a large amount. It was to have cost $13,000 in place of $60,000. It was subsequently all removed, and there are probably not twenty men living who remember of its ever having been placed there. A Costly Wind. Spink & Armstrong's bank windows blown in and the money blown out. See annexed: The Gale of Saturday—The Advent of March. The city was visited on Saturday with a violent southwesterly wind, which commenced in the morning and continued throughout the day, gradually augmenting its force until nightfall. Pedestrians were pretty generally blown about like feathers, and those not wearing helmets were put to serious annoyances with their head covering. MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. 373 March Entereth the Temple of Janus. During the heighth of the " blow " the two large windows of Messrs. Armstrong & Spink's banking-house, on the southeast corner of Huron and East Water streets, were blown in, and before any of the precious papers, bills and currency could be secured Zephyrus had mingled everything in a small whirlwind, and bank-notes and drafts all went out and down Huron street in beautiful disorder. The counting-room could not have been swept cleaner by a simoon, and clerks and porters, with their hair on end, partly with fright and partly with wind, followed after in the most frenzied attempts to reclaim the serial money. Certain men and boys and loafers, whose destiny led them to stand about the corners of Main and Huron streets, instantly imagined some good genii had emptied a cornucopia on the wind, and began to gather the 10's and 5's with an alacrity they probably never before displayed, congratulating themselves with the assurance that "it was an ill wind that didn't blow somebody good." However much these individuals needed the free gift, it is but simple justice to say that a great portion of the money was recovered by Messrs. Armstrong & Spink, and though all the currency, amounting to perhaps $700 or $800, was swept away, they will not lose over $470 of it. The windows were immediately boarded up, and the office protected from further damage. I witnessed this occurrence. There was quite an excitement about it for a short time, as plenty of good little boys were seen to grab the bills by the handful and disappear down the alleys. Ice left the river March 5. It was open below Walker's Point, however, most of the time after January 15—kept open by the boats running to Grand Haven. The first boat from below was the propeller Prairie State, April 13. More Political Rascality. The exemption of the Newhall House from taxation by the common council for 1857 and 1858 proved to have been unwise as well as illegal, as it resulted in vitiating the tax for both those years, and in order to make capital for the Democratic party during the spring canvass, and thereby get into power again, the statement was made at one of the political gatherings by two prominent Democrats that the city was put in that position by the reform party, meaning the administration of Wm. A. Prentiss. To which Mr. Prentiss replied that the ordinance authorizing it was passed March 22, 1856, by a Democratic council, approved by Jas. B. Cross, a Democratic mayor, and the suit to test its illegality was brought by Dr. L. W. Weeks, also a prominent Democrat, and that he could not consent that they should palm off the acts and doings of a Democratic mayor and council of 1856 upon his shoulders 374 MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. in 1858, without showing up the falsity of it. Which spiked that gun.* Such was the course pursued by the leaders of the Democratic party to screen themselves from the odium of the administration of Jas. B. Cross, and to ex Mayor Prentiss were they particularly hostile. His clear head and unswerving integrity made him a terror to the thieves who were fattening upon the public treasury. But justice prevailed in the end, at least so far as Gardner and Lynch were concerned, although the principal actors, as usual, escaped. Gardner and Lynch Arrested. Robert B. Lynch was arrested on the complaint of Herman L. Page, March 10, and E. L. H Gardner, on the nth, on complaint of John H. Tesch, and indicted in April. See annexed: Indictments Against Gardner and Lynch. The grand jury on Wednesday presented sundry indictments against E. L. H. Gardiner and R. B. Lynch, as follows: Two joint indictments for forgery, one joint indictment for embezzlement, and one joint indictment for conspiracy. One indictment against Lynch alone for embezzlement, and sixteen against Lynch alone for forgery. One against Gardner alone for larceny, one against Gardner alone for embezzlement, and thirteen against Gardner alone for forgery. Total, thirty-six indictments. During the afternoon Councillor Noyes was arrested on the complaint, we understand, of Edw. P. Allis, for complicity in the recent frauds, and taken before Judge Mallory, where he gave bail in the sum of $1,000 to appear at the next term of court and answer. The Case of Gardner and Lynch. Our ex-city clerk, Robert Lynch, was released from jail yesterday, having at last obtained bail. Thomas Keogh and Mr. Miller became his sureties in the sum of $8,000—Lynch, we are credibly informed, having first conveyed property to the full amount of the bail to the above-named gentlemen. The affair was the general theme of remark about the streets yesterday, eliciting a variety of comment, which in some instances was not the most complimentary to the gentlemen through whose agency Lynch was released. The ex-city comptroller,.Gardner, less fortunate, still remains in jail. Both are to have their trials in the fore part of next month. Lynch's trial came off August 14. The jury were J. Weatherby, *Tbere never was a man in this city whose public record is any cleaner than is that of William A. Prentiss, and his name will pass into the history of both city and state as one of the best men among all its official corps, while that of some of his traducers will sink into oblivion, or if remembered at all will be remembered only for their political dishonesty. MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. 375 John Bistile, L. Stransky, John Hilkee. Jacob Kern, Joseph Haertel, Gottlieb Hoffman, Clinton Austin, Stephen Babcock, John B. Merrill, Henry Wieland and Joseph Deuster, by whom he was found guilty. Lynch's attorney was the late Matt Carpenter. The attorneys for the city were the late Judge E. G. Ryan and A. R. R. Butler. Gardner, who had fled to California, returned in order to save his bondsmen from harm, when, by some political influence, the suits against him were discontinued, and poor Lynch had to fill the gap.* Some wag of a poet got off the following, which is inserted here as a part of the case : The Devil's Visit to Milwaukee. 'Tis said that Satan makes his regular jaunts, Monthly or yearly, to the various haunts Of men, whene'er they wax so moral The Devil thinks his kingdom in peril. Residents of the fair white city, Who chance to read this homely ditty, Dry your tears And hush your fears, Beelzebub hasn't been here for years. I haven't really the hardihood To boldly assert we are so good— So far removed from sinful enjoyment As never to give Old Mck employment; But simply to say In a delicate way, He can find work that will really pay Him better; for any way He is sure of Milwaukee on judgment day. But " apropos"— That's French you know— Well, really, the meaning I cannot tell; But in this case it relates to-----well A place underground Where can be found A good hot fire all the year round. Well, after an absence of several seasons, The devil thought he would take a peep At this fair city, which for various reasons He had left so long in a sort of sleep, *Robert B. Lynch, after a long imprisonment in the County Jail, was finally let off on condition that he would enlist in one of the Wisconsin regiments during the war of the rebellion (the Twenty-fourth, I think), which he did. And thus Waupun was saved the disgrace of his company. He came off, however, without a scratch, and died (I am informed) a few years later at Washington, D. C. MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. And for his absence to make amends— As an old crony should, Or naturally would— He went making calls on all his old friends: Giving some word of greeting to each, Some friendly nod or friendly speech. He sighed in the ear of B------B------n: What a misfortune that bonds went down. If they hadn't, by my help you wTould have made A handsome thing from our railroad trade. He whispered to S------n: What a shame That for the use of your valuable name A thousand was all you obtained. I declare It's enough to make you almost swear, And feel inclined in despair to tear Handfulls out of your fine head of hair; When the fact of the matter is, that you, Who did dirty work even I wouldn't do, Should, after all, be so poorly paid; But we'll make it up below, my blade. And so his majesty wandered around, Talking to all the old cronies he found— A-n-d and C-t-s and C-r-s and others; K-----n and K------d, the railroad brothers, And many more of his private friends, Who willsome day come to very bad ends— Until chance conducted him up the stair Of Cross' block, to the places where The city fathers in council agree To—I'll tickle you and you tickle me. But growing short of wind, they say He stopped to rest himself on the way, And seeing a certain office near He concluded to repose for a time in there, And giving Gr---------r some knowing looks, Commenced looking over the city's books. But as he examined, a terrible frown O'erspread his features, and looking around, Said he: In my residence under ground I have some men who for regular fobbing, For systematic and wholesale robbing, I would have backed without hesitation Against any official in all this nation; But here I declare And solemnly swear By all that a decent devil holds dear Here upon these volumes kneeling: I swear that for regular up and down stealing For going in anyhow, hit or miss, We have nothing in h—1 that is equal to this. Then giving the floor an awful stroke With his caudal appendage—he vanished in smoke. MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. 377 The election held April 3 resulted as follows: Mayor—William Pitt Lynde. Comptroller—Ferdinand Kuehn. Treasurer—John H. Tesch. Attorney—Joshua La Due. Engineer—Frederick S. Blodgett. Municipal Judge—James S. Mallory. City Printers—Starr & Son. Official: English, Daily News; German, Seebote. Aldermen. First Ward—Nicholas O'Neill. Second Ward—Francis Huebschmann. Third Ward—John J. Crilley. Fourth Ward—Edwin Hyde. Fifth Ward—Charles H. Orton. Sixth Ward—Joseph Phillips. Seventh Ward—William A. Prentiss.* Eighth Ward—J. C. IT. Mederman. Ninth Ward—John De Vos. F. Huebschmann, president. Councillors. First Ward—Andrew Argus and John Lockwood. Second Ward—August Greulich and Henry F. Buening. Third Ward—Timothy O'Brien and Andrew McCormick. Fourth Ward—John Plankinton and Alex. H. Johnston. Fifth Ward—Patrick Mallon and John Kosebeck. Sixth Ward—Jacob Oberman and Ernst Herzer. Seventh Ward—Nelson Webster and William A. Noyes. Eighth Ward—Fred. Vogel and Wm. P. Merrill. Ninth Ward—Chas. Schroeder and S. H. Kueckert. Nelson Webster, president. County Officers. Sheriff—A. J. Langworthy. Under-SherirT—William W. Brown. Deputies—John W. Dunlop, Laben Capron, Benj. F. Smith, Fred. W. Hundhausen and John J. Crilley. City offices in Cross' block, northeast corner of Huron and East Water streets. *Cyrus D. Davis was elected, but declined to serve, and a special election was held on the 18th. See annexed: Seventh Ward Special Election—A Signal Triumph. The special election for alderman of the Seventh ward cime off yesterday, and was most vigorously contested. The Republicans nominated William A. Prentiss and the Democrats, John C. Starkweather. Both parties worked hard, and a very heavy vote (999) was polled. The result was as follows: Prentiss (Republican).................................ccy Starkweather (Democrat)..............................442 Majority for Prentiss..............................115 At the charter election, three weeks ago, the Democrats carried the Seventh ward by 65 majority for mayor, 13 for alderman and 1 for councillor. Now the tables are handsomely turned. Good for the gallant Seventh! 378 MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. Supervisors. This office was filled in the different wards by the aldermen (ex-officio). Towns— Wauwatosa—Henry Crawford. Granville—S. C. Enos. Milwaukee—Fred. Moscowitz. Lake—Orlando Ellsworth. Greenfield—Peter Lavies, Jr. Oak Creek—R. Haerty. Franklin—M. J. Egan. M. J. Egan, chairman. Justices of the Peace. First Ward—Chas. Kattinger. Second Ward—Alex. Cotzhausen. Third Ward—R. B. O'Flaherty. Fourth Ward—W. B. Bloomfield. Fifth Ward—C. C Meyer. Sixth Ward—C. Wichelhaus. Seventh Ward—E. P. Hotchkiss. Eighth Ward—W. A. Tucker. Ninth Ward—Abram Vliet. Fire Department. Chief Engineer—H. F. Buening. First Assistant—None. Second Assistant—Phil. Daily. Third Assistant—Thos. Kerr. Fire Wardens. First District—Wm. Spence, JohnKoehler. Second District—H. Moore, H. Reinel. Third District—Jas. O'Brien, P. Hanley. Fourth District—P. Jacobus, J. Marcus. Fifth District—Chas. McDermott, Adam Hupbert. Number of engines same as previous year. Constables. First Ward—Daniel Campbell. Second Ward—Adolph Sulzer. Third Ward—Vacant. Fourth Ward—H. C. Gravinger. Fifth Ward—S. Holzinger. Sixth Ward—Edward Koebatz. Seventh Ward—Gottfried Luther. Eighth Ward—Frederick Hett. Ninth Ward—J. C. Mass. Railroad Commissioners. First Ward—Thos. Burke. Second Ward—Henry George. Third Ward—Wm. H. Holland. Fourth Ward—Samuel L. Elmore. Fifth Ward—Herman Toser. Sixth Ward—Peter Schram. Seventh Ward—August Ehlebracht. Eighth Ward—M. Ambacher. Ninth Ward—M. H. Schwarzenburg. MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. 379 Assessors. First Ward—John Esch. Second Ward—Jacob Gintz. Third Ward—Edward Hackett. Fourth Ward—Daniel Schultz. Fifth Ward—John C. Smith. Sixth Ward—Otto Fiebing. Seventh Ward—James Murray. Eigth Ward—Joseph Dressier. Ninth Ward—Jacob Toennessen. School Commissioners. First Ward—Alonzo D. Seaman, Nick Ludwig. Second Ward—F. A. Urban, Jacob Best. Third Ward—John Shortell, Ed. O'Neill. Fourth Ward—Jonathan Ford, H. H. West. Fifth Ward—Wm. Kendrick, Ed. De Wolf. Sixth Ward—Geo. G. Houghton, F. Schloemilch. Seventh Ward—J. N. Mason, Rufus King. Eighth Ward—Geo.Trentledge, Geo. Burnham. Ninth Ward—Chas. Quentin, H. Hilmantel. President—Ed. O'Neill. Superintendent—Jonathan Ford. Chief of Police—Wm. Beck. Roundsmen were twenty-three, viz: Albert Beck, Casper Borgelt, Theodore Buechner, Michael Duffy, William Dever, Peter Dusolt, M. J. Eviston, Geo. Fisher, W. H. Garlick, Geo. Gruber, Adam Just, Daniel Kennedy, Jr., Chas. Kruecke, C. H. King, F. Kessler, John McCarty, Jerry O'Connor, J. B. Rhodee, Isaac Rhodee, John Regan, Peter Smith, Thos. Shaughnessey and Peter Weber. It was a close fight. The republicans carried the First, Fourth and Eighth wards with a good majority, and lost the Fifth, Sixth and Seventh by about a dozen votes each. The Seventh was very hotly contested, upwards of 1,200 votes being polled.* In commenting upon triis election, the Sentinel of the 4th has the following : In the Third Ward yesterday, the democrats had full sway at the polls. We had a brawny individual, whose breath did not smell a bit like aquafortis, but very much like the bottomless pit, thrust his fists into our face and called us a d-----d republican, and warn us away. We also sawT the republican band wagon stoned, the driver assaulted, and compelled to drive hastily away. Liberty of speech and action prevailed all day in this model ward, and where liberty is, there is their home. By the following official returns it will be seen that there were more republicans than democrats : * This was the Time when a special election was held for Treasurer, as stated in Vol. III., when sketching Mr. Tesch. 880 MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. Mayor. Republican. Democratic. First Ward—Walker............... 578 First Ward—Hadley..«........... 372 Second Ward—Waldo*............ 374 Second Ward—Lvnde........... 508 Third Ward— " .......... 162 Third Ward— "" ........... 859 Fourth Ward— " ............ 482 Fourth Ward— " ........... 442 Fifth Ward— "............ 397 Fifth Ward— " ........... 414 Sixth Ward—Tesch................ 417 Sixth Ward—Dousinan......... 236 Seventh Ward—Waldo............ 563 Seventh Ward—Lynde......... 621 Eighth Ward— " ........... 259 Eighth Ward— " ...... 192 Ninth Ward—Tesch............... 783 Ninth Ward—Dousman......... 325 Total.............................. 4,015 Total............................. 3,969 Actual republican majority, 46. This was close work, and showed that republican seed was beginning to take root in the barren and sandy soil of democracy. The salaries for the different city officials were fixed this year as follows, on the 15th of April: Clerkt........................................................ $2,000 Comptroller................................................ 1,800 City Attorney............................................. 1,600 Denuty Comptroller.................................... 800 Assistant Deputy......................................... 600 There was an exciting discussion at the meeting held April 28th, when Wm. A. Prentiss took his seat and offered a resolution based on the decision of the City Attorney, that no member of the Council could hold the office of First or Second Assistant Engineer of the Fire Department, declaring both those offices, then held by city officials, vacant. Which was adopted—22 to 3—and thus another wedge to split the ring was driven. Jasper Vliet's Safe Taken. The safe of the Horicon Railroad Company, Jasper Vliet, president, was attached April 28th, by Sheriff Herman L. Page, and the sum of $20,000 found therein, which was paid over to the creditors.§ * Running for Mayor. f Running for City Treasurer. J Among the aspirants for City Clerk were ex-Judge Foote and Joseph Lathrop. Of the latter the Sentinel had the following puff: Clerk of the Common Council.—We hear of quite a number of candidates for this responsible office; among them, Judge Foote, Mr. Herzberg, and Col. Lathrop of the News. We can safely say, without disparagement to others, that Col. Lathrop is admirably qualified for the post, and would, we are confident, discharge the duties of the office creditably to himself and acceptably to the public. It would appear from this (which was true), that Judge Foote was willing to aecept any position, even that of Clerk in the same Court where a short time previous he had sat as its Judge. All he cared for was an office. § This was after the failure of the road. The creditors were clamoring for their pay, and Sheriff Page, feeling sure that there was money somewhere, concluded to try that safe. MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. 381 Base Ball Discovered April 5th, i860, and a club organized. Rufus King, President; Alpha C. May, Vice President; C. H. Allen, Secretary; J. W. Led-yard, Treasurer. Play grounds on Spring street hill. The rules and regulations of this Club occupied one entire column in the Sentinel of April 7th, the Constitution alone containing thirty-eight sections. No wonder it died of plethora or something. The Great Fire of March 20, i860. This fire, the third in magnitude with which Milwaukee had up to that time been visited, although very destructive, as fires usually are, proved in the end to have been a blessing, as it cleared the then best business portion of our city of a lot of old frame " rookeries," which had outlived their usefulness, and should have migrated to the outskirts or been pulled down long before. This fire was first seen at 11:30 a. m.,# in the jet,f or return of the cornice, in the old frame standing upon the southeast corner of PZast Water and Wisconsin streets, now No. 400 East Water street, being one of the four then owned by the late Elisha Eldred, and where for several minutes it burned very slowly, so slowly in fact that several who witnessed it remarked that they never saw a fire start that appeared so undecided as to whether to proceed or go out as that one. When first seen it could have been extinguished with a pail of water, or even with snowballs had there been any snow. But the firemen were determined that inasmuch as Mr. Eldred would neither pull them down nor rebuild, that they should burn, and they did.J They were a long time in getting ready to work, and when they did could not seem to find the fire. They sent one stream down the * The writer was seated upon the steps of the old stage office, at what is now 88 Wisconsin street, conversing with Isaac Selleck, who for so many years acted as agent and clerk for Messrs. Davis and Moore (stage men), when the first flash was seen, and where he remained until the fire was well under way, from which point he witnessed all the heroic efforts made by the firemen not to put it out, and which were certainly Herculean. t A term in architecture applied to that point where the cornice upon the sides of all the early buildings is returned round the end in order to make a finish. I Two of these buildings, Nos. 398 and 400, were built in 1836, and of course were at that time not worth pulling down for kindling, but on account of their location would rent for a large amount, much more in proportion to their value than does their successor, the Iron Block. The others, Nos. 394 and 396, were built by Mr. Eldred at a later day. 24 382 MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. alley in the rear, until the water ran out on Michigan street like a spring brook, while at the same time another was sent down the chimney of No. 400, in order, I suppose, to keep that from getting overheated, everywhere, in fact, but on the fire, until it was certain that the thing was a bird (as the saying is), after which they went to work in earnest (and there was need of it) to stop its further progress. As during all this time it had spread faster than a bad reputation, or a campaign lie before election, had extended to Uncle Ben Throop's hat and cap store on the south, now No. 382, then No. 180 East Water street, and east to Broadway, from where it was rapidly working its way south to the Newhall, but by hard work its further progress in that direction was checked, as well as upon East Water street. Twenty-two buildings in all were consumed at this fire, with the following amount of losses as near as can be ascertained: Jessel, about $6,000, fully insured. Eldred, on stock, about $300. Caleb Wall, $1,000; insured for $500. D. A. J. Upham, $400; insured. Morse Brothers, $500 ; insured. Goodman, about $1,000; insured. Sigerson—trifling. Mossin & Marr, $25. Cinders from this fire were carried several blocks, setting fire in one instance to a shawl on a gentleman's shoulders at the corner of Wells and West Water streets. See annexed: A gentleman who was watching the progress of the fire on Tuesday, and who afterwards went over Spring street bridge and up West Water street, was suddenly stopped in the street by a person who called his attention to his shawl, which was burning. On taking the article off, a hole about the size of a small dinner-plate was visible, and still burning, caused, doubtless, by a falling cinder. Among the buildings destroyed was the old house with the pillars, the William M. Gardner Homestead, built in 1836, upon the southwest corner of Broadway and Wisconsin streets, which had been moved south to the rear of the lot by D. A. J. Upham, who had purchased the property, where it was doing duty as a trunk shop, and occupied by John R. Cocup. The annexed list of the names of the sufferers at this fire, copied MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. 383 from Peter Van Vechten's sketch, published in the Wisonsi?t, of March 20, 1885, is inserted here by permission : The southeast corner of Wisconsin and East Water streets, by H. E. Sawyer as a union ticket office, and Wm. Schenck, who was at that time the agent of the Pittsburg & Fort Wayne Railroad, had his office with him. G. A. Jessel had an auction and commission store in the same building. Next south on East Water street, 198, was occupied by C. R. Mabley as a clothing store; then came J. L. Eldredge's boot and shoe store, adjoining which was Edward R. Pantke and Oscar Barker's hat, cap and fur store. The stores on the south were occupied by A. C. Muri-son, dealer in confectionery; Moses Abraham, clothing; Henry Freeman and Charles Bigelow, boots and shoes; West Eliot's Golden Gate Saloon; William Mabley, clothing; Joseph Baker, jeweler; William B. Morse and Levi Morse, tobacco and cigars. The firms burned out on Wisconsin street included Christian Bautz, bootmaker; John Siegerson, news depot; Lindeman & Hanson, merchant tailors; John Goodman, manufacturer of camphene and burning fluid; P. L. Mossin and John Marr, engravers; James Campbell & Sons, boot and shoe dealers; Williams & R dney, real estate dealers; Thomas Rodway, saloon; M. C. Cook and Ralph Church, fruits; Mrs. J. W. Goings, barber shop and hair dressing rooms; Weld & Baldwin, real estate. Chief Foley, who at that time was in his sixteenth year, was a member of Engine Company No. 6, and participated in the " fun " of putting out or trying to put out the fire, related by Mr. Van Vechten. In the fall of the same year, i860, the city purchased the first steam engine, and a regular paid department was soon after organized. But en resume : There were some discoveries made during the progress of this fire, by that class of relic hunters who usually congregate on such occasions, one of which will not probably be forgotten by the discoverer while he lives, unless his memory gets out of order. There was a small building* standing in. the rear of Nos. 398 and 400, the vault to which, about five feet in width by twelve in length and six in depth, was full. This building had also burned, the ashes from which, falling directly upon the vault, had completely hidden it from view. This man-trap was soon discovered by one of the small boys (se\ eral of whom were flitting around) falling partially into it, whereupon his companions (he having scooted), seeing fun ahead for them, quickly sprinkled fresh ashes over the fatal spot, upon which they placed a penny and awaited the result. It was not long before a tall, lean * This was before the days of modern improvements, falsely so called. 384 MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. specimen of the genus homo, known in the vernacular as a Meck-lenburger, with his sawbuck, saw and axe upon his shoulders, came sauntering along, hunting for spoil in the shape of old iron and things (and he got spoiled), who seeing the penny, which these good little boys had so kindly placed there for his especial benefit and which they were not at all negligent about calling his attention to, went for it and was quickly immersed in its murky depths clear to his neck. He was pulled out and wet down by the firemen, after which he made some remarks to the crowd in pure Mecklenberg, said by those who understood that melodious tongue, to have had reference to the certainty of riches taking to themselves wings and fleeing away (occasionally) and the innate cussedness of the small boys.* It was awful. But en resume. Marshal Jehu M. Lewis tried for illegal voting before Judge Mal-lory, May 7, and acquitted. Verdict: Didn't know any better. The writer was present at this trial, and will never forget it. Mr. Lewis was arrayed in a new suit of indigo blue, with brass buttons (his head was brass any way), yellow kids hid his immense hands from sight, while upon the table lay his old-fashioned white bell-crowned tile, and taken altogether he looked like a mixture of horse jockey and slave-driver combined. All that was lacking to make the picture complete was a pair of Mexican spurs and a whip. The case was opened by the late General James H. Paine, who offered as evidence the fact of Mr. Lewis being United States marshal, and that this of itself was sufficient to prove that he must know where he was entitled to vote. This brought the late Matt H. Carpenter, who was counsel for Jehu, to his feet with the following rejoinder: "We admit, your honor, that this man (here he cast a pitying look at Jehu) is a United States marshal. No use in arguing that point. (Here he cast another pitying glance at his client, and continued.) Government can confer office, but it can't confer knowledge. And the fact that my client is United States marshal is * These young hoodlums had succeeded in getting seven men and boys into that pit before the police discovered what they were about. The last victim being a young lad in the employ of Messrs. Terry & Cleaver (books and stationery) who was on his way to the bindery with some magazines, and who in his anxiety to obtain that penny, went in books and all. That closed the show. MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. 385 no proof that he knows anything." So said the jury, and acquitted him. It was by far the most amusing trial I ever attended in Milwaukee, and often comes to mind even at this late period. Amusing from the fact that Mr. Carpenter despised him as much as General Paine did. The marshal died many years ago. The Public Schools. There was trouble in the school board in i860. The lavish manner (to call it by no harsher name) in which the school money had been expended by the former boards, in fitting up elegant apartments for the commissioners and other things, had increased year by year, until the expense account had reached $70,000 per annum, or nearly that—the item for wood alone amounting to 1,100 cords. The threat made by a member of a former board that the office of school commissioner should be prostituted to politics, the same as any other, had borne its legitimate fruit, and the treasury was bankrupt, and as the common council, though strongly importuned, would grant no supplies, but at the session of the board of councillors, held May 15, adopted the following preamble and resolutions: Whereas, The population and financial condition of the city of Milwaukee does not warrant the maintenance by the city of two high schools, and Whereas, The interests of education require that the present system of high schools be continued, and Whereas, It is understood that the present popular principals of our high schools are willing to take upon themselves the burden of continuing the system at their own risk and expense, therefore, Resolved, The board of aldermen concurring, that we recommend to the board of school commissioners that they close the Seventh and Second ward high schools, and make an offer of the free use of the rooms and apparatus of both high schools to the present principals of said schools, upon the condition that the system, in all its departments, be kept up to its present efficiency, and' that whenever the city shall determine to assume the control of said schools, the rooms and apparatus shall be given up after such notice as the council shall prescribe shall have been made upon both principals.* Resolved, That in case the principals of the high schools accept the free use and occupation of apparatus and rooms now used as high schools, they shall make such arrangements as the board of school com- *In commenting upon this proposition the Sentinel had the following: '• The plan is undoubtedly a good one; it will test the question whether the high schools are wanted, and it will put a quietus on the schemes of certain interested parties, who have been working most assiduously to close our high schools and at the same time establish some kind of a new-fangled central-normal-fund high school, by which they might keep their disinterested fingers in the pie," 386 MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. missioners may direct, by which said principals shall bind themselves to return the rooms and apparatus in as good condition as when taken, damages by fire and ordinary wear excepted; and that the board of school commissioners have the privilege, at any time, of visiting said rooms for the purpose of looking after their condition. Which was carried out.* This action on the part of the council left the board of school commissioners no alternative, and at their meeting on the 18th the following resolutions were offered by Geo. G. Houghton, the member from the Sixth ward, and adopted : Resolved, That the board of school commissioners have taken all proper measures for the opening of the public schools at the earliest day possible; and Whereas, All proper means were also taken to carry them on in the most economical manner, by grading the number of teachers and the scholars thereof; and Whereas, The common council were duly informed of the action of this board, and have neglected to take any measures as will enable this board to carry out the plan they had adopted; and Whereas, Section 5 of the city charter says the school board shal not contract any debts or incur any expense greater than the amount o the school fund, without a previous ordinance or resolution of the com mon council; and Whereas, The common council has failed to take any such action as would warrant this board in opening the schools on Monday, February 28, according to law; therefore, Resolved, That this board, though with the greatest reluctance, feel compelled to further postpone the opening of the public schools, without awaiting the further action of the common council. This action brought the council to time, and the schools were opened May 28, as contemplated by the commissioners. The high schools, however, were ran, as contemplated in the resolution of the council passed May 15, on private account, by Messrs. E. P. Larkin and J. G. McKindley. The number of teachers in the public schools in i860 was sixty. The highest salary paid was $800, and the lowest $300. Number of scholars, 24,922. Total expenses, including incidentals, $32,000. The appointment of George G. Houghton to a seat in the school board, and his selection by the board as chairman of the executive committee, was a wise move. It was then, to use a Western phrase, ^Students who signified their intention to become members of the Seventh ward high school, on Wednesday morning, and all others who did not, yet intend to do so, are requested to meet at the high school room Friday morning, at 9 o'clock (May 25), to complete arrangements for opening the school on Monday, May 28. J. G. McKindley. MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. 387 the city "struck oil." The finances of the board were in a bad shape. But under his firm hand order soon came out of chaos, and the annual expense of running the schools was soon reduced from $70,000 to $31,000,* and school orders, which had been selling for forty-five cents on the dollar were soon at par, with a surplus of $18,000 in the treasury, and we had better schools than ever before. One of the first discoveries of crookedness made by the new commissioner was that the city had been shamefully swindled in the item of wood purchased for the schools, which shortage he quickly compelled the contractors to make good, the amount so recovered being, as Mr. Houghton informed the writer, nearly sufficient to supply the schools for another year. Among the bills presented during his administration, and which had been duly certified by the finance committee as correct, was one amounting to some $400 (more or less) for printed slips or blanks, but which, upon examination, proved to have been for refreshments furnished the commissioners (the former board) at a picnic. The following amusing colloquy occurred in connection with this bill. The amount, as well as the character of the item for which it was drawn (printed slips), looked suspicious, and its payment was objected to by Mr. Houghton, who requested that it be laid over, which was done. After the adjournment of the board Henry Hilmantel, commissioner from the Ninth ward, supposing, from Mr. Houghton's deter, mination to examine it, that the fraud was discovered, remarked to that gentleman sotto voce as they were leaving the room: "Veil, Mr. Houghton, you schmell dot pill pooty quick oud." And to which Mr. Houghton (who, if not convinced before that the bill was a steal, was now) replied: " Of course I did." •' Veil," said Hilmantel, " I tell you some dings. Last year ve has a school bicnic up in Vliet's grove, and der gommissioners vas haf some vine und peer und cigars off by demselves. Dis pill was fon dat." It is needless to say that " dot pill" was never paid out of the school fund, at least while Mr. Houghton remained in the board. *These figures were furnished by Mr. Houghton. 388 MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. But en resume. The following communication was received at the meeting of the council held May 28, which explains itself: Common Council Proceedings. At a meeting of the board of councillors, on Monday evening, among others: A communication was received from Herman Stewett, stating that two years ago he applied for the office of wood inspector in the First district, stating the reasons as follows: "Being a tailor by trade; and my eyes now too weak to work, I thought to make a living by it; and, secondly, as an old citizen and taxpayer I claimed the same right as others to hold office. But notwithstanding this, some heartless men tendered the office to certain political favorites, and I, a mere tailor, but independent citizen and voter, laughed at! "This year I did not apply for this office, having understood that Peter Huegin's contract would expire some time in June, and believing that under the proclaimed system of reform and retrenchment, public notice would be given by the proper officers; but it seems I was mistaken, and that the old system of favoring political friends gently and secretly has been re-adopted by some reform councillors, and this year, at the expense of the ward fund, the contract has been awarded to Peter Huegin secretly, and for a smaller sum than the other men offered. " I am more astonished about this transaction as I see that men who are hunting up the errors and delinquencies of others? do not hesitate to do the same thing exactly, at the same time boasting of their efficiency and honesty of purpose. " But, to cut the thing short, I hereby offer to pay $350 for said office during the current year, $50 more than P. Huegin agreed to pay, binding myself to perform the duties of said office honestly." Laid, on the table. Although Mr. Stewett failed to get the appointment upon this occasion, a more foolish thing than to have granted it has been done since, as there certainly was both a tailor and a shoemaker appointed to superintend the construction of a brick sewer not many years since. How is that for civil service reform ? Also the following in relation to the new school houses: Communication from the Comptroller. To the Honorable the Mayor and the Common Council : In pursuance of a resolution, adopted April 30, I have advertised six days to receive proposals for the sale of the school house lot in the Fifth ward; I must, however, state that I have received no bids for said purpose. In addition, I beg leave to state that, according to the contract entered into with S. H. Martin, for the building of three school houses in the Fifth, Eighth and Ninth wards, one-fifth of the aggregate amount of the contract price for $35,400 was payable on the 1st of February, 1860; that the proceeds of the sale of the school house, however, were MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. 389 to be applied on the payment of the first instalment; in anticipation of the sale to be realized, a special school tax was levied of $4,805.01, of which about $800 remained unpaid. The sale not having been effected, there remains a balance still unprovided for of about $3,000, on which your honorable body will please to take such action as you may deem proper.* Respectfully, Feed. Ktjehn, Comptroller. Referred to a joint committee on finance and schools. Railroads. There was a call, May 24th, for the La Crosse, and the present Northwestern (then the Chicago & Green Bay Railroad), to unite and build a track along the beach in the present Third ward, upon the same line where the Northwestern Railroad track is to-day. Also a call, on the 29th, for a Central Depot, which contained the following passage, viz: There is but one way, and there never was but one way, for the La Crosse Road to enter the city, the way pointed out by Jacob L. Bean,t the then President of the company, and who lost his position as President because he would adhere to his opinion in that respect, (and for which a preliminary survey was made by his order,) turning from the present line in the town of Granville, and passing by an easy grade into the valley ot the Menomonee, above the village of Wauwatosa, and so down that valley to the very point| subsequent experience has shown to be the natural location for a Union depot. That was the line which should have been adopted as the permanent line of the company, and would have been but for the individual interests involved. These individual interests, however, were served, and the road built on the present line. And although Mr. Bean has been dead many years, yet time has not only fully demonstrated his sagacity in selecting that line as the one best calculated to subserve the wants of commerce, both inland and marine, both having finally asserted their prerogative in the construction of the present Union depot on Reed street. Thus causing Mr. Bean's prophecy to come true.§ *Mr. Martin took these school houses much too low, and the consequence was that an adclitioual appropriation of some $6,000 had to be made in order to enable him to complete his contract. ¦j- Mr. Bean was the first President of the La Crosse Road. X The present Union Depot on Reed street. § This, as has been seen in the previous chapter, is all changed now by the construction of the New Depot in the Fourth wTard. 390 MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. This was sound doctrine. The natural inlet for all the roads entering the city from the south and southwest is via the lower marsh, and the natural outlet is via the Menomonee Valley, with a Union depot extending from Reed to Greenbush streets, over the present main track of the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railroad. That outlet for the present Northwestern would have cost less, been more convenient for both roads, as well as the public, than is their present track along the beach. And would have left that beautiful spot for a Park. Why was it not done ? Echo answers—Why ? The Third Ward Market. There was an effort made again this year to purchase ground for a market in this ward, for which purpose a committee had been appointed, who made the following report, at an adjourned meeting held May 26, of the feasibility of the place had under consideration : The committee to whom was referred the subject of inquiring into the propriety of purchasing the one-half block for the use of a market square in the Third ward, have had the same under consideration, would respectfully report the following to this meeting, the conditions of the said half block being as follows: The west half of block 25 cannot be bought except for one-half cash; also the east half of block 16, on the same terms. The west half of block 16, on which there is a three-story brick building, can be bought for the sum of $24,000, as provided by the law passed by the legislature. The north half of block 43 can be bought for the sum of $19,500, on the terms provided by the legislature for the same. Thomas H. Eviston, Paul Foley, Timothy Carney, John Eigner, Henry Warncke. Committee's report accepted, and the following resolution was offered by Edward McGarry, and was discussed at length by Messrs. Baker, Metcalf, McGarry, Eviston, Jennings, and others: Resolved, That the mayor and common council order an election to be held in the Third ward, for the purpose of selecting a suitable half-block for a market square, and that the west half of block 16 and the north half of block 43 be referred to the voters of said ward to vote for the location of said market square, and the half-block having a majority of votes in favor of locating the market square thereon, be purchased by the proper officers, as provided by law for said market square and building. On motion the meeting adjourned. John J. Crilly, Chairman. Daniel O'Leary, Secretary. Milwaukee, May 26, 1860. This election was held at the Louisiana House, June 19, and re- MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. 391 suited in the selection of lots 7, 8, 9, 10, 1.1 and 12, in block 16. A bill was passed in the legislature, authorizing the purchase of this ground for the purpose of a market, but the ordinance was vetoed by Mayor W. P. Lynde, on account of the poverty of the city, at which the Third warders (who had really elected him) were very indignant. But it availed nothing, and they have no market to this day. Belden's old Home saloon, now No. 1 Spring street, was removed this year, July 14, to make room for the present block. It was placed upon a scow, carried to the South Side, and placed upon the west side of Reed street, near where the Union Depot now stands, where it was subsequently burned. Sic transit. The Cow Question Again. The cow question came to the front again this year in all its intensity, by an inquiry from some ink-slinger, under the nom de plume of " Hard Pan," and who wanted to know whose cows were being pastured on the public square (there were six of them), also what had become of Caleb Wall. Have the rich fellows down in the Third ward ''spiked his guns," or what? To which Caleb replied thusly: City Land Office, May 28, 1860. Mr. Editor: I made one great omission in my report of the city improvements, and something we have wanted for a' long time, and an improvement which will be the cause of much rejoicing by all the Seventh warders, particularly the ladies. The improvement is to convert the court-house square into a pasture for cows and hogs. It is central, it being equally convenient for the Third and Seventh warders. The grass is now in tip-top order, the trees are in full leaf, and our cattle wul find an abundance of food. Let them enter by the northern and pass out by the southern gate. The common council will, I presume, at their next session, appoint a suitable person, whose duty it shall be to keep a plentiful supply of water and salt for the cattle, and also collect the droppings. Let it be understood that it is a public pasture for cows and hogs, for if it is so used it will be one of the preventatives to keep our own trees from being destroyed. Caleb Wall. This letter did the work, and the cows were driven elsewhere to pasture. The Horse Railroad Craze. There was a regular furor on the horse railroad question in 1860, as the annexed will show: 392 MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. Still Another Horse Railroad. Another horse railroad company, comprising some of our most enterprising citizens, has applied to the common council for permission to construct, equip and operate a horse railroad, to be known as the Harbor, Main Street and Humboldt Horse Railway. It is proposed to run it from the river up Main street, to Martin street, up Martin street two or three blocks, and thence in a northerly direction to the Humboldt bridge. This will accommodate a large portion of the First and Seventh wrards without coming in competition with the River and Lake Shore Railway, and if not immediately, will doubtless before long prove a profitable investment. We understand that it is the intention of the company to have the railway in operation as far as the Humboldt bridge as soon as possible, and to extend it to the village of Humboldt next season. There was also one known as the Cold Spring Railroad. Alex. Mitchell, H. Crocker, E. B. Wolcott and O. Alexander, corporators. Also, one known as the West Side Railroad. Samuel Brown, Richardson Houghton, Robert W. Pierce, Joseph A. Phelps, Eno Meyer, Hans Reese, J. H. Tesch and John H. Silkman were corporators. See annexed: Horse Railroad on the West Side, An application is pending before the common council for a horse railroad charter on the west side of the river. The corporators, Messrs. Burnham, S. B. Davis, D. Ferguson, John Davis, James Bonnell, A. D. Smith and V. Blatz, are men of means and responsibility. Their purpose is to build a road from the Chicago Railroad Depot, through Third street, to the city limits in the Sixth ward, with branches up Walnut street to the Fond du Lac avenue in the Ninth ward and Melms' garden in the Eighth ward. The project is a good one. It will promote the convenience of the public, and no doubt be a paying investment. We hope that the council will grant the charter asked for. It is proper to say that none of these roads were built. The Sentinel editor was threatened with a licking, and replies as follows: We are going to be licked. The man who is going to do it is a fine-looking fellow, although somewhat unfortunate in his manners. But he threatens to lick h—1 out of any one who differs from him in opinion. Now, we would rather be licked than not. There is something grand in being made a martyr to truth. We really want to be licked into the middle of next week by a fellow who hasn't got strength enough to keep his own foul tongue in chancery. Every editor ought to be licked twice a day. So come on my boy, and do your duty. But he came not. Political Ruffianism. There was an attempt made, July 12, to break up a Republican MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. 393 meeting by a few Douglas rowdies, in which a lad named Westlake came near getting killed with a stone. The ruffian who did this was promptly arrested by Chief Beck, and locked up. The march of the Wide-Awakes was also interrupted and attacked with stones, at the corner of Main and Huron streets. This outrage was, I think, with a few exceptions, entirely disapproved of by the leading Democrats. But so it has ever been. The average Democratic idea of equal rights being to let no one but a Democrat live. At least that was the way it looked in i860. But Old Abe was elected all the same. But as a further illustration of the desperate straits the leaders were in at this time, on account of the arrest of Messrs. Gardner and Lynch, and the shameless means resorted to in order to conceal the crimes of these thieves, and if, failing in that, to prevent their punishment, I will insert the following proceedings, had at this same session, and which read as follows: Whereas, It is apparent that, in the recent payment of large bills of costs and attorney's fees at the expense of the city, that to either prosecute or defend is very expensive, while little public benefit is to be derived therefrom; and Whereas, Messrs. Ryan and Butler are now employed by the city, at a great expense, to prosecute the late comptroller and clerk, the former of whom has left the city (owing to ill-health*), with very little prospect of his ever returning; and Whereas, It is more desirable to economize! and save from expense than to vindictively follow any one for the mere purpose of making a public example of such individuals, and thereby contract a larger debt for the city to pay to the lawyers employed; and m Whereas, It is extremely doubtful whether Mr. Gardner, the late city comptroller, will ever sufficiently recover to enable him to return to the city (he had skipped) and stand a trial, his life being at present despaired of; therefore, Resolved, That in the opinion of the common council it is inexpedient and against the interest of the city to proceed any further in the prosecution of Robt. B. Lynch, provided that said Lynch will promptly pay to the city the full amount of the defalcation or indebtedness (if any), or fully secure the same, to be paid within a specified time, as thereby the public interests of the city, in its present condition, will be better served. Resolved, The board of aldermen concurring, that the joint finance committee be, and they are hereby directed to ascertain, at their earliest convenience, the actual amount of the defalcation or indebtedness (if any J) of said R. B. Lynch, and if the sum so ascertained shall be *He probably was a little sick. fWasn't that pretty cheeky in them to talk of economizing ? JThey were very careful not to admit that they knew there was any. 394 MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. promptly paid, or secured to the city to be paid, that then no further proceedings shall be taken in the matter by the city.* This, in view of the circumstances of which the gentleman who drew up the above was in no wise ignorant,t was, to say the least, pretty cheeky. But such was the hostility of the Democracy to any exposure of this fraud, that these resolutions came within one vote of being carried (the vote being a strict party one), thus preventing the council from compounding a felony, which it was evident many of them were not only willing, but anxious to do; and had it passed it would not have availed these thieves anything, as the matter was already in the courts, and so beyond the reach of the council. It was the same spirit which prompted the offering of the resolution that, at the meeting of the council July 27, made so much trouble about the bond of J no. H. Tesch,! which was continued by Messrs Greulich, T. O'Brien and John Rosebeck (who, as the reader has seen, was eloquence itself), until brought to time by the following resolutions, offered by Councillor John Lockwood, after which they made haste to accept Mr. Tesch's bond and cry quits. Whereas, The Constitution of the State, in Article XIII., Section 3, provides that " No person holding any office of profit or trust under the United States (postmasters excepted), shall be eligible to any office of trust, honor or profit in this state;" and the act amending the city charter of Milwaukee, approved March 27, 1858, in section 61, provides that " If any member of the common council shall, while a member, be elected to any other office of said city, such election shall be void;" and Whereas, At the time of the late charter election John H. Tesch, who received a majority of the votes cast for city treasurer, was a member of the common council; and Joshua La Due, who received a majority of the votes cast for city attorney, was United States Commissioner; and Whereas, The city attorney has been heretofore requested to give his opinion as to the eligibility of said Tesch; and it would be inconsistent for this common council, while scrupulously observing the statute, to disregard the constitution. Eesolved, That the city attorney be respectfully requested to inform the common council, in writing, whether, in his opinion, the office of *The member who offered these resolutions was Councillor Ernst Herzer. There have been a large number of men elected to office in Milwaukee since 1846, who were inefficient in every way. But it is no exaggeration to say that a more unmitigated ass (politically)—John Rosebeck not excepted—than Ernst Herzer has never held down a chair in the board of aldermen or councillors since the charter was adopted. He was a gem. f Although offered by Councillor Herzer, it was not the work of his brains. He could not have drawn it up to have saved his life. JMentioned in Vol. 3, page 308. MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. 395 United States Commissioner is an office of trust or profit under the United States, within the meaning of Article XIII., Section 3, of the Constitution of this State. Resolved, That the city attorney be, and he is hereby requested, to give his opinion, in writing, as to the meaning of the following quotation from Article XIII., Section 3, of the State, as follows: "and no person being a defaulter to the United States;" and whether a member of the common council, who is a defaulter to the United States, can legally hold his office as such member; also, whether any ordinance, bill, or city order signed by any member laboring under such a disability, would be legal and binding on the city .* Referred to the city attorney and joint committee of five, with power to engage the additional services of counsel. Resolved, That the city comptroller be and is hereby requested to furnish a new bond, and present the same to the common council for its approval, said bond to have two sureties, who shall each justify in the amount of $20,000, said amount being the penalty named in the present bond. Resolved, That Mr. Kennedy, clerk of the municipal court, be and he is hereby requested to furnish a new bond, and present the same to the common council for its approval; said bond to have two sureties, who shall justify to the amount of $10,000, such amount being the penalty named in the present bond. Referred to the city attorney. In The Lobby. After the council had adjourned, Councillors Rosebeck and Greu-lich made a vocal descent upon the harmless representative of the Atlas, who was present. Mr. Rosebeck distinctly, and in his usual dignified manner, stated that Mr. Otterbourg ought to be rawhided. Mr. Otterbourg did not coincide with him, but Councillor Greulich did. These city fathers, however, did not lay violent hands on Mr. Otterbourg; they merely boasted of what they'd do, in their dignified municipal way. A crowd was attracted about the lobby, and the proceedings were almost as interesting as the official council doings. Reporters will do well to carry revolvers with them when they go to the council chamber. These shameful proceedings on the part of the council aroused a feeling of universal indignation among the people, particularly with the German Republicans, and resulted in a call for a meeting of the *This hit Joshua in a tender spot, as he was at that time United States Commissioner. 396 MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. German Republican Club of the Seventh ward, at the Kossuth House, at which B. Domschkee was chairman and J. Dressier, secretary, when, after scoring Jas. A. Mallory for some unjust decision (as they claimed), and calling upon the citizens to petition the legislature to abolish said court, they turned their guns upon such members of the council as had been notoriously active in the matter of Mr. Tesch's bond, upon which matter the following resolutions were offered and adopted: Resolved, That the board of councillors, by endeavoring to keep John H. Tesch out of an office to which he has been twice elected by the people, in putting his sureties too high, being actuated thereto by revenge (or fear), that, if once installed, he would make some discoveries that would be damaging to the leaders of the Democratic party, was a gross outrage upon the people of this city. Resolved, That although we are not citizens of the Ninth ward, we are citizens of Milwaukee, and hereby express our indignation of Councillor Ernst Herzer, who, to the advantage of swindlers, but to the disadvantage of the city, brought into the common council the resolution to withdraw the suit of the state against the former city clerk, R. B. Lynch, and to settle with him. Resolved, That we approve the action of the citizens of the Sixth ward, who want said Herzer to resign his office as councillor,* as he is unworthy the confidence of the people and forgetful of his duty. Resolved, That we also perceive in the action of Councillor Greulich to allow at pleasure alterations or omissions in the official recordf of the common council—an attempt to deceive the community, and to keep from the people the true condition of the affairs of our city administration—an attempt which would not be remarkable or out of place in a monarchy, and that would perhaps be rewarded with a title, but which in a republic is entirely inadmissible and condemnable. Resolved, That these resolutions be published in all the English and German papers, and that the editor of the Seebote (the official organ) be requested to publish the same.} Prominent among the speakers at this meeting were Messrs. Domschkee, Winkler, Okerburg and John Lockwood. B. Domschkee, president. J. M. Dressier, secretary. There was also a meeting of the Union Republican Club held on the 17th, at which the following resolutions were presented by John B. Seaman, and adopted: *A resolution to that effect had been passed at a meeting of the citizens of that ward. f Referring to the meeting on the 20th, when the resolution to withdraw the suits against Gardner and Lynch was made, and came so near being passed, and at which Councillor Greulich did offer a resolution (and which was adopted), instructing the clerk not to include the Herzer resolutions in the published proceedings. See Milwaukee Sentinel, July 25, 1859. JBut he didn't. MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER 397 Whereas, The committee of investigation appointed by Mayor Lynde to inquire into and report to the Common Council as to the frauds, stealings and corruption of the city management, having closed their labors, leaving much ground untouched by their investigations, which in our opinion should have received a most thorough examination; and Whereas, One of the members of said committee, at the time their report was submitted, stated to the Common Council that the majority of that committee have shown a reluctance to investigate and a desire to screen the guilty, as well as exhibited a personal interest in hushing it up (except as to the acts of those already exposed), and refused to concur in the report; and Whereas, We believe that an investigation, extended into the period earlier than that recited by this committee, would unravel thieving and knavery in city affairs that will be of the utmost importance for the city to know. Therefore be it Resolved, That the Hon. Mayor of this city be and is hereby requested to appoint another committee from the Common Council, if a sufficient number can be found in that body who will serve honestly and faithfully. And if such a committee cannot be selected from that body, then that he select such a committee from the people, or direct the people to select their own committee, with full authority to act in the premises. Adopted.* Nothing came of this, however, but wind. The pins were too well set up and plans too well laid for anything to be accomplished in this way, which caused Councillor Lock wood—who had been vainly endeavoring for the last three weeks to bring up a resolution before the Board of Councillors in regard to the slackness of the said committee, and who had invariably been choked off and otherwise kept in the back ground by a motion to adjourn, whenever it came up— finally to inform the Council, that unless he was allowed to introduce that resolution he would make some accusations at the next meeting that would touch some of the members in a tender spot, which the Council having failed to do, Mr. Lockwood did, at the meeting held September 7th, offer the following preamble and resolutions: Whereas, The late investigating committee have been in session for the last three or four months, and did at the last meeting of the Board of Aldermen make a report of their doings and ask to be discharged from further labor, as such committee; and Whereas, It is claimed and charged by one of the members of said committee, that they had not honestly discharged the duty kfor which said committee had been appointed, and that they had been partial by not investigating into the doings of certain members who were equally * The Council, at their meeting held August 26th, had a gay old time. It was a sad commentary on the evils of bringing party politics into municipal affairs. The only motion made during the evening was by Alderman McCormick, for an appropriation of twenty cents for beer. They spent the people's time in abusing each other, and spitting tobacco juice on the carpets. It was true, as Mr, Lock-wood said, they needed investigating badly. 25 398 MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. guilty with those who were now under arrest for malfeasance in office, and who are now walking the streets with brazen faces; and Whereas, It is true that the said committee have neglected to investigate into the doings of several of the ward officers that most needed it. Therefore be it Resolved, That a joint committee of three, consisting of John Lock-wood and Nelson Webster, from the Board of Councillors, and Joseph Phillips from the Board of Aldermen, and Charles Quentin and Andrew Mitchell on the part of citizens and tax-payers, be and they are hereby appointed such committee, for the purpose of investigating into the doings and official actions of the Aldermen and Councillors of the several wards, with power to extend said investigation as far back into former years as they may deem necessary; and for that purpose shall have power to examine the books, papers and files of the several city officers, as said committee shall think necessary, as well as to send for persons and papers, and to report their doings to the Common Council from time to time.* These, however, not proving very effective, he did at the session held October 15, accuse Councillor Wm. A. Noyes of receiving from Mr. Flertzheim $107, in connection with a contract for a sewer; also of receiving orders from David George, and endorsing his (George's) name on the back. This led to a bitter fight, in which Mr. Plankinton took sides wTith Lockwood in favor of having these charges investigated, and Messrs. O'Brien and Greulich opposed it—they claiming that the whole object of bringing these charges was to make political capital for him (Lockwood).f It struck sober minded men, however, differently, and that if such was the case, that the quickest way to take the wind out of Lock-wood's sails would be to appoint the committee. If a rat was in the meal get him out, as it was idle to suppose than any new resolutions could affect the reputation of the democratic party, and a most foolish piece of sentimentalism (says the Sentinel) to oppose the appointment now out of respect to its memory. The discussion culminated, however, on the 19th, in the resignation of Councillor Noyes (the place was getting too warm for him), after * The main part of the opposition to the appointment of this committee (says the Sentinel) came from Councillor Greulich and Alex. Johnston. Whether they were afraid it might hit them we cannot tell, but they were bitterly opposed to it. fit is needless to say that the resolution to investigate these charges was voted down, as was the one to investigate the wood steal, 1,100 cords, which it was stated had been purchased for the use of the Public Schools during 1857, a large portion of which it was charged had gone to the dwellings of the Commissioners. That crowd wanted no investigation—not if they knew it. MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. 399 which the resolution calling for a committee was taken from the table and, after being amended so as to hurt no one, adopted, when Councillor Rosebeck went for Lockwood in a tone of voice that if delivered through a tin horn would have split it from end to end, and in order that its beauty may not be lost to posterity, I will give the entire speech, verbatim et spellatim. Here it is : The Common Council adjurnments Dodge Mr. Editor of the Sentinel in your Isue of Sept. 19 last some sort of an induviduell has missrepre-sented some of the Commen Council again, by stating everry thing to suit to his own fancy, but as a Slanderus attack can only come out of an evil Heart so it must fly in the wind and disapeare—the Press should be the standerd of Truth'and gide for Honesty, but it is Sought by some man that ware Jentelmens Cloths and are Systematically Trayned in gitting up Slanderus atacks, such as will often times Decive I am sure that you had no reporter there so it is got up by an outsider and as such beings are unworthy of Notice, I will stop from inlarging on the same, but as the Taxpayers ar anxious to know the facts in this matter, so it is my duty to state them. In the first place. I hold that the Commen Council shud never invesi-gate there own acts for the reason that it never will be done correctly on acount of the Existing Partiality. 2nd. No man should try to serve Two Masters at once for the reason that Members ware Elected for pournus to atend to there regular Buise-ness and that needs all their leisure time. 3rd. That the Commen Council is mostly made up of Busseniss man, and the best of Boockkiepers can not be found amongst them, therefore it will take a langer time and cost a greates amount of manney, for which the city will have to pay, for these reasons the Common Council will never pass Mr. Lockwoods resolutions which are allready woorn threadbare, and to much of an old tune that his own Friends wont alow to be sang anney Longer. 4rd. Such apears as if got up for Honor-seeking Popularety, besides these lang Preambles Resolutions motions and speches have to be Printed at the Tax payers, exspence without saying much about the Commen Council to be keept in Session until midnight on acount therof, and frequently have to keep Two meetings in order to do the needful! Business, which is crouded out on acount of the same, wheras the time might be imploid for something more usefull, who has enough Patience to indure all this, better let the admirers of the Jentleman go and Try it themselfs. 5th. The Commen Council is in for a investigating Committee I never heard one member to object to it but it shall be the right kind of a Committee, such a one that no honest man will object to it, it shall consist of Capable Bookkepers, good honest and impartial man, selected by the tax payers, but no Councilors nor Aldermen that perhaps bare an Investigation on their own acts, wee want fare play and must have it, because what is Just is honest and what is Honest must be Just, this is what your Commen Council are resting on, and no false Cohering will distract them therefrom, as no notice will be taken of backsliders that have no princible, but merely to git up a character for themselves at the exspence of Innocent men, will People understand facts or shall the Commen Council continually be abused and stabbed at, by such men that hide themselves in dark corners, > —Sentinel of Sept. 22, John Rosebeck. 400 MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. This was a roarer—that is, it was a windy speech. Alas! alas! Uncle John, wThat a windbag you are. A republican county organization was effected this year (August 15th) for the first time. S. S. Daggett, President. E. P. Hotchkiss, Secretary. The first officers (or committee) were as follows: Towns— Granville—Amos Thomas. Milwaukee—Chas. E. Haertel. Wauwatosa—Abram Rouke. Greenfield—Reuben Strong. Franklin—Quincy P. Hart. Oak Creek—Simons. Lake—Orlando Ellsworth. Wards— First Ward—J. H. Paine. Second Ward—J. P. Seamans. Third Ward—William Brown, Jr. Fourth Ward—Winn eld Smith. Fifth Ward—F. A. Beecher. Sixth Ward—Rudolph Matthews. Seventh Ward—S. S. Daggett. Eighth Ward—Geo. Trentiage. Ninth Ward—Geo. W. Luitink. Election November 6th. In speaking of the election, the Wisconsin of the 7th, has the following : Unfortunately the democracy have again carried the county, but by greatly reduced majorities. The republicans may well congratulate themselves that here, on this Gibraltar of democracy, they have accomplished so much. One more election and the democracy will be wiped out of Milwaukee. When we remember that Buchanan got 4,400 in this county in 1856, and that now it is reduced to 1800, we can begin to see daylight ahead. This regeneration cannot be done in a day. One more turn, however, will fetch 'em. [And it did.—Buck.] The following was the result in the several Towns and Wards : First Ward—Douglass........................................... 104 Second Ward—Douglass........................................ 260 Third Ward—Douglass.......................................... 377 Fourth Ward—Lincoln.......................................... 30 Fifth Ward—Lincoln............................................. 68 Sixth Ward—Douglass.......................................... 78 Seventh Ward—Lincoln........................................ 46 Eighth Ward—Lincoln.......................................... 67 Ninth Ward—Douglass.......................................... 313 Majority in the city for Douglass, 901, against 3,267 for Buchanan in 1856. The towns gave 907 majority for Douglass. The following were elected to the Legislature : MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. 401 Senate—Chas. Quentin, Michael J. Egan. House—Robert Haney, Geo. Abert, Ed. Keogh, Chas. Caverno, John Rugee, Carl Winkler, William Davis, John Hannon and Jas. Riordan. We were sorry to lose Mr. Lock wood, as he had been one of the most efficient members in the Council the city ever had, and would have made a splendid record in the Assembly. Jonathan Taylor was scooped, and never came up again. First snow fell on the 22d of November, at which time the weather turned a short corner. A Sharp Change.—The weather turned a very "short corner" on Friday night. The river was entirely free from ice at sunset, Friday; and on Saturday morning the boys were skating on it. The mercury, at sunrise on Saturday, marked three or four degrees below zero, and kept below freezing point all day. Wood and Hay Market, Established in the Third ward. Wood and Hay.—On and after Monday next, the wrood and hay market for the Third ward will be opened for the sale of those articles. It occupies three blocks in extent, and is located on Huron street, between Milwaukee and Jefferson streets, also on Milwaukee, between Huron and Detroit, and on Detroit, between Milwaukee and Jefferson streets. Highway Robbers in Milwaukee. There was quite an excitement this year as the cold weather approached, in consequence of several persons being attacked on their way home (from the Lodge), one of whom was our well-known fellow-citizen. Fred. Wrardner. See annexed : More Ruffianism in the Seventh Ward. On Tuesday night two more cases occurred of assault and attempted highway robbery in the Seventh ward. Mr. Fred. Wardner, Deputv City Comptroller, while on his way home, about 9 o'clock in the evening, was attacked on Biddle street, between Main and Milwaukee, by three men, knocked down, dragged into an alley, his pockets rifled and his person badly bruised. Fortunately, he had but little money about him. The thieves, however, took all that he had and the keys of the Comptroller's office besides. Mr. W. was severely but not dangerously injured. An hour or so later, Mr. John C. Starkweather's coachman, on his way home, was attacked by three men, doubtless the same three who attacked Mr. Wardner, but escaped by hard running. The alarm being given, Capt. Starkweather, Sheriff Langworthy, and other gentlemen, made search through the ward for the ruffians, but failed to find them. It behooves our citizens and the police to be on the lookout for the rascals. 402 MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. Now it so happened upon this occasion that Fred, was just a trifle short of the schedule amount required by the rules of the highwaymen's club, twenty-five cents being all the " gelt" he had about his person, which so enraged these incipient Claude DuVals that one of them knocked him down, then made him stand up and be bowled over a second time, after which he was informed, in language more forcible than elegant, that if they ever caught him out nights again without a larger sum than twenty-five cents they would kill him. This threat was supplemented by a kick, and an order to get, and he got. Fred, thought it was pretty rough to be plundered of ail his pelf, if it was only twenty-five cents, and then be kicked right on the end of his back because he did not have the schedule amount, and never allowed himself to be caught out nights after that with less than thirty cents. Nichols & Britt's Mill Burned. Loss $50,000. The checkered warehouse (the old Doctor Weeks warehouse), occupied at this time by Collins & Andree. The Axtel House was also badly damaged. The loss to Messrs. Nichols & Britt, 'above insurance, by this fire, was $26,000. This was hardly under control before the alarm was sounded for the East Side, and which proved to be Cross' block, northeast corner East Water and Huron streets, which consumed the entire block, together with all the papers relating to the Gardner and Lynch case.* Mr. Summers at that time occupied apartments in the block, and was then lying helpless on his bed with a broken leg, and who, with his family, was rescued with great difficulty. The night was intensely cold. But the saddest part of all was that six men were buried by the falling walls (viz:) Wallace Caswell, Frank Bruce, Chas. McDonald fireman, and three others whose names were unknown. This was a * This fire (which was no doubt an incendiary one) set for the express purpose of preventing any further investigation into the stealings of Messrs. Gardner and Lynch, and their confederates (for they certainly had them), started in the Common Council room, located in the upper story of this block. It was well planned, as all the papers relating thereto were accidentally left out of the safe that night, an act of carelessness which never occurred before, the devilishness of which may be imagined when it was well known to all the city officials that a family occupied a portion of this block. MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. 403 sad finale to this damnable act of some unhung scoundrel. The total loss of the property at this fire was $143,000. Improvements in Milwaukee. City Land Office, Caleb Wall. Corner of East Water and Michigan streets, May 16, 1860. The improvements in the Third ward are principally on East Water, Wisconsin and Main streets, where the late fire was: On the old corner, 40 feet on East Water street by 120 feet on Wisconsin street, Mr. J. B. Martin will erect immediately a magnificent block, four stories high, divided into stores on Wisconsin street; banking house on the corner, 40x40 feet; second story into lawyers' offices; third story, lawyers' offices; fourth story, public hall; basement, two banking offices, all to be finished in superior style, and will cost...............................$40,000 Hassett & Chapman are now putting up a magnificent four-story brick store, No. 396 East Water, with joins Mr. Martin's on the south. It is 30 feet front and 120 feet deep. I am told that, when completed, it will be one of the best-arranged stores in the Western country. They expect to move into it by September 1, with an extensive stock of dry goods, adapted principally to the retail trade of Milwaukee. Their one-price system must and will win them hosts of customers, and their store will be so attractive that you cannot pass it without going in. It will cost when fully completed about....................................... 15,000 Hunn & Crosby* are finishing a neat two-story brick store immediately below Hassett & Chapman's, 20 feet front and 120 feet deep. I am sorry to see such small buildings going up on such valuable ground, but it answers the purpose for which it was intended. The location was a desirable one for Hunn & Crosby, and they have such a building as they are satisfied with, therefore it does not belong to me or any one else to find fault; if they are satisfied, so let us be, and may success go with them in their industry and enterprise. Their building, when completed, will cost...................................................".................... 2,500 Several buildings have been raised by Mr. Noonan, on Wisconsin street (southeast corner Wisconsin and Broadway), and arranged into stores; must have cost.......................................... 1,500 Two small stores on Main street......................'............................ 2,000 Three brick buildings on Michigan street.................................... 8,000 One brick building on East Water street................................. 3,000 Sundry small improvements....................................................... 1,500 Total....................................................................................$73,500 Among the Fourth ward improvements were the Chapin block, 201 and 203 West Water street, cost $16,000. The Burchard block, *This building was occupied by Messrs. Hunn & Crosby for a short time, after which it was converted into a clothing store and occupied by the Messrs. Zimmerman Brothers. It was originally ot two stories, to which now (August, 1885) two additional stories are being added. It is also to be ornamented with a glass front. The removal of the false front (wood), put on by the Messrs. Zimmerman about four years ago, revealed the old sign of Hunn & Crosby upon the original brick piers, in white letters upon a red ground, put on twenty-five years ago, the sight of which was quite a surprise to Mr. Crosby, the surviving member of this once popular firm. Its present number is 384 b.ast Water. 404 MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. northwest corner of Sycamore and West Water streets, $20,000. Two by Lay ton and Plankinton, Nos. 3 and 5 Grand Avenue, $10,000, and two by Plankinton, 82 and 84 West Water street, $12,000. The Silkman block, 222 and 224 West Water street, $10,000. Furlong's block, southeast corner of Clybourn and West Water street, $14,000. Fifth ward—Van Dyke block, southwest corner of South Water and Ferry streets, $10,000. Two on Reed street, northeast corner of Reed and Oregon streets, $8,000. All of which are yet standing, and several dwellings, amounting in all to $51,000. Sixth ward—Amounting to $18,000. Seventh ward—Costing $53,000, one of which, Mr. Keenan's, 455 and 457 Jefferson street, cost $18,000. The John L. Davis store, Nos. $86 and 388 East Water street, built by Gabriel Shoyer. This was a famous store for several years, under the control of Mr. Davis. It is now occupied for the same purpose by the Messrs. James & Geo. W. Morgan, who do a large business and are ranked next to T. A. Chapman in their line. They are from the heather clad hills of Old Scotia, and are first-class men in every respect. Also the present residence of Mr. Washington Becker, southeast corner of Grand Avenue and Thirty-Fourth street, and Hustis homestead, 1,922 Grand Avenue. The first by the late Chas. GifTord, and the second by the late M. S. Scott. Making a total of $109,000— $36,000 more than in any other ward. Recapitulation . First Ward....................................................... $23,700 Second Ward................-................................... 36,100 Third Ward...................................................... 72,500 Fourth Ward.................................................... 109,500 Fifth Ward....................................................... 51,700 Sixth Ward...................................................... 18,000 Seventh Ward................................................... 35,700 Eighth Ward.................................................... 8,000 Ninth Ward..................................................... 10,000 Total..........................................................$365,200 The St. Paul Church (now a part of the Cathedral property), corner of Division and Marshall streets, was also built this year. The Lady Elgin Goes Down. We come now to one of the saddest events that has occurred in MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. 405 the history of our city, and which clothed it in mourning (more particularly that portion known as the Third ward) for a long time. I mean the sinking of the steamer Lady Elgin, Captain John Wilson, by the schooner Augusta, Captain D. M. Marlott, on the 9th of September, i860, while on her return from Chicago with a party of excursionists, by which 225 of our citizens found a wratery grave, besides a large number of passengers en route for Lake Superior and intermediate ports, many of whose bodies were never recovered. Among the military companies on board (who were lost almost to a man) were the Union Guards (Irish), Captain Garrett Barry, and the Black Yagers (German), Captain Pius Dreher. Among the few yet living who were fortunate enough to reach the shore were our well known fellow-citizens Timothy O'Brien, Frank Boyd and Fred. Snyder, the popular proprietor of that celebrated resort for the thirsty known as Marble Hall, who has often related his experience upon that eventful night. As previously stated, the greatest number of these unfortunates were residents of the Third ward, where, in one instance, that of Jas. Rice, the whole family perished. It was a sad blow, and one from which that ward has not fully recovered to the present. May Milwaukee never be called upon to witness the like again. IN MEMORIAM. It may not perhaps be out of place to close this volume with a few words in memoriam of those who have passed away since 1880. And first of Morgan L. Skinner. Mr. Skinner came to Milwaukee, June 19, 1841. His first employment after his arrival was as a school teacher, and was the first one employed under the public school system on the East Side (see Vol. II., page 312). He was a born teacher, and threw his whole soul into the work. This he followed until, finding the remuneration too small for the support of himself and family, he went into business. But the crash of 1857 threw him off the track, after which he went to San Diego, CaL, where he invested in real estate, hoping to retrieve his misfortunes by the construction of the then embryonic 406 MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. Southern Pacific Railroad, at that point, its then contemplated terminus. This hope, however, was not realized, and he returned to Milwaukee. The last letter the writer had from Mr. Skinner, dated November, i88t, contained the following passage: I have this day paid the last debt I owe, and am once more a free man. And I did not go through the bankrupt court to do it. I can look any man in the face. Neither is there a man living who can say that he ever lost a cent by me. What a record. No showing of the white feather there. He had, through commercial disasters, became deeply involved, and although the gate of the bankrupt court stood wide open, within whose portals he could pay all he owed with a stroke of the pen, he would not, but paid every cent. He was a true man and a true friend, as the writer can truthfully certify. He has gone to his reward, but will live in memory for years to come. Mr. Skinner left two sons, Charles D. and Lewis N., both of whom are active and useful citizens. His widow lives at the old homestead on Milwaukee street. Mr. Skinner was born at Warsaw, Wyoming county, N. Y., Apri 19, 1821, and died November 30, 1881. Lieutenant William Kendrick. William Kendrick, although not a pioneer, was for many years one of Milwaukee's well known citizens. He came in 1855, and went into the livery business, which continued until 1861, when he sold out, and was appointed under-sheriff by Charles H. Larkin, the then sheriff, which office he held until 1863, when he was appointed firsr lieutenant of police. This he held continuously until his death, January 19, 1882, and no man in the city could have filled it better. He possessed those peculiar qualities which belong to a good police officer. The writer's acquaintance with Mr. Kendrick commenced soon after his first arrival, and continued without a break until his death. He was a shrewd and keen man, one of the kind who go slow, but sure, and would always win. He read a man quick, and was seldom deceived in his conclusions. MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. 407 The writer could never wish for a better friend than Lieutenant Kendrick. He was a safe man to counsel with always. He was born at Darien, Genessee county, N. Y., October 8, 1816. He left two sons, one of whom, William J., is now in Emporia, Kas,, and Charles D., of the firm of Howard & Kendrick (Samuel Howard), lawyers, and who is fast building up a reputation for business integrity and honor which will make him a man of influence in the community in the near future, and if he makes as good a record as did his father, it will be one of which he may well be proud. John Furlong. Mr. Furlong came to Milwaukee, May 6, 1836, and from that time to the day of his death was identified with and largely interested in the growth and prosperity of the city. He secured a large amount of real estate that has become very valuable, his practice being, like Mr. Eldred's, to always purchase, if he could, but never sell^ He was a warm-hearted and true man, conscientious to a degree not usually found in business men, and would always do right, let the consequences to himself be what they would, and, as the writer believes, led as pure a life as any man who ever lived here. He was always at work at something, never idle, and has, besides .his wealth, left what Solomon says is better than gold, a good name, as an inheritance for his children. Mr. Furlong's death was as he always wished it to be, sudden—in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, the gate to the great beyond was opened by the dark angel, and he was ushered into his rest. Neither was he unprepared; he was always ready for a call. His well known form and pleasant face we shall see no more on earth, but with his brother pioneers his memory will remain as an oasis in this life of toil and trouble, until we, too, shall have a similar call, and life's fitful journey with us be o'er. He died December 26, 1883. Priam B. Hill Came to Milwaukee in 1842, and at once took a position as a business man. He was one of the few men who always move smoothly along and avoid many of the unpleasant episodes that fall to the lot 408 MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. of most men. He was a splendid accountant, was at one time acting city clerk, and for many years the secretary of the old Milwaukee Mutual Insurance Company. He was a useful man, and lived to a good old age. He died at Chicago, June 12, 1883, retat eighty years. He was buried in Forest Home by the Old Settlers' Club, of which he was an honored member. Mr. Hill led a pure life, and, like Mr. Lawrence, did right because it was the best way, and not from policy. He was always cheerful and full of mirth, was a pleasant companion, a true friend, a sincere Christian, a valued citizen, and will live in the memory of his brother pioneers until the last one of them shall have, iike him, laid down the burden of Hie and entered upon their final rest. Hubbard C. Atkins. Among the railroad men who have passed away since the writer commenced compiling Vol. IV., not previously sketched, was Hubbard C. Atkins, and as no better or more fitting eulogy than the one delivered by Rev. Mr. Gordon, at his funeral, could be written, the author has concluded to insert a synopsis of it as being more appropriate than anything he could himself have written. He was a living sermon on the text, " Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might." Obstacles tempted him, resistance piqued him, and nothing put in his way diverted him from his purpose. He did a thing because the thing had to be done, and proved himself invulnerable where most practical men are weak. Many very useful men give way easily to difficulties that are clearly seen, and relinquish possible schemes through lack of courage. But Mr. Atkins never used the words " It cannot be done." This made him so trusted by the thousands who worked for him that they never questioned any order he gave. The men on the road believed in him just as they believed in the sun or the rain. They never dreamt he could be mistaken. And when he ordered anything to be done, no matter how difficult or dangerous, each and every man went at it as if it was his own pleasure and the purpose of his choice. He wielded great power over those who worked with and under his charge. But he combined responsibility with power. When a work was intrusted to anybody he carried the full responsibility of the MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. 409 undertaking. Of course he often suffered in this way. But standing in this way behind all those he employed, nothing was impossible. He always stood by his men when he believed them to be in the right, even when it took great moral courage to do so. No bloodless servant of a bloodless corporation did he appear to those who served under him, but a living, la1 oring, sympathizing, trusting and trusted friend; capable of extracting the full legal quota of work from everybody, and as much more as he was willing to accept, but sparing all from extortion, oppression, and ill usage, never wearing a false costume of authority, nor assuming superiority of manners. All of which is the same as saying that while he was loyal to those he served, he was loyal to those who served him, never forgetting the sovereign nature of justice. His promotion from the ranks was rapid. Commencing as brake-man in 1854, baggageman in 1855, conductor on Watertown Railroad in 1858. In 1863, assistant superintendent of the division from Milwaukee to Portage, when that road became a part of the St. Paul system. In 1865, superintendent of the Winona & St. Peter road in Minnesota, which now belongs to the Chicago & Northwestern. Two years later, in 1867, he became superintendent of the McGregor-Weston line in Iowa and Minnesota, which road is now also a branch of the Milwaukee & St. Paul system. Superintendent of the Prairie du Chien division in 1869. To which was added division after division, as fast as acquired by the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul, until he became assistant general superintendent. Such was Hubbard C. Atkins, a man of wonderful energy and push, and who never neglected a duty, and who as a successful railroad man has left a record that few have equaled, and will live in memory as the friend of the working man until the last of the St. Paul employees shall have laid down his tools and joined him in the better land. Mr. Atkins died April 13, 1884. The following committees had charge of the funeral preparations: General Committee—Roswell Miller, J. T. Clark, C. H. Prior, L. B. Rock, R. D. Jennings, C. H. Place, J. P. Whaling. Committee of Arrangements—J. T. Clark, chairman: Floral Offerings—S. J. Collins, R. B. Campbell, J..M. Lowry, C. P. Utley, 410 MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. Geo* Q. Clinton, W. E. Kittredge, A. F. Merrill. Decorations—B. G. Lennox, John Bailey, W. L. Stone, D. L. Bush, A. M. Ingersoll, D. W. KeyesJ. T. Crocker, G. B. Clason, W. N. D. Winnie. Music and Ceremonies—W. G. Collins, W. R. Morrison, P. M. Myers. Transportation—George H. Heafford, F. R. Hartwell, John M. Davis. Marshal—A. V. H. Carpenter. Aids—A. C. Bird, J. H. Barber. Mrs. Daniel Wells. This pioneer lady, whose death occurred June 20th, 1883, came to our city in July, 1836, then a young and happy wife, and at once took a prominent position in the little community of women, cor sisting at that time of Mrs. Samuel Brown, Mrs. Daniel Brown, Mi John Childs, Mrs. William Sivyer, Mrs. Enoch Chase, Mrs. Horace Chase, Mrs. John Ogden, Mrs. Joseph Williams, Mrs. Jacob and Jas. H. Rogers, Mrs. Hubbell Loomis, Mrs. Joel Wilcox, Mrs. John Furlong, Mrs. U. B. Smith, Mrs. Paul Burdick, Mrs. David Hollister, Mrs. Jas. Sanderson and Mrs. Alanson Sweet, which little band included all (or nearly all) the married women then here. A position which her own private worth and beauty of character, as well as the prominence of Mr. Wells, justly entitled her to occupy, and which she held unchallenged until her death. Mrs. Wells (who was the daughter of Doct. Bryant, of Anson, Me.) belonged to that class of women for which New England has been famed, who form the bed-rock, so to speak, upon which society rests, and without whose controlling influence and guiding hand, morality soon becomes the exception and not the rule in every community. She was a woman of great dignity of demeanor, and who would always command the respect, not of her own sex merely, but of the sterner sex as well, at all times and in all places, and although blest with abundant means, unlike many similarly situated, was always averse to using it in a way that would give her prominence as its possessor. She was of a too retiring disposition for that. Neither was there any place so dear to her as home. She abounded in works of charity, of which the world was ignorant. She was a person of peculiar modesty of demeanor. Neither could any person be in her presence for any length of time without becoming aware that they Erratum—Mrs. Wells came May 19, 1836. MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. 411 were in the presence of a lady in the full meaning of the term, and one whom it was no easy matter to deceive, as she certainly possessed the faculty of reading character readily. And if she was not favorably impressed at the first interview, the person with whom that interview was held would never gain her confidence. She would always be polite, but nothing more. She has gone to the better land, but will live in memory for years to come. She was married to Mr, Wells November 23, 1831. Mrs. Wells left one daughter, Fannie Wells, now the wife of Chas* W. Norris. Mrs. Sarah Childs. Mrs. Sarah Childs, whose death occurred at Harper Hospital, Detroit, May 18, 1880, came to Milwaukee with her husband, John Childs, July 6th, 1835. She was among the first, Mrs. Samuel Brown, Mrs. Doct. Chase, Mrs. Paul Burdick, and one or two more only having preceded her. Her first home was in the old log tavern mentioned in Vol. I., page 25.* where they kept the first white man's tavern in the place. She was a grand woman. Many a poor wanderer has had his last hours cheered by her gentle voice, and his dying pillow smoothed by her magic hand. My first home in Milwaukee was in her house, and no mother could be kinder than was she to myself, and the memory of the happy days spent in her family are among the cherished legacies of my early Milwaukee life. She was a woman of commanding presence, gentle in manner, and a perfect lady always. Neither do I ever pass the old house on Hanover street, so long her home, without her well remembered face and form coming to mind, as it appeared when first I knew her in the winter of 1836. Mrs. Childs was the mother of four children, two of whom died in infancy. Of those who grew to womanhood, one, Sophia, married Capt. Leander Waffle, and Angeline married Capt. J. M. Jones. Both of them, however, preceded their mother to the better land. Mr. Childs died in 1846. * On the corner of the Alley, where Miller's hlock now stands, 112 Wisconsin street. " Le Tendree's" old cabin. 412 MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. Asahel Finch, Jr. Asahel Finch, Jr., was born at Genoa, Cayuga county, N. Y., February 14, 1809. Came first to Michigan, when that now wealthy state was a territory, when he soon came to the front as a leading lawyer and legislator, and was a member of that body when the dispute as to boundary arose between Michigan and Ohio, which resulted in the former obtaining what is now known as the Upper Peninsula, the richest mineral region in America, in exchange for a worthless swamp, and which has made her one of the wealthiest states in the Union. Mr. Finch often spoke of that transaction and the part he had in bringing it about, as one of his official acts in which he took great pride. From Michigan (Adrian) he came to Milwaukee in 1839, and commenced to build up a business in which he was successful. Mr. Finch was not only prominent as a lawyer, but he was also prominent as a Christian, and was always foremost in every good work. He was diligent in season and out of season, always ready to do his part (and more) in building churches and founding schools, and has performed more work during the infancy of our city gratuitously, for the furtherance of those objects, than any other member of the legal fraternity who ever lived here, and his death left a void not easily filled. His death occurred April 4, 1883. Mrs. Mary Hollister. Mrs. Hollister was one of the pioneer women of Wisconsin, having come to Milwaukee June, 1836, where she at once took a prominent position among her sister pioneers as a willing worker in every movement calculated to exert a healthy influence upon the morals of the embryo city. The financial standing of Mr. Hollister at that time not only gave her abundant means for works of charity, but it also gave her position and influence in society. She was possessed of a strong will, sound judgment, and a clear perception of what was right; neither would she allow any wrongdoing to pass unrebuked that came to her knowledge. But, as has MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. 413 been stated in the sketch of Mr. Hollister, in Vol. II., she was finally compelled to leave her pleasant home and return to the East, in 1839. Neither did she visit Milwaukee again until 1869. The death of Mr. Hollister, in California, in 1851, left her with a young and helpless family to provide for, with no resources but her hands, Mr. Hollister's fortune having all been swamped in that land of gold. But when the storm came she was equal to the emergency, and met it with Spartan fortitude, and has received her reward in seeing her children grow up to be useful and honored members of society, and who, by their love and kindness, have made her last years to pass pleasantly away. Her death was unexpected, and like the going out of a fire suddenly, the dark angel opened the door and she passed through to the great beyond, from whence no traveller has ever returned, and where, let us hope, she has met her husband, and the mystery attending his death is to her a mystery no longer. She left four children, Mary Ellen, now the wife of John Allsdorfif, of Newark, 0.; David and Joseph, in Kansas, and Junius S., at Milwaukee, where her last years were spent. She died at Parsons, Kas., where she had gone on a visit. Frederick Wardner. Mr. Wardner died at his residence, 520 Jackson street, March 7, 1886. He was a native of Vermont, and came to Milwaukee in November, 1836, when in his twenty-first year. Four years after his arrival he associated himself with L. J. Higby in the mercantile business, which he subsequently carried on alone for a period of fifteen years, his store being at the northwest corner of East Water and Michigan streets. He served one year as city comptroller and two years in the council, and was assessor of the Seventh ward for eleven years. For many years he was engaged in the real estate business, and for a period of nineteen years occupied an office at 415 East Water street. Mr. Wardner received a slight stroke of paralysis in his right arm two years before his death, since which time his health gradually failed, the disease finally going to the throat and heart, and caused his death. 26 414 MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. Mr. Wardner was married in 1842 to Miss Elsie M. Tiffany, daughter of George A. Tiffany, an old settler. His wife and three sons, James F., George A. and Edward B., survive him. He was buried by the Pioneer Association, of which he was a Worthy member. Thus one by one the links are broken, One more spirit passed away Through death's dark and dreary portals, To the realms of endless day. And now, kind patrons, I will retire from the arena for the present, resting assured that, notwithstanding the imperfections my work contains, yet that at least it has the merit of truthfulness. The task has been a laborious one. But if it should be found in the coming years to be of any value to posterity, I shall be amply rewarded. With this short valedictory, I will lay aside the pen and Let some other man " spiel" it awhile— About that wonderful siege of Barlisle. APPENDIX. THE ORIGINAL TOWN RECORDS. In Vol. I., page 29, of the author's Pioneer History, is a partial record of the first election of town officers ever held in the then town, now the city of Milwaukee. This was furnished from memory by Doctor Enoch Chase, the record book having, in some mysterious manner, disappeared. This book was placed in the writer's hands January 13, 1885, by the present county surveyor, Robert C. Reinertson, in whose office it had laid concealed for many years. And as there are some slight errors in the record given by Doctor Chase, one of which was giving the date as September 17, in place of the 19th, the author has concluded to reprint that of 1835 m m^? as wen* as those of April, 1836 and 1837, of which, on account of the disappearance of this record book, no official return could previously be given, in part,* which, with those of October 5, 1835 (see Vol. IE, page 29), and of October 1, 1836 (see Vol. I., page 72, and Vol. IE, page 47), for the election of members of the legislative council and delegate to congress, will complete the chain up to the adoption of the trustee system, and the organization of the two sides of the river into the East and West wards.t This election of April, 1837, was the one spoken of in Vol. I., *The oath of office in 1836 and 1837 being in all respects similar in form to those of 1835, have been omitted, only the names of the officers elect for these two years being given. fThis record will be deposited in the State Library at Madison, where, if wanted, it can doubtless be found by any future historian. 416 MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. pages 119 and 120, at which a barrel of liquor was rolled into the street, the head knocked in, and the contents drank in a few minutes by the thirsty voters. It was a big time. The writer voted at this election. But here are the records: Milwaukee, M. T., September 7, 1835. Met pursuant to an act of the legislative council of the territory of Michigan, to organize the township of Milwaukee. First—Chose Albert Fowler, moderator. Second—James Heath, clerk pro tern. Third—Adjourned to Saturday, the 19th of September inst., at 9 o'clock a. m. September 19, 1835. Met pursuant to notice. Elected George H. Walker, moderator. " James Heath, clerk pro tern. " B. H. Edgerton, inspector. On motion of B. H. Edgerton: Kesolved, That all actual settlers have the privilege of voting at this meeting, and that our proceedings be referred to the legislative council for their approval, etc. Elected the following township officers: Supervisor—George H. Walker. Town Clerk—Horace Chase. Assessors—James Sanderson, Albert Fowler, Dr. E. Chase. Commissioners of Koads—B. W. Finch, Solomon Juneau, Calvin Harmon . Commissioners of Schools—Samuel Brown, Peleg Cole, Daniel Bige-low. Directors of Poor—B. W. Finch, Solomon Juneau. Constable and Collector—Sciota Evans. Inspectors of Common Schools — Dr. Jas. Heath, Dr. Enoch Chase, Dr. Wm. Clark. Path Masters—Enoch Darling, Barzilla Douglass, Wm. Smith. Fence Viewers—B. W. Finch, Paul Burdick, Geo. H. Walker. Pound Master—E. Chase. Voted that the ballots be all received in one box at the next election. Officers of the meeting—George H. Walker, James Heath, B. H. Edgerton. Supervisor ) George'H. Walker. j I, George H. Walker, do solemnly and sincerely promise and swear that I will in all things, to the best of my knowledge and abilities, faithfully and impartially execute and perform the trust reposed in me as supervisor of the township of Milwaukee, in the county of Milwaukee, and that I will not pass any account or article thereof without I think the said county is not just chargeable; nor will I disallow any account or article thereof wherewith I think the said county is justly chargeable. George H. Walker. * County of Brown, ) r ^ Territory of Michigan, j ' ' Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, justice of the peace, George H. Walker, and subscribed and sworn to the above oath. Albert Fowler, Justice of the Peace. Milwaukee, September 21, 1835. MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. 417 I, Horace Chase, township clerk, in the township of Milwaukee, in the county of Milwaukee, do solemnly and sincerely promise and swear that I will faithfully and honestly keep all the books, records, writings and papers, by virtue of my said office of township clerk, committed, and which shall from time to time be committed, unto me, and in all things, to the best of my knowledge and understanding, well and faithfully perform the duties of my said office of township clerk, without favor or partiality. Horace Chase. Territory of Michigan, \ r ^ County of Brown, J * * Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, justice of the peace, Horace Chase, and subscribed and wTas sworn to the above oath. Albert Fowler, Justice of the Peace. Milwaukee. September 21, 1835. We do solemnly and sincerely promise and swear that we will in all things, to the best of our knowledge and understanding, well and faithfully execute the trust reposed in us as commissioners of highways for the township of Milwaukee, in the county of Milwaukee, without favor or partiality. B. W. Finch, Solomon Juneau, Calvin Harmon. Territory of Michigan, ) j « County of Brown, J J* k * Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, town clerk, B. W. Finch, Solomon Juneau and Calvin Harmon, and subscribed and was sworn to the above oath. Horace Chase, Township Clerk. Milwaukee, September 21, 1835. We do solemnly swear that we will faithfully and impartially do and perform the duties of commissioners of common schools for the township of Milwaukee, in the county of Milwaukee, during our continuance in office. Samuel Brown, Peleg Cole, Daniel Bigelow. County of Brown, It. q Territory of Michigan, J * *"' Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, town clerk, Samuel Brown, Peleg Cole and Daniel Bigelow, and subscribed and swore to the above oath. Horace Chase, Town Clerk. Milwaukee, M. T., September 21, 1835. We, the undersigned, do solemnly affirm and swear that we, in all things, to the best of our knowledge and understanding and abilities, well and faithfully execute and perform the trust reposed in us as directors of the poor of the township of Milwaukee, and county of Milwaukee. Solomon Juneau, B. W. Finch. County of Brown, I T o Territory of Michigan, S ' * Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, town clerk, Solomon Juneau and B. W. Finch, and subscribed and sworn to the above oath. Horace Chase, Town Clerk. Milwaukee, M. T., September 21, 1835. 418 MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. We, Enoch Chase and Albert Fowler, do solemnly and sincerely promise and swear that we will honestly and impartially assess the several persons and estates within the township of Milwaukee, and county of Milwaukee, and that in making such assessments we will, to the best of our knowledge and judgment, observe the directions of the several laws of this territory directing and requiring such assessments to be made. Enoch Chase, Albert Fowler. Milwaukee, M. T., September 24, 1835. County op Brown, \ j ^ Territory op Michigan, J Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, town clerk, Enoch Chase and Albert Fowler, and subscribed and swore to the above oath. Horace Chase, Town Clerk. Milwaukee, M. T., September 24, 1835. A crop and slit in the left ear. B. W. Finch. ftftnternbftr 21. 1835. A crop and slit in tJ September 21, 1835. I, Sciota Evans, do solemnly and sincerely swear that I will, in all things, to the best of my knowledge, understanding and ability, well and faithfully execute and perform the trust reposed in me as constable of the township of Milwaukee, in the county of Milwaukee. Sciota Evans. Sworn and subscribed before me this 25th day of September, a. d. 1835. A. Fowler, Justice of the Peace. Know all men by these presents that we, Sciota Evans, Barzilla Douglass and Enoch Chase, shall jointly and severally pay to each and every person such sums of money as said Sciota Evans shall become liable to pay for or on account of any execution which shall be delivered to Sciota Evans for collection. The above obligation is such that if the said Sciota Evans shall well and faithfully in all things perform and execute the office of constable of the town and county of Milwaukee during his continuance in said office, without fraud, deceit or oppression, then the above obligation to be void, or else remain in full force. Sciota Evans, Enoch Chase, B. Douglass. seal. SEAL. SEAL. Signed and sealed this 26th day of September, a. d. 1835, at Milwaukee, M. T., in presence of Horace Chase, Town Clerk. This certifies that Sciota Evans, Enoch Chase and B. Douglass have this day given the foregoing security that all demands given said Evans to collect shall be forthcoming according to law, and the same is approved. Horace Chase, Town Clerk. Milwaukee, M. T., 26th September, a. d. 1835. A lope on the right ear and a hole in the left. September 26, 1835. his Joseph X Porthier. mark. Attest: H. Chase. A slope off the under side of the left ear. Clybourn & Chase. April 2, 1836. MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. 419 Milwaukee, 4th day of April, 1836. Pursuant to public notice the meeting was called to order at S. Juneau^, and on motion of A. Fowler, Alfred Orendoff was appointed moderator for the day. A. Orendoff declining, Barzilla Douglas-s was nominated and appointed. On motion, G. H. Hosmer was appointed assistant clerk. On motion, the meeting adjourned to Childs' Tavern. On motion of E. Chase, N.' J. White was appointed one of the board of inspectors. All the votes having been received and canvassed, it was ascertained that the following persons were elected for township officers: Albert Fowler, for register of deeds. George C. Dousman, treasurer. Enoch G. Darling, for coroner. Supervisor—Alanson Sweet. Town Clerk—A. O. T. Breed. Road Commissioners—Solomon Juneau, Barzilla Douglass, Benoni W. Finch. School Commissioners—Samuel Brown, Daniel Bigelow, Samuel Sanborn. Poor Masters—Solomon Juneau, Benoni W. Finch. Assessors—Alexander Stewart, George H. Hosmer, William H. Skinner, Talbot C Dousman. Path Masters—William H. Skinner, William Burdick, William Smith. Fence Viewers—Luther Childs, Joel S. Wilcox, Nathaniel Finch, William Burdick, Morgan L. Burdick. Constable and Collector—Sciota Evans. Constable—H. H. Brannan. Pound Master—U. B. Smith. On motion of George R. Dyer, Horatio Higgins, Wm. Burdick and Lorenzo Pixley were elected Hog Constables. Horace Chase, Town Clerk. Milwaukee, April 30, 1837. Pursuant to public notice in the Milwaukee Advertiser, the qualified voters in the Township and County of Milwaukee, convened at the Court House in said Townshin, on Monday, the 3d day of April, A. D. 1837, for the purpose of selecting Township and County Officers for the year ensuing, and on motion of G. R. Dyer, John T. Haight was chosen Moderator for the day. On motion, it was voted to choose seven Constables, seven Fence Viewers, and one Pound Master for the year ensuing. Proclamation was then made, that the polls would immediately open for the election of Township and County Officers, and at 5 o'clock in the afternoon the votes, taken as aforesaid, were duly examined, sorted and canvassed by the undersigned, and the number of votes set to the names of the following persons were given for the Officers, affixed to their names respectively: For Register of Deeds— Votes. To Cyrus Hawley................................................................... 201 " Albert Fowler.................................................................... 137 For Coroner— To Enoch G. Darling............................................................... 194 " Henry M. Hubbard............................................................ 129 For Treasurer— To Henry Miller..................................................................... 189 " George D. Dousman........................................................... 142 420 MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. For Supervisor— ToWm. Shaw.......................................................................... 216 " Wm. Brown....................................................................... 193 " A. 0. T. Breed.................................................................... 188 " S. D. Cowles...................................................................... 139 " S. B. Lander....................................................................... 180 " C. H. Peak........................................................................ 40 For Town Clerk— To Geo. O. Tiffany.................................................................. 183 " Wm. A. Prentiss................................................................. 153 For Assessor— ToAlvin Foster....................................................................... 171 " John Manderville............................................................... 182 " Barzillai Douglas................................................................ 184 " ElishaW. Edgerton............................................................. 183 " Lucius I. Barber................................................................. 181 " ThomasH. Olin.................................................................. 158 " Pleasant Field.................................................................... 154 " Samuel Brown................................................................... 154 " Jonas Folts........................................................................ 155 " N. Whalen.......................................................................... 154 For Collector— To Andrew J. Vieau............................................................... 176 " James B. Miller.................................................................. 159 For Commissioner of Highways— To Solomon Juneau................................................................. 326 " Byron Kilbourn................................................................ 183 " Benoni W. Finch............................................................... 177 " Alfred Orendorf................................................................. 165 " Enoch Chase...................................................................... 158 For Director of the Poor— ToSaml. Hinman.................................................................... 332 " David S. Hollister.............................................................. 184 " Wm. P. Proudfit................................................................. 153 For Commissioner of Common Schools— To Samuel Sanborn.................................................................. 332 " Jonas Folts....................................................................... 181 " Isaac H. Alexander............................................................ 200 " Samuel Brown.................................................................... 153 " James H. Rogers............................................................... 154 For Inspectors of Common Schools— To Eli Bates........................................................................... 187 " L.I.Barber........................................................................ 186 " Geo. S. West..................................................................... 179 " Worthy Putnam................................................................. 178 " E. D. Phillips..................................................................... 176 " J. M. Rogers....................................................................... 149 " Wm. Burdick..................................................................... 137 " ElihuHiggins..................................................................... 127 MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. 421 MILWAUKEE'S SEMI-CENTENNIAL. This historic event was celebrated with appropriate ceremonies at Schlitz Park, Saturday,* September 19, 1885, that day being the fiftieth anniversary of this first election of town officers in what is now the city of Milwaukee, the city and county officers, the Milwaukee County Pioneer Association and the Old Settlers' Club (several members of which first named associations, who were present at and who voted at that first election) participating. And as this was an event of no little importance in the history of the Cream City, the author has thought it proper to put on record the proceedings had upon that occasion for the benefit of those yet unborn, who shall participate in the one hundredth anniversary, when that day shall have come, and the little band of pioneers, as well as the present city and county officials, who were present in 1885. shall have crossed the Styx, and Other hands their lands shall till, Other men their places fill, And they will be forgotten. The propriety of celebrating this event originated with the Pioneers, whose suggestions upon the subject were published in the Milwaukee Daily Sentinel, the Evening Wisconsin and the Milwaukee Daily Journal, the first article of any length appearing in the Wisconsin of July 29, under the caption of " A Local Celebration," and which read as follows : A Local Celebration. Statements of the pioneers of Milwaukee and public records unite in testifying that the foundation of this great city was laid by the organization of the township of Milwaukee upon the 19th day of September, 1835. To the very large population which has accumulated here, many of the members of which consider themselves "old settlers," the brevity of the time appears hardly possible. Looking at results the wonder grows, and it is probable that, however great in wealth or size this city may hereafter become, the progress made during the last half century will never be duplicated. But few of the fathers of the city of Milwaukee remain upon the original field of their labors, and still fewer of the small band survive It is a somewhat singular coincidence that this first election in 1835 and the fiftieth anniversary in 1885 fell upon the same day of the week, both occurring on Saturday. 422 MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. elsewhere. To these men the inhabitants of the present magnificent city owe a debt of at least gratitude and respect, which should be paid as far as may be in some public manner. These hardy pioneers would no doubt be glad also to unite with younger men in a celebration of the greatness of a city which they commenced, but which all have done so much to enlarge and improve. The fiftieth anniversary of the first election which occurred in Milwaukee will be September 19, 1885. There should be some public recognition of that date. The " venerable men who have come down to us from a former generation " will not be here during many more anniversaries, and the coming September is the most appropriate for the celebration if one is ever held. The Pioneers' Association and the Old Settlers' Club should take the initiative in the matter, but the junior men of the city will manifest an active interest. If public exercises are held, they will be attended by men so young that at the centennial anniversary held September 19, 1935, they would be able to say that they attended the first celebration, and saw the men who founded the great city of Milwaukee—a city which at that time will have grown to an extent which each person can now estimate for himself. This was supplemented by an order from the president of the Pioneer Association, Hon. Harrison Ludington, to the marshal and secretary to call a meeting of the executive committee, who, in conjunction with that of the Old Settlers' Club, met at the office of the Northwestern National Insurance Company, in the Mitchell building, southeast corner of East Water and Michigan streets, July 31, where, after a full discussion, the following resolutions were unanimously adopted : Resolved, That the executive committee be requested to cali the attention of the mayor and common council of the city, and the board of county supervisors, to the fact that the fiftieth anniversary of the first election held in Milwaukee of town and county officers* will occur on the 19th of September next, and to confer with them in regard to the celebration of the day under official auspices. Resolved, That should it not meet the views of those officers to provide for a general and formal celebration, this club will make arrangements for a proper observance of the day by the club. Adopted. John P. McGregor, chairman. Chauncey Simonds, secretary. The proceedings of this meeting were published in the Evening Wisconsin, same date, with a short reminiscence of several of those present, among whom were Alex. Mitchell, Daniel Wells, Jr., Doctor Enoch Chase, ex-Mayor Horace Chase, ex-Governor Harrison Lud- *It is perhaps proper to say that this first election was in fact an election for county as well as town officers, as several of those elected certainly acted in that capacity as far as was necessary. MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. 423 ington, ex-Mayor William A. Prentiss, Chauncey Simonds, James S. Buck, Edgar C. Jennings, Jno. P. McGregor, Hon. Jno. H. Tweedy. William P. Merrill, Morillo A. Boardman, Daniel W. Fowler and Uriel B. Smith, all of whom, with the exception of Simonds, Smith, Jennings, Boardman and Fowler, have filled official positions in the city government. This was followed by the introduction of a resolution, by Alderman Horace Chase, at the meeting of the common council held August 3, instructing his honor the mayor to confer with the county board (who were to meet on the 4th) in relation to celebrating this important event. Adopted. The county board having convened on the 4th, the following communication, drawn up by Hon. John P. McGregor, was presented and read : Milwaukee, August 4, 1885. To the Honorable the Board of Supervisors : The undersigned, the executive committee of the Milwaukee County Pioneer Association, as directed by resolution of said association, beg leave to call your attention to the fact that the 19th of September next marks the fiftieth annual return of the date on which was held the first election in Milwaukee of town and county officers, and to suggest for your consideration the propriety of a formal and official celebration of this anniversary, while yet a few of the persons are living among us who took part in this first election. We make a similar communication to the common council, in the hope that the city and county authorities may unite in providing for a due commemoration of a day now noteworthy in our annals.* Alex. Mitchell, Chairman Executive Committee. Chauncey Simonds, Secretary Executive Committee. Supervisor Von Trott moved to receive the above invitation, the chair to appoint a committee of five to confer with the members of the common council relating to such invitation—which motion prevailed, whereupon the chair appointed Supervisors Von Trott, Schweickhart, Leidel, Watts and Weidner. The mayor, after consultation with the committee from the county board, ordered a special meeting of the common council, to be held August 24, at which the following gentlemen were appointed as a committee of arrangements on the part of the city: Garrett *Made, as has been seen, on the 3d. 424 MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. Dunck, chairman, H. J. Baumgaertner, Henry S. Dodge, Henry Hase and John McCoy. An informal meeting of the joint committees was held Wednesday, September 2, at the office of the Northwestern National Insurance Company, his honor the mayor presiding, at which, however, no definite programme having been arranged, a second meeting of the executive committee of the Pioneers and Old Settlers' Club was held at the same place, September 5, at which Hon. J. H. Tweedy was called to the chair and John P. McGregor elected secretary, when, on motion of Horace Chase, it was unanimously Resolved, That the Pioneer Association and Old Settlers' Club join with the city and county officials in celebrating the day at Schlitz Park, on Saturday, September 19, at 2 p. m. (to which the citizens are generally invited), by having public addresses; the Pioneers and Old Settlers' Club to select an orator on their part, and the city and county officials be requested to select one on their part. Adopted. Resolved, That a committee of five be appointed by the chair to make the necessary arrangements on the part of said clubs. Whereupon the chair appointed the following: Committee of Arrangements on the part of said Clubs—James S. Buck, John P. McGregor, Chauncey Simonds, Daniel Schultz and Morillo A. Boardman. After which the meeting adjourned. The following communication was then addressed to his honor the mayor: Milwaukee, September 6, 1885. At a meeting of the executive committees of the Milwaukee County Pioneer Association and the Old Settlers' Club, held at the office of the Northwestern National Insurance Company (Mitchell building), September 5, 1885, the following resolution was adopted: Resolved, That the Pioneers and Old Settlers of Milwaukee county celebrate the 19th day of September, 1885 (it being the fiftieth anniversary of the first election in Milwaukee), by having a public address on the afternoon of said day, at Schlitz Park, commencing at 2 o'clock p. m., and that the city and county officers and the public generally be invited to participate; the Pioneer Association and Old Settlers' Club select an orator on their part, and the city and county officers select an orator on their part. Alexander Mitchell, James S. Buck, J. P. McGregor, J. P. McGregor, Horace Chase, Chauncey Simonds, Daniel Schultz, Daniel Schultz, Enoch Chase, M. A. Boardman, M. A. Boardman,* Executive Committee. Com. of Arrangements on part of Club. "^Messrs. Boardman and Buck acting for the Old Settlers, the latter, besides being marshal of both, was also a member of the executive committee of that club* MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. 425 This action on the part of said clubs resulted in a call for a second meeting of the joint committees, held at the office of the city attorney, September 10, where, after an interchange of views, the committee adjourned to Wednesday, the i6th,# at which time the following programme was adopted :t THE SEMI-CENTENNIAL. Completed Programme for the Celebration at Schlitz Park, Saturday. A joint meeting of the special committees of the common council and county board, in conjunction with Mayor Wallber and Mr. Buck, the representative of the old settlers, was held in the council chamber yesterday afternoon. Supervisors Von Trott, Watts, Schweickhart and Leidel, and Aldermen Baumgaertner and Hase comprised the committees. The following programme of the day's exercises was adopted, the procession to start from the court-house at 1:30 o'clock on Saturday afternoon, in the following order: Committee of Arrangements. Band-wagon. Orators of the Day. Pioneers and Old Settlers. Mavor and Common Council. City Officials. Board of Supervisors. County Officials. The route will be as follows: From the court-house south on Jackson street, to Wisconsin, west on Wisconsin to Grand avenue, west on Grand avenue to Ninth, north on Ninth to Chestnut, west on Chestnut to Twelfth, north on Twelfth to Walnut, and east on Walnut to the park. Upon arriving at the park the first business will be the photographing of the members of the Pioneers' and Old Settlers' organizations, the common council and city officials, and the county board and county officials, in three separate groups. Music will follow, after which an oration will be delivered by Win-field Smith on behalf of the Pioneers' and Old Settlers' associations. The programme also includes music, addresses by Herman Sigel, Joshua Stark and P. V. Deuster, and remarks from one of the pioneers yet to be selected. The county board met yesterday and decided to participate in the celebration, and to close all the county offices at noon, Saturday. The following notice was yesterday issued to the members of the Milwaukee County Pioneer Association and Old Settlers' Club: The members of the above-named associations are earnestly requested to unite with the present city and county officials in celebrating the fiftieth anniversary of the first election of town officers held in what is now the city of Milwaukee, on Saturday, the 19th instant, at Schlitz Park. *This meeting was held at the common council room. fit is proper to say that, although the individual members upon the committees from both city and county all did noble work in the organizing and carrying out of this celebration, yet to the untiring efforts of Hon. Kmil Wallber, the mayor, and to August Von Trott, from the county, and Henry J. Baumgaertner, from the city board, is the credit of making it a success on the part of the city and countv mainly due. 426 MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. Carriages for conveyance of members will leave the court-house at 1:30 p. m., sharp. Members are requested to be on hand promptly, and wear badges. J. S. Buck, John P. McGregor, Chauncey Simonds, Daniel Schultz, M. A. Boardman, Committee of Arrangements. List of city officials in 1885 who were present at and took part in the celebration: Mayor—Hon. Emil Wallber. Comptroller—Ferdinand Kuehn. Deputy Comptroller—F. Wildie. Treasurer—William May worm. Deputy—F. Cook. City Attorney—Robert Luscombe. Deputy—Peter Rupp. Harbor Master—Jas. F. Trowell. Tax Commissioner—Michael Bodden. Collector of Water Rents—Ferdinand Eissfeldt. Board of Public Works—Chief Engineer, Geo. H. Benzenberg; Commissioners William P. O'Connor, Chas. P. Foote and Jonas I. Frownfelter. Chief of Police—Florian J. Ries. Chief of Fire Department—James Foley. Municipal Court—Judge James A. Mallory; Clerk, Julius Meis-winkel. Common Council, 1885-'86. First Ward—John A. Hinsey (President of Board), Chas. B. Roberts andT. H. Malone. Second Ward—H. J. Steinman, J. F. Schmidt and Tilly Lynde. Third Ward—John Malone, M. J. Delaney and M. J. Dullea. Fourth Ward—J. S. Harvey, W. W. Watklns and John McCoy. Fifth Ward—A. L. Worden, W. J. Donnelly and J. T. Brett. Sixth Ward—O. Altpeter, Theodore Fritz and Henry Smith. Seventh Ward—H. S. Dodge, V. P. Atkinson and August Kieckhefer. Eighth Ward—Daniel Erdman, Fred. Lange and John McGee. Ninth Ward—Win. Schmidt, Henry Koch and Garret Dunck. Tenth Ward—Henry J. Baumgaertner, Moritz Grassow and W. Rausch-enberger. Eleventh Ward—H. H. Kroeger, F. C Graves and Henry Hase. Twelfth Ward—Horace Chase, C. W. Milbrath and Theodore Rud-zinski. Thirteenth Ward—F. Heiden, Frank Ellis and C. D. Richards. Geo. W. Porth, City Clerk. Geo. R. Mahoney, Deputy. MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. 427 County Officers. County Judge—J. E. Mann. Sheriff—George Paschen. Clerk of Circuit Court—C. Paulus. District Attorney—W. C. Williams. County Treasurer—J. C. Corrigan. County Clerk—Geo. P. Traeumer. Kegister of Deeds—J. E. Eldred. County Surveyor—Robert C Reinertsen. Coroner—Chas. Fricke. Inspector House of Correction—Bryon Kelly. Superintendent of Schools—C. H. Lewis. Superintendent of Poor—Joseph Walter. Superintendent of Almshouse and County Farm—G. Verfurth. Superintendent of County Hospital—M. E. Connell, M. D. Superintendent County Wood Yard—J. M. Gleiszner. County Physician, East Side—Julius Kasten, M. D. County Physician, West Side—Ludwig Pauly, M. D. County Physician, South Side—F. M. Hinz, M. D. Engineer and Janitor, Court House—Nic. Schrubb. Messenger—Richard Schrubb. Supervisors. First ward—R. Rossiter. Second ward—P. Muenzberg. Third ward—T. Murphy. Fourth ward—A. Von Trott. Fifth ward—C. Helms. Sixth ward—H. Herzer. Seventh ward—E. A. M. Leidel. Eighth ward—Ch. Weidner. Ninth ward—J. Dewerth. Tenth ward—J. F. Zummach. Eleventh ward—P. Schubert. Twelfth ward—S. Sytkowski. Thirteenth ward—J. Truss. Franklin—J. H. Huennekens. Granville—Geo. Watts. Greenfield—P. Merritty. Lake—H. Strothenke. Milwaukee—A. Mohr. Oak Creek—J. Foley. Wauwatosa—Geo. Schweickhart. Bay View—Jas. Hodge. THE CELEBRATION.* At 1:30 o'clock the procession, which was formed in the park given to the county of Milwaukee by Solomon Juneau as a courthouse site, proceeded to Schlitz park, where the exercises of the day were held. The procession was quite an imposing affair, considering that rain was threatening, there being about forty carriages in line. The committees, comprising representatives from the Old Settlers' From the Milwaukee Sentinel of September 20, 1885. 428 MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. clubs, the common council and county board, were in the lead, followed by Clauder's full military band of twenty-two pieces. The other members of the clubs and of the various departments of the municipal government, brought up the rear. Arriving at the park entrance, the carriages were unloaded, and a procession was formed, headed by Clauder's band, playing the " Old Settlers' March." The pioneers gathered in a semi-circular group at the foot of the terrace, and were protographed by Broich. It was intended to secure pictures of city and county officers, but rain began to fall as soon as the pioneers were disposed of, and the officers escaped.* In the Building. The pioneers and a large number of people then entered the theater building, the lower floor of which was well filled. After music, Marshal Buck invited the speakers, the committees, the pioneers who came in 1835, an^ Mayor Wallber, to take seats upon the platform. The latter acted as master of ceremonies. The members of the two pioneer organizations wore their gold badges. City and county officials wore badges of cream-colored satin, appropriately typifying the " Cream City." Over the stage was hung a banner, upon which was painted the following inscription : " Number of Votes Cast in 1835, — 39 — Number of Votes Cast at the Last Presidential Election, 28,899." Without further ceremony, Mayor Wallber advanced and delivered the opening address. He said that on the 19th day of September, 1835, at dawn, the chief of the Pottawatomies called upon a papoose and requested him to go down to yonder village, near the mouth of the Milwaukee river, and tell those young men to get ready to vote for town officers. He found the villagers awake, and delivering his message to the first man he met, who happened to be Horace Chase, was accosted by him in his usual happy style, as follows: " Young man, it will be a cold day when we get left. Mind you, we are going This is incorrect, as all three groups were taken just as contemplated* MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. 429 to get this town started, and we will raise it to a city of prominence, and—mind what I say, young man,—in just fifty years from now we shall cross the Kinnickinnic river over an iron bridge. [This mimicry by the mayor of Alderman Chase's peculiar style of talking, created a roar of laughter.] " We are in a fair way of seeing that prophecy fulfilled."* An Old-Time Election. In those days, continued the mayor, the license question did not as yet agitate the public mind. Prohibition was not thought of then. The doctrine of " personal liberty" was, however, recognized and practiced to its fullest extent. The right to vote was not confined to the narrow limits of a ward or a precinct. No law restricted the ballot to plain, white, print paper. Civil-service reform hardly entered into the campaign. There was little or no squabble for office, because there was enough to go around, and no music or express wagons to bring voters to the polls. At that election, thirty-nine votes were cast. Behold, what a change since that time! The number of votes cast at the presidential election last fall was 28,899. ^ne population in 1835 was about 250; the official census for 1885 shows it to be nearly 159,000. Its growth has been a steady, natural, healthy one. It is due to advantages of situation, to the development of the fertile and prosperous cc untry, with its industries and thrifty people, to the ability and integrity of our mercantile community, to our railroad accommodations, and to the persistent spirit of enterprise manifested in the different departments of industry. Well may the old settler point with the greatest pride to the fair Cream City of the Lakes. And to-day, commemorating the organization of this town, :t is a pleasure to refer to the fact, that a number of those who voted at the election fifty years ago are still among us. Some of them are on this platform. Long and many be the years before their hour of departure comes! Unrestrained their usefulness, undecayed every faculty of mind, in full fruition of the well-earned joys of life, happy in the welfare of the city they love so well. * This prophecy, which the Mayor so jestingly made Mr. Chase the author of, has, however, been fulfilled, as an Iron Bridge spanning that classic stream (commenced in 1885), has now, March I, 1886, just been opened to the public. 27 430 MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. Winfield Smith. Winfield Smith, who had been chosen to respond in behalf of the pioneers, was then introduced. He pleaded lack of sufficient time to make sufficient preparation for an address of this character. After some general remarks about the changes which have been wrought in fifty years, Mr. Smith spoke as follows: It is good to stop at times outside the mighty rush of events, which exhaust our strained attention—to turn from the things of to-day, from the anticipations for the morrow, in all which our thoughts, our wishes and our hopes are usually absorbed, and to look back over the past. It is good to note where we lately stood, what were then our surroundings, in what our interests were then centered, what was then the domain of nature, what the works then wrought by man. It is meet to review and consider the steps by which we have come to the point where we now stand. We should endeavor then to perform that difficult task, the forecast of the future by aid of historical experience. And we should not fail to do honorable justice to the men of times past, even while we commend our own sagacity and our own energy. Fifty years form but a brief period in the life of a European people, who would be inclined to smile at the celebration of an event so recent as that which we to-day commemorate. In this new world, however, nations grow, the wilderness is populated, civilization and its triumphs stride so swiftly, that the half century becomes an age, and men still in the prime of life seem to the young to be sages of antiquity. The wonder never ceases that so many of us now present can recollect the day when this noble city of Milwaukee was not; when there were no houses, no people, no city, no village, not even a name; when the maps we studied defined the west line of Lake Michigan as unbroken by a single one of those dots which denoted the site of a settlement, until perhaps Chicago was marked far to the south of us; when Fort Howard or Green Bay, Fort Winnebago, and Prairie du Chien alone indicated the abodes of white men in all the land between that lake and the Mississippi river; when three or four thousand persons represented the white population now exceeding fifteen hundred thousand. MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. • 431 On this day fifty years ago, then as now the last day of the week, the eighty or a hundred persons scattered through the vicinity of the residence of the Indian trader Solomon Juneau, held by ballot their first election ever seen here. Thirty-nine persons voted and then organized a township government. The original record, now in my hand, opens thus: September 7th, 1835, Milwaukee, U. S. Met pursuant to an act of the legislature of the territory of Michigan, to organize the township of Milwaukee. 1 st. Chose Albert Fowler, moderator. 2d. James Heath,* clerk pro tern. 3d. Adjourned to Saturday, the 19th of September inst., at 9 a. m. September 19th, 1835. Met pursuant to notice. Elected George H. Walker, moderator; James Heath, clerk pro tern.; B. H. Edgerton, inspector. On motion of B. H. Edgerton: Resolved, That all actual settlers have the privilege of voting at this meeting, and that all our proceedings be referred to the legislative council for their approval, etc., etc. Elected the following township officers. Then follow the names: Supervisor, George H. Walker; town clerk, Horace Chase, and twenty-two other officers. The meeting took place under the laws (it would probably, if the stories be true, be too much to claim that it was pursuant to the laws) of the territory of Michigan, of which this soil was then a part. The record is not very formal, and it was probably much more formal than the proceedings. The young men who voted were not fond of legal strictness, but this paper proves that among them were men of good education, and accuracy in written statement. The number of ballots cast for the several candidates does not appear, but in the list of those then chosen as township officers are the names of George H. Walker, James Sanderson, Albert Fowler, Solomon Juneau, Samuel Brown, James Heath, Barzillai Douglas, *This is the same person mentioned in Vols. I. and II. as Dr. James Heth. Heath is doubtless the correct spelling. 432 MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. Horace Chase and Dr. Enoch Chase—names familiar to many of our citizens, of whom the last two are yet often read by us in the newspaper accounts of the doings of the day. Our esteemed friend, Mr. Horace Chase, who would probably not wish to be yet called venerable, is still in the same way of active participation in municipal government on which he entered fifty years ago. With all that experience, it is not strange that his wisdom seems so great, and that his constituents of the Twelfth ward think him indispensable as a member of the city council. What great things he has accomplished for his ward, they know, and we others of the city pretty well understand. We may suppose that one who has seen so much done, may well believe that everything can be done. This hopefulness, the result of remarkable experiences, the source of their famous energy, is as much the characteristic of the pioneers of Milwaukee, as their sturdy independence, integrity and good sense. We rejoice that Messrs. Horace and Enoch Chase, honored with the confidence of their fellows in 1835, still live to enjoy it after fifty years. Fifty years of industry, of upright dealing, of bodily and mental activity, have given them a right to rest which few can show, and which they seem in no haste to claim. Following the record of the election is this note: "Voted, That the ballots be all received in one box at the next election." Then the titles and signatures verifying the record: Geo. H. Walker, James Heath, B. H. Edgerton, Officers of the meeting. The oaths of office are next written and signed. Geo. H, Walker as supervisor, and Horace Chase, town clerk, making oath before Albert Fowler, justice of the peace; the other officers before the new town clerk. The affidavit of Mr. Walker is as follows: Supervisor ) George H. Walker. J I, George H. Walker, do solemnly and sincerely promise and swear that I will in all things, to the best of my knowledge and abilities, faithfully and impartially execute and perform the trust reposed in me MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. 433 as supervisor of the township of Milwaukee, in the county of Milwaukee, and that I will not pass any account or article thereof without I think the said account is not justly chargeable. This was signed with the proper signature and sworn to September 21, 1835. The oath of office of Mr. Chase was taken on the same day, as also that, of Messrs Finch, Juneau and Harmon, commissioners of highways, and Messrs. Brown, Cole and Bigelow, commissioners of public schools, and Messrs. Juneau and Finch as directors of the poor. Mr. Chase took his oath of office as assessor September 24, pledging himself thereby to assess honestly and impartially the several persons and estates within the township of Milwaukee, and to observe in such assessment, to the best of his knowledge and judgment, the laws of the territory directing such assessments to be made. Immediately following the last record, and without any break, come these words: " A crop and slit in the left ear. September 21, 1835. B. W. Finch." Then further oaths of office, and again the following: " A crop on the right ear and a hole in the left. September 26, 1835. Joseph Porthier." Next: "Aslope of! the under side of the left ear. April 2, 1836. Clybourn & Chase." I understand that these mysterious expressions relate, not to the election, nor to the township organization, nor to any of the citizens who may be supposed to have undergone the punishments therein indicated, but rather to the pigs which were allowed to run at large in those times, and which were thus branded by their respective owners. There being, as I am told, no other blank book in the entire county than the one from which I am reading, the marks of cattle and swine were deemed important enough to be therein inserted among those of the newly-elected officers, and the importance of the act so absorbed the attention of the writers that they quite forgot to indicate the purpose or character of their entries. The next town election, it is well to say, was held on the 4th day of April, 1856. It is noticeable that the name of the new town is spelled " Milwa-kee," the last syllable having two " ee's " and no " i," upon which point there was strong discussion thirty-six years ago. The affidavits call the county Brown, but speak of the duties as to be performed in 434 MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. " Milwakee" county. The latter county had been set off from Brown county September 6, 1834, but had not been organized. A pound master (Enoch Chase), path masters and road commissioners were elected, and at the next spring fence viewers, although there were no pound, no roads, no fences in the county. Milwaukee was also spelled Milwalkie and Milwalky. In the record of the election of April, 1836, apparently written by Horace Chase, the name of the town was spelled Milwaukie, which Peter Yates afterwards insisted was the only proper way. At this time the spirit of speculation which raged through the years 1835 an(^ x^3^> and came to so disastrous a fall in 1837, had begun to affect seriously the settlers of the new town. There was much thought and talk of laying out lots, of buying at advanced prices, and of great wealth to be acquired, and very little thought of building new houses, except of the cheapest character and under the most imperative necessity. Mr. Daniel Wells, Jr., writing from Green Bay, under date of August 30, 1836, says : " The land about Milwaukee is the best in the territory, and as Milwaukee is the only harbor for some distance either way on the lake, it must of necessity become a place of great importance. It is now laid out in lots for two miles north and south, and one and a half miles east and west, which lots will, I think, sell immediately for $100 to $1,000, and much money has been made speculating in lots already. I think money can be made here in the lumber business if one had capital, and all kinds of lumber sells rapidly and for high figures." Mr. Wells became a resident of Wisconsin in 1836, bringing with him letters from Boston and other places in the East, certifying to his ability as a surveyor and his integrity and honor as a man. At Milwaukee, on the 2d day of August, 1836, he received from Governor Dodge a commission under which he was appointed justice of the peace in and for the county of Milwaukee and territory of Wisconsin. In the dearth of population and the abundance of offices of those days those persons who seemed superior to the majority were rapidly selected and honored by places of trust. He served two terms in congress from 1853 to 1857. In October, 1835, there was held a general election, to which no Erratum—For 1836 read 1835. MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. 435 reference is made in the original record from which I read, but it is described in the histcry by Mr. Buck, Vol. II., page 29. There was no newspaper published nearer than Green Bay, and the settlers of that time were fain to entertain themselves with the anecdotes and inventions which from that time to this have been so popular among their successors, and have given such fame in particular to the fishing and hunting of Wisconsin. The Indians were every day seen, and more numerous than the whites. While their disposition, owing to the uniformly kind and judicious treatment of Mr. Juneau, was friendly, still the few settlers were not without their apprehensions that they might at some time be overwhelmed with a rush of savages desiring to extirpate the rapidly growing colony. All provisions, clothing and other necessaries, except such as might be derived from the marshes or woods about there, were brought by vessels and an occasional steamer to Milwaukee from Detroit or Buffalo. The bay sen ed as a place of anchorage while the freight was brought ashore in small boats. As there were no roads, there were also no bridges, and the river was crossed at one or two points by ferries, the first of which was set near the mouth of the river, and afterwards one was placed at Spring street and another at Chestnut street. It was not until several years afterwards that a bridge was built across the river at Chestnut street, and became the scene of the memorable bridge war, brought about by the desire of the East Siders to gain access to the West, and the unwillingness of those on the West to permit thus an invasion of their sacred soil. It is difficult now to realize the scene which this place then presented. A plat of the town, now the Third and Seventh wards, had been prepared shortly before by Juneau and Martin, and recorded September 8, 1835, and some streets began to be known, while no plat W3S recorded of lots west of the river until October 8. Water covered most of the land now the Third ward, in which grew reeds and rushes extending from the river to the sandy beach of the lake. On the West Side the like marsh covered the area between Fourth street and the river, south of Grand avenue to the Menomonee. Of the South Side Dr, Lapham writes in 1845: 436 MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. " The city commences about a mile above the mouth of the river, at a place called Walker's Point, and extends about a mile and a half along the river. Below Walker's Point the river is bordered by impassable marshes." But Nunnemacher's mill and Angus Smith's elevator and two great railroads, and hundreds of like structures, now repose securely in these " impassable marshes." Walker's Point, to which he refers, is a name meaningless to our younger citizens. But it was a point of high ground running several hundred feet through the marsh northeasterly, to the south bank of the river near the present East Water street bridge. On it was built the dwelling of George H. Walker, the first town supervisor, later mayor of the city, and an esteemed citizen, who first owned the land. The point, then conspicuous enough, was the only place where a house could stand within a quarter of a mile. Many years ago it disappeared, as it was lowered, and the marshes on both sides were filled. Half a dozen houses, scattered along for a mile to the south, contained all the population of the South Side. The ground was high where the point extended back, widening towards the west. The forest grew heavy, except where it had been cut away by the settlers, and stumps not yet uprooted indicated how recent had been the work of the pioneer. No other trace was seen of the hand of civilization. Upon the East Side, the marshes that covered the present Third ward, were varied by two islands of dryer land, one near the north end of East Water street bridge, and the other covering the corner of Jackson and Detroit streets as now laid out, the latter of which bore the significant title of Duck Island. The land in the present Seventh ward was mostly high, running by a steep descent into the marshes of the Third ward, and into the marsh which also lay along the river front from south to north. The western line of the bluff crossed Wisconsin street at the northeast corner of Broadway, and one of my own early recollections of the city is the digging down of the bluff, preparatory to the removal from it of the three-story wooden hotel called the Milwaukee House, which had been previously kept by Caleb Wall. MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. 437 Some seven or eight houses, the furthest north of which was about where Biddle street now is, were all which had yet been built; on the west side of the river, Longstreet's and Dr. Gorham's stores and the house of Byron Kilbourn at Chestnut street, the American House, near the site of the present Republican House, constituted the entire village. The marsh there also covered the Fourth ward as now laid out, along the Menomonee river and the Milwaukee, as far north as Spring street. Between Fourth and Seventh streets the ground suddenly rose to the west, and trees covered the bluff, and also the low land north of Spring street. The forest was dense and unbroken, penetrated by no roads except Indian trails. Only three or four wagons had been seen in the southeastern part of the territory, and most of the people were living in the so-called Cottage Inn and American House. The line of the river was margined by no wharves, and was lost in the marshes. The lake shore has remained with little change to the present time, but the mouth of the river was then nearly a mile south of the present harbor, and the channel meandered through swamps, considerable portions of which yet indicate to the observer how much of the town then appeared. There were some log houses and some frame houses, built without much reference to streets or any other consideration except rapidity and cheapness of construction. No brick was seen, and none had yet been made. Clay had not been discovered suitable for the manufacture of brick, and the citizens at that time had no suspicion of the richness of the earth which was to furnish them a renowned article for the construction of their sightly buildings, and which should in time to come give name and wealth to the city. Perhaps it may not be deemed indelicate that I who address you should state some facts connected with these, which may explain the choice that the old settlers have made of myself to speak for them. I, too, was in the territory of Michigan when these things were done. I was in the southwest corner, in the village of Monroe, 300 miles and more from here, but quite neighborly as distances then were, nevertheless in ignorance of them all. I knew of many other settlements, just as promising as this, of many other plats and paper cities, of which now the very names are lost. As much was then 438 MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. expected from a hundred other places as from this. It is our pride that Milwaukee survives, the greatest, almost the only one of that large number then set afloat. I had already been, not here, but west of Lake Michigan. As early as 1827 I was born at Fort Howard, and Mr. Francis Bloodgood, of this city, soon afterward. Living there three years, I accompanied my father, Captain Henry Smith, of the Sixth Regiment, United States Infantry, first to the East, and thence to Jefferson Barracks, Mo. In 1832 he returned to Michigan, with General Atkinson's command, in pursuit of the Sacs and Foxes, under Black Hawk. They landed from the Mississippi steamboats at Rock Island, thence marched east to the Rock river (striking it near the present town of Beloit), thence up the river to Fort Atkinson, whence going west after the retreating Indians, they overtook them, and beat them in the battle of the Bad Axe, driving across the Mississippi those not killed or captured, and suppressing forever all hostilities with those tribes. An account of that campaign, written by my father, was published in the Milwaukee Sentinel of September 17 and 24, 1882. He was aide-de-camp to General Scott for several years, and traveled much in the discharge of his duties, and in company with his chief. A diary kept by him unhappily ends August 23, 1826, at which time he was with his wife on the schooner La Grange, having left Detroit on the 8th, fifteen days before, on his way to Mackinac, and having then only just passed Saginaw Bay. They reached Mackinac, and next month Green Bay. His cousin, Miss Frances Smith, afterwards Mrs. Alexander J. Irwin, of Green Bay, accompanied them. From Monroe I came to practice law in Milwaukee, where I arrived October 20, 1849, almost thirty-six years ago. To some that might give me a title to the name Old Settler, but as I found here nearly 20,000 inhabitants, that arrival would go for little. If I had not been an inhabitant of the territory in 1827, I would not think upon such slender basis of calling myself a pioneer. Great things have our eyes seen! Think of that day when you might, with ordinary fortune, be three weeks on the journey from Detroit hither, when news came no faster, when the telegraph had MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. 439 not been imagined, when three to five weeks was often taken for the letter from New York to this place, when the railroad was a light flat rail track running a few miles west from Albany, and all the journey besides to Chicago was performed in stages, unless you were so happy as to get a boat, and from Chicago hither you walked, unless you rode your own horse. Now, between the lake and the Mississippi, in our state, run thirteen distinct railroads, with innumerable branches, 4,267 miles in length. Really we need to look at the map to see where so many miles of iron road can be laid. How much more can we do than could then be done! In 1826, in the height of summer, my father waited at Detroit ten days for a vessel to Mackinac, and was about four weeks more on his journey to Green Bay. In which time one can now journey from San Francisco to Paris and back, and loiter on the way. To Green Bay he can now go by rail from Detroit in half as many hours as days were then needed. Now he can hear on the way at any moment the news events transpiring in the same hour in every city in the United States and in every capital of Europe. Even on that journey he can consult by wire with his agents or associates in New York, Chicago, Detroit, London or Paris, and thus carry on his business during all the waking hours of his trip. While in those days, whoever started on a journey abandoned all control of business, and was as much out of the world he left behind him as he would now be if on another planet. How would we now enjoy a life under such conditions ? We could take to cheer our way no photographs of our friends, for there were no photographs. Da-guerre transferred pictures from life to silver plate in 1839, an(^ tne printing by light on paper came years after that. A city might be filled with persons, now engaged here in occupations, then totally unknown. In 1835 Milwaukeeans had no luxuries, and were looking to the next boat and to the daily Indians for food and clothing. Only real estate was abundant, and that was not cheap unless it was under water. Timber was plenty, but no one wanted it growing. Here was yet a solitary sawmill to cut it. There were surveyors and their instruments. There was no steam-engine, nor any sort of machinery 440 MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. here—few horses, cattle, or other domestic animals. The whites were nearly all men, with few women or children. Not until the next year was a white child born within the county limits. Our laws were made for us then in Detroit. On June 15, 1836, the act of Congress was passed which created the state of Michigan, and left this ground part of the territory, which, on the 3d day of July of that year, became Wisconsin. There was, however, it is fair to say, no distress among these early settlers on account of deprivation of the right to representation in a legislature. Pork, corn, flour and potatoes were of more immediate importance. No fertile fields tributary to the settlement supplied these necessaries. The dark forest shut them in to the West, and there was yet no room for a plough, no land for many miles called a farm. No wheat nor other grain, no hay, no swine, came in from " the country." There was no country. There was no city. There was room for both. The pioneers had come to create both. Hope, courage, energy, will, were there. The vigor of healthy youth abounded. Active brains conceived schemes which were executed by strong arms. The assistance they needed came as they expected, and in following years steamboats left Detroit for the upper lakes, crowded with those anxious to do the work required, and to reap the rich rewards. The population grew at a great rate, and the few scores of 1835 numbered, in 1836, for the whole county, 2,892; in 1838, 3,131, and in 1840, 5,605. But the county included in 1835 a thrM of the present state, and the area was much reduced before 1840, by forming new counties. Fuel was plenty, though the wood might be green. Everybody was or could be comfortable. During the winters most work was necessarily suspended, and there were idle men during the days and many jolly gatherings in the long evenings. There was little moping and plenty of fun, some of which was rude, but all was hearty. There were no saloons, no breweries, no beer, but there were taverns and stores, and whisky in both. Besides those whom I have named, there were others, whose names are yet familiar to us. George Dousman, John Y. Smith, Talbot Dousman, Joseph Cary, Byron Kilbourn, Cyrus Hawley, Joshua Hathaway, have lived long enough to see the wonderful growth of MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. 441 their early work, surpassing even their sanguine expectations, and to make honored names in this great city. I cannot forbear to mention a gentlemen, who though not a pioneer of 1835, deserves eulogy whenever early Milwaukee is the theme. He was the first historian of Wisconsin, and his book, published in in 1845 (a second edition in 1846), is a model for compact and accurate information. Increase A. Lapham came to Milwaukee in 1836, a draughtsman and surveyor, with scientific tastes, already educated, which he indulged during his whole life, the fruit of which was a more intimate knowledge of the topography, geology and botany of Wisconsin than any other man in the State possessed during his life. His gentleness, refinement and excessive modesty are not the qualities we attribute to the pioneer, and they stood much in the way of what we are apt to call advancement in life. But his learning has fed many a hungry intellect, as his kindness has cheered many a weary heart, and to his conscientious care, his accurate and extensive knowledge, his laborious investigations, and his faithful records, is due much of the information we have about the history and the natural characteristics of our State, information greatly in excess, both as to extent and precision, of what is common to find in a community so young and yet so large. His labors live after him. The Signal Service originated in his fertile mind. Before his death Eastern savans recognized and honored his merits. It is our special privilege now to recall and perpetuate them. Of Mr. Buck, another indefatigable historian, I would speak, save that he is to-day here, to speak, I hope, for himself. To him I am indebted for the loan of the record I have exhibited to you. The State Hislorical society, the repository of so many priceless gems of our antiquity, has few more valuable papers. Of our first banker I need not speak, for now the world hears of him. Of the brave and good men who in 1835 cast tne^r l°ts f°r ^e m Milwaukee, few, indeed, remain. We can count them on our fingers. The glories which these fortunate few have lived to see may be more appropriately told by you, the officers of the municipalities, than by me. It is your province to care for the things of to-day and to watch for the events of the morrow. I speak for the men of the past. 442 MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. When these great governmental corporations? now entrusted with the guardianship of nearly 200,000 human beings, were born fifty years ago, how puny was their frame! How uncertain their survival! How undreamed of their growth! It is fit to speak in glowing terms of our handsome, healthy, happy city, worthy of all our admiration: It is not less fit to recall the virtues of those men, who, dimly hoping such if not so great results, came and risked their all on the event; toiled, planned, spoke, wrote, gave themselves for the welfare of the child of their creation and their love—whose counsels guided, whose hands fashioned its growth, whose zeal hastened it. On this occasion let us grasp the hands of the few yet among us, and do such honor as we may to those whose names alone remain. Let me commend to the perpetual and affectionate care of the citizens of Milwaukee the bright escutcheon on which shine the good deeds done by the founders of Milwaukee ! Our experience, our knowledge, our means are greater than theirs; their simple tools are supplanted by the wonderful machines that invention and skill have since furnished to us. With all our increased knowledge, with all our power, the amazing gifts of science, we shall not surpass in the qualities of true manhood in fidelity, in courage, industry, enterprise and endurance, in frank, out-spoken honesty, the best of those good citizens, whom we call the Pioneers of Milwaukee! P. V. Deuster. Hon. P. V. Deuster was then introduced, who spoke as follows: Mr. Deuster paid an eloquent tribute to the pioneers who founded Milwaukee. " God made the country, but man made the town," he said. " In other countries tyrants have founded cities through the industry of their slaves. Thus Peter the Great founded St. Petersburg, and Frederick the Great founded Berlin. Who were the builders of Milwaukee ? It was no tyrant's menials, groaning under the weight of oppression. The pioneers of Milwaukee were unoppressed freemen. All trades and professions lent their aid, and to all the city is equally indebted; the hardy engineers, the skilled carpenter, as well as the genial artist and the minister; the keen speculator as well as the industrious farmer. All nations have alike aided to build the city up to its present magnificent proportions." He alluded in terms of MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. 443 praise to the magnificence of Milwaukee's future as foreshadowed by the past, and said: " The names of the brave, daring men and women who laid the foundation of this great city, and reared the structure, will live in memory forever. Venerable Horace Chase. The next speaker was Horace Chase, upon whose introduction the audience broke out in cheers and applause. Mr. Chase said that for one who had watched the growth of the city for fifty years it was amazing to notice the changes that have taken place. He could see faces before him that he had been accustomed to look at for forty-nine and fifty years, and yet in every part of the city things were very much different from what they were in 1835. He said that the old pioneers had to go through some pretty tough times in those days, when there wasn't much to eat, and very primitive methods 0* preparing food. He was very proud of the city; he had the same affection for Milwaukee that he had for his children. He would no more think of suing the city than he would of commencing an action against his own daughter. Mr. Chase then described at length the appearance of the town of Milwaukee in 1835, saying that where his grain fields then stood, the houses are now as thick as the fingers on his hands. He had given the labor of twelve years of his life to the city gratuitously, and was glad of having had the opportunity to do so. All he had ever received for those twelve years' service had been a copy of the city charter worth $4, and an atlas. He hoped to be able to serve the city a few years longer. Mr. Chase then, in a fatherly sort of way, addressed himself to the younger portion of the audience, telling them that it would not be long before Milwaukee would be a city of half a million inhabitants, and appealing to them to take as good care of the city as had the old pioneers, who would soon all pass away. Joshua Stark. Joshua Stark was the next speaker, and his address was an eloquent and scholarly production. He first described the influences which have resulted in the wonderful growth of the West. He referred to the enormous development of the railway system of this 444 MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. country, and spoke of the expansion of territory which has resulted therefrom. As another cause of the growth of the West, Mr. Stark pointed to the tide of immigration which set in about the year 1850, and has continued like a steady stream ever since. The speaker eulogized the liberal policy which has been pursued by the national and state governments in encouraging immigration, and giving new settlers warm welcomes. Mr. Stark then turned his discourse to the Milwaukee of to-day. He spoke in terms of praise of the city's institutions of learning, of its business men, of its commercial enterprise, and of its law-abiding, thrifty people. Herman Sigel. The concluding address was by Herman Sigel, editor of the Freie Presse. As the hour was late, Mr. Sigel spoke briefly but pointedly. He characterized this anniversary as a milestone in the history of Milwaukee. The pioneers were assembled to look back upon the history of pioneers and recount their deeds, as the wanderer looks back over his journey half accomplished. He paid an eloquent tribute to the part which the pioneers took in Milwaukee's progress. To them, he declared, are due the thanks of the younger generation who enjoy the fruits of their labors. He spoke of the wonderful growth of the city, which in fifty years had developed from a small village, unknown to fame, to a city whose name is known all over the civilized world for its solid mercantile houses and the value of its products. He dwelt upon the future of the city, and spoke of the time when Milwaukee will be a city in which the greatest liberty will prevail, and tolerance in word and deed will beautify the times. Such is the history of the proceedings had at this semi-centennial celebration of the official birth of what is now the beautiful city of Milwaukee, a city whose growth has no parallel (except in Chicago) on this continent, and whose population, 'ere another half century shall have rolled around, will doubtless reach 500,000. The annexed is a list of the members of the Pioneer Association, all of whom, with one or two exceptions, were present upon this occasion: George Abert, James S. Buck, Benj. Bagnall, Alonzo L. Boynton, MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. 445 Henry W. Bleyer, Edward Barber, Chauncey Simonds, Dr. Enoch Chase, Horace Chase, John Dahlman, Elisha W. Edgerton, Andrew E. Elmore,* Elijah S. Estes,* David Ferguson,* Edwin H. Goodrich, Benj. R. Hinkley,* Royal D. Jennings,* Edgar C. Jennings, Rev. David Keene, Matthew Keenan,* James Kneeland, Harrison Ludington, Wm. P. Lynde,* Chas. H. Larkin, James Ludington,* Samuel D. Luscombe, Jno. B. Merrill, Wm. P. Merrill, Alex. Mitchell, John P. McGregor, Samuel Marshall, Benj. K. Miller, John Og-den, William A. Prentiss, Luzerne Ransom,* Duncan C. Reed,* E. Victor Shulte, John C. Smith, Uriel B. Smith, Eliphalet S. Stone, Elisha Starr, Reuben Strong, Daniel Schultz, Henry Sivyer, John Thorson, Wm. S. Trowbridge,* M. L. Trowbridge, I. P. Tichenor, John H. Tweedy, Peter Van Vechten, Daniel Wells, Jr., Frederick Wardner* and Edward Weisner. And from the Old Settlers' Club: C. D. Simonds, Morilla A. Boardman, Rufus Cheney, E. H. Sivyer, Jas. M. Crummy, Robert C. Jacks, Wm. H. Wallace, Chas. H. Warner, Geo. W. Ogden, Henry M. Ogden, Geo. H. Chase, Geo. A. Abert, Saml. Peacock, L. H. Lane, Byron Abert, Dr. Chas. D. Stanhope, Jos. Deuster and Wm. Beck. The following, furnished by Horace Chase, is a list of those who voted at the first election: Albert Fowler, Jas. Heath, Geo. H. Walker, Benj. H. Edgerton, Horace Chase,f Dr. Enoch Chase,f James Sanderson, Benoni W. Finch, Solomon Juneau, Calvin Harmon, Samuel Brown, Peleg Cole, Danl. Bigelow, Sciota Evans, William Clark, Enoch Darling, Barzilla Douglass,t Alanson Sweet, Paul Burdick, Jno. Ogden,t Elijah S. Estes, Zebedee Packard, Benj. Piper, Joel S. Wilcox, Uriel B. Smith,f Peter W. Balser, Andrew Douglass,t Geo. H. Wentworth, Wilhelm Stroth-man, Danl. W. Patterson,t Allen O. T. Breed, John Douglass,! Wm. Burdick, Luther Childs, John Childs, Benj. F. Wheelock, Talbot C. Dousman, Geo. D. Dousman and Joseph Oliver, the last named being a negro. This was the first colored vote ever given in Wisconsin, if not in America. *Those marked with a * are known to have been absent, f Those marked with a f were present on the stage. 28 446 milwaukee under the charter. Where the First Election was Held. There is some doubt existing in the minds of the men of 1835, as to where this first election really was held. But it was beyond a question in the office of Albert Fowler, the little building (see cut) standing at that time on East Water street, and directly in front of what is now 400 East Water, (See Vol. I., pages 20 and 42.) He being at that time the leading public official in the county. The October election, mentioned in Vol. II., page 28, was held at the *As it is possible that some who have not the previous volumes may purchase this, the writer has inserted a cut of these two buildings, in order that such persons may be gratified by a view of these pioneer structures. MILWAUKEE UNDER THE CHARTER. 447 The spring election of 1836 was held at Child's tavern (the Cottage Inn). See cut. In Appendix to Volume III. was a table giving the date of the opening and closing of the river up to 1853. 1854 1855 1856 1857 1858 1859 1860 March 10...... April 5......... April 1........ February 25., April 4......... April 1......... March 5......, 1854 1855 1856 1857 1858 1859 1860 December 9..... December 23.... December 5..... November 23*.. December 15.... December 3..... November 22.... These dates are to be taken as the time when the river closed over for the first time, opening again, however, as been seen, some years for a short time and then closing again, except in 1858, as previously stated. *Opened again in a few days, and remained so practically until February, 1858, when it closed for a short time and opened April 4. ILLUSTRATIONS. Milwaukee in 1825................................................... 62 A Know Nothing.................................................... 112 The Kilbourn Mansion............................................... 116 The Library Building................................................ 117 The Preusser Block.................................................. 118 The American....................................................... 120 Old Millitary Hall................................................... 152 Bilty's Tremont..................................................... 153 The Plankinton Residence............................................ 178 Newhall House...................................................... 208 New Insurance Building.............................................. 216 Martin & Rugee's Factory............................................. 235 The Bertschy Mill.................................................... 336 The Eagle Mill...................................................... 337 The Daisy Mill................................................. 340, 341 The Old Block on Spring Street........................................ 359 The Plankinton as seen from West Water Street.......................... 361 " " " Northwest............................... 362 " " " Second Street.............................. 364 INDEX TO VOLUME IV. Ableman, A. V. R................................................... 23 Aldermen, Names of..........................26, 77, 148, 191, 261, 312, 377 Allen, William....................................................28, 104 Allis, E. P...............................................28 103, 255, 339 Alden, S. H......................................................... 36 A Dam Case ....................................................... 40 A New Hotel....................................................... 45 Aldrich, Owen....................................................... 49 Alfter, Chas......................................................... 57 A Know Nothing on the Jury.....................-.................... 83 Alton, Charles K___„............................................... 93 Ayers, J. V......................................................... 94 A Fatal Mistake..................................................... 95 Assessors...................,................26, 77, 148, 191, 261, 312, 378 A Tremendous Shower................................................ 99 A Night Police called for.............................................. 108 A Rich Scene........................................................ 115 Alvord, W. B...................................................138, 139 Adams, F. F........................................................ 143 A New Jail Wanted..................,,.,.,„....................143, 269 INDEX. 449 Austin, R. N....................................................148, 218 Abert, George...................................................... 148 Aikens, A. J....................................................151, 327 Armour, Philip D................................................... 175 Allen, Rufus........................................................ 175 Allen, Jas.......................................................182, 295 A Bigger Man than the Pope.......................................... 183 A Falsehood Nailed-........................................-........ 189 Altering the Grade................................................... 105 April Fool's Day..................................................... 196 A Park Proposed.................................................198, 368 Antisdel, J. H........................................................ 213 A Sad Accident...................................................... 220 A Tidal Wave........................................................ 266 An Unkind Cut...................................................... 303 Arthur McArthur....................................................307 Adams, P. N....................................................... 309 An Early Cowslip.................................................... 309 A Peoples' Convention Called......................................... 309 A Democratic Convention.............................................. 310 An Affair of Honor................................................... 331 Anderson, John..................................................... 335 Another Landmark Gone............................................. 365 Arrest of E. L. H. Gardner........................................... 374 A Central Depot Called for......................„.................... 389 A Mecklenburger Makes a Discovery................................... 383 Atkins, H. C........................................................ 408 Appendix........................................................... 415 Bridges..........................................................17, 372 Bently, J........................................................... 20 Booth vs. Shaw...................................................... 20 Booth, Sherman M................................................94, 251 Blair, Franklin J..................................................23, 43 Bielfeld, H. A.................................................23, 24, 25 Bacon, Winchell D.................................................. 24 Bingham, Geo. B..............................................24, 31, 125 Bonesteel, J. N...................................................57, 295 Butler, A. R. R........................................27, 29, 78, 108, 179 Bode, Chas. F.................................................27, 77, 148 Brown, Samual Dea...........................................27, 60, 78 Barker, Jas......................................................... 28 Bierbach, Chas.................................................28, 77, 149 Brooks, Nathan ..................................................27, 148 Bade, Albert..................................................28, 78, 150 Beck, William..........................28, 78, 109, 147, 150, 191, 312, 378 Brodhead, Ed. H........................... 33, 34, 35, 119, 138 183, 204, 236 Barber, Ed. H....................................................... 30 Barstow, Wm. H.................................................35, 112 Benton, R. H........................................................ 42 Baker, T. L......................................................42, 64 Bosworth & Sons.................... ............................... 45 Bond, Hiram R.................. ....................45, 58, 117, 236, 361 Babcock, Wr. S............................................45, 55, 142, 361 Babcock, Simeon.................................................... 361 Brook, William...................................................... 49 Burnham, Geo....................................................57, 363 Bonham, David...................................................... 64 Brooks, S. M.....................................................64, 128 Bonnel, Lansing..................................................... 64 Business Changes.................................................... 69 450 index. Best, Phillip..........................-..........................71, 344 Bodden, Michael..................................................... 86 Buel, Austin C....................................................... 90 Baldwin, T. E....................................................... 90 Bell, W.J....................................................78,95, 138 Burroughs. P. W................................................ 100 Bay State Foundry................................................... 102 Bates, Arthur........................................................ 107 Bradley, Edward.................................................... 108 Bryne, Lawrence.................................................... 109 Brugman, Henry.................................................... 124 Banking............................................................ 122 Biersach, Carl....................................................... 126 Business Status.....................................- - .............. 126 Billings, C. F....................................................... 130 Bacon, E. P...............................................,......... 132 Bradford, John.............................................133, 138, 204 Bradford, Jas........................................................ 133 Bradford, Joseph L................................................... 108 Bradford, Ephriam P................................................. 133 Bradford, Robert C___............................................... 133 Bradford, Jas. R..................................................... 134 Bradford, R. C...................................................... 134 Bradford, Frank C................................................... 134 Burr, Watterman.................................................... 134 Burr, Ephriam B_____.............................................. 134 Brown, Wm....... ................................................. 134 Barber, Capt. Geo...............................................135, 285 Board of Trade Organized.........................................138, 150 Bilty'sTremont...'................................................... 153 Brick, Nathan....................................................... 146 Brown, Jonas....................................................... 146 Button, Edwin....................................................... 148 Burdick, M. L...................................................... 150 Burnell, Levi....................................................... 163 Beal, W. J.......................................................... 164 Bryant, S........................................................167, 237 By Torchlight....................................................... 170 Bear vs. Bull........................................................ 171 Bolton, Alex................................................191, 261, 312 Beecher, J. A...................................................... 197 Baumgaertner, H. J -............................................210, 424 Burdick & Armitage................................................. 210 Buestrin. H...................................................... 229 Burnham, J. L...................................................... 235 Brown, Jas. S....................................................251, 294 Bombach von, M.................................................... 261 Brown, William, Jr...............................................285, 400 Blodgett, F. S....................................................311, 377 Blend, Nelson...................................................... 323 Bertschy, Jacob...................................................... 335 Bertschy, John......................................................335 Bertschy, Frederick................................................... 336 Best, Jacob........................................................ 344 Best, Jacob, Jr...................................................... 344 Best, Chas........................................................... 344 Best, Lorenz............................................. 344 Brown, John....................................................... 348 Blatz, Valentine.................................................... 348 Breed, Chas. G...................................................... 357 INDEX. 451 Brown, William W................................................. 377 Base Ball Discovered................................................. 381 Bean, Jacob L.................................................... 58, 389 Belden's Old Home Saloon Removed................................... 391 Bailey, John..................................................... 410 Bird, A. C........................................................... 410 Barber, J. H...................................................... 410 Buck. Jas. S......................................................... 423 Boardman, M- A..................................................... 423 Census.........................................................101, 240 Crawford, John...................................................15, 17 Cole, Thos. C....................................................... 16 Conover, S. S...........................................21, 24, 28, 78, 150 Cotton, Chas. C...................................................22, 23 Complaints.......................................................... 25 Church, Benj..............................................26, 27, 78, 149 Cramer, William E...........................27, 72, 112, 113, 221, 226, 309 Cummings, John...........................................27, 69, 70, 78 Crocker, Hans............................................27, 36, 225, 251 Crilley, J.J......................................................... 377 Craig, A. J.......................................................... 28 Catlin, John........................................................ 35 Cobb, J............................................................ 35 Cramer, E....................................................36, 44, 45 Carey, Joseph ....................................................43, 55 Carey, Chas. J........................................................ 44 • Cross, Jas. B.............44, 46, 49, 51, 60, 68, 77, 94, 112, 120, 147, 191, 222 Cady, R. P......................................................... 49 Crounce, Jonathan.................................................... 49 Crosby, F. J____ ................................................. 54 Charnley, F......................................................55, 177 Conroy, Jas.......................................................... 65 Cook, Carlise D...................................................56, 237 Collingbourne, Th.................................................... 58 Chapin, Emery D.................................................... 59 Commercial Statistics..........................................59,121, 122 Ciiy Convention..................................................272, 310 Corrections...................................................60, 293, 357 Chase, Horace........................................60, 64, 185, 198, 422 Chase, Dr. Enoch................................................64, 422 Chase, Reuben...................................................... 69 Crummy, Jas. M..................................................... 71 Corson, Dighton ....................................75, 141, 167, 220, 244 Church Going........................................................ 98 Crawford, Henry.....___............................................ 125 City Officials, Names of.......................26, 77, 147, 191, 267, 312, 377 Clarke, Abram..................................................... 236 Commissioners of Survey, Names of................26, 77, 148, 191,262, 312 County Officers, Names of................28,78, 150, 151, 192,263,313, 377 Constables, Names of.........................27, 77, 148, 192, 262, 313, 378 Coon, S. P......................................................... 112 Cremation........„................................................. 113 Cogswell, Geo...................................................114, 312 Crampton, J, II..................................................... 127 Chandler, Samuel...................... ........................... 128 Charter Amendments................ ............................... 138 Council Proceedings.................. ..................145, 168, 169, 388 Corn Exchange..................................................151, 277 Cordes, J................................,.......................... 148 Cannon, J. W...................................................... 146 452 INDEX. Chapman, Silas...................................................... 149 Conway, J............................................................. 150 Carpenter, A. V. H..........................................158, 162, 410 Criminal............................................................ 167 Cattle Market Established............................................ 171 Clayton, Z.......................................................176, 237 Carney, Dabney...................................................... 187 Cotzhausen, Alex................................................191, 244 Conrad, F.......................................................... 191 Caleb Wall Scores the Council........................................ 198 Chapman, Geo. W. . .,.............................................*2i8 Combs, Martin B....................................................220 Collins, C. C........................................................ 227 Clarke, Wm.......................................................... 227 Casgrain, W. P....................................................... 231 Chamberlain, Selah...............................................— 233 Cameron, D. E...................................................... 244 City Indebtedness.................................................... 246 Couldn't Wipe It Out................................................ 260 Chamber of Commerce Organized..................................277, 278 Chamber of Commerce, List of Presidents.............................. 316 Caswell, R. K....................................................., 285 Childs, John........................................................ 286 Comstock, Cicero............................................301, 310, 338 Cross, Capt. William S............................................... 501 Corbett, John....................................................... 301 Corbett, Chas....................................................... 301 Corbett, Alex........................................................ 301 Call for a Mass Meeting, Proceedings at.............................306, 307 Councillors.................................................261, 312, 377 Cheeney, Maj. Rufus................................................. 323 Cameron, J. E...................................................... 358 Crouch, Jonathan................................................... 360 Carpenter, Matthew H................................................ 384 Clark, J. T.........................................................409 Collins, S. J......................................................... 409 Campbell, R. B..................................................... 409 Clinton, Geo. O..................................................... 410 Crocker, J. T.......................................................410 Clasen, G. B........................................................ 410 Childs, Mrs. Sarah................................................... 411 Dewey, Chas. C..................................................... 16 Durr, Emil......... lt............................................... 19 Delaney, Martin...................................26, 65, 77, 135, 148, 190 Duggan, Thos....................................................27, 78 DeWolf, Edwin........................................27, 69, 79, 149, 320 Daggett, S. S.........„..........................28, 77, 103, 160, 310, 400 Dodge, H. S........................................................ 424 Devlin, F.....................................................28, 77, 149 Duval, Chas......................................,................ 27 Douglass, Andrew................................................... 28 Dousman, Geo. D.................................................32, 285 Dousman, H. L..................................................... 36 Davis, S. B.......................................................41, 225 Davis, John......................................................... 41 Dixon, Jas.......................................................... 43 Douglass, Jas.....................................................45, 235 Delany, A. K....................................................... 48 Davis, Cyrus D..........„........................................... 54 Dickinson, Geo. M................................................... 90 INDEX. 453 Dibble, J. P......................................................... 97 Decker, Chas. C..................................................... 103 Death of the General....................... ....................-____ 113 Division of the ist, 2d and 5th Wards.................„................ 144 Dick, J. C.......................................................148, 167 Dawes, Wm........................................................ 163 Damon, Lowell......................................................200 Durand, W. T....................................................... 210 Davis, Robert...................................................211. 334 Doran, J. L......................................................... 251 Doyle, Capt. Jas..................................................... 285 Davidson, Thos....................................................... 288 Davis, DeWitt C..................................................... 310 Dunlop, J. W....................................................... 377 Dressier/ J. M...................................................... 396 Domschkee, B ...................................................... 396 Davis, J- M.........................................................410 Dunck, Garrett....................................................... 424 Epps, Jesse............. „.........................................20, 108 Edwards, J. B....................................26, 46, 77, 147, 167, 222 Eldred, Elisha........................................26, 77, 148, 361, 381 Elmore, R. P.............................,.......................... 56 Elections...............................26, 76, 147, 191, 271, 283, 377, 400 Ellsworth, Orlando................................................... 244 Eves, J. J............................................................ 91 Eavesdropping........................................................ 92 Ely, Ambrose....................................................... 77 Eddy, Russell____.................................................. 77 Elmore, S. L.....................................................78, 149 Eliot, Robert & Co..........................................,..96, 97, 117 Eviston, M. J....................................................... 114 Eviston, Thos. H........................................114, 148, 190, 301 Eviston, J. W., Sr................................................... 114 Eviston, J. W., Jr.................................................... 114 Emery, Edward..................................................... 119 Esch, John.........------............................................ 128 Elmore, Geo. M.................................................... 131 Ehlman, M. D...................................................... 146 Everts, Chas. P..................................................... 150 Edgerton, Mrs. H. K................................................ 157 Excursion to Beaver Dam............................................. 163 Evins, Wm......................................................... 188 Emmons, N. J ... ..................... ............................ 204 Egbert H. Smith Outdone............................................ 241 Early Shipbuilding................................................... 285 Ellsworth, Lemuel................................................... 288 Elevator A (now C) Built.............................................295 Evins, Geo. W...................................................... 358 Follansbee, A....................................................... 16 Finch, Asahel, Jr..............................................17, 36, 412 Fire Department.............................28, 77, 148, 195, 263, 312, 378 Foote, Erastus....................................26, 77, 141, 191, 310, 311 Fisher, Geo...............................................27, 77, 109, 148 Fratney, F........................................................... 27 Fillmore, J. S.....................................................- 28 Fowler, Henry....................................................28, 151 Fitzgerald, Garrett M......................................29, 78, 110, 151 Featherstonhaugh, Geo. W........................................... 371 Freeman, Chas. F.................................................32, 226 First Snow-fall...........................................60, 112, 172, 239 454 INDEX. Fowler, Albert................................................ 60, 62, 64 Fox, Mrs. Harriett................................................... 61 Fire.............................................................71, 139 Fitch, W. J......................................................... 87 Fight With a Burglar................................................. 101 Flertzheim, A....................................................... 124 Frank, August...................................................... 126 French, Edgar D..................................................... 128 French, Orvis....................................................... 128 Fess, Henry, Jr..................................................... 138 Flint, J. G.......................................................... 139 Flint, W. G......................................................... 140 Flynn, Jas........................................................... 149 Funeral of Solomon Juneau........................................... 173 Fellenz, John......................................................... 255 Farmin, Capt. S..................................................... 286 Fitzgerald, J. P............ .................................... 293 Farnsworth, Wm................................................... 296 Fowler, Wm. H..................................................... 297 Fowler, Alonzo...................................................... 297 Furlong, William.................................................... 363 Foley, Jas.......................................................... 383 Furlong, John....................................................... 407 Fowler, D. W....................................................... 423 Great Fire of March, i860............................................ 381 Gardner, Ezra L. H........................191, 222, 310, 311, 319, 374, 375 Goodman, Wm. E.............................................16, 36, 102 Graham, W. W...................................................... 147 Goodrich, J. C..........................................28, 69, 71, 77, 148 Grange, Richardson.................................................. 19 Geisburg, Cbas...................................................... 26 Goodall, Ira E.............................................26, 69, 77, 148 Gregory, J....................................................29, 78, 151 Goodrich, J........................................................ 36 Greeves, Doct. Jas. P................................................. 42 Gates, L. M....................................................... 49 Goll & Frank........................................................ 57 Goodrich, Timothy W.................................16, 57, 126, 131, 132 Greenleaf, F. H...................................................77, 149 Grant, S. B..............................................78, 138, 148, 190 Griggs, H. C........................................................ 97 Green, S. M................................................108, 229 Greulich, August...............................125, 148, 187, 191, 244, 245 Gunther, F......................................................... 131 Goodrich, E. H...................................................... 138 Great Military Parade................................................ 154 Goss, Owen.....................................................157, 334 Goodrich, I. G...................................................... 175 Gunnison, Austin.................................................... 183 Gunnison, H. W.................................................... 184 Gunnison, Olivet W................................................. 184 Goetz, A. W.....................,.................................... 210 Grading Wisconsin Street............................................. 237 Geo. S. Mallory on the Warpath....................................... 256 Gilson, Alfred....................................................... 286 Grain in Store....................................................... 308 Goes, Frederick..................................................... 349 Hadley, Jackson,.............................. 15, 16, 26, 27, 69, 77, 78, 125 147, 148, 149, 167, 171, 190, 191, 245, 251, 253, 256, 280, 301 Hunter, Rev. Eli S...............................................16, 131 INDEX. 455 Haskins, J. W..................¦-.................................16. 17 Hagerty, Timothy................................................... 15 Horn, F. W........................................................ 15 Hubbell, Levi.......................................................... 24 Houghton, Richardson..........................................26, 77, 145 Hayden, J....................................................26, 244, 302 Humphrey, Capt. Jaspei..........................26, no, 135, 148, 154, 187 Holland, Carlelon..............................................26, 77, 135 Hathaway, Joshua.................................................... 26 Heartle, H...................................------26, 77, 145, 148, 167, 187 Holland, Wm.................................................27, 77, 148 Hill, P. B.................................................27, 78, 148, 407 Hale, P. C.......................................................32, 72 Hall, S. C.........................................................- 35 Holton, E. D..............................................36,97, 108, 351 Horning, F. Y...................................................... 45 Hiedie, H. C...................................................... 50 Hunn, W. S......................................................... 54 Hull, D. P.......................................................56, 72 Heath, Dr. J as...................................................... 60 Haisler, M......................................................... 92 Holms, J. M.................................................... 96 Helfenstein, J. A.................____........................99, 148, 285 Harris, J. S........................................................• 102 Harrison, S. A..............................................108, 228, 231 Hale, O. J.......................................................... 108 Hardy, J.....................................................___109, 128 How is dose......................................................... no Huebschman, F....................................no, 112, 222, 225, 226 Herman C. Adams Shot.............................................. 112 Hibbard, W. B................................................117, 204 Haulmann, F. A..................................................... 121 Harris, J. P......................................................... 121 Hawkins, Wm. A............................................125, 135, 154 Hewitt, A. E........................................................ 130 Hoffman, J. C......................................................... 130 Hamilton, Chas. S................................................... 132 Hill, Horatio....................................................138, 165 Higby, L. J.....................................................138, 151 Hewitt, G. P........................................................ 138 Hibbard, R.......:................................................. 146 Houghton, R. P..................................................... 146 Houghton, Geo. G........................................... 146, 384, 385 Hoover, J. A........................................................ 148 Holland, W. H...................................................... M9 Hooker, S, T........................................................ 151 Hill, J. F.......................................................... 165 Hibbard, C. F....................................................... 210 Hooker, D. G....................................................... 227 Hanrahan, M........................................................ 244 Hathaway, J. L..................................................261, 303 Hinesdale, W. L.....................................................261 Hotel Wettstein Opened..............................................283 Hackett, Richard.................................................... 296 Hasse, Ed...................................... ..................... 30T Horse Overboard.................................................... 308 Hillmantel, H...............................................310, 312, 385 Hall, S. C.......................................................... 323 How a Milwaukee Carpenter Got a Floor Taken Up...................... 334 Hurd, L. H.................................____..____.............. 339 456 INDEX. Hiles, John.........................................................341 Hundhausen, F. W............................................. ____ 377 Herzer, Ernst.....................................................___394 Highway Robbers................................................... 401 Hollister, Mrs. Mary................................................. 412 Hassee, Henry...................................................... 424 Issuing Bonds..............................,....................... 21 Improvements..........54, 95, "5, x75, 234, 294, 353, 354, 355, 35°, 4°3> 4°4 Imbush, J. G.................................................78, 204, 310 Insurance Board Organized............................................ 99 Ice, Thickness of.................................................... 173, Investigating Committee's Report................................226 to 251 Ice Left the River.................................14, 68, 187, 244, 300, 373 In the Lobby...................................- .................... 395 In Memoriam....................................................... 405 Ingersoll, A. M...................................................... 410 Jenkins, Chas. E....................................17, 26, 27, 78, 149, 167 Jacks, R. C.............................................28, 30, 57, 77, 149 James, Chas............................................29. 60, 61, 78, 150 Jennings, John...........................................30, 148, 190, 191 Johnson, Ralph...................................................... 56 Juneau's Log House................................................. 60 Justices.....................................27, 77, 148, 192, 262, 313, 378 Jennings, R. P............. ....................................128, 273 Johnston, John...................................................135, 137 Johnson, S. R...................................................... 146 Johnson, W. B...................................................... 146 Johnston, Alex...................................................148, 191 Jung, F. J..................................................148, 149, 167 Johnson, Dr. Jas.................................................149, 252 Judd, Stoddard....................................................... 163 Johnson, Thos....................................................... 182 Jacobus, P.......................................................... 191 Johnson, D. H...................................................... 218 Iudge Hubbell Buys a New Milch Cow................................. 276 Jones, J. M.......................................................... 286 Jones, BuelB........................................................ 288 Joys, Andrew M..................................................... 293 John T. Perkins Wants More Light ................................... 321 Judd, Truman II..................................................... 341 Judson, John B...................................................... 360 Judge Foote's Court Abolished........................................ 390 Jasper Vliet's Safe Attached.......................................... 380 Jennings, R. D...................................................... 409 Jennings, E. C...................................................... 433 King, Rufus.........................27, 30, 31, 57, 76, 78, 79, 147, 177, 381 Kibourn, Byron.......................................... 26, 117, 138, 163 Kuehn, Ferdinand........................26, 77, 148, 149, 167, 245,256, 377 Kane, A. L............................._____.................26,77, 120 Koch, A...............................1............................ 28 Kern, C. J............................................29, 78, 149, 150, 301 Kimball, R.N....................................................... '35 Kennedy, L......................................................... 44 Kittridge, W. E..................................................48, 410 Kellogg, L. H................................................55, 138, 227 Kennedy, D......................................................... 77 Kluppach, M........................................................ 110 Knukle, Win....................................................... no Kane, Philander..................................................... 120 Kane, Sanford R..................................................... 120 INDEX. 457 Kroeger, H......................................................... 129 Kneeland, Jas....................................................... 140 Kline, J........................................................____ 148 Kasten, C. F....................................................... 151 Keyes, D. W....................................................161, 410 Kershaw, C. J....................................................... 165 Keogh, Thos...............................................-------189, 252 Keogh, Ed..............................-.............................- 190 Koehler, L...................................... - -« .-----~ . -......____ 201 Kean, Michael.................«¦.....................„_..•............>. 204 Keogh, Matt.........................-----....... ....^.-.................. 310 Kern, John B. A...................„...-------.:.....-..................... 335 Krug, August.......................................................... 347 Kendrick, Wm....................................................... 406 Kendrick, Wm. J............................•........................ 407 Kendrick, Chas. D................................................... 407 Ludington, Harrison................................................. 423 Ludington, Jas...........................................17, 26, 45, 46, 77 Laphani, I. A....................................26, 77, 148, 149, 231, 301 Langworthy, A. J..........................................30, 44, 149, 377 Lathrop, Joseph...................................................... 31 Lincoln, L.......................................................... 37 Larrigo, C. A....................................................... 37 Light House Located................................................. 40 Lee, Williams................................-...................— 42 Lockwood, J........................................46, 116, 394,^97, 398 La wry, J. M........................................................ 48 LeCount, W........................................................ 49 Luening, Dr. F. A................................................... 50 Levy, Simon........................................................ 50 Lynde, W. P....................................55, 65, 116, 252, 377, 391 Lee, Thos.......................................................... 57 Layton, F....................................-...................... 59 LeTendree J. B..................................................... 61 Loomis, L. G............................................-........... 64 Lane, Chas.......................................................65, 149 Lee, Chas........................................................... 65 Ludwig, N.......................................................77, 149 Leeland, A. G....................................................... 93 Lee, L. L...................................................... -95, 138 Lawrence, J. M..................................................108, 191 Lynch, R. B................................................no, 261, 312 Luscomb, S. D...................................................... 139 Larkins, C. H...............................................148, 149, 227 Lowther, J...................................................... 148, 236 Liebhaber, J. A...................................................... 150 Loomis, Dr. H...................................................... 157 LaDue, Joshua..................................................166, 377 Layton, J............................................................ 17 r Locomotive Works................................................... 172 Lawrence, Theodore.................................................'. 288 Lydston, F. A...................................................... 294 LeDroit, Chas. E.................................................... 396 Ledyard, J. W....................................................... 381 Lowry, J. M........................................................ 409 Lennox, B. G..............................,......................48, 410 Legislature (Names of Members)...............15,69, 125, 187,244,300, 367 Martin, Jas. B.................................................15, 59, £ 16 McGarry, E........................................15, 27, 69, 78, 251, 390 Milwaukee Hydraulic Company.......,,.,...,,. , „,,, r,, ,.............. 16 458 INDEX. Martin, S. H..........................................19, 27, 58, 235, 321 Miller, A. G...................................................22, 23, 79 Mitchell. J.......................................................... 120 Messenger, J. A.........................................r r.......... 24 Mason, Thos.......,.......-......................................... 24 Municipal......................................-.26, 72, 147, 245, 261, 369 Mallory, Geo. S......................26, 28, 77, 145, 148, 149, 154, 225, 377 Murphy, D..........................................................'26 Maloy, Pat.......................................................... 27 Meyer, Chas.........................................27, 77, 145, 147, 191 Morris, Louis....................................................... 28 Miller, Capt. H...................................................... 30 M. & M. R. R. Report............................................... 33 Merrill, S. S................................____.......35, 47, 90, 159, 161 Mitchell, Alex...............„..........36, 116, 135, 136, 181, 296, 422, 423 Milwaukee's Second Great Fire........................................ 4I Mallory, J. S.................................................42, 150, 396 Mygatt, G. W......................................42, 45, 57, 58, 125, 255 McCoy, John........................................................ 424 Myrose, G.......................................................... 43 Merrill, J. B.....................................................43, 286 Metcalf, William H................................................54, 98 Murry, Jas.......................................................57, 307 Mack Bros.......................................................... 57 Mill Built.......................................................... 59 Miles, F. B................—....................................... 59 Magie, Jas........................................................... 64 McCollom, J____.................................................... 65 McGregor, J. P.............................................. 103, 166, 422 Milwaukee in 1825................................................... 60 Mayor's Proclamation................................................ 75 Mentzel, Gregor..................................................... 92 Millman, H..................................................77, 145, 148 McCormack, Andrew....................77, 125, 187, 190, 191, 245, 255, 301 Martineau, Peter..................................................... 77 Meyer, Enno.......................................................... 78 Mitchell, Andrew____......................26,27, 77, 145, 149, 154, 168, 225 Milwaukee Locomotive Company...................................... 95 Marine Disasters.................................................... 109 Miller, B. K.....................................................116, 227 Marine List.......................................... ............. 123 Maxfield, J. B....................................................... 130 Morse, Samuel...................................................... 130 Merrill, David...............................................135, 285, 293 Merrill, W. P...............................................135, 351, 423 Medbury, J. B...................................................... 138 Markey, Pat............»........................................147, 191 Merrill, Hiram...................................................154, 252 Marnell, L.......................................................148, 149 Messenger, R.N.................................................148, 164 Meyer, A.......................................................148, 149 Moore, Hezekiah.................................................... 149 Martin, C. K.......................................................... 150 McQuillan, P....................................................... 150 Milwaukee & Watertown R. R., When Organized....................... 164 Milwaukee & Horicon R. R., Names of Directors........................ 164 Marquis, J.......................................................... 169 Mix & Boynton...................................................... 170 Mitchell, J. S....................................................187, 267 Matthews, E. P..............................................____199, 357 INDEX. 459 Matthews, A. R..................................................... 199 Matthews, Q. A.....................................................200 Montgomery, F. W. & Co............................................ 210 Merrill's Cornet Band, Members' Names............................... 219 Merrill, N.......................................... .'------........... 220 Municipal Rascality Unearthed....................................222, 372 May, A. C...............................................1......236, 381 McAlister, Jas."............................................i....... .. 307 Meyer, Christian.................................................... 312 Milwaukee Light Guard Visit New York................................ 321 McBride, Capt. Jas.................................................331 McGeoch, Peter..................................................... 3 ^9 Moss, Chas. H...................................................... 341 Melms, Chas. P................................................... 344 Miller, F........................................................... 349 Market House Remodeled._...__,.................................... 350 Mabbit, Hiram.........................................-............. 357 Morse, William...................................................... 360 Mix, E. T.......................................................... 370 Milwaukee's Third Great Fire...................................381 to 341 Miller, Roswell___..................................................409 Merrill, A. F........................................................ 410 Morrison, W. R....................................„................. 410 Meyer, P. M........................................................ 410 Milwaukee's Semi-Centennial................................____421 to 448 Nazro, H. J......................................................15, 43 Nieman, D. N.............................................28, 49, 77, 174 New Military Company—Names of Members........................... 30 Nowell, J..........................................____............ 32 Nazro, J.....................................................35, 138, 148 Neikerk, F......................................................50, 344 New Warehouse.................................................... 58 Newhall, D..................................................58, 138, 285 Nichol, P____...................................................... 77 Nash, C. D.................................................103, 209, 236 Nichols, H. A...............................................____107, 138 Norris, Chas. W.................................................... 109 Noonan, J. A....................................................in, 112 Noyes, Wm. A...................................................24, 398 Noyes & Flertzheim................................................. 124 New Wood Yard.............................................. ..... 142 New Bridge....................................................... 142 Nunnemacher, H..........____...................................... 154 Nunnemacher, Rudolph.............................................. 126 Nute, Benj......................................................... 151 Norris, G. D........................................................ 165 Nash, A. E......................................................... 177 New Year's Calls................................................... 183 Newhall House................................................208 to 211 Newhall House—When Burned...................................210, 213 Nicolet, Joseph...................................................... 295 Not a Bit Scared............................ -____.................... 351 Northrop, Nelson H................................................. 358 Newbre, Lester G.................................................. 361 Nichols & Britt's Mill Burned......................................... 402 Ogden, W. B____..........................____...................14, 94 Opening Address.............................13, 67, 124, 181, 243, 298, 366 O'Neil, Edward...................................15, 69, 78, 125, 149, 187 Oakley, Geo. F...............................................18, 358, 360 460 INDEX. Olin, C. C.......................................................... 24 Owens, R. G....................................................... 26 O'Brien, T................................26, 29, 77, 78, 148, 150, 190, 191 Olin, D. A.......................................................... 35 Orton, J. C......................................................... 65 Opening of the L. S. R. R............................................ 93 Ogden, J., Sr....................................................... 129 Ogden, J. Jr........................................................ 129 Ogden, Henry....................................................... 130 Ogden, Geo............................-............................ 129 Opening Excelsior Block.............................................. 168 Ogden, P. L........................................................ 181 Ogden, Samuel M...............<.................................... i82 O'Brien, J.......................................................187, 269 Opening, of the Newhall.............................................. 203 Opening of the Atlantic Cable......................,.................. 269 Obituary............................................................ 284 Oregon Manufactory.................................................. 296 O'Brien, J.......................................................... 286 Paine, Halbert E..................................................... 231 Paine, Jas. H_,...........................................23, 251, 351, 400 Pardee, J. S......................................................... 26 Powers, Haven................................................27, 77, 78 Parsons. Oliver.................-...............................27, 77, 148 Place, C. A...................................................27, 49, 79 Pomeroy, F. C....................................................27, 150 Public Schools....................................27, 79, 149, 194, 314, 385 Pereles, Nathan..............................................28, 217, 225 Page, H. L..................................28, 78, 167, 310, 311, 318, 321 Paving Streets.........................................,............. 38 Powers, D. G........................................................ 42 Pollett, D. S....................................................____ 42 Pfister, G........................................................... 43 Pierce, Mrs. W...................................................... 45 Perry, W. R......................................................... 49 Prentiss, Wm. A.............................49, 52, 255, 261, 281, 303, 423 Pfiel, Gustav........................................................ 50 Pratt, W. H......................................................... 56 Palmer, Edwin...........................................58, 125, 236, 301 Phelps, Daniel...................................................... 65 Philip, August............................................~.......71, 154 Police Court......................................................72, 308 Philological........................................................„. 85 Plankinton, J.........108, 116, 134, 138, 148, 171, 177, 185, 191, 255, 358, 398 Plankinton, Wm..................................................108, 179 Pillsbury, O.......................................................... 108 Peckham, Geo. A...........................................____,____. 116 Preusser, Gustav.................................................118, 119 Preusser, Christian...............................................118, 119 Post, O. H.......................................................... 127 Public Market....................................................... 135 Pierce, R. W........................................................ 139 Portner, Adam...............•..............................____..... 148 Parsons, W. G....................................................... 150 Palmer, H. L...............................................161, 167, 311 Paige, Michael...................................................... 167 Potter, J. F......................................................... 171 Policemen, No. of........................................____....192, 398 Payne, H. C........................................................ 211 INDEX. 461 Pereles, T. J.........................-............................... 218 Pereles, J. M........................................................ 218 Propellors, No. of___,.............................................. 240 Phelps, J. A........................................................ 268 Porter, Capt. Jas................................................... 285 Porter, Capt. William.......................................-........ 285' Paul, Geo. H....................................................... 286 Pahlow, Louis..................................-................... 293 Pierce, Jonathan L.......................................,........... 294 Pat McGinnis Makes a Speech......................................... 326 Pabst, Capt. Frederick............................................... 344 Population.......................................................... 353 Pantke, Ed. Ei...................................................... 363 Political Ruffianism.................................................. 392 Political Skullduggery.......................................... 393 to 397 Prior, H. C......................................................... 409 Place, C. H......................................................... 406 Quentin, Chas..................................................175, 225 Quinn, Jeremiah.................................................... 184 Removal of the Court House.......................................... 273 Retirement of Matthew Keenan....................................... 279 Reply of William A. Prentiss.........................„................ 281 Rood, Sidney L____................................................. 321 Rublee, Horace.............................................. _____. 324 Rockwell, Henry H.................................................. 341 Riedelschoefer, Herman.............................................. 344 Railroad Commissioners, Names of.............26, 77, 148, 192, 263, 313, 378 Riddel, Theodore.................................................... 16 Reed, D. C.....................................17, 135, 148, 167, 191, 256 Rugee, John...............................................17, 58, 235, 255 Rogers, Jas. PI................................................17, 43, 108 Rugee, J. C........................................................ 19 Rycraft, J...................................................24, 55, 58 Rice, Abram........................................................ 204 Ray, Adam E........................................................ 35 Rebuilding the Burned District........................................ 44 Roddis, T. H....................................................... 45 Rock, L. B.......................................................47, 409 Rattinger, Carl..................................................50, 129 Roddis, Edwin...................................................... 56 Rice, C. L.......................................................56, 71 Ripley, F. J............................................-¦............ 64 Reports................................................69, 245, 246, 300 Ray, Chas.......................................................89, 108 Rosebeck, J................... ...77, 135, 145, 154, 329, 367, 394, 395, 399 Reynolds, Edwin.................................................... 104 Rice, Jas........................................................... 109 Randall's Affidavy............,............. ........................ ill Roundy, J. A........e............................................ 56 Richards, D. H..................................................164, 1*65 Ross, C. H......................................................... 210 Report at Albany Hall............................................... 222 Rundle, J. P........................................................ 268 Richard Cleary Jumps in the River..................................... 221 Rindskopf, L....................................................... 296 Shaw, Daniel....................................................20, 110 Searched the Wrong Man.............................................. 21 School Commissioners, Names of...............26, 78, 149, 193, 262, 314, 378 School Houses................................................28, 79, 314 Supervisors, Names of........................28, 78, 150, 162, 264, 314, 378 Shultie, V.....................................................26, 77, 145 29 462 INDEX. Schultz, D...................................................26, 148, 252 Sawyer, A....................,...............................26, 39, 339 Smith, Albert.............................................27, 77, 148, 310 Starkweather, J. C-------..............................31, 161, 175, 321, 322 Spencer, R. C.....................................................37, 38 Spencer, Piatt. R..................................................... 37 Steinhart, J......................................................... 42 Shoyer, E. M.....................................................42, 45 Shoyer, S........................................................42, 115 Silkman, J......................................,.................42, 45 Shepardson, C...............................................44, 175, 285 Sexton, L....................................................45, 138, 151 Southwell, Geo...................................................... 45 Sheriff, Jas......................................................... 45 Sanborn, J. S....................................................... 49 Schwarting, H....................................50, 71, 77, 147, 191, 261 Shadbolt, J......................................................... 55 Sperry, Abel........................................................ 56 Shurnway, C. M..................................................... 65 Smith, J. B......................................................65, 164 Scholes, Chas. C..................................................... 69 Smith, Jas.......................................................... 84 Smith, Jabez M...................................................... 91 Sebastopol vs. the Straight Cut........................................ 91 Stone, Matthias...................................................... 92 Shortell, J...............................................77, 145, 148, 167 Sprague, Ralph..................................................... 77 Simpson, J.......................................................... 95 Strong, Moses M.................................................... 187 Sharpstein, J. R.................................................. 111, 230 Shute, W. B........................................................229 Spence, Thos........................................................ 268 Sibley, D. D........................................................ 55 Seaman & Wing..................................................... 95 Scott, Geo.......................................................... 99 Saville, Jas........................................................-- 103 Shaughnessy, Thos................................................... no Stark, Joshua........................................................ 125 Salomon, Louis.......................................-.............. 126 Salomon, Rudolph.................................................... 127 Skidmore, B.....................................................127, 148 Stephenson, Thos. H.............................-................— 128 Smith, P. M........................................................ 129 Strong, R. H........................................................ 138 South Side Gas Works............................................... 154 Skinner, L. N...................................................155, 406 Schoeffle, J.......................................................... 148 Schandein, Emil..................................................149, 344 Scott, M. S................................................-........ 151 Sill, Wm. R......................................................... 163 Starkweather, Geo. A................................................ 182 Sinclair, Wm. M..................................................... 184 Seeman, C.......................................................... 191 Sherman, S. S....................................................... 209 Small, Simeon N.................................................... 209 Sercomb, J.......................................................... 255 Smith, Stephen R....................................................292 Smith, Angus........................................................ 295 Smith, Abram D....................................____-...........296 Swain, Jas. A........................................................ 301 St. Andrew's Society Formally Organized............................... 307 INDEX. 463 Siddel, Jas.......................................................... 307 Sweet, Alanson...................................................... 312 School Census....................................................... 315 Stevens, J. C........................................................ 323 Sam Piatt Gets a Bible............................................... 329 Sanderson, Edward.................................................. 338 Sanderson, William.................................................. 338 Stirn, B............................................................ 340 Sanger, Rockwell & Co............................................... 340 Sivyer, William...................................................... 356 Sid. Rood's Game Cock.............................................. 371 Stewett, Herman.................................................... 388 Skinner, Morgan L. ,.............................................. 405 Skinner, Chas. D.................................................... 406 Stone, W. L........................................................ 410 Smith, Winfield...................................................... 400 Strong, Reuben...................................................... 400 Simonds, Chauncey...............................................422, 423 Smith, U. B......................................................... 423 Statistical........................................................... 357 The Glover Rescue................................................... 22 Tichenor, M........................................................ 24 Trowbridge, W. S.........................................26, 77, 147, 191 Tracy, L. M........................................................ 30 Taintor, Wm........................................................ 35 The First Large Glass................................................ 39 The Shepardson House.................. . ........................... 45 The Cloven Foot Appears............................................. 49 Thompson, J........................................................ 65 Trumbull, J......................................................... 65 The Old Hospital.................................................... 66 Townsend, Edward...............................................72, 310 The Hog and Cow Nuisance....................................85, 326, 391 The Marshal Refuses to Act.......................................... 85 The Reliance Works..................................................... 103 The Ice Bear........................................................ 107 The Sebastopol...................................................... 109 Taberner, W........................................................ no The Steamer Boston Lost............................................. no The Sag Nicht...-.................................................. 110 The Evistons'...................................................------ 114 The First Bridge Superintendent....................................... 115 Tibbets, F. G........................................................ 116 Trowell, Capt. Jas. M.......................................123, 179, 180 Tiffany, Geo. A...................................................... 414 Terry, Frank H.............................................126, 131, 132 Tracy, Geo......................................................... 130 The Star Mills...................................................... 140 Trial of Old Jones................................................... 141 The Propellor Allegany...............................................286 Taylor, Jonathan............................142, 148, 149, 167, 187, 190 191 The Old Military Hall................................................ 151 The Golden Gate Saloon.............................................. 156 The Dean Richmond Goes to Europe................................... 165 Tweedy, J. H.............................................175, 225, 252, 423 The Albany.....................................................181, 294 The People Begin to Wake Up........................................ 189 The New Postmaster................................................. 196 Tice, B. K.......................................................... 213 The Murry Block.................................................... 237 The Growth of the City____, „,............................- T. - -,......238 464 INDEX. The First Ward Cemetery............................................. 241 The Harbor Contract Enjoined....................................... 258 The Glorious Fourth..............................................267, 325 The Fall Campaign.............................................274 to 276 The Milwaukee Ship Yard Company.................................... 293 Those Early Sheboygan Houses....................................... 206 The New Charter.................................................... 301 The Mayor's Report..............................................303, 316 They all Defaulted.................................................. 306 The M. S. Scott Goes to Europe....................................... 323, The Addie Goes to Providence......................................... 323 Thorsand, John...................................................... 323 The Germans in America.............................................. 323 The Rink Turn Spoodle Whangers..................................... 325 The Horse Railroad Makes Its First Trip............................... 329 The Steamers Detroit and Milwaukee Arrive............................ 330 That Duel on the Lake Shore......................................... 333 The Way he Sang It and the Way It Read.............................. 334 The Eagle Mill......................................................335 The Phoenix Mill.................................................... 338 The Kilbourn Mill................................................... 339 The Daisy Mill...................................................... 339 The Phillip Best Brewing Co......................—.................. 344 The Schlitz Brewery.................................................. 347 The Blatz Brewery................................................... 348 The Franz Falk Brewery............................................. 349 They Are Passing Away............................................... 358 Tischafer, Henry....................................................363 Tesch, J. H.....................................................377, 396 Trial of Jehu M. Lewis.............................,................. 384 The Third Ward Market............................................-. 390 The Horse Railroad Craze............................................ 391 The Lady Elgin Goes Down........................-................. 404 The Original Town Records......................................416 to 421 The Semi-Centennial............................................421 to 448 Upman, Herman.................................................... 26 Utley, Chas. P.................................................48, 49, 409 Upham, D. A. J..................................................... 64 Uncle Sam's Jurors................................................. . 85 Uihlein, Henry...................................................... 348 Uihlein, Alfred....................................................-._ 348 Uihlein, August..................................................... 348 Uihlein, F. G....................................................... 348 Vance, F. L......................................................31, 32 Vance, Chas......................................................31, 32 Vance, David.................................................... 31, 32 Van Cott, A. B........................................................ 39 Van Dyke, J. H..................................................... 57 Vessel Tonnage...................................................... 60 Vliet, Jasper........................................................ 69 Vliet, J. B.......................................................... 163 Van Slyck, J....................................................77, 147 Vliet, Garret........................................................ 165 Velton, Jacob........................................................ 227 Vilification.......................................................... 265 Von Baumbach, M.....................,............................. 311 Van Schaick, Isaac................................................... 338 Van Vechten, Peter, Scores the News.................................. 383 Webster, N.......................................................... 138 Weather...........................15, 122, 125, 172, 183, 239, 244, 280, 299 Wells, D. L..........................................18, 145, 229, 233 INDEX. 465 Wolcott, E. B......................:...........................23, 35, 335 Walworth, Clinton.................................26, 51, 77, 147, 167, 191 Wonderly, Dr. E..................................................26, 251 Whitehead, Robert.....................................26, 77, 79, 147, 148 West, S. C......................................................... 26 Weisner, Ed..................................................29, 72, 78 Walker, Geo. H..................................................... 35 Wall, Caleb.........................................42, 198, 353, 354, 391 Wells, W. S......................................................... 42 W'orthington, E...................................................... 44 Wheeler, A.......................................................44, 99 Whaling, W. J,..............................................44, 138, 151 Williams, Thos. P.....................................46, 93, 100, 166, 286 Wells, H. N., Famous Cow Case....................................... 52 Weiskirk, E........................................................ 56 Weeks, Dr. L. W............................................57, 204, 327 White, Mrs. Theresa..............................................61, 62 Wolf, W. H......................................................... 64 Wederhoff, H........................................................ 65 Wheeler, C. H................................................94. 95, 286 Webb, John......................................................... 95 Walton, W. B....................................................102, 235 Whitcomb, CD..................................................... 108 Warner, C........................................................... 110 White, John.....................................................no, 166 Warren, Hewitt & Tracy.............................................. T30 Webber, Julius...................................................... 131 Whettimore, A...................................................... 138 Wasson, R.......................................................... 150 Woodward, Geo. A.......................................26, 167, 310, 414 Waldo, O. H................................................175, 222, 301 Warner, J.......................................................... 182 Wells, D. Jr.....................................................209, 422 Wheeler. L. A....................................................... 210 Walsh, Patrick...................................................244, 301 Wolf & Davidson's Ship Yard......................................... 286 Wolf, Wm. H............................ .......................... 288 Walter, Joseph..................................................... 301 Wouldn't Call Him Judge........................................... 350 Winter Coming.................................................____ 353 Wood and Hay Market Established in 3d Ward.......................... 401 Wardner, Fred...............................................4^1, 413 Whaling, J. P....................................................... 409 Winne, W. N. D..................................................... 410 Wells, Daniel Mrs................................................... 410 Wardner, Jas. A..................................................... 414 Wardner, Edward B.................................................. 414 Young, W. P.........................................17, 56, 138, 184, 349 Yale, Philetus W.................................................... 42 Yates, Peter.....................................................92, 93 Yale, W.W......................................................... 77 Young, William.................................................... 120 Zander, J. B....................................................-65, 310 Zellnor, B.......................................................... 126