Bios transcribed by Kay R. & History by Jan Cortez
Neenah and Menasha
Where the north end of Lake Winnebago contracts into the outlet of the Wolf River lies a tract of land, some 800 acres in extent, known as Doty's Island. On each side runs a narrow channel, which unites and expands again above the island into Little Butte des Morts. Before civilization came to despoil her of her beauties, this spot was a favore child of nature and beloved as a home by nature's children. For a long time, within the memory of man, Doty's Island was the headquarters of a tribe of Winnebagoes, while across the northern channel, on what is now the Menasha side, lived a friendly band of Menomonees. To the south again, on the mainland, was an Indian settlement, now Neenah. The land thus occupied became the sites of Neenah and Menasha, a line passing nearly through the middle of the island separating the two cities. Before the advent of railroads, when the Fox River promised to be the great commercial highway of Wisconsin, and the Northwest in point of natural location, the two cities seemed to be unrivaled.
"Tread lightly, for this is historic ground." All the early Jesuit Fathers and French and English travelers have at times set foot upon this soil. Here it was where occurred the final conflict between the French with the allied Indian tribes and the fierce and implacable Foxes, which resulted in the expulsion of the latter from the lovely valley which they had disgraced. On the south bank of the Fox was that "Treaty Elm," under whose branches were conducted so many councils by the dusky children of the valley. On this spot was finally laid the foundation of Neenah, upon an idea based upon the improvement and civilization of its native occupents.
FOUNDING OF NEENAH
In 1834, in pursuance with the treaty made with the Menomonee Indians in 1831, Winnebago Rapids was selected as the site for the Government agency. The next year the saw and grist mill was erected, known as the "Old Government Mill," and thrity three log houses divided into three rows were built for the accommodation of the teachers, farmers, other Government officers and the Indians who were to be civilized. The contractors were William Dickenson and Daniel Whitney, of Green Bay. Nathaniel Perry, one of the farmer teachers, had arrived in 1834 and moved into his log house with his family. Afterward, in the same capacity, came Clark Dickenson, Robert Irwin, and Ira Baird, also of Green Bay, who moved into the houses erected for the men who were to run the mill. That which stood on the lake shore, at the east end of Wisconsin Avenue, was for years the residence of Harrison Reed, the real founder of Neenah. To make a long story short, the Indian agency proved a failure. The Menomonees preferred to shelter their horses rather than themselves in the Government houses, or to build fires upon the floors of their log huts rather than in the civilized iron receptacles. The Government farmers and teachers became discouraged and moved away. In September, 1836, both parties were glad enough to annul the agreement. At the same time they ceded the remainder of their lands in Winnebago county north of the Upper Fox. These were surveyed by Garret Vliet, of Milwaukee, under the direction of A.G. Ellis, Surveyor General, in 1839. In 1844 Harrison Reed, who had visited the locality the previous winter, came into possession of 562 acres of the agency land, with buildings and improvements, and settled here with his family, to found a city. He is not entitled to the distinction of being the first settler, however, for in August, 1843, George H. Mansur and family had been induced to permanently locate here and assist in putting the old mills and buildings into decent shape. The other lands upon the site of Neenah came into the market in 1846, and although for some reason it was very difficult to have the land officers at Green Bay admit that they were for sale. Many settlers commenced to enter claims and locate. In the spring of that year G.P. Vining and George Harlow, who had been employed by Mr. Reed on the mills and wing-dam during the winter, went to Green Bay for the purpose of entering land, but were met with the old reply, "The lands were not in the market." Forseeing this, however, they had armed themselves with the Presidential Proclamation offering the lands for sale, and presenting the document like a weapon of offense, forced the sale and returned triumphant to the Rapids. In 1845, ex-Gov. James Duane Doty settled with his family upon the island, which bears his name. In March, 1846, Rev. O.P. Clinton, of the American Board of Home Missions, took up his residence in one of the log houses near the Council Tree, and in May the first minister married the first couple, John(?) F. Johnston and Jeanette Finch, sister of Mrs. Clinton. In the fall of this year came Harvey Jones, of Gloversville, N.Y., who had lent Mr. Reed funds with which to avert the threatened sale of the property by the Government, on account of non-payment of the purchase money ($4760). Other new comers settled about this time, there being a decided influx during 1846-57. The settlement on the south side of the river was growing into a decided village, but upon the island and the Menasha side there was virtually nothing, although the lands in that locality had been offered for sale as early as 1835.
In August, 1835, when the land upon which Menasha now stands was first offered for sale, James Duane Doty bid in most of it, settling upon a portion of his purchase in 1845. In February, 1847, a company was chartered to improve the water-power. It consisted of Gov. Doty and his son Charles, Harrison Reed and his brother Curtis, and Harvey JOnes. Curtis Reed had been a Government beef contractor for the Indians, at Grand Butte des Morts, and altogether quite a man of affairs. He determined, in company with ex-Gov. Doty, to found a rival town on the north side of the river. With this object in view, he came to reside permanently. He built a log house at the head of the present canal, started a store in another building which he erected, and commenced the construction of the dam. The company which had organized for the mutual improvement of a water-power which should benefit both localities, was divided into two factions. Gov. Doty and Curtis Reed, of course, were one in aims. Harrison Reed, because of his disagreements with Harvey Jones in regard to their rival village plats, often threw his influence with them, although his interests were with Neenah and Winnebago Rapids. In 1849, the disputes and legal quarrels culminated in the strife over the location of the State canal, which was to connect Lake Winnebago and Butte des Morts. Curtis Reed obtained the contract, but on account of the enlargement of the original plan, turned the work over for completion to another company. Not to be outdone, however, Harvey Jones commenced the building of a canal to supply power to the Neenah mills, but did not live to see it completed. He died in November, 1849. The work was continued under the administrators of his estate. The canal lock was completed in 1852, and in 1856 the steamer Aquila passed through it on the first trip to Green Bay and return. These affairs, which may seem so unimportant now, when railroads supply business life and maintain commercial relations with the world, were then weighty with significance and future importance.
The old saw and Government Grist-mill was the father of the manufactories of Neenah, and was burned in the spring of 1874. In the spring of 1848, Charles Lindsley and Harvey Jones commenced the erection of a saw-mill, which was the first manufactory built on the water-power by private parties. It was situated where the Neenah Paper Mills now stand. The latter soon became sole proprietor, and thus continued until his death in 1849. In 1850, Robert Hold, Asa Jones and William L. Lindsley purchased the mill of his estate, and operated a lath and furniture manufactory. The former became proprietor in 1852, and continued to carry on the business until the building was destroyed by fire, in 1864. About the same time that Messrs Jones and Lindsley commenced the erection of their mill, Donaldson, Lajest & Co. built a planing-mill, transformed soon into a furniture factory, and afterward known as the Empire Flour Mills. The building was torn down in 1874, and Patten's paper mills erected on the site. In 1850, J.R. and H. L. Kimberley, late settlers, commenced the erection of the flouring-mills which stand as the oldest representatives of the early manufactories along the water-power. The machinery and grinding stones were shipped by water to Green Bay, having been taken from an old mill at Rensselaerville, N.Y., and then transported to Neenah by Durham boats. The portages were overcome at great expense of time, patience and muscle, as this was before the days of the Fox and Wisconsin River improvements. In 1852-53, Edward Smith, Hugh Sherry and H. Wheeler, built the Winnebago Flouring Mills. In 1857, the firm of Smith & Proctor (John Proctor) was formed. The mills were greatly improved in 1877. This may be said to close the list of the early manufactories of Neenah.
Returning to Menasha, it is found that Curtis Reed and Cornelius Northrup had been just finishing the dame commenced in 1848. This year (1850) they put their saw-mill in operation, and, soon after, with the assistance of H.A. Burts, an addition was built, and run as a grist-mill. Upon its site now stands the large Eagle Flouring Mills, Alexander Synes, proprietor. H.A. Burts is a skillful millwright, on Winnebago avenue. Two saw-mills, a furniture factory, and a tub and pail factory, were in operation before the year 1850 had come to a close. The next year the steamer Menasha was built by Messrs. Doty and Reed, a dock and warehouse were constructed, and the village on the island (Menasha it had been named several years previously, by Mrs. Doty), snapped her fingers at the village to the south, which hitherto had been giving her the go-by in the way of transportation facilities. Another steamer was soon put on between Menasha and Grand Chute; through the efforts of Capt. L.B. McKinnon, a plank road was constructed to Appleton and Menasha so fairly "boomed" with enterprise as to cause serious uneasiness to the Twin City. It seems that, at this stage of the rivalry, when it was evident that both Neenah and Menasha were bound to live and grow, as two of the important manufacturing points of the State, that the twin cities began to see how much better it would be to bridge over their differences to some extent, and work together. At all events, in 1851, a bridge was thrown across the south channel of the river to the island, as a peace offering from the people of Neenah, and Menasha did her part by constructing one across the northern stream.
MENASHA AS A VILLAGE
In May, 1849, the original plat of Menasha was recorded, and the village incorporated in July, 1853. The village was divided into two wards, and Curtis Reed was first President of the Board of Trustees. Its business steadily increased, a new impetus being given in 1861 by the extension of the Chicago & Northwestern road to Appleton via Neenah and Menasha. Ten years later came the Wisconsin Central, and in 1873 the Milwaukee & Northern road was built.
NEENAH AS A VILLAGE
In September, 1847, Harrison Reed recorded the first village plat of Neenah, and in January, 1848, Harvey Jones recorded the village plat pf Winnebago Rapids. It was Mr. Jones intention to have his plat known as "Neenah," but although he had his land surveyed first, Mr. Reed recorded his plat first, stealing the former's name. The latter therefore recorded his village as Winnebago Rapids, which was incorporated in 1850. In March, 1856, the two plats were consolidated and the corporate name of the village changed to Neenah. J. B. Hamilton was the first President of the Board of Trustees.
NEENAH AS A CITY
Although Menasha was regularly incorporated as a village, Neenah preceded her twin sister one year as a city. The latter took these honors upon herself March 9, 1873, adopting the old "council tree" as the municipal seal. According to the last census her population is 4,205, leading Menasha by over 1,000. C.B. Clark is Mayor of the city. The principal residence streets are clean and shaded with thick foilage and adorned with beautiful residences. Substantial business blocks line her principal thoroughfares of trade, while the island and vicinity of the water-power are covered with her many manufactures. She has schools and churches well maintained; hotels and summer resorts at the head of which stand the Russell House and Roberts Hotel. The former was erected in 1875 upon the site of the old Weeden Hotel, the city voting $4,000 to aid in its erection. John Roberts' Resort, located upon the old homestead of Gov. Doty, was opened to the public in 1877 and is a favorite and favored locality with summer tourists. The city has, moreover, gas works, of so much convenience to her people. Neenah was first lighted by gas in December, 1878. But her great pride is still her manufactures, and a brief, yet comprehensive view of them will be given as they exist to-day.
MANUFACTURING
After the erection of the Winnebago Flouring Mills in 1852-53, other mills were built near A.W. Patten's establishment. But the next important manufactory was the Fox River Mills, erected by Hugh Sherry, in 1856. After passing into the possession of Wm. E. and J.R. Ford, Kimberley Clark & Co. purchased the property of the latter and erected the Globe Paper Mills in 1872. In 1876 the firm bought the Peckham & Krueger Foundry and moved the building to the site of the paper mills, where it was transformed into an addition thereof. The establishment is one of the most complete in the State. The firm also operate the Neenah Paper Mills, erected in 1866 upon the site of Henry Jones' first mill, and the first manufactory of the kind established on the water-power. It was first run by a stock company, of which Nathan Cobb was President. Then the mills were run by Dr. N.S. Robinson, and by Smith & Van Ostrand, coming into the hands of the present proprietors in 1874. During the same year A.W. Patten established his large paper mill, upon the site of the old Empire Flour Mill. It is one of the most extensive on the power. In February of this year the Winnebago Paper Mill was commenced upon the site of the old Government mill, which was destroyed by fire. In 1876 it came into possession of the stock company, J.R. Davis, President. All of these mills are substantially built of brick, and if nothing more were in sight, would establish Neenah's reputation as the city of manufactures.
Next in importance to the manufacture of paper is that of flour, and after the erection of the D.L. Kimberly and the Winnebago Mills, the next large establishments which sprung up, were the brick and stone mills, now united under the management of Clement & Stevens, and known as the Falcon Mills. After undergoing many changes and improvements, they were purchased by the present proprietors in 1873. In 1877, the rear walls of the stone mill were torn down and the establishment rebuilt. The Reliance Mill was erected by J.R. Kimberly & Co. (J.R. Kimberly, his son, J.A. and H. Babcock), in 1868 and 1869. For ten years the business was carried on by the above parties, when the present firm was formed. Their building is of stone, large and handsome. There are several other mills in operation, which in any other sity would be considered foremost in this line of manufacture.
The manufacture of lumber in its various forms, is also quite extensibly conducted. Wickert's and Sanford's planing mills, Henry Sherry's lumber manufactory, Theodore Bruin's barrel and stave facotry, etc., etc., are fair illustrations of the psuh and enterprise shown in this particular. There are several large dealers in agricultural implements, one manufacturer of farm machinery, brick manufacturers and several large machine shops and foundries. Among the most prominent of the iron manufacturers is the Neenah Stove Works. They were established as a foundry in 1857, by W.N. Na A.K. Moore and B.W. Wells, under the firm name of Moore & Wells. After passing under several managements, and gradually developing into the present extensive works, the works came into the possession of Bergstrom Bros. & Co. The plow works were established by John Bergstrom, the father of the present proprietors. The plow works of William Aylward were established by the present proprietor in 1872, and do a good business in their line.
National Bank of Neenah. - Messrs. David Smith and Robert Sheills established a private bank in September 1861. In November, 1865, the National Bank of Neenah was organized, with Henry Hewitt, Sr., President, and Robert Sheills, Cashier. It does the usual banking business, and is one of the institutions of which Neenah is proud.
The Press. - Harrison Reed, D. Hyer, J.N. Stone and others, established several papers between 1856 and 1863. The Island City Times, founded by the latter in October, 1863, and issued until July, 1870, was removed to Menasha in 1871, and became the basis of the Press. Its name had been changed to the Winnebago County Press before it was removed to Menasha. This left Neenah without a paper, and in 1871, Charles H. Boynton established the Neenah Gazette. In 1874, G.A. Cunningham became proprietor, and so continued until shortly before his death, in April 1878, when he sold out to H.L. Webster. The firm afterward became Webster & Bowron. L.F. Cole has assumed the management for about a year.
In October, 1875, J.N. Stone first issued the Neenah News. In 1876, its name was changed to the Neenah City Times. In the summer of 1881, the Daily Twin City News was established by Messrs. Bowron & Potter.
The Schools. - In the spring of 1847, a small building was erected for a grocery store, but in the summer the first public school was opened and taught by Mrs. Samuel Mitchell, nee Miss Caroline Boynton. In 1875, the office of City Superintendent of Schools was created. Now in addition to the magnificent high school building erected at a cost of $25,000, there are three other structures devoted to educational purposes, that in the Second Ward not being in use. The high school building, a brick structure, two stories and basement, was finished in May, 1880, at a cost of $25,000. It is 100 feet square, and is provided with all the conveniences known to school architecture. The seating capacity of the building is 800. H.O. Hobart, the principal, has two assistants.
The First Ward Building (Point School) has a seating capacity of 100. It is a one-story brick structure, built in 1871. Miss Amy Warren is Principal.
The Third Ward building has a seating capacity of 200; is a one-story frame, built in 1864 and since improved. Mrs. Montgomery is Principal.
The Fourth Ward building was erected in 1874, at a cost of $,500, being a two-story brick. M.E. Mills presides over the two departments, consisting of 100 pupils each. J.R. Barnett is City Superintendent of Schools.
Churches. - The first Protestant services were held by a Methodist Episcoapl circuit preacher, at the house of Harrison Reed, in 1845. Rev. O.P. Clinton, the first resident minister, organized a Congregational Society, April 4, 1847. The first meeting was held at the house of C. Northrup, on January 22, 1847. In 1851, letters were granted to those desiring to form a Congregational Society in Menasha, which is the basis of the church in that city, over which Rev. S.V.S. Fisher is pastor. A building was erected by the Menasha society, in February, 1851. In 1858, their church building was erected, now occupied by the Catholics, and in 1867, their present edifice was built. Their property is now valued at $8,000. The membership of the society is 110.
In August, 1848, Rev. H.M. Robertson, of the Presbyterian Board of Missions, visited Neenah and was the means of organizing a society in December of that year. Thus was formed the "First Presbyterian Church of Winnebago Rapids." In 1852, the old church, which became the property of the Methodist Episcopal Society, was dedicated. The Congregational Society was re-organized as the Second Presbyterian Church, in 1860. In 1870, the two Presbyterian societies united as the First Presbyterian Church, and Rev. J.E. Chapin became its pastor. In 1864, a beautiful house of worship was erected at a cost of $5,000, enlarged upon the union of the two societies, and finally dedicated January 1, 1871. This society, one of the strongest in Neenah or Menasha, is still under the pastorate of Rev. J.E. Chapin, and is the only representative of that creed in the Twin Cities.
Although semi-occasional services were held by the Catholics at Winnebago Rapids, as early as 1836, during the existance of the Government agency, it was not until 1848, that Father Vanderbrook, then stationed at Little Chute, established a regular mission a few miles west of Menasha, for the accommodation of both places. Various priests officiated up to 1854, when the societies in the two villages were united, and the church building on the Island was erected. This now occupied by the Catholic Church of St. Charles, Borromeo, whose presiding priest is Rev. Father Balde, and whose membership is about 200 families. In 1868, the brick school building was erected. The Sisters of Notre Dame have charge of the 120 pupils who attend it. The value of the property, including the priest's house, is $20,000. In 1867, St. Mary's Catholic (German) Church was organized from the original society, a building purchased from the Congregationalists of Menasha, and an edifice for the accommodation of its flourishing school, erected in 1868. Father Andrw Siebert is the rector. Both church and school are of about the same strength as the St. Charles Borromeo.
In the fall of 1849, Rev. W.H. Sampson organized the M.E. Society, which is now in charge of Rev. W.G. Horton. The society numbers over 100, and is strong in every detail. The organization in Menasha was formed in 1853, E. Yocum being the first pastor. In 1856, a church edifice was erected upon the site donated by Governor Doty. The society flourishes under the pastorate of Rev. M. Himebaugh.
In July 1851, Rev. Peter Prink organized a Baptist society in Neenah. The society disbanded in November, 1860, and the Menasha organization was formed. In June, 1867, Rev. O.W. Babcock became pastor, and services were held in both places. In November, the first Baptist Church of Menasha and Neenah was formed, a building purchased of the Norwegians, and removed to Commercial street. Rev. M. Thomas, is the present pastor.
In November, 1857, Rev. C.C. Edmonds commenced to hold Episcopal services in the village of Menasha. St. Stephen's parish was organized in 1859, and a church edifice erected in 1859-60. Trinity Church, Neenah, was organized in July, 1866, services having been for some years previously. The society was formed by Rev. William D. Christian, Rector of St. Stephen's. In 1869, a building was erected, Rev. E. Peake being in charge of the two societies. Rev. James Upjohn is, at present, pastor of both.
The First Universalist Society of Neenah and Menasha was organized in 1866, with Rev. Mr. Hussey as its Pastor. A Church was erected the next year on the island, the present value of the fine property being $7,500. The membership of the society - which is a leading one - is between sixty and seventy. Since December, 1870, Rev. S.W. Sutton has been Pastor.
The German Lutheran Church, Neenah, organized in December, 1865, has a membership of 105, and has been in charge of Rev. G. Denninger since the spring of 1880. The society of Menasha, under his charge, was founded in 1856. The Norwegian Lutherans of Neenah have also a good society, organized in 1871. There is also a Danish Lutheran and a Danish Baptist Church. The Welsh Calvinistic and Congregational Union is a small organization, the Calvinistic society coming into existence in 1848, and the Congregational in 1861.
Societies. - AS in the case of her churches, Neenah and Menasha have become so closely related of late years, that it is difficult to separate her secret and benevolent societies. An Odd Fellows Lodge, Neenah No. 41 was organized December 12, 1849, and reorganized in 1870, after sleeping ten years. This Lodge and Menasha No. 187, are now both strong and flourishing. The first lodge of Masons was organized by the two cities, in 1855. A separation took place in 1857, and Menasha No. 61, was changed to Kane, No. 61 - the Neenah organization. A Good Templar's lodge was formed in Neenah at an early day, and the order now is strong in both cities. There are many temperance socities on both sides of the river, besides those connected with the churches and devoted to benevolent purposes.
The Schuetzen Bund Shooting Society of Neenah was formed in 1870, which, with the Turnverein of Menasha, are educators in the manly sports. They both have halls. The Neenah Yacht Club, organized in 1874, has done much to draw visitors' attention to this locality as a pleasure resort. The club has thirty active members.
