Bios transcribed by Kay R. & History by Jan Cortez
Biographies
Pages 1162 & 1163 - Hon. Philetus SAWYER, United States Senator; was born in Vermont Sept. 22, 1816, and is, therefore, now sixty-four years of age. He was not born great, nor wealthy, for his father was a farmer and blacksmith at a time when, and in a region where, those employments promised little but hard work and a subsistence. He has not had greatness thrust upon him by adventitious circumstances, for there has been nothing accidental in the career which has now reached a place in the highest representative body in the world. Whatever of wealth and of honor in station and reputation he has attained has been achieved by an honest and industrious use of the faculties with which nature endowed him, and of the opportunities which were open to all competitors. When he was a year old his father removed to Essex Co., N.Y., where his childhood and youth were passed among the mountains and forests of the Adirondacks. His early life, like that of most of the dwellers of that region, was one of manual labor, with only such opportunities for education as the common schools of that time and place furnished for the children of those whose life work was to toil for bread and raiment. In every step and in every phase of his life, Mr. SAWYER has been constantly acquiring that knowledge of men and affairs, which is a condition of leadership and success in a generation eminently practical and looking mainly to material results. At seventeen, by an arrangement with his father, he became the master of his own time and labor. These he employed so successfully that, in 1847, at the age of thirty-one, he was enabled to seek a more profitable field for his future efforts in Wisconsin, with a capital of about $2,000. Two seasons of not very successful farming in his new home turned his thoughts to his former occupation of "logging" and lumbering. The great Wolf River pinery was then scarcely touched. To the practical lumber man it offered a prospect for accumulating wealth, and, in December, 1849, Mr. SAWYER removed to the village of Algoma, now in the city of Oshkosh. Here, the following season, he took a contract to run, and subsequently rented, and finally purchased a saw-mill which had nearly ruined its owners, and from that to the present time his career as a business man has been a constant success. Where others have failed he has succeeded. When others have stood still he has advanced. His industry and sagacity have been so rewarded that his financial standing is now in the front rank among the solid men of Wisconsin. His reputation for integrity, open-handed generosity in his dealings, and for sound judgment in business enterprises has been uniform, and doubtless, has contributed to his success. It is inevitable that such a man should be called into the public service in a new and thriving country. Mr. SAWYER served several years in the Common Council of the young city of his residence. In 1857, and in 1861, he was a member of the State Legislature. He served as Mayor two years. In 1864, he was clothed with full power and discretion to compromise and settle the bonded debt of the city, which he accomplished on exceedingly favorable terms. In 1862, though strongly solicited, he declined on account of his private business to become a candidate for Congress. He was a Republican of Free-Soil Democratic antecedents. In 1862, the district elected the Democratic candidate by a majority of over one thousand. Two years later, Mr. SAWYER consented to be a candidate, and was elected by a majority of about three thousand. From 1865 to 1875 he was continued in the House of Representatives and retired, after a continuous service of ten years, only because he refused to be a candidate for re-election. His record as a member of Congress is part of the history of that time. He was one term Chairman of the Committee on Government Expenditures. In the Forty-third Congress he was Chairman of the Pacific Commerce. Six years he was the second member on that committee, and during a large portion of that time the Acting Chairman. Therefore, it became his duty several times to report and take charge of the bills making appropriations for rivers and harbors, and a fair illustration of the confidence of this fellow members is found in the fact that such bills appropriating millions were sometimes passed under suspension of the rules when reported and vouched for by him. Mr. SAWYER is not fitted by nature, training or inclination for speech-making in Congress. But his acknowledged influence and sound judgment on matters of practical legislation have been of more influence in obtaining and retaining the confidence of the people of Wisconsin than would any number of speeches reported in the Congressional Record, and if the future may be judged by the past, he will be a useful and influential Senator. In any legislative body, a clear-headed man of affairs, who does not form conclusions from superficial examinations and brings strict integrity, as well as sound judgment to the work of legislation, is a valuable and a respected member. Such a member Mr. SAWYER has always been heretofore, and doubtless will be in his new position. He is President of the SAWYER-GOODMAN Co., of Chicago, a corporation owning a saw-mill at Marinette, Wis., and lumber-yards in Chicago and various other places. He is Vice President of the Chicago, St. Paul & Omaha Railway Company, and has charge of the lands of that company; Vice President of the First National Bank of Oshkosh, and is largely interested in the lumber interests of Wisconsin, having been prominently identified with them since his settlement here. He was married at Schroon, Essex Co., N.Y., in June, 1841, to Melvina M. HADLEY, a native of Vermont; they have three children - Edgar P., Emma M. (now wife of Howard G. WHITE, of Syracuse, N.Y.), and Erna M. (now [wife of] W. O. GOODMAN, of Chicago).
Page 1163 - Edgar P. SAWYER, of the firm of P. SAWYER & Son, lumberman; was born at Crown Point, Essex Co., N.Y., Dec. 4, 1842; came to Wisconsin with his parents, Philetus and Melvina M. (HADLEY) SAWYER, in 1847; since he became of age he has been identified with his father's extensive business enterprises, having a third interest in all their operations; he is Vice President of the SAWYER-GOODMAN Company, of Chicago, a lumber company with a paid up capital of $500,000. Mr. SAWYER was married at Oshkosh, Oct. 18, 1864, to Mary E. JEWELL, a native of the State of New York; they have two children - Maria M. and Philetus H.
Page 1163 - J. F. W. SCHMIDT, drugs; commenced in 1874; was born in Prussia, Dec. 15, 1850; came to the United States with his parents in 1855; they settled in Dodge Co., Wis.; Mr. S. came to Oshkosh in 1868, and clerked in a drug store until he commenced for himself; married in Oshkosh, Feb. 24, 1874, to Miss Bertha VOIGHT, of Oshkosh; they have two children - Clara and Hugo; is a member of "Union" Lodge, No. 179, I.O.O.F., and of the "Turnverein."
Page 1163 - Peter SCHMIDT, firm of SCHMIDT Bros., 211 and 213 Main street, manufacturers of trunks, valises, traveling-bags, etc.; established in 1868, employ seventy-three men annually, and do about $90,000 business annually; they used 800,000 feet of lumber in 1880; he was born in Prussia, Jan. 16, 1842; emigrated to America in June, 1854, and located in Washington Co., Wis., and engaged in farming until 1861, when he enlisted in Co. D, 6th W.V.I., April 27th of that year, and after the battle of Antietam, he was transferred to Battery B, 4th Artillery; served until June 27, 1865, and was mustered out at Madison, Wis.; he also engaged in the battles of Chancellorsville, Fredericksburg, Mine Run, Bull Run, Gettysburg, Atlanta, Macon and Savannah; he kept hotel in Racine until 1866, then he, with his brother, Henry SCHMIDT, engaged in the above business in Racine, until October, 1868, and moved to Oshkosh as above noted; he was married in Oshkosh in 1870, to Miss Catharine GORES; she was born in Prussia.
Page 1163 - Joseph SCHNEIDER, proprietor Phoenix House, Main street; he was born in Prussia, July 3, 1840; emigrated to America with his parents in 1852, and settled in Albany, N.Y., where they lived about fourteen months; then moved to Toledo, Ohio, in 1854; lived there about two years, then moved to Oshkosh, Wis.; he worked at lumbering in winters and summers worked in saw-mills for ten years; he began hotel keeping in 1874, and has since continued that business; he was married in Oshkosh, Wis., in October, 1865, to Miss Tracy HESS, who was born in Bavaria, Germany; they have three children - Joseph, William and Dalia.
Page 1163 - Hugo SCHROTTKY, engineer G.W. PRATT; was born in Prussia in 1841; learned engineering and millwrighting in Prussia and came to the United States in 1860; located in New York City; enlisted May 8, 1861, in Co. F, 20th N.Y.S.V.I.; mustered out in 1863; came to Wisconsin in 1864, and located in Ripon; engaged in engineering; in February, 1880, moved to Oshkosh, followed millwrighting for a time, and engaged in present position in 1881; married in Milwaukee in 1864, to Miss Louisa LIEBER of Milwaukee; they have six children - Annie, Ellen, Henry, Louisa, Bertha and Arthur. Mr. S. is a member of the G.A.R. of Ripon.
Page 1163 - Louis SCHWALENK, paints and oils; commenced business in 1875; carried stock of about $3,000; was born in Leipsic, Prussia, Dec. 15, 1824; came to the United States in 1850, and located in Winnebago Co., and engaged in farming; came to Oshkosh in the fall of 1853, and commenced in 1854 the saloon and grocery business; was for a time brewing in the county, but lost his buildings by fire in 1864; was in the saloon and grocery business off and on about twenty-two years; married in Germany, March,7, 1850, to Miss Rosina MEISENER; they have two children living - Alvina, now Mrs. E. BEIGLER, and Emma.
Page 1163 - George SCOTT, foreman; was born in Washington Co., Maine, in 1842; followed the business of milling, filing, etc., up to 1862, when he enlisted in Co. F, 22d Regt. Me. Vol.; was mustered out in 1863, and then went to the 25th Maine as a member of brigade band; came to Wisconsin in 1864 and located in Oshkosh; has been foreman of mill since. Mr. S. was married in Washington Co. Me., Nov. 16, 1858, to Miss Ida A. KNIGHT, of Washington Co.; they have three children living - Mary, Frank F. and John C.
Page 1163 - Jesse R. SCOTT, lumber manufacturer; was born at Calais, Maine, April 30, 1830; resided for three years in St. Lawrence Co., N.Y., prior to moving to Oshkosh in August, 1855. Mr. SCOTT has been engaged in his present business ever since he came here; he was married at Calais, Me., March, 1852, to Charlotte A. WHITE, a native of St. John, Province of New Brunswick; they have five children - Lorenzo D., Frank L., Herbert C., John W. and Edwin C.
Pages 1163 & 1164 - Lyman C. SESSION, GILL's Block, Division street; dealer in genuine SINGER Sewing Machines; located in May, 1870, He was born in Saratoga Co., N.Y., Aug. 8, 1825; he lived at home until he was fourteen years of age, then learned the tailor's trade, in Johnstown, Fulton Co., N.Y., working four or five years; returned home and enlisted in the Regular Army, in Co. K, 1st U.S.I.; engaged in the Mexican war, in the battle of Palo Alto; the next day a continuation of the same battle; Monterey, Tampico; and in that division of the army that Gen. SCOTT took from Gen .TAYLOR. He was discharged for physical disability at Tampico; he then worked his way back to N.Y. State, where he remained three or four years; then went to Neenah, Wis., and began his trade, worked three or four years; then to Ripon for one year; then returned to Neenah, until 1870; then moved to Oshkosh, where he has been since engaged. He has sold the same brand of sewing machines for seventeen years, and evidently understands his business. He has three men employed working for him. He was married in Neenah, Wis., Dec. 31, 1852, to Miss Margaret Jane HEDGINS, who was born in Philadelphia, Penn., in 1836; they have five children - George N., May E., Lillie A., Willet A. and Margaret Jennett.
Page 1164 - George T. SHARP, filer, for B. & Co., was born in Steuben Co., N.Y., in 1837; ands from there moved to Wisconsin in 1856, locating in Oshkosh; commenced sawing in mill, which he followed some four years, the commenced filing, which he has followed since in the employ of different firms. He was away five winters in saw-mill near Fort Howard. He enlisted in Oshkosh, in 1864, as mechanic, and was engaged four months bridge-building, etc. Mr. S. was married in Oshkosh, in 1861, to Miss Olive SKINNER, of Onondaga Co., N.Y.
Page 1164 - William SHELL, yard foreman for BUCKSTAFF Bros., was born in Fond du Lac, Wis., April 1, 1849; was engaged in that city as foreman of lumber yards for a number of years; came to Oshkosh in 1880, and engaged with present firm. He was married in Fond du Lac, March 26, 1872, to Miss Ida WEYMER; they have one child. Mr. S. is a member of the Temple of Honor.
Page 1164 - Austin SLATTERY, foreman of PAIGE's Foundry, molders, was born in Montello, Sept. 15, 1850; his parents, Patrick and Mary (VAUGHN) SLATTERY, moved to Oshkosh in 1868, and in this city the subject of this sketch learned his trade, which he has followed some four or five years.
Page 1164 - Casper SMITH, of the firm GUSTAVUS & Co., flour mills, was born in Obailand, Prussia, in 1843; came to the United States in 1857; located in Winnebago Co., Wis,; enlisted November, 1861, in Co. F, 19th W.S.V., and served until mustered out in 1865; was wounded in front of Petersburg, and in his recovery, was attached to the ambulance train, in which he served about eleven months. He returned to Wisconsin at the close of the war, and farmed in summer, and lumbered in winter time; moved into Oshkosh in 1876, and formed present firm. He was married in Oshkosh in 1867, to Miss Mary A. ROOT; they have three children - Frank, Ralph and Clara. Mr. SMITH is a member of the following societies - A., F. & A.M., A.O.U.W., American Legion of Honor and G.A.R.
Page 1164 - George W. SNELL, of the firm of A. & G. SNELL, dealers in general line groceries, farmers' produce, etc., 82 Algoma street. established February, 1872. Mr. S. was born in Anson, Somerset Co., Me., Jan. 11, 1829; he began business for himself at the age of eighteen years; he followed the manufacture of cotton cloth two years in Cabotville; twenty years in Lowell, Mass., and two years in Hookset, N.H.; then went to Fond du Lac, Wis., in October, 1870, where he worked at the trade of machinist and other work three years; then went to Oshkosh, Wis., and engaged in the latter business. He enlisted in Lowell, Mass., in 1861, in Co. A, 6th Mass. I.V., and served three months; he then enlisted in the same company and regiment in Aug. 31, 1862, and was in the battles of West Branch Church, Oct. 3; Franklin, Oct. 24; Lawrence Plantation, Nov. 18, Joiner's Ford, Jan. 3; deserted House Church, April 11, and battle of Suffolk, lasting eleven days. He was promoted to Second Lieutenant, and was mustered out in Lowell, Mass. His was the famous Massachusetts 6th Regiment, assaulted in Baltimore. Mr. SNELL has two brothers killed in the war - Walter and Cyrus; Walter was killed when carrying dispatches, and Cyrus was killed in the battle of the Wilderness.
Page 1164 - Peter H. SOPER, sawyer, McM. & Co., was born in Delaware, Delaware Co., Ohio, Oct. 30, 1830. His parents moved to Sangamon Co., Ill., in 1839, and from there to Wisconsin in 1843, locating in Walworth County, where they engaged in farming. The subject of this sketch enlisted March 21, 1847, in 4th Regular Infantry and served until March 21, 1852, when he was mustered out in California; returned to the States and engaged in milling a short time and also in mining up to 1859, when he located in Winnebago County; engaged in milling. May 10, 1861, he enlisted in Co. G, 5th W.V.I., as Orderly Sergeant; mustered out May 17, 1865; took part in all the marches and engagements of his regiment during this time; was wounded three times; returned to Winnebago County and moved to Oshkosh in 1873. He was married in Poughkeepsie, N.Y., Oct. 17, 1863, to Miss Eliza S. ROBERTSON, of Brooklyn, N.Y. They have five children - Carrie A., Eugenia E., Amy C., Fred E., George.
Page 1164 - William SPIKES & Co., furniture, undertaking, etc.; firm composed of William SPIKES and Joseph STRINGHAM, and was organized May, 1875; employ four men; carry stock worth about $12,000, and do a business of about $30,000 yearly.
Page 1164 - William SPIKES, of above firm, was born in Londonderry, Ireland, March, 1832; came to United States in 1849; located in Boston and learned trade of cabinet making; remained there about two years and then removed to St. Johnsbury, Vt., where he followed his trade; in 1853 he came to Wisconsin, located in Oshkosh and worked at this trade up to January, 1862, when he enlisted in Co. B, 3d Cavalry; was mustered out in February, 1865; returned to Oshkosh, and for a time resumed his trade; in 1865 bought an interest with SOPER, and two years later sold out to his partner and took charge of the business, continuing in this position up to 1875. He was married in Boston in 1849 to Miss Matilda TAGGERT. They have one daughter - Eliza Jane. Mr. SPIKES is a member of the A., F. & A.M. Lodge, Chapter and Council, and G.A.R. Mr. S. was a City Alderman for one year.
Page 1164 - Willard SPRAGUE, engineer Diamond Match Co., born in Green Co., N.Y., Sept. 30, 1848; in 1868 he removed to Wisconsin and located in Fond du Lac County, where he remained engaged in farming until he came to Oshkosh in 1870; engaged in firing when he first came to the city; made an engagement with J. L. CLARK & Son in 1870, and remained with them until they sold out, when he took a position with their successors. He was married in Oshkosh July 24, 1870, to Miss Sarah JOHNSTON, of Oshkosh. They have two children - George Elmer, Stella May.
Page 1164 - George B. STREETER, lumberman and logger, began lumbering in 1863; employs usually twenty-five men during the season; gets out an average 2,000,000 feet yearly, and sells his product usually to the manufacturers in Oshkosh and Fond du Lac. He was born at Whitefield, N.H., Jan. 28, 1830; he was about twenty-one years of age when he began business for himself. His father, Ezekiel STREETER, was a lumberman in the New England States, where George B. first followed the business until 1855; then went to Oshkosh where he worked for others by the month about eight years, after which he began business for himself and has since continued. He was married in Oshkosh, June 19, 1861, to Miss Adeline C. REYNOLDS, who was born in Greenfield, N.H. They have four children - Edward E., Merton R., Stella C and Ben.
Page 1164 - Gabriel STREICH, firm of A. STREICH & Bros. (established in 1855 by John F. STEICH); they employ thirteen men; they build about 200 wagons and two-seated buggies, sleighs and four-wheel saw-mill dump carts yearly; also heavy mill and brewery wagons; they are also extensive manufacturers of BABBIT metals for filling boxes in machinery. Mr. G. STREICH was born in West Prussia, city of Charnekau, Sept. 17, 1846; emigrated to America in 1854; he first worked eleven years in a machine-shop; then began with his brother and formed a co-partnership as above noted. He was married in Oshkosh, Wis., Oct. 24, 1870 to Miss Augusta KREPPANE, who was born in Saxony, Germany; she died Feb. 9, 1878. They had five children - Clara A.N., Alma (deceased), Walter (deceased), E. Hatwig, August F. (deceased); he was married to Miss Louisa WIREHAUST; she was born in Wisconsin June 24, in 1879, near Oshkosh.
Page 1165 - George F. STROUD. One of the most public-spirited and enterprising business men of the city is George F. STROUD. He was born Dec. 10, 1836, in Willsboro, Essex Co., N.Y. His father, William D. STROUD, is a native of New Hampshire, and his mother, whose maiden name was Laura A. LEE, was born in Vermont. Two of Mr. STROUD's ancestors on his mother's side were signers of the Declaration of Independence, In 1851, Mr. STROUD's family emigrated to Wisconsin and located at Oshkosh the 15th day of April in that year. For some time, George F. STROUD attended a select school, and afterward assisted his father in the management of his farm, and also in getting out building stone from the stone quarry now known as the LUTZ quarry, which was managed at the time by William D. STROUD. He next engaged as a traveling salesman for a Rochester nursery until the fall of 1867, In that year he engaged in the paint and oil trade, and, in the spring of 1868, opened the first store in the State devoted exclusively to this specialty. The business proved successful from the start. Commencing in a way, with limited capital, it gradually increased, until it now requires two large stores and two warehouses, and STROUD's traveling salesmen visit every town and village in Northern Wisconsin. Mr. STROUD married Dec. 29, 1859, to Miss Angeline F. REED, sister of Maj. L. B. REED, and has three children. Mr. STROUD is always ready to encourage and promote any enterprise which promises to benefit the city, and is ever foremost in all public works. He is an active member of the Business Men's Association, and, in connection with Mayor BECKWITH and Ossian COOK, worked up a subscription which secured to the city the carriage works of PARSONS & GOODFELLOW, which now employ upward of 150 men. During the political campaign of 1880, Mr. STROUD was President of the GARFIELD and ARTHUR Club, and performed his arduous duties in the same energetic and whole-souled manner which characterizes all his business transactions. Mr. STROUD is emphatically a self-made man, and one who deserves great credit for the success which has marked his efforts.
Page 1165 - W. D. STROUD, agricultural implements; commenced his present business in 1878; has the agency of the Warrior Mowers, BUFORD, DEERE & Co., Moline Company, and FURST & BRADLEY's walking and sulky plows, MANNY Mower and reaper, and Appleton seeder and cultivator. Was born in Essex Co., N.Y., July 10, 1808. His parents were originally from Connecticut. Mr. S. was engaged in iron business with the Peru Iron Company until he moved West; came to Wisconsin in 1852 and settled in Oshkosh. Engaged in farming and also operated a stone quarry; worked the latter for fourteen years; sold his farm in 1868, and went into patent rights, a business he followed until 1878. Mr. S. was married at Wilmington, Clinton Co., N.Y., Jan. 22, 1832, to Laura Ann LEE, a native of New York. They have had nine children - William, Laura (now Mrs. E. S. THOMPSON), George F., Horace, Amanda (now Mrs. R. J. HARNEY), Albert, James, Irene (married Rev. J. BLYMAN) and Charles. Mr. STROUD is a member of the Methodist Church.
Page 1165 - Samuel SUTTON, foreman of PAIGE's foundry, was born in Liverpool, England, March 7, 1835; came to the United States in 1850; located in Baltimore, where he learned his trade and remained until 1861, when he moved to Wisconsin, locating in Oshkosh, and worked at his trade. Mr. S. had charge of shops at Grand Rapids some fifteen months. He was married in Baltimore to Miss Mary LLEWELLYN, of Baltimore, a native of Wales. They have eight children living - Mary A., Louisa, Lizzie, George, Thomas, Samuel, William and Margaret. Mr. S. is a member of the A.O.U.W., Legion of Honor and Royal Templars.
Page 1165 -- A. M. THOMES, engaged in land hunting, locating and examining pine lands; settled in Oshkosh, Wis., in 1854; was born in Harrison, Cumberland Co., Me., Jan. 16, 1821. He was reared on a farm, where he lived until he was twenty-five years of age; clerked in a store some time, then went to Boston, Mass., clerked two years, then went to Oshkosh, Wis., in 1854. He there engaged in land-looking and lumbering the second year of his residence there, and continued the same until April, 1861; then enlisted in Co. E, 2d W.V.I., was engaged in the two battles of Bull Run, Gainesville, Antietiem, South Mountain, and many skirmishes, and was mustered out at Washington, D.C., in January, 1863. He returned home and the following winter was drafted; paid $300 for a substitute. He engaged in lumbering until 1866, then went to Kansas City, Mo., and became one of the firm F.O. & A.M. THOMES, dealers in wooden goods, where he continued one year, sold out and returned to Oshkosh, and since has been in business as above noted.
Page 1165 - Dr. John R. THOMSON, First Assistant Superintendent of the Northern Hospital for the Insane, was born in Northumberland, England, July 20, 1845. His parents came to United States in 1847 and located in New York City. The subject of this sketch received a common-school education in New York, and, in 1857, he went to Scotland, where he remained until 1861, pursuing his classical studies. On his return to the United States, he engaged in the drug business in New York City. In 1869, he entered Columbia College and graduated in 1872; was then surgeon on an Atlantic steamer for a short time; after practicing medicine in New York about one year, and in Colorado some three years, he then took a position in the Northern Hospital for the Insane. He was married in Appleton, Wis., May, 1880, to Miss Annie GALPIN; they have one child - Georgina. Dr. THOMSON is a member of the A., F. & A.M. Lodge and Chapter.
Page 1165 - E. W. TILTON, agent for branch CROOKE's & Co.'s saws, emery wheels, and diamond tools; saw-repairing a specialty, also patentee of TILTON's slotted circular saws. Mr. TILTON was born in Charleston, Penobscot Co., Me., June 1, 1828, where he lived until 1856. He learned his trade in Bangor Me., and followed the same in Calais, Me., eight years previous to emigrating to Oshkosh in 1856, where he has since made the above his principal business. Mr. TILTON is one of pioneers of Oshkosh and vicinity, and was the first saw-maker who located in this part of Wisconsin. He was married in Calais, Me., Jan. 11, 1853, to Miss Nancy M. ELLSWORTH; she was born in Calais, Me., in 1834. They have four children - Helen M., Mark H., Edward W., Jr., and Benjamin E., all at home.
Page 1165 - A. A. TOBEY, yard foreman for CONLEE Bros., was born in Somerset, Me., July 6, 1845; came to Wisconsin in 1875; located in Winnebago County and engaged in farming, which he followed three years, and then moved to Oshkosh. He was married in Somerset Co., Me., Oct. 16, 1872, to Miss Olive SNELL, of Somerset County. They have two children - William ad Henry.
Page 1165 - John and Robert TURNER, lumbermen. The brothers came here from Vermont in 1855, and engaged in the lumbering industry, which they have successfully prosecuted since.
Page 1165 - G. E. TYRRELL, of the firm COZIER & TYRRELL, lawyers, was born in Fulton Co., N.Y., in February, 1858; came to Oshkosh with parents in 1870; received his schooling at graded and high schools in the city. Was admitted to practice at bar in 1879.
Page 1165 - J. H. VAN DOREN, dealer in general line of groceries, crockery, seed, notions, cigars, etc., 17 Main street. He was born in Steuben Co., N.Y., Jan. 17, 1847. He settled in Nekimi, five miles from Oshkosh, and lived with parents until he came to this city in 1855; located in his present place of business in 1878, and began on a capital of $2,000, in company with another party, under the firm name of HOLMES & VAN DOREN, which they continued until Feb. 23, 1881, since which time he has had the whole business. He was married in Nekimi, Wis., March, 1869, to Miss Anna M. COOK, who was born in same town. Have four children - Guy A., Flora M., Ray N. and Dee W.
Page 1165 - A. VON KAAS, drugs, successor to R. GUENTHER, carry stock of about $4,000 to $5,000, strictly drugs, no paints and oils; sales about $12,000 yearly. Was born in Sheboygan Co., Wis., Jan. 18, 1854, his parents having located there two years previously; educated in Sheboygan in Graded and High School; came to Oshkosh in 1871, and went into GUENTHER�s store. Mr. Van KAAS is a member of "Centennial" Lodge, No. 205, A., F. & A.M., "Casino" Musical Society, Turners and Oshkosh Yacht Club.
Page 1166 - B. E. VAN KEUREN, of PIKE & VAN KEUREN, lawyers, was born in Utica, Winnebago Co., Wis., in 1851; entered Ripon College in 1871 and remained until 1875, when he entered Appleton College; read law with Moses HOPPER and was admitted to the bar in April, 1878, and to practice in the Supreme Court January term, 1881. He was married in Oshkosh September, 1879, to Miss Hattie THOMAS, of Oshkosh. They have one child - Emmett B., born Nov. 18, 1880. Mr. Van K. is a member of the First Congregational Church and of Association of "Royal T. of T."
Page 1166 - William WAKEMAN, Jr., dealer in all kinds of fresh and salt meats, also does a general packing and jobbing business, 150 Main street; employs eight or ten men; established 1860. He was born in Birmingham, England, June 6, 1843. His parents emigrated to America in 1847 and settled in Racine Co.; lived there five years, then went to Indian Land, near Berlin, and lived one summer; then went to De Pere, Wis., and lived eight years; then moved to Waupun, where they lived six months; then to Oshkosh. Mr. W. took entire control of the meat market, then grown into an extensive business, in September, 1875, which was established by his father, William WAKEMAN, Sr. They suffered the loss of their shop, dwelling house and warehouse during the great fires, aggregating a loss of $20,000. They now have a large trade and do considerable wholesaling. William WAKEMAN, Jr., was married in Oshkosh, Wis., Jan. 26, 1865, to Miss Rebecca L. HAMER, who was born in Kenosha, Wis. They have two children - Carrie C. and Mary.
Page 1166 - Hon. George W. WASHBURN, lawyer, was born in Livermore, now Androscoggin Co., Maine, Oct. 29, 1823; came to Oshkosh in June, 1847. He was a member of the State Senate in 1859-60; has served as County Judge, and for six years he was Judge of Circuit Court, besides holding various city and county offices. The Judge has been most interested in real estate and lumbering most of the time since he came to Wisconsin. For the last five years he has given nearly his entire time to his logging and pine interests. In November, 1850, he was married, at Oshkosh, to Sarah B. STRICKLAND, a native of Livermore, Maine. They have four children - Clara W., now Mrs. Charles H. MORGAN, of Lamar, Mo.; John R., associated with his father in lumber business; Mary and Alice.
Page 1166 - S. H. WATERMAN, filer, with McMILLEN, was born in Norwich, Windsor Co., Vt., Dec. 23, 1844; came to Wisconsin in 1863, and located in Oshkosh; engaged in milling and general occupations, sawing two seasons. Has been filing since 1865, and with his present employer since fall of 1874.He was married in Oshkosh, Dec. 24, 1865, to Miss Maria L. HOWARD, of Oshkosh, They have three children - Albert J., Alice M., and Grace E. Mr. WATERMAN is a member of the A., F & A.M., and of I.O.O.F.
Page 1166 - David WETHERBY, lumberman and logger. He was born in New Brunswick, Oct. 1, 1823, and began work for his father, David WETHERBY, of the St. Croix River, in Maine and New Brunswick, at the age of nineteen years, where he followed lumbering until 1855, and in September of the same year came to Oshkosh, Wis.; he first worked four years for other parties in the pineries, and began business on his own hook in the winter of 1859; he employs about thirty men during the logging season, and gets out on an average two million to three million feet; for the last seven years, he has been engaged in the Little Wolf pineries, and sells his products in Oshkosh and Fond du Lac. He was married in New Brunswick, Sept. 22, 1847, to Miss Eliza A. McCULLOUGH, who was born in the latter place; they have three children living - Joseph M., now married and engaged for his father in the pineries; Nettie M., now married to Mr. Evan EWENS and living in the city; David T., at home.
Page 1166 - James H. WEED, lumber manufacturer; came to Oshkosh in 1846; engaged in mercantile business for many years after coming here; in 1862, he built his present saw-mill, and since then he has been extensively engaged in the manufacture of lumber. Mr. WEED is recognized as a public-spirited citizen, and has contributed largely toward promoting the interests of Oshkosh.
Page 1166 - A. W. WEISBROD, lawyer; was born in Oshkosh Oct. 4, 1851; he graduated from the Classical Department of the Michigan University at Ann Arbor, and spent two years in the universities of Berlin, Heidelberg and Leipsic, in Germany; prior to going to Europe, he had commenced the study, and when he returned to Oshkosh in 1873, he again took up that study, and, in October, 1874, was admitted to the bar; he was associated with his father, Charles A. WEISBROD, and Charles W. FELKER, in practice, until his father's death in 1876; afterward, for about one year, he continued with Mr. FELKER; since January, 1879, he has been engaged in practice with Henry B. HARSHAW. Mr. WEISBROD's father was born in Germany, and came to Oshkosh in 1849; he was one of the leading lawyers of this region, and for ten years prior to his death (May 21, 1876) he had been a partner with Charles W. FELKER; his widow (Eliza GOETZ WEISBROD) still resides at Oshkosh.
Page 1166 - C. S. WESTON, dealer in a general line of groceries, provisions, and commission business, 15 Main street. He settled in Oshkosh, Wis., in 1858, and began buying produce of all kinds, making trips of Fox River from Oshkosh to Portage City, following that two years; bought live stock two years, shipping to Chicago and the Lake Superior region, and established his grocery trade in 1862; he was very successful, but during the great fires which laid the city in ruins he lost heavily; he now has a fine store and is doing a good trade. Mr. W. made a trip to the famous Black Hills of Dakota in the spring of 1878; remained during the summer season; returned soon, and has since continued his business as noted. He was born in Warren, Litchfield Co., Conn., June 5, 1826; was married, Jan. 17, 1857, in Akron, Ohio, to Miss Philena M. STILWELL, who was born near the latter city; they have four sons - Wilbur K., now married and doing business in Florence, Wis.; Frank D., assisting his father; Harry B., at home learning telegraphy; Warren, attending school; Maud, now deceased.
Page 1166 - Frank WESCOTT, tank maker in SCHMIT Bros.' factory. Mr. WESCOTT was born in England Dec. 21, 1839, and emigrated to America in 1860. He was a member of the British army, and went to Halifax, Nova Scotia; remained in the army five years and eight months; was then discharged Aug. 20, 1863. He then went to New York City, lived there a short time, went to Chicago, Ill., and learned the trunk maker's trade, remaining three years. Went to Racine and followed his trade in company with SCHMIT Bros., being a partner. He came to Oshkosh, Wis., in 1868, and has been there since, engaged as above noted. He was married, in Oshkosh, Wis., May 1, 1871, to Miss Susannah TRAUSCH, who was born in the Grand Duchy of Luxemburg, Germany.
Page 1166 - George WHITTAKER, of the firm of C. HEIM & Co., marble dealers. Mr. WHITTAKER was born in Scotland Sept. 8, 1843, and emigrated to America in 1848, with his parents, and settled in Paterson, N. J., where they lived one year. Then moved to Milwaukee, Wis., and lived there until 1862, and learned a portion of his trade. He enlisted in Co. F, 24th W.V.I.; served during the war, and was engaged in the battles of Perryville, Stone River, Chickamauga, Mission Ridge, Resaca, Peach Tree Creek, Atlanta, Jonesboro, Franklin, Nashville, Dallas, Kenesaw Mountain and all the principal battles of that vicinity. Was mustered out at Nashville, Tenn., in June, 1865. He returned to Milwaukee and engaged in marble cutting one year. Went to Chicago, Ill., and followed his trade until 1870. Went to New York City, worked three months at the same. Then to Boston, Mass., worked at his trade five years, and returned to Milwaukee and worked at his trade three years. Then kept a summer resort until Oct. 13, 1880, when he moved to Oshkosh, Wis., and engaged in the marble business. He was married, in Chicago, Ill., May, 1875, to Miss Eliza DAILY, who was born in Milwaukee, Wis. They have three children - Dorrit, Nellie and Charles.
Pages 1166 & 1167 - Franz WILLE, dealer in general line hardware. stoves and tinware, 25 Main street, established his store in 1867. Trade amounts to $23,000 per annum in good business times. He employs two men. He was born in Germany in Kingdom, Prussia, Sept. 23, 1825. Emigrated to America in 1843, and located in Milwaukee, Wis.; followed different kinds of business; also clerked for the once hardware king, Mr. John NAZRO, a number of years. He then came to Oshkosh in 1867, his goods arriving before he did. He was married, in Milwaukee, in 1854, to Miss Emily BUESTRIN, who was born in Milwaukee. They have five children living - John, Edward, Ida, Richard and Ada. His oldest son, John, is now married and living in Oshkosh.
Page 1167 - George M. WILLAMSON, of the firm of WILLIAMSON, LIBBEY & Co., sash, door and blind manufacturers; was born in Melrose-on-the-Tweed, Scotland, Feb. 18, 1830; came to Schenectady, N.Y., with his parents in 1833. In 1854, he went to California, where he remained two years. In September, 1856, he came to Oshkosh, Wis.; engaged in carpenter and joiner business here until 1864, when he entered the employ of MORGAN Bros., and was connected with their planing-mill until 1866, when he became a partner in the firm of GRIFFITH & CO., who purchased the planing-mill of MORGAN Bros. In 1870, the firm of G. M. WILLIAMSON & Co. was formed, and continued until the establishment of the present firm of WILLIAMSON, LIBBEY & Co., which is composed of G. M. WILLIAMSON, J. J. CAMERON, J. R. JONES and D. L. LIBBEY.
Page 1167 - Henry WILSON, foreman of W. L. & Co.; was born in Lincoln Co., Maine, Sept. 17, 1820; was first engaged in milling business in Maine. About 1854, he moved to Williamsport, Penn., and engaged in same business. Came to Wisconsin in 1859, located in Oshkosh, and engaged in filing, which he followed until he enlisted in 1861, in Co. B, 3d W.V.I.; taken prisoner in 1862 in BANK's retreat in Shenandoah Valley. He was sent to Belle Isle, where he remained some four months; then exchanged and discharged for disability. Returned to Oshkosh for a time, and then he removed to Chicago, Ill., where he remained some twelve years engaged as foreman of a planing-mill. Then returned to Oshkosh, where he finally located. Has been with present firm six years. Was married, in Chicago, in 1865, to Mary REYNOLDS, of Chicago. Mrs. R. had at time two children by her former husband - George (died in 1881), John R., now in Oshkosh. Mr. WILSON is a member of I.O.O.F.
Page 1167 - Andrew WILSON, lumberman, also dealer in real estate, mining lands, etc. He first located in Racine, Wis., in 1843; farmed one year; moved to Walworth Co. in 1844; engaged in farming six years, then moved to Omro, Wis., and located and engaged in lumber business until within a few years. He also has recently completed a fine large brick building, costing about $8,000, in Omro, Wis. to be used for stores and offices. Mr. W. has been a resident of Oshkosh, Wis., since October, 1880. He was born in Onondaga Co., N.Y., in 1821. Was married in Omro, Wis., in 1868, to Miss Julia E. HOLCOMB, who was born in Essex Co., Vt. They have five children - Harley S., now married and living in Omro, farming, Myron E., Cora E., Mary E. and Fannie L. Mr. W. is a member of the Commandery Lodge of Masons. He went on a pleasure trip to California in fall, 1875, taking his family with him and spent two years on the Pacific Coast.
Page 1167 - E. Barton WOOD, M.D., Principal of High School; born in 1838, at Whitestown, N.Y.; graduated at Hamilton College, Clinton, N.Y., in 1864; enlisted in 1863, in 3d Artillery, N.Y. Vol.; promoted to Reg. Com. Sergeant, then to Regt. Q.M. Sergeant; then 2d Lieutenant. Soon after promoted to 1st Lieutenant. He was in command of a battery a number of months, under Gen SCOFIELD; joined Gen. SHERMAN at Goldsboro, and went to Raleigh. Lieutenant WOOD was allowed a furlough to return to Hamilton College in 1864, having kept up his college studies. He resigned from the army in May, 1865. Was clerk in Quartermaster's department till August, 1865; engaged as Principal of Ward School, in Troy, N.Y. In 1866, Principal of Loweville Academy. In 1867, an offer was made to Lieutenant WOOD from Romeo, Mich., to establish a system of graded schools; left there 1873, for Racine, to be Principal of High School; came to Oshkosh in 1874 and has been Principal of High School ever since. He is a very popular man, and his teaching is highly successful. His graduates take high positions as teachers. In 1865, he married Sarah TOLMAN, of Medford, Mass.; she died July, 1867. He married again in 1870, Miss Helen PALEN, of Romeo, Mich. They have three children - Jessie P., aged nine years, Alfred E., seven years, and Clinton, of five years. Mr. WOOD is a member of the First Presbyterian Church here, now elder and trustee.
Page 1167 - L. B. WRIGHT, filer for RADFORD Bros., was born in Tioga Co., N.Y., April 16, 1840. His parents, Joseph and Phoebe (NEAL) WRIGHT, came to Wisconsin in 1858, settling in Oshkosh where they still live, they celebrated their golden wedding Sept. 22, 1881. L. B. engaged in saw-mills as a young man, settling for a short time, and filing and sawing since 1862 with the exception of two summers he was away from Oshkosh; with present firm since 1880. He was married in Fremont, Waupaca Co., Wis. April 16,1861, to Miss Susan ISBEL. They have two children - Curtis Joseph and Charles Henry.
Page 1167 - Wm. H. WYMAN, engineer at FOOTE Bros.' mill, was born in Montpelier, Vt., Feb. 16, 1853. His parents came to Wisconsin in 1859, and located in Berlin; they remained until about 1865, when they returned to Vermont. Wm. H. left home in 1869, and lived at different places; was in St. Paul, Minn. about two years, engaged as engineer; has followed his business, in all, some seven or eight years; engaged with present firm April, 1881.
Page 1167 - W. WYLAND, manufacturer of carriages, wagons, and repairing done, also general blacksmithing. Mr. W. was born in Elkhart Co., Ind., Sept. 1, 1843; settled in Oshkosh, July 14, 1871; first worked at his trade for other parties, and began for himself in 1878. He began in a small way at first, but now has all he can attend to. Was married in Oshkosh, June 17, 1874, to Miss Jennie McMILLEN, who was born in Tioga Co., N.Y., in 1853. They have one son named Levi A. Mr. W. enlisted in Co. C, 11th Reg. Mich, Inft., Oct. 28, 1864; served eleven months and was mustered out at Jackson, Mich., Sept. 28, 1864.
