The following will give you a little better idea of what things were like in the Chippewa Valley in 1857. This article comes from the book "Sawdust City" by Lois Barland, and is used by permission only. Description of Chippewa and Eau Claire as seen by a traveler in 1857 who wrote in the Madison "Argus" and did not dare sign his name. "March 10, 1857. After battling for three days with obstinate snow drifts, ever and anon experiencing a delicious capsize, now riding, now walking or wading, now tugging away to right up our sleigh, or assist our team through a defiant snow mountain, until we were quite exhausted in strength, disheartened in spirits and benumbed in feeling, we at last reached Eau Claire, the point (as we supposed) of our destination. We made no attempt that night to acquaint ourselves with the character of our surroundings, but after an unsuccessful effort to satisfy the cravings of our appetites, hastened to emblanket ourselves within such beds as were provided for us at the hotel at which we stopped. We had no occasion in the morning to awaken, for neither of us during the night had known the bliss of unconsciousness, and as with grateful heart we welcomed the first faint evidence of day, both agreed that we had enjoyed a beautiful season of 'unrest', my companion declaring that our mattresses were filled with corncobs instead of husks. After going through the form of breaking fasts we started out to satisfy ourselves as to the real character of the great Eau Claire of which so much has been said. Taking an eminence which overlooked the town as our observatory, a single glance was sufficient to discover considerable building in evidence. We looked about to ascertain, if possible, what extraordinary local merits had prompted so sudden a growth. We were not a little disappointed to find no actual advantage except the mill privilege of the Eau Claire River, which, we were told, affords quite a little water power in times of high water. A problem yet remained to be solved. We were not long in concluding that the great modern town builder "Gas", issuing from t he mouth, and from the still more patent medium, "Printer's Ink", had been the chief agent in building the place; and subsequent observations confirmed these convictions, for no sooner had we firmly made our way into a crowd rife with town excitement and speculation, which were gathered about the post office, then, discovering us to be strangers, an abortive effort was made to inflate us with the subtle fluid which we had just suspected must exist, were just about feeling in his pocket for a "lucifer" to try whether the atmosphere would not ignite, when our attention was drawn toward an elderly man, who had just alighted from an elegant covered cutter, to which was attached a large and noble brown steed. The gentleman after hitching his horse, proceeded to take from his cutter a large mail sack, which he threw upon his arm and entered the office. He soon reappeared with the bag crammed to its utmost capacity, when my Yankee curiosity broke up him with 'Well, friend, which way with them?' To which he politely replied, 'To Chippewa Falls, Sir.' 'And how far', I continued, 'is that place from here?' 'By the present road it is about twelve miles, although the actual distance is about nine.' 'How often,' I asked, 'do you get your mail at the Falls?' 'Twice a week only'. 'Is it always as large as today?' "Quite, sir, and rapidly increasing.' "Well then,' said I, 'Chippewa Falls must be something of a town.' 'If you are a stranger in t he country,' he returned, 'suppose you make it a visit, and allow the place to speak for itself.' Thinking I had enjoyed enough of Eau Claire and receiving a favorable wink from my comrade, our team was immediately ordered, and we were soon enroute for Chippewa Falls. Passing through a belt of black pines, which extended about four miles on our road, and which indicated rather a sandy barrenness of soil, we came upon a prairie, unrivaled in beauty, and from the large and well improved farms, which we passed as we neared the Falls, judged it must possess a rich and productive soil. The roads being good, we were soon at the Falls. Crossing the river at French Town, a small village on the south side of the river, settled mainly by French, we entered the town passing first the new and splendid hotel, which would indeed do honor to a much older and large town than this; then driving immediately to the store of Messrs. H. S. Allen and Company, which company, by the way, are the proprietors of the mill and village property. Upon entering the establishment, I was at once struck with the business like appearance which it bears and I have since learned that within the last year, it has carried on business to the amount of $100,000. We soon had the happiness to make the acquaintance of H. S. Allen and E. A. Galloway, (the resident partners of the firm above mentioned) whose kind hospitality we have in turn shared during our stay. Those gentlemen, although having lived for several years outside, as it were, the pale of civilized society, still retain that characteristic polish which distinguishes the well bred everywhere. Although this is one of the first settled points upon the river, the platting of the village is of very recent date. After partaking plentifully of the choicest venison, buckwheat cakes, and numerous palatable etceteras, and reposing at nigh on beads of ease, we felt on the following day that we had been 'born anew'. We were now shown through the saw-mill, a part of which has just been rebuilt, and which is certainly the most extensive mill I ever saw, being capable of manufacturing over 100,000 feet of lumber per day. Next, visiting the boom, we found it to be a most gigantic piece of workmanship, constructed at an expense of $50,000 and which will securely hold 50,000,000 feet of lumber. The falls afford a power that can never be exhausted, and being upon the borders of the great Chippewa pinery, must render this one of the finest lumber manufacturing towns of the West; and when it is considered that agricultural and commercial advantages are equally great; that it is the county seat, and delightfully situated at the head of steamboat navigation, amid scenery both beautiful and grand; that it is to be undoubtedly the most important intermediate point upon the recently projected railroad from Madison to St. Croix, and that the United States lad office is established here. In view of all these invaluable considerations, the public may be assurred that here is the place to seek a home. For my own part, I think I may never move west, being at present enough situated at home; but numerous friends are awaiting my report, to determine the point of my location. The point shall be Chippewa Falls. Very respectfully, A YORKER" "In presenting the 'Telegraph' to our patrons we set forth briefly the motives which have prompted its publication, and the policy which shall govern its future career. The section of the State in which we live has, until recently, been overlooked almost entirely, and while many of the barren wastes in other portions of it have become thickly populated, the rich agricultural districts bordering the Chippewa River have been left an almost unbroken wilderness. But the attention of the enterprising and hardy sons of this and other states has at length been drawn to this rich and attractive country, and under their will directed efforts its many resources are fast being developed and the last vestiges of its original wilderness are rapidly disappearing. To the discerning mind, the ultimate destiny of our city is evident. Situated, as we are, at the head of navigation upon one of the finest rivers in the state; containing within ourselves every facility for extensive manufactories of every kind; with one of the richest agricultural and lumbering districts in the northwest tributary to us, and men of extensive capital in our midst, in less than five years we can and will boast of being the largest inland city in Wisconsin. The necessity of a newspaper at the county seat of this county as a channel through which publicity might be given to transactions of a public nature, and for the dissemination of general intelligence, has long been felt by our citizens; hence the establishment of the 'Telegraph'. " ++++++++++ We have more of these early Eau Claire descriptions coming in our next few installments from this book. Be watching for them. -- Nance mailto:nsampson@spacestar.net

Posted on: EauClaire Co. Wi Query Forum Reply Here: http://cgi.rootsweb.com/~genbbs/genbbs.cgi/USA/Wi/EauClaire/579 Surname: Gullickson, Gulakson, Gullikson ------------------------- Seeking information on paternal great grandparents, Ole and Carrie Gullickson. I have very little info, all of which came from my grandfather Gullick's death notice. Ole, Carrie and Gullick arrived in America from Telemark, Norway around 1862. They settled first in McFarland, WI and around 1866 moved to the Little Elk Creek area south of Menomonie. In the spring of 1874 they moved to a farm in the Town of Colfax where at least Gullick resided until his death in 1930. There was no further mention of Ole and Carrie. I was recently informed that Ole and Carrie may have moved to Menomonie and then later to Eau Claire. This is hearsay, as no one alive seems to possess any knowledge of them. I can find nothing regarding either one of them. I'm interested in learning dates of birth, dates of death, and where buried. Sherry Gullickson Miller St. Paul, MN

Here are some stories, not really biographies, of some of these early men that we've been reading about who owned the first newspapers in the Eau Claire area. This information comes from the book, "Sawdust City" by Lois Barland. John B. STOCKING John Stocking, together with John Owens, J. Culver and Dr. Skinner built a two story brick building at 310 South Barstow. He also built the house on the south east corner of Farwell and Jones. His health was poor and he spent some time in Europe hoping to improve it. In 1896 he lost $10,000 in a swindle and that fall was drowned in Willow River near Hudson. His wife was Mary Alice Wilkins, daughter of Edwin C. Wilkins, an early Eau Claire settler. Their daughter was the first Mrs. Adin J. Airis. Hobart Stocking was receiver at the Land Office in 1869 after having been a 2nd Lt. in the Civil War. He was assemblyman in 1889 and in 1896 married Blanche, daughter of Col. and Mrs. Albert Barnitz of the U. S. Army. They lived at 1247 River Street and two years later he tried to divorce his wife on grounds of dissertion. Mrs. Stocking filed counter suit making sensational charges against her husband. The case dragged on for a year and a half when the court ruled the dissertion not valid. Mr. Stocking had bought the home of Joseph Lockey on Summit Avenue in St. Paul for $30,000. A son of a former marriage, Joseph E., committed suicide by taking 125 grains of morphine. He was 23 years of age and had married, the previous fall, Bessie McDonald an inmate of Jennie King's house of ill repute where they spent their honeymoon. They were divorced and she resumed her former occupation. Esther McDonald was a sister of Bessie. Peter BELLINGER Besides being a Land Agent and banker, Mr. Bellinger had a drug and grocery store on Barstow street in 1859. Two years later he sold out to R. D. Allen. Mr. Bellinger was murdered in 1865 in New Richmond. Soldiers called him a "copperhead" and went after him. He was cornered and fired on the soldiers killing one and injuring three. The citizens tried to protect him, but the soldiers tore down the lamps and seized Bellinger. They took him outside and "beat his brains out." His wife was Angie Tewksbury and their daughter was Petronilla who married James T. Barber. Alexander MEGGETT Mr. Meggett was a prominent figure in early Eau Claire history. He built a home in 1857 on the corner of Graham and Jones. He was the second lawyer in Eau Claire county and the first Master Mason in the Chippewa Valley. He was half brother of Arthur McArthur of Washington and consequently uncle of General Arthur McArthur and a great uncle of the World War II hero, General Douglas McArthur. He built several houses for rental purposes which in those days were called "tenement" houses. He was for years Register of the Land Office and principle speaker at civic functions. A son, Alden, was accidentally shot in a hunting accident at Bridge Creek and bled to death. His oldest son, Arthur, edited and published the Sheboygan paper for many years, and was later in the office of Secretary of State in Madison. A daughter, Mary, married John S. Smith. After his house burned in 1880, Mr. Meggett lived at 624 Barstow. Mr. Meggett was for over sixteen years the President of the Old Settlers Society. He defended 12 murder cases during his legal career and helped prosecute two murder charges. He was forced to retire from court room practice due to loss of hearing. William P. BARTLETT Mr. Bartlett came to Eau Claire in 1857 on the steamer "Chippewa Falls." He was the first and only lawyer in the county from May until July when Alex Meggett arrived. Mr. Bartlett was admitted to practice at the Supreme Court in 1874. He was District Attorney from '57-'60, a member of the Assembly in '59, County Judge in '60 and District Attorney again from 1863-67 and again in the Assembly in '72. In '75 he was appointed Register of the Land Office for four years, and was alderman in 1881. In the 1870's his office was in t he Truax building. He was also a regent of the University and an officer of the first school district for twenty-nine years. He lived on the south west corner of Farwell and Marston. His son, Sumner, married Olga Arnold, daughter of Louis J. Arnold of 2nd Avenue and was killed in t he war in Puerto Rico. Another son, Edward W. attended law school in Iowa City. Other sons were Frank H. and Stanley. Lavina, a daughter married Mr. Winchell. A sister of Pitt Bartlett, Lavilla married J. Sidney Sherman in 1860. ++++++++++++++++ Next week we'll read a description of Chippewa and Eau Claire as seen by a traveler in 1857. Have a great weekend everyone! -- Nance mailto:nsampson@spacestar.net

Posted on: EauClaire Co. Wi Query Forum Reply Here: http://cgi.rootsweb.com/~genbbs/genbbs.cgi/USA/Wi/EauClaire/577 Surname: Reynolds, Peterson, McKinney, DeWall, Edwards, Barnes, Reynolds ------------------------- Looking for all information of a Strake family, father said from West Prussia, mother Germany, in Eau Claire, Wis. on or before Oct 1874 to ? Children: (1) Frederick, brn 10/23/1874, m. Nora Lenore Reynolds, widow of Oscar Perterson, Lincoln Co. Or. 10/4/1914. (2) Carma Emma, brn abt. 1878, m. Elbridge Sheppard Barnes 6/4/1900, Portland, OR. (3) John (4) Lilian Arona, m. Ralph Rudolh DeWall, 11/11/1914, Benton Co., OR. (5) ? E. S., m. R. E. Edwards, 1/1/1900, Benton Co., OR.

Here is more newspaper history from the book "Sawdust City" by Lois Barland -- The last issue of the "Times," No. 25, appeared on Saturday, Jan. 2, 1858, and contained the following announcement; "Arraignments have been made to consolidate the two papers published here, under the cognomen of "The Times and Telegraph," this being the last issue of the "Times." The reason for this change is the want of sufficient patronage to support two papers. Those who have heretofore received the "Times" will receive the "Times and Telegraph" in its place for their subscription." The compiler of this sketch (Marshall Cousins) was informed some years ago that a considerable proportion of the matter appearing in the "Times" was from the pen of Alexander Meggett. Mr. Meggett was by profession a lawyer and a good one. He located in this city in the summer of 1857, soon after Wm. P. Bartlett had established a law office here. The law business of that day did not furnish a field requiring all of the mental activities of the attorney, and Mr. Meggett used a portion of his spare time in writing for the "Times." Upon the retirement of Mr. Spencer, we believe he took full editorial charge. His colleague at the bar, Mr. Bartlett, in a later day, at times edited the "Free Press." Mr. Meggett lived to see the little settlement of 1857 develop into a thriving city. He died at the age of eighty three years, March 19, 1907, having lived in Eau Claire a few months short of fifty years. In its career from May 9, 1857 to January 2, 1858, thirty-four weeks went by, but the paper missed nine publication dates as the final number is 'No. 25.' The Delany's "Telegraph" was the only paper until nine months later the "Free Press" started. In the issue on March 31, 1859 the "Free Press said, "A. W. Delany, Esq. recently of the Eau Claire "Telegraph", has retired from editorial life, and we believe intends to go to Pike's Peak. Mr. Delany has for many years been identified with the Wisconsin Press, and as a political editor possessed more than average ability. Politically born and bred a Democrat, which hates Republicanism as Satan hates truth, and seemed to vie with 'his Majesty' to see which could do it the worst harm. Socially, he is a good fellow and we wish him a bountiful success in all his future undertakings." The Delanys left Eau Claire, but visited relatives here from time to time. One day in October, 1912, Mrs. Delany was eating lunch at the Eau Claire Club and saw some twenty elderly men march into the room and proceed to a long table reserved for them. At a word from the man at the head of the table, they took their seats. This man, she learned later, was J. Brunnett Demarest, former lieutenant of the company. Mrs. Delany said the feeling came upon her that these twenty men were connected with some past experience, and she asked the cashier as she was about to leave, who they were. She was informed that were veterans of the old "C" Company, of the Eighth Regiment, who were holding a reunion. "Then," continued Mrs. Delany, "time rolled backward, and again I stood with Mrs. Dr. French, on a Barstow Street corner, one day in September 1861, and saw march by those very men, then boys or very young men, and several score more, marching from the Eau Claire House to the levee, where they took the steamboat, on their way to the battle fields." The first issue of the "Free Press," September 23, 1858, Charles G. Patterson, editor and proprietor stated the purpose of the publication, "Its prime object will be to note the improvements, encourage the enterprise and point out the advantages of Eau Claire and the surrounding country lying in the Chippewa Valley in a truthful and unvarnished manner -- to speak of things as they are." It was published every Thursday and the price was $2 per year in advance. In less than two years, Gilbert Porter and E. C. Benjamin were editors of the paper and the office was in Shaw's block, second story. By '62, the office had moved to the Masonic Hall. After the fire of '64 the "Free Press was sold to J. B. and H. N. Stocking and they started out in a building opposite the Eau Claire House. The fire caused damage of $75,000 and it took two months to get going again. Lt. Stocking went to war and in January 1866 the printing plan again burned to the ground with a loss this time of $3,500. The editors purchased second hand material in Hudson and started again after two months time. They started up in Tom Kenyon's new building opposite Toby's hardware but the following year moved to a building two doors below the post office. Again on the 18th of January 1869, fire consumed the office and the heavy presses were dragged into the street. This time they leased the second floor of Jackson Brothers building. The office was only kept here a year when it moved to the Williams block on the corner of Barstow and Gibson. Soon after this move, Mr. Brackett became the editor, and the next year Henry Slingluff took t he place of J. B. Stocking as City Editor. In January, 1873 the "Weekly Free Press" became both a daily and a weekly. Associated Press dispatches were secured in 1880. The office was again almost demolished, this time by the high water of 1881. James Waggoner was editor during part of the eighties and was followed by H. C. Ashbaugh. Ashbaugh as editor of the "Free Press" and Doolittle as editor of the "Gazette," were sued for contempt of court and sentenced to 30 day sin jail. The old "Free Press" was published for the last time December 6, 1901 when Ashbaugh sold it to the "Telegram." Richard Wilson wrote the story of the "Times." Mr. Spencer, editor of the "Times," returned to New York to regain his health after the paper's suspension and never returned to Eau Claire. He served in the Civil War and years later, shortly before his death, Dr. Roy E. Mitchell became acquainted with him and heard the story of the paper. The Delany's "Telegraph" was taken over by the "Free Press" in 1859. Arthur Delany also served in the Civil War and died in 1903 at Sun River, Montana. The fourth paper to appear in Eau Claire was the "Herald" established February 25, 1862 by James Coon. Mr. Coon had been an employee of the "Free Press" but was laid off because of bad habits. The "Herald" was Democratic and lasted only until December 1862. Mr. Copeland established the West Eau Claire "Argus" in 1865 and it lasted about four years. The "Chippewa Valley News" was established in the fall of 1856 by Henry C. Van Hovenberg and F. J. Mills. The office was located in the rear of the drug store of French and Giddings on Water Street. Wm. H. Baily soon purchased the paper, but in January 1871 sold to Copeland and Mills which partnership was dissolved in 1875. The "Eau Claire Leader" was founded by Wm. H. Lamb, H. W. Dusinberre, L. F. Helmann and Charles L. James in 1881. The office was in the Pioneer block over the general store of Theodore Hoffman on Water street. A branch office was maintained in the job printing office of Charles B. Walworth under the Clark and Ingram bank. The "Leader" burned out in the big fire of 1882 and resumed publication in the Thwing building on Bridge Street (Grand Ave. W.) During the seventies and eighties several foreign language papers appeared. In 1900 Eau Claire had 3 English papers, 1 German and 1 Norwegian. The "Leader" was located at 208 Barstow in 1896 and moved to 307 Barstow. That same year 18 carrier boys covered the city and the system gave the news five hours earlier than any other newspaper. ++++++++++++++++ Next, we'll be readding a little about some of the men who ran newspapers -- there are four short biographies for John B. Stocking, Peter Bellinger, Alexander Meggett and William P. Bartlett. See you next time! -- Nance mailto:nsampson@spacestar.net

Over the years that I have run the Eau Claire Co. WIGenWeb site and this mail list, I've had people ask me about the old newspapers that existed in Eau Claire. Which one ran during what time frame and similar questions. Today's article and the next will address those questions. I hope these articles will help you all to know the answers too. Our First Newspapers by Marshall Cousins The "National Democrat," La Crosse, Friday, November 7, 1856 said, "Eau Claire, a new town on the Chippewa is pushing on rapidly. Some twenty good dwellings and stores have been put up since May last, on the east side of the river, and seven or eight on the west. The town has now the appearance of a smart little village, with go-ahead men to back it. At present they are in great need of mechanics and traders, particularly a shoe-maker and barber. The country about is finely diversified with streams, timber, prairie, and oak openings and is without exception, the handsomest in the northwest part of the state. With their steam boat going next spring, and such men as Charley Whipple and Adin Randall to drive things ahead, Eau Claire is bound to shine." From a letter written by R. F. Wilson: "The first newspaper published in the Chippewa Valley was the "Eau Claire Times," owned and published by Wilson and Gleason, and Chapman and Thorp, proprietors of the village of Eau Claire. The paper was first published in the banking office of Wilson, Gray, and Bellinger, on Barstow and Gibson streets in the early spring of 1857. The mechanical work was done by a Mr. Jinkins of O'Neal Creek, now Chippewa City, who set up the type and ran the press. We had no editor, but we all took a hand in the editing. "The first paper struck off was gobbled up by Nat Johnson, a pine land man and a well-known character of Alleghany county, New York, for which he gave the press-man five dollars. We had arranged with Arthur Delany, of Portage City, to publish and edit the paper, and after coming up here, he went over to the West Side, and arranged with the West Side village proprietors to start the "Telegraph," and get their paper out first. We had the advantage as our press and material was all here and they had to purchase theirs. We were lucky enough to find a first-class printer on a visit to his brother-in-law, Mr., Manahan, who was one of the owners of the O'Neal Creek mills. "Soon after this Newton B. Spencer, of Alleghany county, New York, took charge of the paper as editor and publisher. Mr. Alexander Meggett was for some time manager and editor. The paper was moved over the Wyckoff store, now the Blue Front. "The story on the first page was taken from "Peterson's Magazine" by Mrs. Richard F. Wilson, who also arranged most of the clippings and selections. The first motto of the paper was furnished by Peter J. Bellinger. It was 'Eau Claire, May She Be Right, but Right or Wrong, Eau Claire.' Well, the state papers roasted us so strong on our motto that we were glad to haul it down. "After running the paper at a loss of $50.00 a week we let it die over Peter Wyckoff's store. We gave the outfit to Gilbert E. Porter, who started the "Free Press" over Shaw and Huntington's store on the corner where the Hart House now stands. "The "Free Press" was afterwards moved into the second story of the Rose building where it burned. The Rose building stood on the lot now occupied by George Tabor Thompson's drug store. So ended the old "Free Press." The Stocking brothers got a new outfit and re-established it. "The first flag raised in the Chippewa Valley was on July 4, 1856, at the crossing of Dewey and Kelsey streets. This was the first real day Eau Claire ever had. It was a big time. Everybody came with their wives and children in ox carts, on horse back and in wagons from all over the country. It was a regular old fashioned picnic, all bringing something to eat. Pot pies were made of wild pigeons, blueberry pie, venison cooked in various ways. Ladies dress in all fashions, a goodly number of bloomer dresses from Mud Creek. Dancing commenced at 5 p.m. and lasted until 6 a.m. "A wedding was the feature of the day. All stopped at the Eau Claire House. It was lathed, but not plastered; and everyone was his own landlord and no bills to pay. The first landlord of the Eau Claire House was Philander N. Drake, a brother-in-law of Arthur S. Bostwick. "Now Major, (Atkinson) you asked me for a few lines about forty years ago, and I give you a few lines about forty-one years ago, and you will find them all facts. Yours Truly, Richard F. Wilson" This letter established the fact the first number of the "Times" was printed in the building known at a little later period as the "Old Land Office", which was in 1857 the Counting Rooms and Office of Wilson, Gray and Bellinger, Bankers and Land Agents. It occupied the northeasterly corner of South Barstow and Gibson streets. A little after 1857, the county of Eau Claire rented quarters in this building for some of the county offices. but only the first number of the "Times" was issued in this building, as No. 2 bearing the date May 25, 1857, was printed in the Peter Wyckoff building. John Woodworth arrived in Eau Claire April 7, 1857. He was the assistant Post Master, was elected and served as a Justice of the Peace, and was later a clerk in the bank. When President Lincoln called for men to uphold the Constitution and suppress the Rebellion, John Woodworth was among the first to enlist, August 19, 1861. Jacob Burnett Demarest also enlisted the same day. Mr. Demarest in time became the First Lt. and Mr. Woodworth the 2nd Lt. of Company C, John E. Perkins, Captain, Eighth Infantry. And now, something as to Mr. Spencer. He was born August 22, 1836, and was therefore between 20 and 21 years of age when he became the editor and publisher of Eau Claire's first newspaper. He served in the War of the Rebellion in the 179th New York Infantry as a sergeant. He was wounded at the Battle of the Mine. The second issue of the "Times" gives a picture of the town. It reads: "Wanted, there are needed in this village immediately, the following enumerated citizens; "A skilled manufacturer of cabinet ware; a tailor who can give us a fit; and a manufacturer of fine and strong harness and trunks and valises; a boot and shoe manufacturer; a good barber who is never nervous. Also a stationer and book seller, and a retail dealer in drugs, medicines, paints and oils, would find here abundant custom. "We proclaim these wants on behalf of eight hundred people who daily reiterate the need of manufacturers and leaders of the classes above mentioned, and who would bestow patronage liberally on those of them who may choose to come." History of the rival paper the "Telegraph". Vol. 1, No. 1 was issued on Monday, May 25, 1857 by Arthur W. and Joseph Delany. The Delanys came from a family of newspapermen. In 1853, John, James and Joseph were publishers of the "River Times" at Fort Winnebago, now Portage. On the death of James, Arthur W. took his place. In speaking of his own early days in Eau Claire, and of the first newspapers, the Hon. William P. Bartlett said; "I remember Arthur W. and Joseph Delany. Arthur was the editor and Joseph ran the mechanical part of the "Telegraph." They were men of Southern make up and Democrats of the old school. Arthur Delany was an able, brilliant gentleman. He and Dr. Wm. T. Galloway were competitors for the leadership of the Democratic party in this county. Well do I remember one occasion when both were candidates for delegate to some convention. Dr. Galloway was successful. I met Delany soon after the convention and asked him the result. He stood up in true Southern style and replied; 'It was a contest between brains and bowels, and the latter won.' " ++++++++ More tomorrow! :~) -- Nance mailto:nsampson@spacestar.net

Excerpts from the "History of Eau Claire County", 1914: "...he continued in the business in the name of Free Press Company until---impelled by the handicap of impaired sight---he sold the plant and paper to H. C. Ashbaugh, March 9, 1880." (Although, this date is still used by Ashbaugh Printing and was published in the Eau Claire newspapers 20 years ago during their "100th Anniversary", I believe that it is actually a misprint and the year was actually 1890. As you can see below, Henry Ashbaugh sold his paper in Kansas in 1887 and was living in Rock Island until 1890. Fred Ashbaugh was also listed separately in the Rock Island city directory before 1890, but wasn't born until 1873.) ...next page: "Mr. Ashbaugh came to the Free Press with experience in the publication of a daily in a small city, and his ownership of a dozen years may well express a compliment to him. He christened the daily issue the Evening Free Press, continued both issues until 1902, when he sold the lists and good will to C. W. Fiske, then court reporter, who merged his purchase with the Evening Telegram. The equipment of the Free Press was converted into a job printing outfit, successfully developed by the Ashbaugh Printing Company. Mr. Ashbaugh lives in comfortable retirement at Denver, Colorado." ...and later on page 503: "In December 1901, the Free Press was purchased by the Telegram Publishing Company from H. C. Ashbaugh and consolidated with the Telegram. The Free Press was an old established paper, history of which has already been given." For more see: http://www.familytreemaker.com/users/d/o/w/Timothy-M-Dowling/FILE/0001page.html __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Yahoo! Auctions - Buy the things you want at great prices. http://auctions.yahoo.com/

Today's historical story is a short one, but very interesting. This is from the book "Sawdust City" written by Lois Barland in 1960: The First Local Murder On April 30, 1858 Andrew Seitz, a tailor, was murdered by Charles Naither in a room over the U. S. Receiver's Office in Eau Claire Street. The trial was an important case at the session of circuit court and was the first trial upon an indictment for a capitol offense ever occurring in Eau Claire County. Judge Fuller resided. Seitz boarded with Naither and slept upstairs. Naither and another German slept downstairs. On the evening of April 30, Seitz and some friends were sitting upstairs when Naither came in and Seitz upbraided him for leaving dishes unwashed and then threw him downstairs. Naither bought a knife and returned and in another altercation over the payment of $5.50 for which neither had change, Naither stabbed Seitz in the abdomen. He died May 11. An account of the preliminary incidents is given by an eye witness in the store where the knife was purchased; S. S. Kidder was the clerk who was waiting on Naither. Kidder asked the store owner if he would give Charley a knife on credit. As Charley had worked at the store occasionally sawing wood and other odd jobs about the store, he consented. "He seemed a long time in selecting a knife I at length stepped across the store to see what the matter was and found that instead of choosing a good, substantial, serviceable knife, he had picked a dirk with a long, sharp pointed, slim, blade. I tried to dissuade him from buying it, but he seemed determined and he had his way. He had not been out of the store more than twenty minutes to half an hour when one Wm. Schaaf, a German, came rushing into the store, in shirt sleeves and hatless, with eyes almost bursting out of his head with excitement, shouting: 'Vere is de con-stopple? Vere is de con-stopple?' It sounded so ludicrous to us that we all burst out in laughter. At that he turned upon us with, 'Why for you laugh? Andrew mebbe he died, Charley stick him mit a knife.' Then we all jumped from our seats, knowing at once what it meant and rushed out of the store. I locked the door and ran with the crowd up the street to where the fracas had occurred. On going up the stairs, we found quite a crowd had already collected and I went through into the room where Andrew Seitz, the tailor, was lying on the bed and being examined by physicians. After staying a few minutes, I came out of the room and saw Charley Naither leaning back in a chair against the wall with his feet on the rounds, and I stopped before him and said, 'Well, Charley, this is bad business; do you know what it will result in?' 'Oh,' said he, in a sort of don't care way, 'hanging is played out in this state.' And although I was one of Charley's best friends and he had my sympathy, as his victim was a man of terrible temper and liked by no one, still I have never forgotten Charley's remark, and have always used it as an argument in favor of capital punishment." A jury was unable to decide on a verdict and a second trial was held at the next term of court. No account of the second trial or verdict seems to remain. ++++++++++++++++++++ Next time, we'll be reading about the first newspapers that were in Eau Claire. -- Nance mailto:nsampson@spacestar.net

Here is more from the book "Sawdust City" by Lois Barland, whose family has graciously given permission for me to use these materials on our website (which I have yet to do) and on this mail list. I hope you are enjoying these very early stories from the Eau Claire area. Right now we are concentrating on items of interest in the 1850s. The Kangaroo Court There were two lawyers in Eau Claire and no cases back in October 1857 so they decided to make a case. Some of the prominent citizens got together and told the constable to arrest a farmer who had come to town to sell his pig. They arrested the farmer and charged him with stealing the pig. A court was formed in the banking room of Gleason and Seeley and Pitt Bartlet was the defense lawyer. Meggett acted as prosecuting attorney for the state. Witnesses were called who were sworn in on a copy of Scribner's "Ready Reckoner," a book much used by loggers and lumbermen. They swore the testimony they would give would not be the truth, nor the whole truth, nor anything like the truth. The Judge made a pretext of taking notes and the jury was composed of Stephen Marston, foreman, George Sprague, D. R. Moon, John O. French, Tom Gliddings, Chas. Allen, J. P. Hathaway, and W. T. Galloway. It was a warm night and all were in their shirtsleeves except for the prisoner who had on a big overcoat and needed it for the evidence sent cold shivers down his back. The two lawyers contested every point and hurled vitriputive epithets at each other. There were rebuttals and each lawyer addressed the jury. The jury retired to the alley ostensibly to consult, but in reality to assuage their thirst. The alley was called Duck Lane a title never amiss for it was ever a thirsty thoroughfare. The jury came back after an hour and Bartlett beckoned his client over and whispered to him to keep his hat in his hand and stand near the door for if the jury found him guilty, he should make a run for it. The jury did find him guilty of stealing his own pig and he bolted out the door like a shot out of a gun and took off down Barstow Street to Main and over by the steamboat landing, into the river which was low and between wading and swimming made the other shore. The court, jury and witnesses all took after him, but the farmer took to the woods and probably didn't come back for ten years. This was the first and only Kangaroo court for soon the lawyers had all the business they could handle. The Flood of 1858 From the Madison "Argus and Democrat," March 30, 1858. "On Friday last, March 19, the ice was out of the Chippewa between this place and Reed's Landing but at the Dells, about one mile above this place, the ice, logs and flood wood had lodged in the bend, making a jam, reaching over two miles, which yesterday gave way, and the 'back water' caused by the damming of ice, etc., came down with a tremendous rush, causing the river to raise about five feet in the short space of half an hour. The freight boat "Pincher," owned by Charles M. Davis, Esq. was lying at her dock when the ice and logs came against her 'starboard' side, crowding her on shore, where she now lies 'high and dry' a perfect wreck. The "Pincher" was a new boat, built last summer, and was used by Mr. Davis for a freight boat. His loss will be quite heavy, as the cabin and furniture were all washed away, leaving nothing but the hull of the boat. The ferry-boat, "Union" was lying at her landing, but Captain George W. Deming, with his crew soon got up steam and ran her in safe quarters on the levee. In the course of two hours, the water commenced to fall from the unnatural height, and this morning, Capt. Deming found the "Union" on dry land. Last night about one hundred cribs of sawed lumber passed this place. It probably came from Chippewa Falls; if so, the loss to H. S. Allen & Co. must be quite large. The Chippewa is now about fifteen feet deep at this place. Steamboats are expected this week. Five hours later; We have just learned that the cause of the sudden rise of the Chippewa yesterday, was the breaking up of the ice above Chippewa Falls, and coming into Allen & Co.'s boom with such force that it carried away the boom, also 120 feet of the dam. The company lost a large quantity of logs, and over $10,000 worth of sawed lumber, lying in the river below the dam which was all rafted ready for running to the market. The total loss to the Chippewa Falls Lumbering Company cannot be less than $40,000. Third dispatch; Messrs. Editors -- My statement in regard to the loss of H. S. Allen & Co. of Chippewa Falls, last week was not correct. The total loss to the company, including the loss of lumber, boom, etc. will be over $100,000. The dam cannot be rebuilt before fall, consequently the mill will remain idle all the season, which will be a great loss to the company. ++++++++++++++ Tomorrow we'll be reading about the first local murder. -- Nance mailto:nsampson@spacestar.net

Me again, I have a harder question now. G Grandma Clara Koppelberger was born in Canada in 1868. She died in La Crosse, WI. IN 1948. In her obit It said she had a sister still living. She was not on the census in Canada of 1871 so she must have been born after that date. Her name was MRS. MARIE ANDERSON of EAU CLAIRE, WI. There was a Marie Anderson in EauClaire in 1931. I would figure I would need her death or birth cert to see if her maiden name was Koppelberger. I really don't know how to go about finding her. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Ruth, Ohio

Good evening all, I just went through the WI site and tried to find a way to order a birth Cert. of my grandmother. RUTH BARTLETT ACKERMAN , b. Feb. 16, 1895/or 96. The site is not working for orders or searching. Can someone out there help me out? Ruth, Ohio

Popupra@aol.com wrote: > Good evening all, > I just went through the WI site and tried to find a way to order a birth > Cert. of my grandmother. RUTH BARTLETT ACKERMAN , b. Feb. 16, 1895/or 96. The > site is not working for orders or searching. Can someone out there help me > out? > Ruth, Ohio Hi Ruth, If you are willing to order a copy of your grandmother's birth certificate (cost is $12.00) you can try sending for it from the Eau Claire Co. Register of Deeds office. The address is: 721 Oxford Ave. Eau Claire, WI 54701 Make sure you enclose a SASE (legal size) and state that you would like a copy for "Genealogical purposes". Also include as much information as you can about her, especially her full name and her birthdate. It is also best to send a money order, as many of the county courthouses don't accept checks and this can slow up the process. I see that your grandmother's birth is on file at the state level (according to the pre-1907 birth index), so it might only be at that level and not on the county level. I would still suggest that you try to get it from the county level first. They are much faster in responding. I've heard that the state can take up to six months before they get to your order. If you still would like to go this route, you can mail your $12.00 to: Wisconsin Division of Health Vital Records P.O. Box 309 1 West Wilson Street, Rm 158 Madison, WI 53701 Include the same information that you would if sending to the Eau Claire Co. office. But also include these numbers, as they pertain to an Ackerman, born 16 Feb. 1896: Reel: 0063 Record: 001802 As per your question on Marie Anderson, would you like me to do a search to see if I can find her on the Pre-1907 birth index under Koppelberger? Do you think she was born before 1907? Let me know and I will look after dinner. :~) -- Nance mailto:nsampson@spacestar.net

Today's article is about the 4th of July celebration that occurred in Eau Claire in 1858. This comes from the book "Sawdust City" and is used by permission of the author's family, the Barland's. The Fourth Of July 1858 A detailed account of the third 4th of July celebration in Eau Claire was given in the Eau Claire City Telegraph: The Children's Festival in commemoration of American Independence was a complete success. As the Fourth fell on the Sabbath, the children took time by the forelock and celebrated on Saturday, the third. The Clerk of the weather had doubtless been consulted, for such a day is not had on ordinary or for common purposes, so cool, so free from dust, from cloud and extreme heat, and so exhilarating to physical nature. Very fortunately none of the parts of many sided Eau Claire, contains a gun of larger caliber than such as are carried upon the shoulder and not until Sabbath evening, under cover of darkness, did some persons having a greater propensity for noise, than care for their own safety, or respect for the Sabbath, discover that a great deal of racket could be got out of an old anvil, and so on Sunday morning our good people slept their usual sleep in peace, without molestation. The Sabbath schools of Eau Claire and Eau Claire City, met pursuant to appointment, and were put in motion precisely at 10 o'clock. The two processions united at the ferry, and with badges, banners and good music marched to the grounds which had been arranged for the occasion, under the direction of G. E. Porter, Esq., marshall of the day, and his assistants, Messrs. Ingram and Bridges. The procession, as it wound its way along the river bank and up the slopes was much larger and presented a finer appearance than could have been expected. The school from Eau Claire City, in the van bore a tastefully decorated banner, having the motto, "Union in Strength" together with many smaller banners, bearing appropriate sentences and devises. The Eau Claire Sabbath school carried for its motto "Righteousness Exalted a Nation," emblazoned on a banner, beautifully adorned with ribbons, flowers and evergreens. Each child also wore a badge of ribbon, neatly fastened with a sprig of green. On reaching the grounds, the exercises were commenced by the children from Eau Claire, who sang the appropriate hymn upon their badges, prepared by Mrs. Thorp. Prayer was offered by Rev. Mr. Kidder, Esq. After a brief but very neat and graceful introduction by the President of the Day, J. G. Thorp, Esq., a glee "Hail, Happy Day" was sung, and the Declaration of Independence was read by Mr. Peabody. Rev. McNair followed the reading with a short address to the children. He referred to the Declaration which they had just heard, and to the courage and patriotism of those who had made and defended it. He called attention to the cruelty of a tyrant in these days, who abused his subjects more thoroughly than King George did our forefathers in the days of '76. He then and there proclaimed a new Declaration against King Alcohol, which met a hearty response. A glee "On Alpine Heights a Loving Father Dwells" was then sung by a quartet of gentlemen. Rev. Mr. Kidder also directed his remarks to the children in a colloquial style which interested them much, and drew out some pledges which we hope will be kept. He made a handsome offer to each boy who would attend the Sabbath School under his supervision regularly for the ensuing year. The Eau Claire City school responded in a stirring song, recently issued by the American Sunday School Union. Judge Mead referred to the rapid growth of the towns on either side of the Chippewa and considered the high tone of society, as indicated by the manner in which educational and religious enterprise were fostered and sustained, a matter of honest pride and congratulation. Mr. S. H. Peabody followed briefly. He referred to the singular coinsidence of the Bell in Independence Hall, which in accordance with the motto cast upon it "Liberty throughout the land and Freedom to the inhabitants thereof". He dwelt upon the propriety of instilling the spirit of true freedom early in the minds of American children and of guiding and controlling it by correct moral and religious instruction. The closing and most finished address of the day was delivered by Alexander Meggett, Esq. Its length and character will prevent any attempt to report it. Suffice it to say it was free from those robustious and consequential airs which often characterize orations on the Fourth of July. The thoughts were well conceived, clearly expressed, and finely delivered. After a spirited quartette "Columbia, the Gem of the Ocean" the schools proceeded, under the direction of the Marshals, to the collation which had been very beautifully and bountifully prepared by the ladies. After a blessing had been asked by the Rev. W. W. McNair, the company resolved itself into a committee of the whole for the discussion of matters previously laid on the table. When the business had been thoroughly attended to, the glee club sang an anthem and the schools filed away to their homes. The exercises were not so protracted as to be tedious and so far as could be ascertained gave general satisfaction. Old and young went home well repaid for their exertions. Justice would not have been done by a passing notice of the music dispensed on the occasion by the band. Their pieces are selected with good taste, and performed in good style and time. As one of our established institutions they reflect great credit upon the town, and should receive patronage whenever opportunities offer. Moreover, what they promise to do, no superior inducements will prevent them from performing to the letter. Thanks is due to the Ferry companies for reduction of ferriage to those attending the celebration. An attempt to give the credit due to the numerous individuals who assisted in preparing and conducting this celebration would be wearisome to the reader and might be insidious to some who should happen to be overlooked. ++++++++++++++ Did you know there was a kangaroo court in Eau Claire? We'll be reading about that next. And maybe more! -- Nance mailto:nsampson@spacestar.net

Popupra@aol.com wrote: > HELLO ALL > I subscribed a few days ago and as yet have not seen the first piece of > mail nor have I received a note from the list owner telling me welcome > aboard. Is there something wrong with what I did or is it the list. > Ruth Hi Ruth, I'm sorry to hear of your troubles with the mail list. We are a pretty quiet group, but there are a few things extraordinary about your timing. First of all, there was a major breakdown of the server that carries this list. This occurred last Saturday and the Rootsweb team worked day and night until it was finally fixed to the point of where we could once again start sending and receiving emails again. I saw your subscription come in and made a point of checking to see if you were subscribed okay. Everything looked just fine. Because I am running more than one website and mail list, I don't get the opportunity to write a personal "welcome to the list" to everyone who subscribes, but there should have been a mailing of sorts explaining how to subscribe and unsubscribe, etc. It's the generic message that lets you know that you are subscribed. I didn't realize you didn't receive this message, but I do believe that you didn't get this message because of the timing of the breakdown and that I hadn't had a chance to go in and change the settings of the list back to what they normally are (which included adding the prepend to the subject line -- so there were a few postings that didn't show the [WIEAUCLA] as this one does.) There are still a few bugs that need to be worked out in the system, but I'm hoping that this will all be settled soon. In the meantime, you are welcome to go into our archived at http://archiver.rootsweb.com/th/index/WIEAUCLA/ and read through what we've been doing here on the mail list. Your message (above) came through just fine on the list, so I would say that your subscription is okay too. I am sending a copy of this to both the list and to you personally, Ruth. Please let me know if you do not receive the copy from the list, but give it some time to come through, because of those nasty glitches that are still affecting the list. Thank you for writing and checking on this. In the future, if you have problems, please feel free to contact me directly at the email address below, or you can also contact me at mailto:WIEAUCLA-admin@rootsweb.com I hope you will enjoy being with us on this list. We are happy to have you here! -- Nance (list admin) mailto:nsampson@spacestar.net

HELLO ALL I subscribed a few days ago and as yet have not seen the first piece of mail nor have I received a note from the list owner telling me welcome aboard. Is there something wrong with what I did or is it the list. Ruth

Today we will start to read the story of what life was like in the 1850s in Eau Claire. This comes from the book "Sawdust City" by Lois Barland. Eau Claire in the Fifties We think of our life today as being thoroughly organized with too many meetings to attend. The little village of Eau Claire started right in to organized town affairs, educational and social meetings, and religious activities. In 1857 a Literary Society was organized, a dancing assembly was held every Friday evening at Reed's Hall, and that Christmas sixty tickets were sold for the Christmas dance when only two years before there were only enough ladies in town to make two couples. That winter snow was four and five feet deep with a crust which tied up traffic; drifts were thirty feet deep. It was so cold, the mercury 'congealed' in the thermometers. Flour sold @ $11 a barrel, pork $30, and beef $10 per 100 pounds. Potatoes were $1.40 and salt $5.50 per bushel. Kerosene was 80 ¢ per gallon at S. S. Kidder's store. The next year the Shakespearian Club met at the homes of members which included Mr. Thorp and Mr. Huyssen. The "Young America Dancing Assembly" held dances semi-monthly. In 1859 the water was the highest since 1847. The Dewey Street bridge was afloat. (This was the only bridge in the city at the time.) The summer was very hot with temperatures 100 degrees in the shade. In August a whirl wind passed across a corner of town from the west. As it crossed the Chippewa it raised a stream of water to 70 feet. When it crossed the mouth of the Eau Claire River hitting the shore just back of Reed's block, it hoisted boards, planks and shingles into the air and whirled them around like so many feathers. Wagons and coaches were lifted from the ground and carried some distance. James Reed's barn was moved slightly on its foundation. No lives were lost except one old hen which was dashed against Reed's barn. Socially, 1859 was a busy year too. Seventy two children in the Cadets of Temperance attended a picnic where addresses were delivered by H. W. Barnes and Rev. W. W. McNair. The Eau Claire brass band was in attendance. The Cadets held a festival at Johnson's Hall the proceeds of which went to buy a Bible for the Congregational church. The Ladies Benevolent Association gave an entertainment at Reed's Hall for the benefit of the Presbyterian church. Admission including supper was 50¢ with children at half price. The Addisonian Society met every week at the school house at 6:20. A question debated was Resolved, "That the acquisition of Cuba would be beneficial to the U. S." The affirmative speakers were C. H. Howard and James Barnett; negative, John E. Stillman and Thomas Barland. Ladies were invited. A German school met every night. That year the first county fair was held on October 5th and 6th, on the Court House Square. Joseph Thorp was president, Selim Peabody secretary, Delos Moon, Treasurer, with a Board of Control consisting of N. B. Boyden, W. P. Bartlett, Augustus W. Bostworth, Ira Mead and John Perkins. The affair was a great success with numerous exhibits. There were lots of blueberries. Four loads from Beef River sold for $2 per bushel. One dollar would buy 13 pounds of sugar, 3 pounds of tea, 8 pounds of New York dried apples, 8 pounds of prunes, or 7 pounds of crushed sugar. Butter was 15¢ a pound, lard 15¢, and cheese 14¢ per pound. The paper would take grain from farmers in payment of subscriptions. Melons were good that year and ripe corn was picked August 15 by G. M. Howard. Crime was no unknown. One hot Sunday morning a man passing through the woods of "Oak Grove" near where the court house now stands, found a small wooden box, with the cover nailed down tight, under a large oak tree. On removal of the cover, the body of a little baby was disclosed with a nail hole in the forehead. The body was clothed in a very fine white dress with dainty embroidery, exceptionally fine for those pioneer days. Hundreds visited the Grove, but the child was not identified and the mystery was never solved. The first flag raised in the Chippewa Valley was on the Fourth of July, 1856 at the crossing of Dewey and Kelsey. Later the "Liberty Pole" stood at the corner of Eau Claire and Farwell streets. It was still at this location in 1861 when the flag was lowered to half mast on receipt of the news of Senator Douglas' death. Some time later it was moved to Court House Square (Wilson Park). The west side also had a Liberty Pole which stood on the south east corner of Water Street and 4th. This corner may have been the one referred to in 1862 as Market Square. This same corner was equipped with a well which had a wheel, rope, and bucket with a tin cup. The roadway about the well was narrow. An old timer remembered the removal of this flag pole to Randall Park in the early '70s. "There were two brothers, Columbus and Johnnie Scott. They were carpenters by trade and were athletes and were perfect dare-devils when it came to climbing. Johnnie and Tommie Jackson, the old English ex-sailor, had the job of moving the flag staff and I happened along just as they were finishing. After everything was secure, Scott took hold of the hallards and climbed up the pole. He climbed to the top of the ball, lay on his stomach and made movements of swimming. It was foolhardy a thing as I ever saw." ++++++++++ Next time -- the Fourth of July celebration of 1858. Join us! -- Nance mailto:nsampson@spacestar.net

Posted on: EauClaire Co. Wi Query Forum Reply Here: http://cgi.rootsweb.com/~genbbs/genbbs.cgi/USA/Wi/EauClaire/576 Surname: SCOTT, BEEBE, RICKARD, SNOW ------------------------- Looking for descendants of George B. SCOTT, ancestry/family or origins unknown, married in 1887 in Eau Claire County, Wisconsin to Laura BEEBE, daughter of John Dana BEEBE and Polly RICKARD. John D. BEEBE's first wife was from my SNOW family. Laura BEEBE SCOTT was living in Augusta at the time of her mother's death in 1901. Info on other BEEBE desc. of Laura's siblings John Frederick and Charles F. needed, too.

Posted on: EauClaire Co. Wi Query Forum Reply Here: http://cgi.rootsweb.com/~genbbs/genbbs.cgi/USA/Wi/EauClaire/574 Surname: Markham ------------------------- Will share 1950's photo of Bernice, Mary Jeane and Zene Markham taken in Eau Claire, Wisconsin. Found photo in an antique shop on the Oregon coast.

Hello Folks, Just a quick note before we get into another segment of our history today. You may have noticed how quiet this list has been (well...more than usual, okay?) over the weekend and on Monday. The reason was that the server for the list was down. Rootsweb's staff has worked diligently all weekend to restore the use of the many lists that were on this server. We are back up and running and you should have received all of the backlogged emails that were sent but couldn't get through. The only glitch that I am aware of is that you may have tried to unsubscribe from the list and it didn't work. If that is the case, then please try again. If anyone needs help, please let me know. Everything else is 'back to normal' so why don't we get going on today's segment of the Eau Claire Beginnings? Here it is! Peter Truax was born in New York in 1828 and came to Eau Claire in 1855. He farmed on Truax Prairie until 1867 and then went into merchandising in town. His house in town was at 114 Second Avenue on the site now occupied by the educational building of Grace Lutheran church. In the early days, a new land yielded gigantic crops and Peter raised a turnip weighing 12 pounds and a potato that was 1 pound, 10 ½ ounces. His father, Jacob, lived to be over 100 years old and had been a member of the crew of Fulton's steamboat on the trial trip between New York and Albany. Jacob had six sons of which the eldest was John. John died in 1887 in Eau Claire and another brother, David, was also in Eau Claire. Peter Truax was interested in race horses all his life. One time he was returning from New York with four valuable horses which broke through the ice while crossing the river at Black River Falls. Three of the horses were drowned. He built a three story building in connection with the Eau Claire Lumber Company. The third floor was to be a hall and the main floor occupied by his dry goods store and D. E. Brown, hardware. This was in 1869. The winter before he had bought Porter and Moon's block on the corner of Barstow and Ferry Streets (Gibson) for $6,000. He also logged in the winter time and was considered one of the most successful loggers on the Chippewa. In the winter of 1880 he put in 5,5000,000 feet of logs. Ephraim Boree lived in the Town of Union which was probably why he did not qualify as treasurer (last Thursday's story -- NS) He came to Eau Claire from Reed's Landing. His son Charles lived in the state of Washington and daughters were Mrs. R. Elwell and Mrs. J. P. Burroughs. On petition, the county board acted on November 15, 1860 and erected a new town, the Town of Oak Grove. The ordinance set off from the town of Half Moon that part west of the Chippewa River, and north of the quarter line of Sections 20 and 19, of Township 27, Range 9 and of Sections 18 to 24 of Township 27, Range 10. This gave the Town of Oak Grove a southern boundary three and one half miles south of the Chippewa County line. Today the boundary line may be more graphically described as running from the Chippewa River through the Court House Square westerly, and through the site of the old high school. The line was about half way between Lake Street and what is now known as Grand Avenue west. The site on which the Court House now stands was in the new town, while the south end of the block, on which Captain Sherman's home (708 Second Avenue) now stands, was in the Town of Half Moon. Ephraim Robbins was more commonly known as Wheeler Robbins. His second house stands on the west side of highway 53 across from the Robbins school and the home of his son Hubbard was torn down to make room for the school. The Robbins came to Eau Claire in 1854. Hubbard's wife, Ida L. Turner came to Eau Claire in 1865 from New York. In 1858 Wheeler Robbins advertised that he was prepared to furnish fresh milk to citizens of Eau Claire every morning except Sunday at six o'clock at their doors. George W. Deming ran the ferry "Union" which crossed the Chippewa from Gibson to Grand Avenue west for three years. In later years he was a member of the County Board of Supervisors and served as an alderman from the Fifth and Seventh wards. The family lived at 626 Menomonie Street. He died in 1881 leaving five children. A daughter Cora, married Burt DeYo and a son Herman, was shot to death in Hayward in 1884 where he worked in a hotel. +++++++++++++ Tomorrow, we'll be reading about Eau Claire in the Fifties -- the 1850's that is! -- Nance mailto:nsampson@spacestar.net

Posted on: EauClaire Co. Wi Query Forum Reply Here: http://genconnect.rootsweb.com/gc/USA/Wi/EauClaire/573 Surname: KNEER ------------------------- Seeking information on descendants of Frank J. Kneer (father:Mathias Kneer, mother:Barbara Betz) and Mae ? (parents unknown). Marriage date and place unknown. Frank J. born Dec 31, 1861 in Eau Claire County and died April 11, 1907 in Eau Claire County, Wisconsin.