Bios transcribed by Kay R. & History by Jan Cortez
Biographies
Page 1180 - BACHELDER & FISHER, stone ware, tile, etc.; firm composed of C. BACHELDER and M. C. FISHER, organized in 1874; employ two men; sales about $20,000 annually; Mr. B. travels. C. BACHELDER, of the firm BACHELDER & FISHER, was born in Concord, N.Y., June 22, 1829; came West with his father in 1847, and located in Fond du Lac, Wis.; engaged in clerking first, and devoted about one year to the photographing business. In 1850, he removed to Menasha, and engaged in the manufacture of pottery ware, and some years later, also engaged in the manufacture of stone ware, importing clay from New Jersey and Ohio. About 1876 he ceased manufacturing, but continued in business, engaged in the sale of this class of goods. He was married in Portage Co., Oct. 27, 1859, to Miss Sarah L. PHELPS, of Portage Co. Mrs. B. was born in Oneida Co., N.Y.; they have two children - Nannie J. and Carlton P. Mr. B. is a member of the Methodist Church, and of the A., F. & A.M. and K. of H.
M. C. FISHER, of the firm BACHELDER & FISHER, was born in Addison, Addison Co., Vt., Aug. 2, 1843; came to Wisconsin in March, 1866; located in Winnebago Co., remained about three years; then moved to Calumet Co., where he was teaching school some four years. In March, 1874, entered into partnership with Mr. BACHELDER. He was married in Hortonville, Outagamie Co., Wis., Aug. 31, 1870 to Miss Annie C. SPERRY, of Outagamie Co.; they have one son - Haldane. Mr. F. is a member of the A., F. & A.M. and of K. of H.
Page 1180 - Rev. Bonfilio BALDI, a Catholic priest of St. Charles Borromeo. He is a member of the order of the Servites (or Servants) of Mary. He was born in Italy (near Genoa, the birthplace of Christopher Columbus) March 11, 1842. He began studying for the ministry at the age of fourteen years, at Perugia, where the Persian Pope, Louis XIII, was Bishop and Cardinal. He remained there until 1860, at which time the Italian Government went to take the State of the Pope, and Mr. BALDI was expelled; he then went to Rome in 1860, which was free, and in going there and passing through a little village called Narni, he was put in prison and kept overnight; the following day was liberated, when he went to Rome and remained from 1860 to 1870, and finished his studies, and April 18, 1870, he started for America, after going to his native place to see his mother, where he remained one month; then he started on his journey, going through Paris, France; remained two weeks; then to London, England, and remained one month, and July 1, 1870, he started for Liverpool and took the steamer for America, and arrived in New York City July 13, 1870; went to Philadelphia and remained one week; then directly to Green Bay, Wis., where, at the house of Bishop Joseph MALCHER, he remained two weeks; then he was sent to Menasha, Wis. He could not understand our language. Remained there until November, 1871, and was sent to Appleton to take charge of the Irish Congregation of St. Mary's Church, and remained until August, 1875; then went to Chicago, where the Order of the Servites of Mary owned five acres of land on West Jackson street, he being a member of the same. They built a brick church and house for themselves and students who wished to join the order. He had charge of the congregation of Lyons, near Riverside, and built a church; was there one year; then engaged entirely in missionary work until September, 1879. He then went to Preston, Minn., and took charge of St. Patrick's Church, also had charge of a church in the country eleven miles, and was there one year; then went to Menasha, Wis. He visited many portions of Minnesota and Dakota; returned to Menasha Oct. 27, 1880. There is a school in connection with the church at Menasha, conducted by the Sisters of Notre Dame of Milwaukee, Wis., in a flourishing condition, with an average of 140 pupils. They have made many improvements, under the guidance of Father BALDI, around the church and school buildings.
Pages 1180 & 1181 - G. F. BELLOWS & Co., manufacturers of bedsteads and furniture; firm composed of G. F. BELLOWS and C. B. FAY; organized in 1881, succeeding G. F. BELLOWS. Employ about twenty men, and turn out 300 bedsteads weekly, in addition to other articles.
George F. BELLOWS, firm of G. F. BELLOWS & Co., was born in Upper Canada Oct. 28, 1831; came to United States in 1856, located in Minnesota, and in 1858 returned to Canada. In 1860, came to Wisconsin, located in Omro, Winnebago Co., engaged in saw-mill; settled in Menasha in 1876, and commenced the manufacture of furniture in 1877. Was engaged in the same business in Canada for a time. He was married in Canada June 8, 1851, to Matilda STONE. They have two children - Julia, now Mrs. LINSCOTT, and Emma. Mr. B. is a member of the Methodist Church and the "K. of H." Society.
C. B. FAY, firm of G. F. BELLOWS & Co., was born in Warren Co., N.Y., Oct. 19, 1843. In 1861 he enlisted in Co. G, 77th N.Y.V.I., as Sergeant; was in command of his company at Antietam, the other officers being all killed. Was discharged in 1863 on account of disability, caused by a wound received in same fight. In 1864 he came to Wisconsin, located in Pensaukee Co., and engaged as book-keeper for the Pensaukee Company, In 1868 he went into the office of HARRISON, LUDINGTON & Co., in Menominee, Mich., remained about three years, then moved to Kewaunee Co., and engaged in business for himself for about nine years, milling and merchandising, then settled in Menasha. He was married in Menasha Sept. 23, 1875, to Miss Ida BATES, of Menasha. They have two children - Bartlett and Allen. Mr. F. is a member of the A., F. & A.M.
Page 1181 - J. A. BRYAN, was born in Berkshire Co., Mass. In his early days he practiced law in Olean, N.Y. In 1850 he came to Wisconsin, located in Milwaukee, and was editor of the Commercial Advertiser for some two years, when he moved to Washington Co. In 1853 he was appointed by President PIERCE, Register of the Land Office in Menasha. Died in Menasha, May 24,1864.
Page 1181 - L. D. BRYAN, Justice of the Peace, came to Wisconsin with his father, J. A. BRYAN; was engaged clerking in U.S. Land Office in Menasha from 1853 to 1857, and since that was engaged in general clerkships until he was elected Justice of the Peace, April, 1880, an office he still holds.
Page 1181 - O. P. CLINTON, Pastor Seymour Church, of Outagamie Co., Wis.; also the church at Freedom, same county. Mr. CLINTON was born in Addison Co., Vt., Nov. 22, 1808; his parents moved to St. Lawrence Co., N.Y., when he was seven years of age, where he lived with his parents until he was twenty-one years of age, and was about twenty-one years of age when he entered the Potsdam Academy; he attended that school about two years, then engaged in teaching and clerking about three years in Essex Co., after which, he studied theology with private instructors, Mr. Chancy STEPHENS, of the latter county, and Joel FISK, same county; he was with the above pastors and instructors about three years, a portion of which time he taught school. He got a license to preach in 1835, and settled as a pastor at Lewis, Essex Co., seven years, then he went to Salem and assisted as Pastor a short time. He then went West and was employed at Southport, now Kenosha, Wis., a short time; then went to Lake Mills; preached there and at Ft. Atkinson about two years; after closing there, he was appointed missionary for Northern Wisconsin, by the American Home Missionary Society, which field he has labored in mostly since. He enlisted as Chaplain 21st W.V.I. at Menasha, served about three years, until the close of the war, and was mustered out at Milwaukee, Wis., July 2, 1865. He previously moved to Neenah, Wis., in 1846, at which time he was appointed missionary. There were only four families within eight miles of Neenah at that time, and only two Pastors to assist him in his vast field of labors, which extended over the whole of Northern Wisconsin. He traveled no less than 7,000 miles the first year of his labors, in the saddle, buggy and sleigh. He saw the foundation laid for the first shanty between Oshkosh and Ripon. He was married in Jay, Essex Co., N.Y., in January of 1836, to Miss Caroline C. FINCH; she was born in the latter place, July 1, 1815, and was the daughter of Major Isaac FITCH (Name is spelled Finch & Fitch - K.R.), of the war of 1812, and a member of the United States Congress under General JACKSON�s first term. They have three sons and three daughters - Hattie, now married to W. D. MEEKER, and living in Chicago; Katie A., now married to Capt. A. D. BRADISH, and living in Atchison, Kan., Alice D., married and living in Chicago; Lucius A., married and living in Chicago; Evva L., living at home, and John W., also at home.
Page 1881 - J. J. FISH - agent W.C. R.R.; was born in Cooperstown, Otsego Co., N.Y., May 13, 1845; moved with his parents to Oxford, Chenango Co., in 1847. In 1868, he went into business for himself in Oxford, in merchant tailoring and gent's furnishings; two years later, moved to Binghamton and opened a hat and cap store; returned to Oxford and engaged in clerking until 1872, when he moved to Wisconsin, locating in De Pere, where he was a telegraph operator for a time, and was then made agent of the M. & N. R.R., now the W.C. R.R.; three years later, he came to Menasha, where he has remained since. He was married in Mogadore, Summit Co., Ohio, May 13, 1868, to Miss Chloe BRADLEY. They have six children for which there survive, Herbert H., Flora E., Amy B. and Clarence C. Mr. FISH is a member of the A., F. & A.M.
Page 1181 - Fox River Iron Works, J. LITTLE & Sons, proprietors; organized in 1876; do all kinds of job work and make a specialty of a patent feed cutter; employ twelve men. James LITTLE, senior member of the firm, was born in Halifax, Windham Co., Vermont, May 15, 1810. In 1828, he went to Lewis Co., N.Y., and engaged in farming and cloth dressing; from there he moved to Chautauqua Co. about 1835, and five years later to Erie Co., N.Y. In 1845, he moved to Wisconsin, locating in Sheboygan Falls, where he remained engaged in farming until he moved to Menasha in 1876, and formed present firm. He was married in Lewis Co., N.Y., in 1832, to Miss Lydia A. WOOD. They have had eleven children, of whom there survive only five - Addison M., Emmet A., Orton C., Adell, now Mrs. CROSBY and Walter. Mr. LITTLE was Member of the Assembly in 1859, from Sheboygan Falls; has been Justice of the Peace, Assessor and Chairman of the Board of Supervisors.
Page 1181 - Dr. George W. FAY, Register of the Land Office; was born in Windsor Co., Vt., Feb. 22, 1823; graduated from Dartmouth Medical College in 1847, and in 1850 moved to Wisconsin, locating in Fond du Lac; about eighteen months later, he moved to Menasha and entered upon the practice of his profession, in which he continued until 1875, at which time he was appointed Register of the Land Office. In 1862, he was appointed Assistant Surgeon of the 32nd Wis., and remained with them until April, 1865, with the exception of the time they spent in the march to the sea, during which he was located in Dalton, Ga. He was married in Windsor, Co., Vt., in 1847, to Miss Nancy ROBINSON. They have four children - George A., Ida M. (now Mrs. L. S. JONES), Charles I. and William M. The Doctor is a member of the A., F. & A.M. and the K. of H.
Page 1181 - Ernst FUECHSEL, dealer in confectionary, bread, cakes, etc. He was born in Prussia, Germany, Oct. 17, 1856, emigrated to America in 1879, with his parents, and settled in Milwaukee, Wis., lived there four years, then moved to Whitehall, Mich.; was there one year, then returned to Milwaukee, Wis.; was there one year, after which he went to Port Washington and lived one year. Returned to Milwaukee, Wis., in six months, then went to Neenah, Wis., and was there eighteen months; then moved to Menasha, Wis., and has since lived there and followed the above business. He learned his trade in Milwaukee, Wis. He was married in April, 1880, to Miss Paulina NEUBAUER, who was born in Reedsville, Waupaca Co., Wis. They have one daughter, named Armand P. A.
Pages 1181 & 1182 - Frank FULLER, foreman of the weaving department Menasha Woolen-Mills. Mr. FULLER was born in County Derry, Ireland, in 1836, where he was reared to the business which he now so ably represents. In 1854, he came to this country and engaged inhis business in Melville, Mass., which he followied for three years, then went to Amesbury, when, after prosecuting his business for a few years, he went to Barnet, Vt., and remained there until the breaking-out of the war, when he went to Auburn, N.Y., where he stayed for four years, after which he came West and followed his business in Illinois, Indiana and Wisconsin up to the present time.
Page 1182 - E. M. HULSE & Son, brick manufacturers, Sec. 16. They make about 700,000 brick per annum, all hand-made; factory covers about two acres, established in June, 1866. Mr. HULSE was born and reared in Delaware Co., N.Y. In 1853, he came to Wisconsin, settled here and took up a pioneer course of life. When the war broke out, he enlisted in CO. I, W.V.I., and remained in active service till the end of the war; was honorably discharged. In June, 1844, he was married to Miss Catharine MILNES, who was born in Yorkshire, England. They have a family of one son, George N., and one daughter, Charlotte A., now Mrs. JACOBS.
Page 1182 - HOWARD & JENNINGS (Menasha Iron Works), manufacturers of hub, spoke and broom handle machinery, self-feeding saw machines and engines, also all kinds of wood-working and grist-mill machinery, piping and brass goods, agents for HANCOCK inspirators.
Peter JENNINGS came from Canada to Racine in 1850, in his eighteenth year. In 1856, he was united to Miss B L. KEARNEY, of Racine. After a residence of several years respectively in Racine, Chicago, Green Bay and Appleton, he finally located in Menasha in 1873. In 1875, he became associated with M. L. HOWARD as a member of the firm HOWARD & JENNINGS. His family consists of his wife and six children, named respectively Louise (now Mrs. JOHNSON), Robert, Nettie, Hattie, Addie and Bennie.
Page 1182 - James KAYE, head miller City Mills, Alex SYME, proprietor; was born in the Isle of Mann, Great Britain, in 1839. Learned his business in Liverpool and came to the United States in 1879, locating in Milwaukee, Wis., where he was engaged in flour mills until March, 1881, when he came to Menasha and took his present position. He was married in the Isle of Mann in 1858, to Miss Annie COWIN. They have seven children - Eliza A., John W., Thomas H., James E., Evan O., Emma and Ida. Mr. K. is a member of the Methodist Church and of the A.O.U.W.
Page 1182 - Carl KOCH, dry goods, grocery and saloon, was born in Bavaria, Germany, Feb. 2, 1830; came to the United States in 1852; located in New York City for a time; was then in Johnstown, Penn., in the grocery business; moved to Milwaukee, and from there, in 1855, to Menasha; opened a saloon at first; has been in present business some sixteen years. Now carries a stock of about $10,000, and does a business of $25,000 to $30,000 yearly. He was married in Menasha May 20, 1855, to Miss Mary STURN. They have five children - Emma, Caroline, Carl, Lizzie and Arthur. Mr. K. is a Notary Public, has been a Justice of the Peace three terms, Alderman one term, Clerk of the Board of Supervisors one term.
Page 1182 - James P. LOMAS, farmer and stock-raiser, P.O. Neenah, was born and reared in Staffordshire, Eng., where he followed the business of contractor for fourteen years previous to his coming here. In 1849, he came to this country for the further prosecution of his business, but subsequently engaged at the farming industry with which we find him still actively engaged. In 1849, he was married to Miss Margaret M. BEATTIE, who was born in New York. They have a family of four sons living and two of the family buried in the cemetery here.
Page 1182 - James LADD, farmer and stock-raiser, P.O. Neenah, was born in Sudbury, Vt., in 1799, but was reared in New Hampshire, being left dependent at an early age. He braved misfortune and at the age of twenty-seven was able to commence the business of farming for himself, which he has very successfully carried out since. In 1826, he was married to Miss Charity WILLEY, in New Hampshire. In 1844, he came to Wisconsin and finally settled here in 1846, since which time he has been actively engaged in the general development of the different industries of this locality. In December, 1865, Mrs. LADD died and was buried in the cemetery at Neenah aged sixty-two years. In September, 1866, he was married to Miss Theressa M. KELLOGG, of Appleton, Wis. who was born in Pennsylvania. Mr. LADD has a family of three sons one daughter.
Page 1882 - Emmett A. LITTLE - firm of J. LITTLE & Sons; was born in Chautauqua Co., N.Y., June 2, 1839; came to Wisconsin with his father; entered Lawrence University at Appleton and graduated in 1867. Read law with John THOMAS, at Sheboygan Falls, and was admitted to the bar in 1869; practiced law at Plymouth for a time; was appointed Postmaster at Sheboygan Falls, by President JOHNSON, and was County Supervisor of Schools for two years. Came to Menasha in 1876, and entered the firm of LITTLE & Sons. He was married in Appleton, Dec. 22, 1880, to Miss Catherine A. SHAVER, of Appleton. Mr. LITTLE is a member of the Episcopal Church.
Page 1182 - John McLEAN, foreman of the dying department of the Menasha Woolen Mills, Menasha, Wis., was born in Pickaway Co., Ohio, in 1856; was raised to the prosecution of his present profession. He began this vocation in Rome City, Ind., and followed it for three years, then he went to Ft. Wayne, where he prosecuted it for a similar term of years, after which, he came here, and has been identified with his industry since, with the exception of one year spent at the business in Northington, Pa. In 1880, he was married to Miss Mary ANTHONY, who was born and reared in Menasha, her people having come from Germany at an early time.
Page 1182 - Heman MILLER, farmer and stock-raiser, P. O. Neenah, was born and reared in Otsego Co., N.Y. In 1852, he came here with his wife and daughter; began a regular pioneer course of life which he has successfully conducted since. In 1852, he was married to Miss Celia MILLER, in Burlington, N.Y. They have a family of two daughters - Emma and Clara, now Mrs. Lucian SANDFORD.
Page 1182 - T. D. PHILLIPS, dealer in all kinds of household furniture, also undertaker, etc., and all kinds of parlor ornaments, and all that pertains to a first class furniture store established in 1872; trade averages about $11,000 per annum, and carried a stock of $5,000. Mr. P. was born in Jefferson Co., N.Y., Oct. 14, 1842. He settled in Fond du Lac in 1862, and lived a short time, and enlisted in the fall of 1863, in Co. G, 36th Reg. Wis. Vol. Inft. He was in the battles of the Wilderness, Spotsylvania C.H., North and South Anna, Cold Harbor, Weldon R.R., Petersburg, Hatchert's Run, including first and second battles. He was at Petersburg at the breaking of the lines, then followed Gen. Robert E. LEE until his surrender, and was present at the same June 17, 1874(sic?). He was at Washington at the grand review. He was mustered out at Madison, Wis., July 12, 1865. He returned to Menasha and engaged in sash and blind business and a part of the time worked for other parties. He soon after began his furniture business which he ran about four years alone, then took in a partner and was in company five years, after which Mr. P. bought the whole interest, and has since conducted the same alone. Was married Oct. 3, 1866, in Stockbridge, Calumet Co., to Miss F. C. THOMPSON, who was born in New York. They have two sons - William A. and Everett T.
Pages 1182 & 1183 - Thomas PRICE, foreman of Menasha Wooden Ware Company; he was born in Cararvonshire, Wales, May, 1818. In 1842, he came to America and stayed in N.Y. State until 1845, when he came to Wisconsin, and stopped in Milwaukee till 1846; he then went to Watertown and stayed until 1849, when he came here and has been identified with the manufacturing industries of the place since, principally as foreman of this Company; he had formerly carried on the chair furniture manufacturing, having built two factories here. In 1845, he was married to Miss Elizabeth HUMPHRIES, who was born in Wales. They have a family of two sons - Joseph, finisher in the employ of the company, and Byron Ed., of Star and Times, Hudson. In connection with this family biography we record the loss of Mr. and Mrs. PRICE's son William T., which occurred on the evening of the 5th of June, 1869, by the capsizing of the boat upon which he was sailing on Lake Winnebago.
Page 1183 - Frank A. SCHRAGE; was born in Westphalia, Prussia, Aug. 16, 1825; came to the United States in 1843 and located in Baltimore. In 1845, moved to Wisconsin; located in Milwaukee, and was there several years, studying under Bishop HENNI; then moved to Rochester, N.Y., where he was employed in dry goods business. In 1858, he came to Menasha, and was engaged in hotel-keeping up to 1879. Was married in Racine, Wis., to Miss Catherine SCHOTT, of Washington Co.; she died leaving seven children - Frank, George, Edward H., August H., Charlie H., Matilda, Mary M. Was married in Menasha, in 1874, to Miss Maggie DERFEES, of Washington Co., Wis.; they have two children - Hattie Bell, Levrette Otto. Mr. S. is a member of the Concordia Society.
Page 1183 - William SILL, farmer and stock-raiser, Sec. 9; P.O. Menasha. Mr. S. was born and reared in Otsego Co., N.Y. In 1854, he came to Wisconsin and took up a regular pioneer course of life, which he has successfully conducted since, in the mean-time taking an active part in the political life of his municipality. In 1865, he was married to Miss Elizabeth A. STOWE, who was born and reared in Franklin Co., N.Y. They have a family of two sons - Edward P. and William L. Edward P. SILL, father of the subject of our sketch, lives with him, at the age of ninety-two; he was born in Connecticut; at the age of five years, he went to New York; at the age of sixty-five, came to Wisconsin; has lived here since.
Page 1183 - James SLOVER. Mr. S. was born and reared in Greene Co., N.Y. In 1846, he came here, after a tedious trip through the wilds of Wisconsin, and entered the second piece of land in Township 20, and, after returning for his mother and brother, he came here and began and active pioneer life; he established the brick and lime industry, with which he was prominently connected for several years. In 1864, he enlisted in the 43rd W.V.I., and remained in the service until the end of the war, when he was honorably discharged as 2d Sergeant of his company. In 1852, he was married to Miss Emma G. MILNES, who was born in Yorkshire, England, and who came to this country about 1842; they have one daughter - Etta - living, and one son and one daughter buried in the Neenah Cemetery.
Page 1183 - P. VERBECK, farmer and stock-raiser; P. O. Neenah. Mr. V. was born in Pennsylvania Nov. 9, 1816. In 1846, he came to Washington Co., and, after following farming there for nine years, he came here, and has been successfully identified with that industry since, in the meantime taking an active part in the political life of the place. In 1848, he was married to Miss Cherissa HOLCOMB, who was born in Windsor, Conn., July 10, 1826; they were married in Oswego, N.Y.; they have a family of four sons, all grown to man's estate.
Page 1183 - H. A. WHITNEY, hotel; was born in Tompkins, N.Y., in 1835, and from their (sic) moved to Wisconsin in 1861, locating in La Crosse; engaged in millwrighting; came to Menasha in May, 1881.
