Gambar halaman
PDF
ePub

become Governor. It is not easy for those who never witnessed the process of starting a city to comprehend the watchfulness and attentions of its founders in regard to visitors, explorers and newcomers in search of homes in a locality which gives the best promise of growth and prosperity. La Crosse was remarkably fortunate in this respect, as it fell into the hands of bright, prompt, active, resolute men of hope, nerve and energy, and if they made vivid and gorgeous pictures of future greatness for this city, they certainly did their utmost to achieve success, and have their favorable predictions verified. John M. Levy's cordial welcome to La Crosse made strangers feel that they had found a father, who would adopt them as his children, and those pleasant greetings were invariably accompanied by substantial tokens of genuine friendship. "Scoots" Miller, from Skaneateles, N. Y., with his inexhaustible fund of wit and humor, was more entertaining than a circus. Francis M. Rublee, who came to La Crosse in April, 1851, when there were only five families here, had no equal in setting forth the glorious prospects of the "Gateway City." He was a valuable friend of La Crosse, as he was everlastingly engaged in business enterprises of various kinds, and inspired all who came in contact with him with hope and courage, and was determined this should be a great railroad center and commercial metropolis. Lieut. Gov. Timothy Burns, Judge George Gale, Col. C. A. Stevens, Deacon S. T. Smith, Revs. J. C. Sherwin and W. H. Card, were among the vigorous starters of La Crosse. With the incoming of such elements for building up society and business, it is not surprising the rapid progress of settlement in La Crosse during the years 1852-53-54, should have ushered into existence newspaper improvements in keeping with the growing resources and demands of an ambitious and progressive community. The La Crosse Democrat, although lacking the support received by its successors, was an improvement upon its predecessor; but it was not a bonanza for its owners, who, after a year of unprofitable experience in journalism, gladly retired from the field of newspaper strife early in 1854, after doing valiant service for the Democratic party, and making La Crosse favorably known throughout the country.

A perusal of the issues of this paper, during the year of its publication-1853-54-by Messrs. Stevens & Rogers, leaves a favorable impression of its ability and usefulness. Let us glance at some of its contents. Here is a choice item:

MARRIED In this village, July 21, 1853, by Rev. W. H. Card, Mr. Mons Anderson to Miss Jane Halverson, both of La Crosse.

TIMBER THIEVES.-From an article a column and a half long, in reply to one from the Minnesotian, the Democrat seems to have been favorable to the timber thieves, and quotes the report of Capt. Estes, United State Superintendent of Public Lands for Wisconsin, to the effect that "the interests of the whole Northwest were so intimately blended with the lumber interests, that to enforce, to the full extent, bis authority and the present laws, according to the old construction of them, would ruin hundreds of our best and most enterprising citizens, and destroy, in many instances, the growth of our most flourishing settlements-sound, judicious and discreet.”

RAILROAD.-Levi Burnell, Secretary of the La Crosse & Milwaukee Railroad Company, under date of Milwaukee, July 7, 1853, called in the second installment of $5 per share from the stockholders, etc. Judge Gale was also announced to canvass the upper country for stock subscriptions.

MAIL STAGE.-Announcement was made in issue of August 23, 1853, that Messrs. Parish & Heart, have the contract for carrying the mail between La Crosse and Baraboo, via Sparta, once a week each way; and that they will run a good covered wagon on this route for the accommodation of passengers, with stages twice a week between Baraboo and Madison, and between Baraboo and Portage.

Only a few of the eleven columns of advertisers are now alive and doing business in La Crosse. Let us look at them. At the head of the first column on first page, stands the card, and on the fourth page stands the advertisement, of the oldest druggist in La Crosse, and in the Northwest, our genial and excellent townsman, George Howard, on Front street, and here also, as we live, are the advertisements and cards of our popular and successful City Treasurer, George Scharpf, as draper and tailor, on Front street; M. M. Manville, as wholesale and retail dealer in stoves, tinware, etc., on Front street; Howard Cramer, Attorney, Counselor and Solicitor, and General Land Agent, Black River Falls, Jackson County, Wis.; W. W. Ustick, dealer in furniture, stoves, groceries, saws, etc., on Front street; T. C. Fuhr, stoves, etc., on Front street; John M. Levy, forwarding, storage and commission merchant, and wholesale and retail dealer in pork, flour, grain, liquors, provisions, dry goods, clothing, boots and shoes, hardware, crockery, stoneware, etc., etc., on Front street, opposite his wharf-boat; S. T. Smith &

Co., wholesale commission and forwarding merchants, No. 3, Front street; N. Hintzen, groceries, provisions, etc., Front street; F. M. Rublee & Co., two columns of announcements of dry goods, groceries, crockery, boots and shoes, etc., etc., No. 2 Front street; C. C. Washburn and C. Woodman, attorneys at law and land agents (offering to locate lands on credit). Mineral Point, Wis.; and notice of United States Land Office sale, over the names of Cyrus K. Lord, Register, and Theodore Rodolf, Receiver.

The year 1854 brought new and greater demands upon the press of La Crosse. After the La Crosse Democrat was discontinued by Messrs. Stevens and Rogers, in the early part of 1854, arrangements were made for the publication of two newspapers instead of one. For the greater

part of the previous year, the Democrat had to perform double service; as, besides pleading the cause of the Democracy under the editorship of Col. Stevens, a portion of every issue was at the disposal of Samuel D. Hastings (then a resident of La Crosse, subsequently State Treasurer from 1858 to 1866 inclusive, and now a citizen of Madison, Wis.), for the advocacy of Temperance, and a mild sort of anti-slavery Republicanism. Each of the two parties needed an outspoken and reliable party organ. Under the auspices of the United States Land Offices and prominent members of the Democratic party,

66
THE LA CROSSE NATIONAL DEMOCRAT,"

owned, edited and published by Col. Theodore Rodolf and Judge Cyrus K. Lord (Receiver and Register of the United States Land Office), commenced July 6, 1854.

On the 11th of October, 1854, Mr. Fred A. Moore bought Col. Rodolf's interest in the National Democrat; and Dr. A. P. Blakeslee bought Judge Lord's half of the concern on December 12, 1855, after which, until the sale of his interest to Mr. C. P. Sykes, November 10, 1859, Dr. Blakeslee was managing editor, and practically the sole publisher, as Mr. Moore contributed to the local department of the paper at pleasure, and left the Doctor in undisputed control. Dr. Blakeslee was a sharp and pungent writer, a vigorous speaker, a great reader, a keen observer, and a terrible adversary. He followed the political fortunes of that portion of the Democracy that recognized Stephen A. Douglas, as leader. When stormy campaigns were in progress, the National Democrat was "a scorcher," and it was no child's play to encounter the vigorous Doctor's trenchant pen, or withering speech. He could both write and talk, and any adversary who incurred his displeasure, felt admonished that the day of awful reckoning had surely come. Those who remember Mr. Moore's peculiar style of journalism will not need to be reminded that local items were his jewels. He cared little or nothing about politics; but delighted in 'happening around" when least expected, to seize upon occurrences and incidents which would be aired, sometimes to the deep chagrin of persons who little thought he would dare to publish the particulars of affairs that they considered strictly and sacredly private, but which he regarded as "legal tender" and public property.

66

THE LA CROSSE INDEPENDENT REPUBLICAN."

This paper, edited and published by Mr. William C. Rogers, commenced August 16, 1854. It was a thirty-two column weekly newspaper, neatly printed, with new materials, in the best style of the printer's art, and will compare favorably with any newspaper of its size and resources at the present day. The mechanical execution of the Independent Republican was perfect. The local department of the paper was fairly and fully worked up. The general news and literary miscellany received merited attention; but the editorials of the Independent Republican lacked the vim, clearness and force which characterized the pointed and pungent productions of the editor of the National Democrat. It was, however, customary in those days to enlist in editorial service such persons as felt inspired to instruct the people in regard to political and local affairs: and thus both papers, although somewhat lacking symmetry of purpose, contrived to "tell the truth, the whole truth," and sometimes, perhaps, more than the truth. At any rate, it is safe to say, they maintained the freedom of the press without mental reservation. Mr. Rogers

health was not robust. He was a practical printer, a shrewd politician and a straight Whig Republican; but he was a quiet and unpretentious man, and did not attempt to splurge in his writings or business. He had in his office, as foreman and assistant for several years, a noted character, who would attract the attention of any multitude at a horse fair, ward caucus or world's convention. The older residents of La Crosse, who were here from 1855 to 1860, will just lay down on the grass, or carpets, or floor, and roll over with contagious laughter at the mention of "Gov. Seward's friend," Mr. Norman Eastman, he with the flat nose and slit lip.

PRESS ITEMS-1854 TO 1860.

Many of the occurrences of the six years from 1854 to 1859 inclusive, as related by the La Crosse National Democrat and the La Crosse Independent Republican, both issued weekly by the persons named, were and are of great interest; and a perusal of some of the items gleaned from the columns of these enterprising papers will, even now, after a quarter of a century, repay the reader for his time, and serve to give him a better and fresher view of La Crosse doings" than can otherwise be obtained. Let us glance at some of these gleanings as interesting reminiscences of the six years preceding the introduction of daily journalism in La Crosse :

[ocr errors]

1854. On the 13th of August, "the new party," called the Republican party, was organized in a convention of Anti-Slavery citizens of Wisconsin, held in Madison.

While Col. J. S. Simonton and Mr. Charles Alter were taking refuge from a thunder storm, the house of Mr. Noigle, a couple of miles east of the city, in which they were sitting, was struck by lightning, which came down the chimney, ran down the outside of Col. Simonson's double-barreled gun, broke the stock to pieces, and killed his dog which laid at his feet, without injuring any person in the house.

The Galena & Minnesota Packet Company advertised steamers Nominee, Capt. Lodwick; War Eagle, Capt. Harris; Galena, Capt. Morehouse; and Royal Arch, Capt. Glenn; for which the popular old Galena firm of Benjamin H. Campbell & Co. were agents. Many citizens of the Northwest can certify they were passengers on one of those August 23.

steamers.

"The livery stable of Peter Burns has lately passed into the hands of W. T. Price," who advertised first tri-weekly, and afterward daily stages, between Black River Falls and Prairie La Crosse.

[ocr errors][ocr errors][merged small][merged small]

"We want some enterprising man of capital to start a lumber yard. Such an establishment would do well.” July 29. W. W. Ustick and Mons Anderson formed a co-partnership.

August 27. Samuel D. Hastings and George Howard admitted into their firm Mr. Horall H. Grigg, of Philadelphia.

F. P. Bradish advertises boots and shoes of his own manufacture.

The Galena advertiser, A. H. Davis, manufacturer and wholesale dealer in confectionery, has his advertisement in the La Crosse papers since early in 1852.

From the Galena Gazette comes the announcement that a large number of leading citizens of Rock Co., Wis., had recently made a call on C. C. Washburn, Esq., of Mineral Point, Wis., to become the Republican candidate for Congress.

September 17. Married, by Rev. J. C. Sherwin, Mr. Walter Brown and Miss Abby Whitney.

September 20. C. C. Washburn, of Mineral Point, was announced as the Republican candidate for Congress, against Dr. Otis Hoyt, of Hudson, the Democratic candidate.

"The sale of United States lands, which commenced Monday, September 18, brought to our village a large number of those interested in the lumber business."

"Our friend, Mr. McConnell, arrived last Thursday with the steam ferry-boat."

The advertisement of Smith, Clinton & Co., at the stone store, occupies the entire fourth page of the paper. Several columns of both papers are devoted to reports of Republican and Democratic meetings held in La Crosse on evenings of September 20, 21 and 22, during the attendance of numerous citizens at the United States land sales. Milton Barlow presided over the Republican meeting, which was addressed mainly by C. C. Washburn. Edwin Flint presided over the Democratic meeting, which was addressed by Cyrus K. Lord. It would seem that the Democratic party at that time was divided on the Slavery and Anti-Slavery extension question.

settlers."

October 4. "The steamer War Eagle landed at our levee last evening over sixty passengers, mostly new "The first arrival of produce from the valley of Root River, Minnesota Territory, was brought down that river in a scow-boat and landed at our levee on Monday evening last. It consisted of quite a large quantity of potatoes, and a better article we have not seen."

Here is an item that will make the eyes of a Minnesotian of 1881 stick out with astonishment:

October 4, 1854, "The Minnesotian says that the wheat crop of that Territory for the present year is estimated at two hundred thousand bushels." In 1880 it exceeded forty millions of bushels.

"It is the wonder and surprise of all strangers who visit La Crosse to see the immense business done here." "We are pleased to learn that the route for a good wagon-road is being blazed' and staked out from opposite La Crosse toward the Big Bend' of St. Peter, of Minnesota River. The route is thronging with emigrants, and our steam ferry is crowded."

"The steamer Nominee, on her upward trip, when about sixteen miles below La Crosse, was sunk, on Thursday morning. The War Eagle brought up her passengers."

October 11. The Republican office, which had been on the west side of Third street, between Main and State, removed into the second story of the stone store, at foot of Main street.

"The announcement is made of the loss of the steamship Arctic, with four hundred lives, in the midst of a dense fog off Cape Race, on 27th September, bound for Liverpool.

"The steamer Galena landed about seventy passengers at La Crosse, and the Royal Arch about thirty more. Business continues good here, and immigration is on the increase. The boats come up the river crowded with passengers, and La Crosse gets her share. Every house is rented, and more wanted. Shanties are going up to shelter new-comers, and immigrants from across the country live in their wagons and put up tents."

The National Democrat says Washburn gave the editor of the Independent Republican $40. This was stoutly denied.

October 18. "At the close of the recent term of the Circuit Court, held in this village, Milton Barlow, Esq., was admitted as an attorney, pro forma, and last Saturday evening he did the fair thing in the shape of an oyster supper, at the New England House, to the members of the bar of La Crosse County."

October 25. "Our friend, Col. Rodolf, Receiver of the United States Land Office at this place, returned home on Sunday evening last, from an electioneering trip to the southern part of the district. He made several speeches during his absence."

November 1. "We have at last an organized fire department in La Crosse. The necessary steps are to be taken to procure an engine; and in the meantime a night-watch has been established to guard against fires, burglars, etc., A good move."

"Some of our merchants have suggested the idea of establishing a Board of Trade at this place. The thought is an excellent one, and ought to be carried out."

"The brick schoolhouse (now the First Ward) is completed."

[ocr errors]

Chicago and Galena are now united by railway."

"November 8. "Election over-Washburn elected to Congress." December 6. 46

'A week or two ago an excitement was manifested among some of our citizens, owing to the rumor that an attempt would be made to remove the county seat. The County Board stood five for removal and one against it. The place selected was Palmer's Mills, in Neshonoc." The action of the Board was defeated by operation of statute.

"It has been suggested to us by some of our prominent citizens, that steps be taken to secure for La Crosse a city charter," etc., etc.

December 20. Under the heading of "La Crosse & Milwaukee Railroad," the Milwaukee Sentinel "editorial announcement was republished, that Messrs. Cooke & Sherman, contractors, had completed the first eighteen miles of that railroad from Milwaukee to Germantown, and had done two-thirds of the grading between that point and Horicon." Lack of funds hindered its progress.

Considerable space is devoted to the county seat and village-school questions about these days.
Alexander McMillan advertises new livery-stable.

December 27. The marriage, on December 24, of M. M. Manville and Miss Helen A Wood is announced.
The population of La Crosse is estimated by Judge C. K. Lord at about one thousand persons.

January 3, 1855. Here is a report of the second annual celebration of the "Odd Fellows, on New Year's Day and Evening, with addresses, in the Methodist Church, by Past Grand Dr. Dugald D. Cameron, and D. D. Grand Master Col. Theodore Rodolf Grand procession of Odd Fellows, accompanied by their ladies, to the Talmadge House (southeast corner Third and State streets), where two hundred guests had a banquet in the afternoon, and a ball in the evening.

The cash entries for United States lands, during the past four months in La Crosse, exceeded two hundred and fifty thousand acres.

"The ladies of the Congregational Church and society have organized a series of sociables to cultivate acquaintance, and to assist in building a house of worship."

January. 10. "What has become of the city charter?"

"Most of our lumbermen are laying on their oars as yet, waiting for snow."

"The La Crosse Lyceum was organized, pursuant to a public call of the citizens, at the Court House, by the election of the following officers: Fred A. Moore, President; Harvey E. Hubbard, Vice President; Dr. D. D. Cameron, Secretary; George Farnam, Treasurer; and Messrs. Theodore Rodolf, Charles G. Hanscome and Dugald D. Cameron, Executive Committee. After discussing the war between Prussia and the allied powers, the lyceum ordered a short lecture before each debate; and the first debate occurred on the question as to single blessedness being more conducive to happiness than the noose matrimonial, with Stephen Martindale and James I. Lynde against Samuel D. Hastings and Charles G. Hanscome as disputants."

"Postmaster H. E. Hubbard arrived home on Saturday from the eastern part of the State, and has made arrangements to get the Eastern mail sent to La Crosse via Baraboo, and has written to Washington to get increased mail service, with mails twice a week."

The report of William R. Sill, Chief Engineer, to the President and Directors of the La Crosse & Milwaukee Railroad Company is published, reporting progress, and recommending the completion of the road to the Mississippi at La Crosse.

"Snow has revived business. The storm continued three days. About sixteen inches of snow in the woods." February 14. Notice of a meeting of the Building Association of the First Congregational Church and Society was published. February 28.

La Crosse."

"A memorial has passed the Wisconsin Assembly in favor of a mail route from Portage City to A memorial for a mail route between La Crosse and Springville has passed.

March 21. The Minnesota Legislature, through the exertions of Hon. Clark W. Thompson, Assemblyman from the Southeastern District of Minnesota, and Col. T. B. Stoddard, of La Crosse, chartered the "Root River & Southern Minnesota Railroad Company."

Its importance and value are set forth in an article a column and a half in length over the signature of *, which was Col. Stoddard's usual sign manual in the newspapers.

April 4. "The ice departed on the 2d inst."

"A boat up. The War Eagle, Capt. Harris, arrived Thursday morning, crowded with passengers and freight. An addition of nearly one hundred to our population."

[ocr errors]

The Galena Paçket Company has bought the steamer Minnesota Belle, to be run between Galena and St. Paul, by Capt. P. Lodwick.'

The firm of Ustick & Andem is dissolved.

April 11.

The War Eagle also on Tues

"The steamer Galena came up on Sunday crowded with passengers. day. A large number made La Crosse their stopping place. La Crosse gets her share." April 18 "One hundred houses wanted in La Crosse to supply the demand." Capt. McConnell sold his interest in the ferry-boat to Capt. Bates." "La Crosse Academy in operation under direction of Prof. S. J. Fowler." April 25. May 30.

46

[ocr errors]

"The tide of immigration in this upper country this season exceeds all expectations." George Howard, formerly of the firm of S. D. Hastings & Co., has gone into the drug and grocery business with Mr. R. H. Elliott, in the lower part of the town."

June 13. Arrangements and programme announced for celebration of July 4, with Samuel D. Hastings as President; several gentlemen as orators; John M. Levy, as Marshal; Melville G. Hanscome, as Reader; and a large committee of citizens, with Dr. Dugold D. Cameron as Chairman.

On the 8th instant Rev. J. C. Sherwin married Mr. Penuel L. Clark and Miss Martha Kimball, at the residence of John Clark, in Onalaska.

"Mr. A. W. Shepard is building a stone house on his lots south of the Methodist church."

June 27. 6.

A band of music is organized."

July 11. The celebration of the 4th was a grand success. Speeches were made by Dr. A. P. Blakeslee, Mr. Samuel D. Hastings, Col. Rodolf, Messrs. S. Martindale, A. W. Pettibone, M. G. Hanscome, S. T. Smith.

Belle.

Hon. Charles Sumner, United States Senator of Massachusetts, passed up the river last week in the packet City

July 18. The initiatory steps for a more complete organization of the Root River & Southern Minnesota Railroad Company, occurred at a meeting on July 4, of the corporators in Hokah, Minn., by the election of three commissioners to open stock-books on the 1st Monday in October, 1855.

July 25. Some 1855 census items about Minnesota, were published, from which it appears St. Paul had a population of 4,744; St. Anthony, 2,500; Winona County 2,426; Houston County 2,616.

The Territory of Minnesota has from 45,000 to 50,000 inhabitants.

August 1. The Directors of the La Crosse & Milwaukee Railroad Company advertised for proposals for building the road to the Wisconsin River, sixteen miles west of Portage City, and about eighty miles from La Crosse ; but accepted bid only for construction to Beaver Dam.

Peter Cameron died July 30, 1855, aged 45.

August 8. The lumbermen of Black River have had a good run, and will get out about 40,000,000 feet of logs. beside the lumber. August 15. "Messrs. Cramer, Clinton & Co., are about to commence the banking business on the northwest corner of Main and Front streets."

August 22. Obituary notices of Sarah Maria, wife of William W. Crosby. She was instantly killed by lightning on August 15, at their dwelling, corner of Third and Pine streets. The lightning also struck the warehouse of John M. Levy, on Front street.

September 19. A Boy Lost.-Son of Eliakim Barlow, aged nine years. Twenty or thirty citizens go in

search.

The boy found dead on the shore of "Prairie Island," where Mormon Creek empties into the Big Slough, about eight miles from town. The mare on which the boy rode, and the colt, swam ashore, leaving the boy to take shelter under a tree, where he perished during a cold storm.

October 24. "Fall to overflowing-every boat leaves dozens of passengers. Next spring look out for a rush." November 14. "The new Congregational Church was dedicated last week, Thursday.'

Dr. Dugold D. Cameron elected to the Legislative Assembly, running ahead of the Republican State and County tickets.

The District embraced the Counties of La Crosse, Jackson, Monroe, Trempealeau, Buffalo, Clark, Chippewa and Dunn.

November 21. "The steamers have about closed their trips for this season."

Wisconsin census foots up 552,109, of which La Crosse County has 3,904; Bad Ax, 4,823; Buffalo, 832; Chippewa, 838; Clark, 232; Jackson, 1,098; Monroe, 2,407; Pierce, 1,720; St. Croix, 2,040; Trempealeau, 492. La Crosse Village had over 2,000; claimed 2,500.

« SebelumnyaLanjutkan »