A NEW AND VASTLY IMPROVED EDITION
OF THE
INDUSTIUAL RESOURCES
OF
ilTAT
containing numerous new subjects, not in the first edition ; such as the Natural
History of the State ; Brief sketches of its altered condition at different periods
and the causes leading thereto ; A short History of the origin and happy
conclusion of the late war, with the heroic part acted by AVisconsin
Troops , the origin of our American Lakes ; and numerous
Discussions on the various Natural Phenomena observable in
several of the states.
JOH]SJ^ GREQORY Esq.
C. E. late M. G. 8. J)., M. B. A., V F. L. T. S. D. &:e.
rilESIDENT OF THE COLLEGK OF
Civil Engineering, Mining, and Agiculture in Ireland; Author of
the Practice and Philosophy of Arithnaetic, Practical
Geometry, Conic Sections;
Plain and Spherical Trigononaetry ; Course of Civil Engineering,
Trigonometrical Surveying &c., &c., Also Author of numeroiis
Papers on Natural Philosophy, Geology, Political Economy,
Agricrlture, Astronomy. Ac.
For the use of Immigkants residing in the older States of
THE Union, as well as for those residing
IN different parts of Europe.
1870.
MILWAUKEK SEl-DOTB JOB PRINT.
\k
fe
c:
emselves to our view every day of our lives. In a single drop
of water, the microscope reveals many living beings, quick in their motion
and perfect in their organization : on a square foot of a stagnant pool,
that wonderful instrument exhibits to view many millions of living beings,
and in a piece of chalk, as many millions of departed beings, which enjoy-
ed life perhaps millions of years ago, all of which had been unknown be-
fore to unassisted vision. It has opened to our view the arrangement
which nature employs in forming different bodies, as may be seen in the
transverse sections of difl"ercnt woods and other diS'erent substances ; and
ghowes the circulation of the sap, which is somewhat similar to the circu-
lation of the bloftd in living animals — thus opening to view many of the
mysteries of nature, which before had been hidden. This instrument
OF ^VlSCONSIN. ., 17
throws new light on the sciences of animal and vegetable physiology and
entiiiiology, which, without, could not possibly have attained to their
present state of perfection.
The lucifer match 'which has rescued many a knuckle and thumb
from the repeated assaults of the steel and flint, has required scientific
skill in its discovery, trifling as it may appear.
"When employed on the government survey of the County of Corn-
wal, England, I witnessed the pumps employed in unwateriug the great
mines perform work, only a fraction of which could be done by the joint
brute force of a nation, unassisted by steam and suitable machinery.
What has the application of electricity, as recently invented by J. N.
Gamewell, effected in our city ? Under the skillful superintendence of
our fellow townsman, Patrick McLaughlin, the Fire Alarm and Police
Telegraph communicates intelligence of lire from any point of our city to
the Chief Engineer of the fire department in a few seconds, \yith the
celerity almost equal to that of electricity, the superintendent appears at the
scene of the devouring conflagration, which he begins to subdue with the
skill and courage of the most experienced veteran general, encouracino- his
fire brigade by his own example, being always found at the most danger-
ous point himself, to the terror and fear for his safety, of the multitude
that usually crowd] to behold such terrific scenes. Mr. McLano-hlin has
been recently presented with a valuable Gold Watch and Chain by the
Board of Underwriters as a testimony of their appreciation of his conduct
and efficiency, as chief engineer of the Milwaukee fire department, which
reflects honor on therecepient, while it proves the discriminating judgment
•f those who conferred so well deserved and munificent a gift.
The Atlantic cable and others about to be submerged will enable the
sovereigns of Europe and the President of our Republic to reciprocate
friendly inquiries, while some are taking their Sparkliiiir Catawba at
lunch, and the President his tea and toast at breakfast.
What improvements do I recollect in the general mode of traveling,
resulting from improved construction of common roads, not to mention
the Vv'onderful facilities aflbrded by horse, atmospheric, and steam rail
roads.
I have seen the tubular bridge connecting the Island of Anglesea and
the principality of Wales, and to place it where it now stands, would re-
quire more power than the joint brute force of the present human family,
unassisted by machinery constructed on scientific principles. I have seen its
neighbor, the suspension bridge, which was once considered a nev/ wonder
of the world, I have seen, and walked over, in giddy security, the sus-
pension bridge near the far-famed Niagara Falls, and have read of the
new tubular bridge crossing the St. Lawrence, at Montreal, both constructed
by men. whose mechanical skill must have been guided by science. Compa-
is iNDUSTraAL PtI!:S0UKCE3
rativo anatomy is the cliiid of our clay. This modern science places be-
fore you the creature that inhalntod this earth millions of years ago. Dr.
Owen builds up a large animal from the fragment of a fossil tooth.
Professor Agazsis will place before you a rude flsli of former ages
from a siua;le fossil boon. A combined knowledge of Oeology and com-
parative anatomy enables us toread tlie natural history of past ages,
which is written in legible characters, on the rocks composing the orust
of our planet. Is not all this wonderful 'i
What has effected all these modern Avonders? knowledge, who then
will deny the wise saying, that "knowledge is power." Fully per.=uaded
of the truth, that knowledge is power, the wisdom of American legislation
has provided every class amply witli the means of acquiring useful knowl-
edge, which cannot fail to diminish crime, promote virtue, banish super-
stition, make all our citizens more useful, and better members of society,
and add to the amount of national happiness. The glistening domes of
our palaces of education bear ample testimony to the stranger, as ne ap-
proaches the cj^ueen city of the lakes, that our rulers have not been un-
mindful of o.ur intellectual culture. Every ward in our city has its beau-
tiful and ornamental building, in which the rich and poor of every class,
religion, and creed, can sit down together, side by side, and receive in-
structions in such useful branches of education as are calculated to pro-
mote their usefulness, as men and citizens. Nothing sectarian or political
should make its way to that fountain from which all arc to imbibe useful
knowledge. Let all come together and draw from that fountain the knowledge
which fits them for the world anci makes them useful citizens, and from their
respective clergy and parents, the knowledge which fits them for heaven. In
a system of mixed education, useful knowledge bearing on the ordinary afi'airs
of life and morality, should alone be taught in schools. Nothing tends more
to sour the mind, engender a lasting hatred, and keep iip sectarian feuds, than
to educate the youth apart, and poison their tender minds with the noxi-
ous bigotry, which never fails to grow to maturity in rank luxuriance,
under the fostering care of contendmg parties. Away with that hateful
cant, which had so long retarded the progress of education in Ireland,
and inflicted upon that unfortunate, but beautiful country, more lasting
injuries than the potatoe blight itself. No impression is so lasting as
those of early life— no sentiment so enduring. The lessons learned in
early childhood are retained in old age, while those learned in mature
years are sometimes soon forgotten. There is no friendship so pure, so
liberal, so lasting as that which springs up in early life at school, in
young hearts contending for the literary and scientific laurels which, in
after life, add dignity, honor, and renown to the brow that wears them.
With what fond recollections do we dwell on the scenes and incidents of
our school-boy days. Why then should children be separated at an age
when the tender mind ib susceptible of forming the most lasting and en-
OF WiSCOXSlA. 19
nobling seiitimeats of ovir nature ; such a separation is tlie beginning of
a lasting hatred, forming a line of demarlcation which can never after be
broken down. While I am anxious to inculcate liberal principles, by
breaking down those barriers which separate sects, I am equally anxious
to keep places of education free from anything bordering on an unfair
system of proselytism, which oftener springs from hatred than love.
Besides tlie evil here pointed out, the financial dif&culty presented
by an unmixed system of education, on a free principle, is almost unsur-
mountable. If every religious sect claiming free access to our common
schools were to be educated apart, how many additional school houses
should we require in every ward of our city ? how many additional corps
of teachers ? how much additional expense should be incun-ed by the city
to give every individual the advantage of a common school education, to
which he is entitled by the wisdom of our laws ? And. what is true of
our .largest cities in the state is equally true of every township.
Beligious bickerings of long standing have led to the cause of justi-
fying the opprobrious epithet, "the ignorant Irish." This is humiliating
to a country, which once, in ancient days, could truthfully boast of hav-
ing educated men from many of the most enlightened nations of Europe.
This, indeed, is hurailating to the birth place ot Burke, Sheridan, and
Swift ; of Curran and Grratton ; of Philipps and Shiel ; of O'Conneli
and Plunkett ; of Bush and Ponsonby ; of Cahil and Meagher, and of
ten thousand others, whose -eloquence points out their time, as the Gol-
den Age of modern oratory. What department of literature or science,
I would ask, in which Irishmen do not hold a conspicious place ? In
poetry she has her Groldsmith and Moore ; in science it would be invidi-
ous to name a few out of the galaxy of names that adorn her character.
Her sons have been the recipients of the gold medal of the Royal Society,
over which an Irish Nobleman, Lord Ross, once presided. It is gener-
ally conceded that no nation in Europe is more susceptible of mental cul-
ture than the masses of the Irish, as is daily proved by the many names
that have adorned the respective spheres in which they have moved.
Lord Avenmore was a poor scholar and the sou of a peasant. The gifted
Curran McColough, late fellow of Trinity College, Dublin : Sir Robert
Kane, President of the Queen's College, Cork ; Sir Wm. Hamilton,
astronomer for Trinity College ; Dr. Romny Robinson, astronomer fr^-
Armagh ; Charles Lever and a thousand others that I could nair;fc\ are
indebted more to their individual talent than to patrimonial wealili, for
the high and distinguished position they occupy in eloquence and si ience.
Dr. John O'Donovon, the best Irish scholar of the age ; and Johu
Walsh the best criminal lawyer of his day, sprang from the people aad
commenced their career with me, as classical assistants, in the "Dahlia
20
iNDusiraAL Resource:
Academical Institution/' Carloian, Bannin, and a host of others, who
amuse the ^vorld with their traits and stories, have raised themsoxvcs
above the masses unassisted by wealth or family patronage.
With all these bright examples before them, it is to be hoped th.it
the Irish in this country will avail themselves of the facilities for acciui-
rina an education offered by our public schools. It is gratifying to every
trul lover of his country, to mark the progress already made in this _ di-
rection \lready the children of unlearned Irish parents occupy positions
of honor and trust, and it will be a happy day for Ireland, when her
people awakened to their best and truest interests, will take advantage
of every means of education as the best way of insuring their happmess,
and elevating Iheir race An educated Irish gentleman has no rehgious
or political prejudices, as is proved by the well known inscription once
over the parlor door of the immortal O'Connell, at Dermane Abbey,
which read, "Let no religion or politics be discussed here." This motto
was worthy of the man. O'Connell was a truly religious man, but the
closet was his favorite place to commune with his God, and the altar tne
appropriate place to offer sacrifice. At the Hustings and in the House
of Commons he discussed politics; at his monster meetings he painted
the national grievances and asked for the co-operation of the people, xn
private life he knew no man by his religion. Would to God that Irishmen
at home and abroad would follow his example. Before dismissing this
subject I would observe, that any religious denomination is justified m
havincr their children educated unmixed, if they think proper, provided
they Jay aU the expenses out of their own pockets ; but I question it
children thus educated apart, on the score of religion are liKely to make
the better citizens ; the very fact of being separated at an early age on
account of religion, engenders bigotry and religious hostdity.
T>^e National schools in Ireland have effected a vast improvement in
the intellectual condition of the youth of that country, many _ct
whom can not only read and write well, but are also acquainted witn
Arithmetic, Geometry. Mensuration, Book-Keeping, and other
branches of practical utility. These free schools have extended the use
of the english language among the old people, which is a step m the ngnt
direction. , x< .^ „
With the view to secure the benefit of gratuitous education ot tne
poor of all religious denominations, might not the plan pursued in the
National schools of Ireland be adopted in this country. In every Na-
tional school, a room is set apart, where the clergyman of each rehgiou.s
persuasion gives religious instructions for two hours on a given day oi
the weekto^the chikken of his peculiar creed, and obviates the objection
to mixed education. When the poor have to pay, they will remain m
.nnorance, if not obliged to attend school by compulsion.
OF WiSCON'SIN. 21
\Vhilc I was engaged ia writing some text-books for the Irish schools,
the plan adopted by the Board of Education seemed to work'well and
harmoniously : but now I know nothing of their doings.
In connection v;ith the subject ef education, it may not be considered
irrelevant to show, that a diversity of languages retards national progress,
while uniformity of speech promotes it.
To the general diffusion of knowledge among all classes iu this great
Republic, as provided by the common schools, I attribute iu a great
measure the marvelous progress it has made among the nations of the
world in every department of trade and commerce ; in every branch of
manufacturing industry ; in all the arts of civil and military life ; and
indeed in everything calculated to make a people happy and great, com-
manding respect both at home and abroad. Posterity must bless the
memory of the founders of the older states, for having laid the foundation
of future greatness, by establishing a common school system for the edu-
cation of the masses.
The wisdom of the laws that provide the means of education for every
individual, rich and poor, high and low, cannot be to highly appreciated.
The effect of education on the multitude is, to give an elevation of
thought ; an ease and dignity of manner ; and a generous expansion of
noble sentiment to every species of mental exertion. Education creates
noble thoughts ; stimulates the mind to penetrate the hidden mysteries
of nature ; prompts it to ascend higher and higher in pursuit
of new knowledge ; teaches the right use of a good fortune, and how to
be content without it ; strengthens and enlightens the mind ; teaches us*
to reason and draw proper conclusion ; banishes ignorance, religious
intolerance, and enables us to take advantage of, and imitate all that
is good and great in other nations. Free institutions for the education
of the masses form the most solid and permanent foundation of American
greatness. The Constitution of the United States, the offspring of in-
structed and enlightened minds, forms one of the pillars on which our
future greatness depends. It proclaims tiiat all men are born erjual and
free : and last, but not least, it gives assurance to every individual,
that he is protected in life and property, by the laws which he was instru-
mental in framing, by reason of the privilege conferred by universal suff-
rage. Universal suffrage confers a power always sufficiently strong to
protect the poor against any infringment on their rights by the rick and
despotic.
This great privilege conferred by the laws of the United States should
be cherished ; and though what is determined by the majority at the bal-
lot box may not at all times, be the best, yet it ought to be acnuiesced in
till another opportunity presents itself to rectify the peoples mistake.
But this privilege of universal suffrage, like everything human, is
often shamefully abused. It is a melancholy fact that many of the ig-
noi-ant are swayed by religious prejudices, while others are tempted to
grasp the political demagogue's bribe. It is not easy to remedy this evil.
Education may remove the evil in time, and seldom fails to fill the mind
with noble sentiments of religious toleration and patriotism. What a pity
that so precious a gift of the constitution should be so shamefully abused.
The Principality of Wales is separated from England only by a hill
^f moderate elevation, and though England, some centuries a.20, had at-
'I'l Jl-XDUSTRIAL iiESOURCES
tained te a high degree of eminence in science, literature, and arts ; in
trade and commerce; in manufacture and machinery; in navagation and
ship-building, Wales scarcely progressed a single step in the march of im-
provement, the "Welsh having till very lately, retained the national lan-
guage, primitive habits and dress withovit any attempt to imitate or follow
their neiglibors in the luarcli of progressive improvement. Through the
W^elsh were witbin a call ofEnghnid and of the flourishing town ofLiverpool,
they still clungi. to their mother language, which was the principal
cause, indeed the only cause, of their standing still, while the world
around them were marching with accelerating strides in the various paths
leading to wealth, to greatness, to refinement.
When God thought proper to check the presumption of man, who
Gonceived the idea of building the Toxcer of Bald, he introduced a diver-
sity of languages amongst the workmen, which put a stop to the impious
project, at once. Numerous circumstances, highly favorable to the .ex-
tension and general diffusion of mental and material improvements unite
in this great countr3^ Amongst the most favorable circumstances that
tend to facilitate the extension of science, literature, and arts, and indeed
the general development of the human mind, are one constitution, liberal
laws, and not the least, one common language.
We are told by t]ie classic historians of ancient Greece, that the
. refinement, science, and literature, v,diich had tlieir birth in limited por-
tiens of that classic land, were enchained to the cradles in whieli they
were nursed, by surrounding circumstances. This was chiefly caused by
the diversity of languages then spoken in these places. The langiiag-e of
Athens, the boasted seat of Grecian refinement, was not spoken at Trace,
the proverbial abode of ignorance and barbarism, though not far distant
from the former, 3joth being in sight of each other. Ireland could truth-
fully boast, at an early day in her history, of having been the seat of all
the refinement and literature of the day, attracting thither men from all
parts of Europe to be instructed, while the masses of the people were
comparativeh^ devoid of intellectual culture. The cause was a diversity of
languages — Latin being the language of instruction in the celebrated
institutions of learning, and Irish, the language spoken by the surrounding
masses.
At one time, the Irish language may be said to be cx,clusively the
language of the people of Ireland, which howpVer was not spoken in any
other part of the world. Phigland then knew as little of Ireland as she
did of Central Africa, and Ireland was equally ignorant of England,
though both countries were separated from each other by a channel, in
some places, not exceeding sixty miles in breadth. England began to im-
prove centuries ago, both mentally and materially, while Ireland remained
standing still, being unable to take advantage of the upward progress of
England, by reason of diversity of languages, and by reason of numer-
ous other causes which have operated in favor of England, but to the
disadvantage of Ireland. Among these causes were high rents.absentee land-
lords, no tenant-right, tithes, middle-men, land-tenure, protective duties,
religious quarrels, eVc., all of which operated against Ireland, being the
weaker country. The object of this article is to show the evil effects of
a diversity of languages. I experience this in my own person eveiy
day, I live in a part of the city inhabited by Germans, Bohemians, &o.
I have as little social enjovment as Robinson Cruso had in his solitary
Island. ' ''
OF WlSCOX^IN. • 23
I do not understand a word they speak, nor do they understand me,
therefore we have as little social intercourse as if we lived a thousand
miles apart. It would be different, if we spoke one common kingiJage. I
have lately taken up a newspaper from which it appears, that the
Luthern Clergymen ohject to any form of education that is not under the
ackiiovdedged patronage of the church, and therefore they discourage
the attendance of the childxen of their parishoners at any, but tlie parish
schools, where the Scandinavian language only is taught. The Scandi-
navians make good citizens, but are sadly mistaken on two points. If
every religious denomination and the representatives of all the foreign
countries of which our American popiilation is chiefly composed were to
follow the example set them by the Scandinavians, our continent would
!?c soon converted into a Chaotic Babel.
The passing events of the age seem to unite in removing the prin-
cipal obstacles to the spread of knowledge, and in opening up the avenues
through which kindred spirits and great minds interchange ideas and
hold intellectual communion, by which new thoughts and nevv^ inventions
are freely and speedily transmitted from mind to mind, and from nation
to nation. The Englisb language is now taught in all the common schools,
and spoken in all tlvo states in the L'nion.— It is also taught and spoken
in all the British Provinces on this continent ; and if we may offer an
opinion founded on the passing events of the day, it may not be too far
in the future, when the English language will be spoken throughout the
length and breath of the continent of America. From the enterprising
spirit of our people, our trade and commerce will spread over the- civilized
world, and our fleets and navies float over every sea.
British conquest and British enterprise have carried the English lan-
guage to Africa, India, Australia, and to many of the islands in the West
Indtes, and those scattered through the south ^scas, Indian and Pacific
Oceans. All these, together with the modern application of steam and
electricity, will tend to extend the use of our language, and thereby fa-
cilitate the transmission and diffusion of knowledge and civilization, giv-
ing the mind a supremacy over brute force, and a facility of expression,
which the ancients, in their most extravagant flights of fancy, never
dreamed of. The English language will soon be the commercial language
of the whole world, To forsake our native language, whose sounds have
more charms for the heart and more music for the ear, than the richest
strains of Tuscan softness, or Castilian majesty, is like the separation of
an infant from its mother's breast. Our dearest associations are formed
in early life The tuneful words of our mother, spoken in her native
language to allay our infantile pain and agony, and sooth ns to sleep, are
ever treasured up and cherished in our memory. Time cannot erase the
impressions they make on tke infant heart. Therefore to relinquish the
use of our mother tongue is' no easy matter. But everything, however
dear to us, must give way to isationai improvement --- to national pro-
gress — and to the indefinite expansion of human happiness.
I care not how many languages individuals may learn, if they pay for
doing so out of their own purses, and make English the spoken language
of the country.
This is a digression which I had not intended, growing out of the
superlative importance of the subject — knowledge, the evidence and fruits
of the diffusion thereof are more visible, and practicably illustrated
24 Industrial Resources
throughout this country, than perhaps in the njost enlightened parts of
Europe. In a subsequent chapter, I shall resume the subject of telegraph,
lines, in detail, as also that of rail, plank and common roads, showing
their relative usefulness, as means of transit. Aware that this work will
be extensively read in the old country, I feel anxious to point out in
general terms the advantages of this country, over any part of the old
country, as a home for persons able and willing to work. In this country,
no one has occasion to beg. All have peace and plenty(1859). At present,
all have plenty, but not peace, as the rebellion still lingers in the south.
It has however received its death blow by the capture of the principal
leaders, except General Johnson, who still holds out. He too must soon
surrender. Jeff. Davis, the president of the confederate states, is now
(1S65) in the hands of the authorities, and will be soon tried for high
treason. It is not too much to say that the masses are better fed, better
clad, and more comfortably lodged in America, than in any part of the
known world. The laboring man lives well, dresses well, and sleeps com-
fortably. Though nothing is had here without working or paying for h.
yet the means of support is so accessible that no one feels apprehensive
of want ; and though all seem anxious to accumulate wealth, I never
heard a parent express the smallest anxiety, as to the future^ prospects of
his offspring. This also arises from the known fact, that boys and girls,
at a very early age, can provide for themselves, and are known to do so,
at an age at which English or Irish children could not be entrusted with
the delivery of an ordinary message. The anxiety of parents in the old
country respecting the future prospects of their offspring, arises solely
from the difficulty of providing for them. There a numerous family is a
burden, here it is a certain source of profit. There the hardest working
laborer can never possess a permanent interest in the soil, or even live in
comparative comfort, here every such laborer can live in comfort and
spare, in a few years, a sum sufficient to purchase real estate, which
descends to his childi-en ; there a poor man has no vote, and therefore
has nothing to do with the forming of tiie laws, by which he is governed:
here every one has a vote, and the law requires no property qualification
to entitle even the poorest man to take his seat among the legislative as-
semblies entrusted with the framing of the laws by whioh the nation is
governed. The prosperity of the country is a positive proof of the wis-
dom of the laws, and the condition of the treasury is sufficient to convince
our people that those at the head of the different departments of the
state, discharge their respective duties with the most serupuious regard
to economy. Labor, under equitable laws, is the foundation of wealth.
and no doubt, our prosperity and wealth are, in some degree, owin:r to
the freedom, wisdom, and liberality of our national institutions, as well as
to the productive industry of our people. We live in an age of progress.
OF Wisconsin 25
and it is not too much to say that we are, emphatically, a nation of pro-
gress. In the old country, a man will suffer considerably before he en-
gages in any branch of trade or industry below his former station, from
which he may have been removed by the force of circumstances, over
which, perhaps, he had no control ; here every man may engage in any
Useful pursuit according to his taste or inclination, without the slightest
fiar of loosing his position in society, or being looked down upon, or
slighted by his wealthier neighbor, in whose favor he rises in proportion
to his industry and labor. Here no occupation is considered degrading
which provides the individual with the means of self-support ; in the old
country, it is not so. Here the idler, is dispised ; in the old country
family connection is a license for idleness.
The political and social condition of all new countries promote a
degree of ecjuality, which influences the manners of the people. To a
person accustomed to rank in a higher grade of society, the freedom of
persons below that grade, is far from being agreeable, at first ; but in a
republic, where the laws of the constitution make no distinction, or con-
fer no priviledged rights, every man naturally considers himself as good
as another. This freedom comes with a good grace from all educated
persons, but with no relish from the uneducated, who generally mistake
freedom for uptrusive forwardness ; persons of good common sense how-
ever, knowing the common right of all to equality in a free country, will
make due allowance for the absence of those personal acquirements,
which alone can render men acceptable to all classes. Distinctive rights,
else than those confered by personal merit, can never promote the wel-
fare of a new country; and though personal qualities, resulting from early
habits, education, and good society, as well as from superior skill, talent,
or honesty may be disregarded by the vulgar, yet time must enforce the
claim of such qualities and endowments to the universal respect of all
classes. At present, in this country, as well as in all other new count-
ries, the great and paramount object of every individual is, to procure the
actual necessaries of life — food and raiment. Here, it may be assumed,
tjat there arc no proprietors vfho can let their lands to tenants, at a yearly
rent — no large fortunes accumulated, except by a few traders in large
cities : therefore the only means at our immediate command, by
which to procure the necessaries of life, is labor. Hence it is, that
manual labor is so much valued and so highly rewarded. Hence it is
also, that intellectual acquirements are so little valued, and so badly i-e-
warded. This is the natural result flowing directly from the actual exist-
ing circumstances of the country. Another result flows from the same
cause, namely, that skilled labor is neither valued nor rewarded, as
compared with unskilled labor. From this view of the case, and this
view is founded on facts, v.^e can easily see why the professors cf science
2(3 iNDUSTIUAL ReSOUKCES
and literature in our v'olleges, authors, editors of newspapers, uuni.sters
of religion, lawyers, physicians, painters, civil engineers and architects
are so badly paid in tliis country, as compared with similar professions in
Great Britain and Ireland This state of things has a tendency to retard
the progress of national refinement and intellectual improvement : as
without a prospect of adequate pecuniary reward or personal honor, there
can be no inducement to bestow time and mental labor on these branches
of art, science, and literature, without which, however, no nation can
attaiu to that degree of social perfection, or political power, which it
otherwise would, under more favorable circumstances. Time, however,
will remedy what is but the natural and inevitable result of causes origi-
nating in the peculiar circumstances of the country. Industrial labor
will produce wealth, and wealth, under proper direction and control, will
produce national refinement. The progress already made in the. arts and
sciences, as well as in all departments of social life, by all the older
states of the Union, ftilly illustrates the position I assume, and gives
a reasonable hope, that Wisconsin, vvith all her natural advantages, will
follow, close, her older sisters in the rnarch of intellectual and social im-
provement. ^ Here every one is employed in some industrial branch of
labor — here the iniiuenpe of family or birth is scarcely felt — here
there is no dominant sect or church establishment to be paid — here
it is not considered a disgrace to work at any trade or calling —
here no. one is brought up in perfect ignorance- -hbre lio one eats the
bread of idleness — here also we have colleges, normal schools, and agri-
c\iltural societies — here, in short, is a field, wide and ample to jifford the
means of living to millions ! With all these advantages, is it not rea-
sonable to expect, that we shall move forward in the march of progressive
improvement, with a rapidity commensurate with our peculiar position?
I could cite the concurrent testimony of numerous travelers to prove
"that there is much in the elements of our state which superinduces. great
thoughts — a majesty in our forests, power in our rivers, splendor upon
our prairies, and beauty pervading the whole, which enlarges, strength-
ens, glorifies, and fills the mind with lofty aspirations, noble ambition,
independence, and a spirit of love, and universal brotherhood.'' We are
i)ot however to depend solely on o\ir natural advantages. We liave rival
states, possessing some advantages too, and quite awake to their own
interests, to contend with. We ought to look to onvi, by "taking time
by the forelock." If we rest on our oars, we lose the race. If we are
not early in the field, others will be in possession. rThe streams of i;idus-
try, trade, and conmierce are passing into Chicago, like mountain tor-
rents. The sagacity and enterprising spirit 'of her citizens have com-
menced to draw some of these streams from our state, and they v.'ill inevi-
tably succeed in injuring our best interests, if we neglect to tap them at
their source, and convey them through the legitimate channels of the
OF Wisconsin. 27
state. No one can blame Chicago for setting a great part of her commer-
cial machinery in motion by a power drawn from our resources, if we
look on with our arms folded and our wheels at rest for want of that mo-
tive power which wo allow thus to pass away. The Chicago and Galena
Railroad will drain the business of the western parts of our state, the
projected tributaries to this, having their source at Mineral Point, Beloit,
and Janesvillc will drain the south and the Rock lliver Yalley Rail Road
will sweep away every thing from Fond du Lac to Janesviile, if not pre-
vented in time. The ruinous effects of these roads can only be counter-
acted, by vigorously building all the roads v/hich have projected through
this state. This would have the effect of directing the stream of com-
merce to- the lake cities of Wisconsin. The riecessity of increased exer-
tion hourly presses itself on our citizens, to counteract approaehiug
evils, by taking immediate action on all the projects relating to roads
leading to our lake shore cities, and by taking advantage of all the favor-
able circumstances which chance seems likely to throw in our way.
Twenty one years ago, it was proposed to build an air-line Rail Road
from Jlilwaukeo to Fond du Lac. The necessity for building that road
was quite apparent then, and what has since happened, with regard to
the diversion of our commerce to other channels, shows a still greater
necessity for speedily building that or some other, to effect the same
object. Captain McKennon of the English Navy, gToundinghis statements
on what he considers to be "sound and accurate information, writes that
it has lately been whispered abroad, that negotiations are pending be-
tween the British and American G-overnments to build jointly a rail road
on the boundary line to the Pacific, from the liead of Lake Superior, in
latitude 49 deg. N. The Canadians being apprised of tliis fact are push-
ing their rail roads with "hot haste" to monopolise the trade to lake Su-
perior, and thus get the first chance for all the summer business to those
regions."
Some fifty years ago, the great continents that looked across the
deep waters of the Pacific Ocean were either barren wilds, or ancient and
mysterious empires, without enterprise or signs of life, save and except a
few Indians, a stray deer, or other wild animal, reposing without fear on
the broad wilderness. The Pacific was then an ocean of pastoral romance;
but is now flanked by empires rising in importance with the celerity of
progress which has no parallel in the history of nations if I except what
are generally knowsi as the western states. Sydney on the west, and
San Francisco on the east, with the Anglo-Saxon empires of which they
are the principal cities, now sway the shores and islands of the Pacific,,
while their numerous fleets fill its ports with all the luxuries of tropical
climes. "China and Japan Sealed far centuries against commerce jand
civilization are about to be opened by the force of events." The
28 Industrial Kksoukchs
Paeifie encircles a thousand isles, producing fruit, spices, and other luxu-
ries, while its sides are guarded by glittering mountains of gold, which
allure thousands and tens of thousands from every country and from every
clime, who hr.sten thither with breathless anxiety to gather up the perish-
able dust that lies above, below, and about in every direction. But those
seducing golden fields lie at a great distance, which it would be desirable
to abridge, so as to make them easily accessible. This will soon be ao-
eomplished by the enterprising spirit of the age. Rail roads connecting
Lake Superior, the Mississippi, and the Atlantic with the Pacific Ocean
will accomplish it. A rail road or canal, or perhaps both, across the Isth-
mus of Panama, are confidently spoken of. The scheme is pushed for-
ward with an earnestness of purpose which gives hope of its being carried
into execution. Congress seems determined to connect tiie Mississippi
with the Pacific, by a system of railroads. This subject is discussed with
an earnestness commensurate with the vastness of the undertaking, and
there is little doubt of its le.T. ling to a successful issue. The counectioa
of Lake Superior and the Mississippi with the Pacific would open to Wis-
consin an additional field of enterprise. Uninterrupted communica,tion,
by rail road, is now open from New York to San .Francisco, and tickets
may be bought at Milwaukee and Chicago for any station along the road.
San Francisco may be reached from Milwaukee in about 7 days. The
Pacific Ocean, to modern enterprise, is likely to become what the Medi-
terranean Sea was to ancient enterprise. What a wonderful age we live
in; science is bringing the most distant parts of the earth into close proxi-
mity; and the hum, clatter, and other sounds of industry are daily and
hourly banishing silence from the wilderness.
Nature seems to have worked upon a grand scale in all her operations in
this great and wonderful country. Our mountain ranges are gigantic — our
rivers jrirrantic — cur mineral regions extensive — our coal fields extensive —
our prairies vast — our forests vast —our trees majestic — and our lakes like
oceans. Our people as if following nature, seem anxious to work everything
upon a large scale — -witness the extent of our canals, our railroads, and our
telegraphs — witness our expresses, our stage coach establishments, our
hotels, our boarding houses, and our machinery — witness our fleets of
steam and sailing vessels, our fisheries and our commerce — witness the
extent of our states, and the vast machinery of our government, and in
view of all, the mind becomes bewildered how all can be accomplished in
so young a country, and by so thin a population. When we view the ex-
tent of our Union, and the machinery necessary to carry out the laws,
exact obedience, and protect life and property — when we consider the
enormous amount of duty which devolves upon the difi'ercnt departments
of the Union — when we reflect en all these, and contrast their collective
magnitude with the small amount drawn from the resources of the coun-
OS" Wisconsin. 29
try to carry on the public service, have we not reason to rejoice and be
thankfuL The economy with which the public service is performed is
among the many causes, that have, and are still, operating in our favor;
by which we are moving along the line of improvement, and extendinjr
the sphere of industrial enterprise, with a celerity which defies history to
find a parallel. The state of the treasury shows the receipts for the fis-
cal year, ending 30th June, 1S52 exclusive of trust fund, to bo $49,728.-
387; the expenditure for the same period, likewise exclusive of trust funds
being ^46,007,896, of which ^9,45©, 81.5 was an accout of the principal
and interest of public debt, includina: th'e last instalment of the indemnity
to 3Iexico, leaving a balance in the treasury amounting to $14,632,186.
Now (1st of June 1870) our debt amounts to §2,406,563,371.73. Com-
pare this expenditure with thas of Great Britain, and observe the con-
trast. The expenditure of that country for the year 1852 was §270,-'
000,000. The expense of the army and navy alone, of Great Britain
amounts.to §69, 000, 000 — far more than the aggregate expense of our
government. The estimate of the naval department of England for ls53
exceed §30,000,000. The sums drawn from the funds of the country to
pay the constabulary for keeping the starving Irish in check would appear
ludicurcus to an American. To acquire information relative to this work,
I travelled through four states of the Union last fall,(1854)and in all my
journey, I did not see one soldier or one policeman. The late war has pro-
duced a different state of things, as a matter of necessity. When that
conflict ended, our standing army was reduced,* Compare this with the
standing armies of soldiers in Great Britain and Ireland, whose sui^port
is drawn from the people, and mark the contrast. Compare the salaries
of the judges, poor law commissioners, and other paid officers in those
countries with the compensation given to persons filling similar offices
here, and mark the difi:erence. But I mistake, we have no poor law
commissioner here, nor are we likely to require the services of such an
official for some time to come. Compare the sums drawn from the people
(for everthing comes from the people) to pay the church establishment
there with what is paid here to Ministers of religion, and mark the dif-
ference. Compare the feelings of the people towards their respective
government in Europe, withiours towards our government, and mark the
difi"erence. And lastly compare the condition of the people under the dif-
ferent governments in Europe with ours, and the ccnclusion must be self
■•■') It is but common justice to American liberality to state, thr.t in all that jour-
ney, I -was passed free by Bailroad, Stage Coach, and Steam Boats. Candor obliges
me further to state, that in all my travels through this continent, all public convey-
ances passed me along iivithout charge. To all persons connected -^-ith these public
30 IXDUSTKIAL IIk^OURCES
evident. I writcAhus not for the purpose, bj any means, of finding fault with
the laws and institutions of my native country ; but simply to show, by
comparison, the excellence of those of my adopted country. My doctrine
lias always been, to submit, with perfect obedience, to the established laws
that be. But if the established laws were found to be bad, to remon-
strate and petition for their repeal. No party should embarass a govern-
ment by unnecessary opposition, but all should rise up enmasse to remons-
trate and put down corruption. 1 honor a patriot, but despise a dema-
gogue, whose trade is agitation, but whose object is gain. There are
'too many patriots of this description in every country, living upon the
credulity of the people, the discussion of tiie laws of England, some
of whicli, if administered in the spirit in w^hich they were made, are,
in many respects, perfect models, forms no part of my plan ; but as the
productive industry of every country, which no doubt, forms the basis
of its properity and wealth, is closely connected with, and partly depen-
dent on the laws, I mean, when occasion may arise to call attention,
incidentally, to the exccllenee of the Constitution of the United States,
which though not perfect in every particular, as partaking of the imper-
fection of human nature, is nevertheless, the best that ever was formed.
It protects life and property, promotes trade and commerce, lends its aid
to the improvement of such means of internal communication, as is neces_
sai'y to promote the general interest of the nation, by opening up the
channel of internal commerce, and by facilitating the frequent intercourse
of the population. Difference of opinion, however luay sometimes exist,
as to the best means, on the part of the government, to promote the
welfare of the nation, as regards its commerce, its manufacture, its trade,
and other branches of industry, whether mental or material. This diife-
rence of opinion is now the subject of discussion between two parties in
the Union, the one advocating free trade, and the other a protective
duty to diminish competition from abroad. To discuss the subject in
all its bearings, would take up more time and space than I can devote
to. it at present, therefore I shall dismiss it now, and resume it in a sub-
sequent chapter, at a more fitting time.
The next subject which I shall take up presents physical features, no
less interesting to those seeking a home in Wisconsin, than to persons at a
distance, who may be partial to natural subjects. To new settlers not
wishing to encounter the labor and difficulty of clearing the dark dense
forest to be seen in many parts of the far w-est, the natural prairie and oak
openings present tempting inducements, which no one who has not seen
them could imagine. The oak openings present all the appearance of
a nobleman's demense in England or Ireland, with, often, all the appea-
rance of studied art in the arrangement of the stately monarchs of the
forest, wdiich, in general, are at such a distance apart as not to interfere
(lY VriSCOXSIN. SI
often with the operations of the plough arA harrow. These oak opeuiuog
are sometimes seen on dz'y table land adjacent to a level forest or prairie.
They in general undulate. Some of these natural parks are of excellent
quality, most of them aiiording sufficient wood for fencino- and firing,
which are indispensible necessaries on a farm. Wisconsin has a happy
combination of prairie, oak openings, and wood land. Prairie land is, in
general, of better cjuality than oak openings. Prairie land requires no
grubbing or clearing of any kind, preparatory to the introduction of the
plough. Wlien a prairie is rolling and limited in extent, aothino- could
be more desirable for the farmer, provided it adjoins woodland. But a
flat extensive Prairie of many miles presents an aspect, by no means cal-
culated to please the eye, or satisfy the wants of the farmer. We have
no such extensive plains however, in Wisconsin.' Our prairies are rolling
and of limited extent, and the aspect invariably diversified by a forest, an
oak opening, or a grove, which in connection with the prairie relieves the
eye, and renders the whole scene delightful. But a monotonous expanse,
indiversiiied by hill and dale, and without a single object to look at;
may please those who are fond of the sublime, but to me such a scene
has no charms. A man standing on the uuruiSed surface of the broad
ocean, and out of the sight of knd, sees before him a true picture of a
prairie, with the exception of the color. Arid if the sea rolls, lie sees
before him a perfect representation of a rolling prairie. Foreigners very
generally form very ei-roneous notions of the agricultural advantages and
disadvantage of a prairie. Many of them are of unsurpassing fertility,
but from the absence of hill and dale, they are generally destitute of
good water. The want of a diversity of surface naturally occasions sur-
face water to accumulate, which from want of motion, becomes unwhole-
some and quite unfit for human use. In such situations, it is unnccessarj''
to say, that the chance of obtaining good water within a short distance
of the surface is very uncertain. The farmer occupying such a situation
generally has to dig for water to a depth varying from twenty-five to one
hundred feet, and sometimes more. Should he not have one of these
surface swamps on the farm, man and beast must be supplied from the
well, which is a labor af no trifling import. Besides this great inconve-
nience, the want of v/ood for fencing and firing is an item of expense
which he feels year after year. Unprotected from the influence of the
Sun in summer, ,the heat is intolerable to man and Ijeast: and being ex-
posed in winter, the cold acts vsith unmitigated fury. These are obstac-
les which the new comer must encounter, when he takes his stand on tho
broad naked prairie. Some of these objections however, to such a situa-
tion may, in time, be obviated, as may be seen in a subsequent pui.t of
this work. A difi'erence of opinion prevails, with regard' to the ori'^-iri of
these prairies. Some are of opinion that neither tree nor bush over ^rew
:32 Industiiial KKt'ouitciis
en them since they had beea covered by the ocoiiii ; but this could not be,
as when they arc protected, even for a short time, from the annual rava-
ges of the red man's fire, trees spring up spontaneously; vphy then, as is
often asked, does not the soil contain the roots of ancient trees, if such
ever existed. The reason is obvious. The Indians, from time immemo-
rial, have kept up their annual fires for purposes of hunting, during •which
the roots disappear. Tlie small distance to which the roots penetrate
the soil in this country, the heat of the climate in summer, the
influence of the frost in winter, and tlie total absence of any
anticeptic quality in the soil would, in time, be suiEcicnt to banish all
traces of ancient roots. It^ is a curious fact, that when a prairie is pro-
tected from fire, groves «f trees soon spring up. It may bo asked how
the seed comes there, or by what agency is it brought there ? The old
theory of being brought by the wind, by birds, or other animals is quite
untenable. The trees that generally start into existance arc almost in-
variably some species of poplar, with occasional sprouts ofcrabb or cherry
tree, neither of which may not be found perhaps within mawy miles of
the locality. Either the seed lies dormant in the soil for ages, unable to
exercise its natural functions, by reason of adverse surrounding circum-
stances or the chemical admixtui-e of certain elements produces under the
influence of some fluid, spontaneous existence, when a combination of
favorable circumstances presents itself. The great author of nature, no
doubt, accomplishes everything, however mysterious the operation may
appear to us, in the best, wisest, and most suitable manner. Chemistry
shows how dead mineral matter is organized or ti-ansformed into living
compounds, in the mechanism of plants; and also how plants or vegetable
compounds are transformed into the bodies of animals. How the author of
nature accomplishes this, it is not my business to enquire. When a stone
is let drop, it falls to the ground, and the power that makes it fall, we
call attraction; but how this power acts we know not. We can trace
many natural laws producing visible eiiects, though we may be totally
if norant of the first cause or of its mode of action. We know that by
• mixin" oxygen and hydrogen in certain proportions, the mixture will form
water; but how it is so, or why it is so, wo know not.
As connected with this subject, it may be Avorthy of notice, that when
a forest burns out or decays, a new race of trees, speedily springs up,
quite difl:erent from the departed growth. When a hemlock forest burns
or decays, the growth that succeeds it, is poplar, pigeo'n cherry, white
ash sumach, butternut, and otlicr tress tliat shed their leaves every
year. White pine is succeeded by oak and hickor}-. When an oak
plantation is cut down in parts of Pennsylvania, spice wood springs up.
I was told that a farmer in Oliio, cut down an oak plantation, and a
variety of other different trees sprung up, and when these again were
or AViscoNsiN. 33
cut down, tliej wore soon replaced by maple, which .spontaneously
sprung up. It is worthy of notice, tliat when a .stream abandons its
course, the swamps left behind, ^jive birth to a growth of cotton wood,
which indeed, so far as T have seen, aeems to thrive best in marshes bor-
dering on rivers or streams. Tamarack is confined to swamps, so far as my
knowledge of this Country goes. It is stated by Profes.^or Johnson, that
wh«n a forest of pines is burned down in Sweden, one of birch takes its place
for a while; but the birch is again supplanted by the pine. "On the shores
of the Rhine are seen ancient forests of oak from two to four hundred
years old, gradually giving place at present to a natural growth of birch,
and others where the pine is succeeded by both." The oak and pine al-
tarnate naturally with each other in many parts of tliis country. I have
I)een told by an intelligent gentleman of much observation, tliat ever-
greens are invariably succeeded naturally by trees that drop their leaves.
What a lesson is all this for the practical farmer^ who should always take
advantage of the natural operations continually passing before him in the
wilderness. By paying due attention to wliat passes in the forest where
Nature alone operates, the alternation of different trees and shrubs,
would soon suggest the idea of the rotation of crops. In the wilderness,
the s»il seems to run out, and thus exhausted and unable to supply the
necessary food, the present growtli dies, and is succeeded by different
.species of trees, which grow luxuriantly, the extinct tribe having left an
abundant supply in the soil fit for the nourishment of the new race. Ho
is it with the plants which we raise for food. When the soil ceases to
supply the growing crop with a sufficiency of food lit for its support, an-
other should be put into the ground which, though deficient in food fit for
the former, may, notwithstanding, contain abundance suited to the latter.
The soil contains different descriptions of food for the nourishment of
plants, and different plants require different descriptions of food ; there-
fore a .succession of the same plants would ultimately exhaust the soil of
that food on whicli it lived. Hence the necessity of a judiciou.s rotation
of Crops. A poor soil without artificial manure and labor never produces
a heavy crop, of which the practical farmer is well aware. I'he soil may
be easily judged of by the Crop. Tt is just so in the forest. "When the
trees are stunted and scrubby, the soil is seldom good ; but when the
growth is large and healthy, the soil is generally good. One accustomed
to the woods would tell at a single glance, the quality of the soil, by the
appearance of the trees, as well as the species. This subject, which I
mean to resume in the chapter devoted to agriculture, has naturally "rown
out of the cause assigned for the origin of our prairies, which is the annual
fires of the Indians for purposes of hunting. The prairie fires, when the
grass is long and thick, present some of the grandest and most terrible scenes
in Nature. "When the grass is dry.andthe wind favorable, these fires spread
3
o4 lM>ij:-nnAL 11k>*ov;kce^
\\[{\\ a toartal vapulitv, rushiUj;- along witii a noiso like tauiulor, omitting
clouds of smoko, bauijilung ovorv inuulru[>i\l, bird and croopiiig thing,
and somotinios putting tlio unwary travelor in terror of hit! Ufo ; Nvho, to
escape from t!»o devouring olomo'.it. sots lire to tho grass arouuil. and
taking; his stand in tho burnt part, escapes tho approaoliing tlamo. Noth-
iuii is miro dismal than a vast burnt plain, veiled over with a blaok pall,
as an omblom of death and destruction, presenting not a single object, or
sign of life. This bleak, and black, aiul mournful expanse, however, like
the fabled Phoenix, soon revives in all tlie vigor ot youth, robed in tho
liveliest greou of returning spring, and decked with tlowers of a thousand
hues, giving the entire plaiu an aspect of cheerfulness aiul delight, calcu-
lated to elevate the soul, and inspire it with a hope that after having
performed its pilgniuage in this dark and dreary world, it will, at the
resurrection, be raised again decked iu glory. How different in their ap-
plication are these prairie dros. The Indian kindles the tiro to prepare
for hunting : but Professor Espy kindles tho tiame to bring down rain
from the heavens, with tho view to promote vegetation iu seasons of
drought, when tho crops intended for mau and beast, show visible signs
of failure.
In- nutans ot the knowledge furnished by Mr. Espy's admirable
theory ot" storujs. artitioial rains m.iy be produced under favorable circum-
stances of a high dew-point and a calm atmosphere. Mr. A. H. Jones.
United States Deputy Surveyor says, that ho performed many experi-
ments iu Florida, iu seasons of groat drought, and always succeeded in
producing arcilicial showers ; and that for some years baok. farmers, who
became acquainted with his experiments, were in the habit of setting tire
to the dry grass at the time they planted their corn, to produce rain ;
and that they generally succeeded: though(^this being iu the dry season)
it is known no rain would otherwise occur. The modern application of
science is working wonders every day which warrauts the general belief
that the "world is rapidly advancing." In discussing the subject of the
natural phenomena of the jtate, I shall resume my observations on tho
storms, and on tho manner of producing artidcial rains, on an extensive
scale.
The peculiar circumstances of this country have given rise to vivrious
machinery to abridge labor. The tarmer far removed from town, where
he could receive the services of a tradesman, has often to supply his own
wants, by attempting to accomplish what legitimately was the trades-
man's business, and being often put to his "wits ends" for want of tooL*,
he frequently hits upon a device that afterwards proves valuable : thus
verifying the proverb, that "necessity is the mother of invention." Xe-
ces^ity drives thousands to do and invent many things which, under
different circumstances, they never could think of. It was this necessity
OF Wisconsin. 35
tlicit gave hirtli to iiunicroiis inventiona of daily use in every liousc in this
country. It was necessity arising out of the peculiar circumstances of
tlie country tiiat Las suggested the idea of substituting yarious descrip-
tions of machinery to abridge labor. Though unskilled labor is much
liighcr here than in any part of the old country, yet by tlie substitution
of suitable machinery, articles of necessity and comfort are manufactured
here mucli cheaper than in any part of the old country that I was ac-
Huaintad with. Chairs, window blinds, sashes, doors, pails, stoves, and
numerous other articles of every day use, are sold here for one-half, and
ill some cases for one-third what tliey could bo made fm- in England or
Ireland, where labor is so much cheaper.
Tlie .scarcity and higli price of labor iu tiiis c(nintry make the use of
machinery indispensible. And though this is (juite apparent, yet I hare
heard numbers cry out against the use of machinery, as calculated to
diminish the demand for labor, and thi-ow thousands out of employment,
who perhaps might be the only support of large and helpless families.
But as in the case of free trade, for every one that is injured by the in-
troduction of machinery, hundreds and thousands are benefitted. The
thousands of scriviners the art of printing banished from the do.sk, were
as chaff, when put in competition with the incalculable benefit conferred
on mankind by that liappy discovery. The improved process of manu-
facturing nails, reduced) all the nailers, already too poor, to a state of
beggary; and the power-loom and spinning-jenny drove before thenj mul-
titudes into the gulf of poverty, distress, and misery. But though large
numbers suffered by these innovations, millions have been, are, and will
continue, to be benefitted. Every great improvement to abridge labor
never fails to cause temporary distress among the particular class of oper-
atives whose business it performs ;' therefore, the government of every
country ought to provide at once for the support of that class. And
though I am sorry to say that the working classes are often al-
lowed to pine away in misery, yet under no circumstahce should those
great discoveries, which transfer the superintendence of labor from the
hand to the mind, be lost to posterity. But as posterity is not likely to
do much for the discarded operatives, the government, the manufacturer,
and the humane of every class eught to alleviate their distress. I have
lived in the great age of discovery myself, and witnessed' a fearful amount
of human suffering arising from the introducti(5n of improved machinery ;
but in this country, no such evil is to be apprehended. In Great Britain
and Ireland, one educated for a particular trade or a profes.sion is scarce-
ly ever fit for any employment out of that, for which he had been in-
strueted; but it is not so here. Here, one may follow four or five dif-
ferent trades or professions through life, without feeling any inconveni-
ence from the change of one trade, or profession to another. I met an
36 Industrial Resources
old geutlemau in Illinois who told me he commenced the world as a cow-
herd, which occupation he changed for the plough, which again lie changed
for school-teaching, from which occupation he went to the bar, from the
bar to the practice of pliysic, and thence to the pulpit.
In a floating or moving population, it is not always an easy matter
to estimate the actual condition of the working classes by the amount of
wages they receive per diem. Nominal wages may be high, as compared
with those received in former times, and yet the condition of the laborer
may not be improved If the price of the necessary articles of consump-
tion increase in the same rates as the advance in wages, the condition of
the laborer remains the same, but if the prices of necessary articles of
consumption increase in a higher ratio than the advance in wages, liow-
ever great it may appear, is worse in proportion. If the wages of the
laborer remain the same or increase, per diem, as compared with those;
received in former times, while prices of necessary articles of consumption
fell, then the condition of the laborer is deteriorated. As an illustration
of what has been here stated : During the late war in this country, wages
were high, as compared with those paid before that unfortunate conflict,
caused by the withdrawal of a large portion of our population from in-
dustrial and productive labor to warlike pursuits in defence of the con-
stitution But though wages were relatively high during tlic war, the
necessaries of life soon became dearer, as is generally the case ; therefore
the condition of the laboring classes varied according to the laws above
laid down. In 1849 tlie weekly cost of maintenance and clothing, per
head, of the inmates of the Irish poor houses and workhouses was 37^
cents, while in 1869, at was 74^ cents.
The records of the contract prices of the different articles of con-
sumption, of the workhouses of Ireland, in 1850 and 1870, show that all
the articles of consumption, except tea and sugar, have increased in price.
Hence the condition of the working classes has not been materially im-
proved.
Before I came to America, I was impressed with the justice of Eng-
land's claim to superiority in every thing connected with machinery, and
to the supremacy of the ocean ; but every day convinces me more and
more, that preconceived notions had led me into an error. For a very
Ion o- time all nations acceded to England a high degree of superiority
over all the maratime countries with which she had any intercourse. Her
knowledo-e of ship building, and her general mechanical skill, were the
admiration of the world. This, however, is n© longer the case; America
now lays claim to the supremacy of the seas, and England acknowledges
the right. An extract from a paper read by Mr. Scott, before the Royal
Institution, London, does equal justice to bus own candor and to Ameri-
can ingenuity. "The subject placed on the list for consideration this
OF Wisconsin 37
evening, has been rfuggestod by the assertion which within a year or two
has been so often repeated, that our trans-atlantic brethern are building
better ships than ourselves ; that, in short, Brother Jonathan is going
ahead, while John Bull is comfortably dozing in his arm-chair, and that
If he do not wake speedily, and take a sound survey of his true position,
he may find himself hopelessly astern. Two questions of a practical na-
ture arise out of this alarming assertion : First, whether the Americans
are really in any respect superior to the English in nautical matters.
Second, whether in order to equal them, wo are to be compelled to de-
scend into mere imitations, or whether we have independent ground from
which wecan start with certainty and originality on a new course of im-
provement in Naval Architecture ? In the outset I beg permission to say,
that I am not one of those who shut their eyes to the praises of our young
and enterprising brethren over the water, or view their rapid advance-
ment with jealously. I beg to express my perfect belief in the account,
we have hoard of their wonderful achievements in rapid steam navio-ation.
I am satisfied as a matter of fact, that twenty-one and twenty-three
miles ail hour have been performed, not once, but often, by their river
steamers. To that we cannot in this country offer any parallel. The
next point in which they have beaten us was in the construction of the
beautiful packet ships which carried on the passenger trade between
Liverpool and America, before the era of ocean steamers. These were
the first ships in the world, and they were mainly owned and sailed by
Americans.
The next point in which we have come into competition with the
Americans has been lately in ocean steam navigation. Three years ago
they began. They were immeasurably behind us at that time, but they
are already nearly equal to us. Their trans-atlantic steamers equal ours
in bad weather and speed. In regularity, they are still our superiors.
If they continue to advance at their present rate of improvement, they
will soon outstrip us. Next I come to the trade which has long been
principally our own — the China trade. The clipper ships which they re-
, cently have sent to that country have astonished the fine ships of our
I Greens and our Smiths. Our best ship owners are trembling for their
trade and reputation. Finally, it is true, that Americans have sent over
to England a yacht, called the America, which has found on this side of
the Atlantic no match; and we only escaped the disgrace of our not hav-
ing the courage to accept her defiance through the chivalry of one gen-
tlemen who accepted the challenge, with a yacht of half the size, on this
principal so worthy of John Bull, that the Yankee, although he might
3ay that he had beaten us, should not be able to say that we had all run
away. Such then at present is our actual position in the matter of ships,
yachts, and steam navigation- -a position highly creditable to the Ameri-
38 Industrial Ee.?ources
caus, and whicli deserves our serious consideration. I propose to examine
a little into the physical causes of the naval success of the Americans; but
befoi'e doing so, permit me to jDoint out a moral one, which later in the
evening you will find to ho at the bottom of the principal causes. It is
this, John Bull has a prejudice against novelty; Brother Jonathan has a
prejudice equally strong in favor of it. Wo adhere to tradition in trade,
manners, customs, professions, humors — Jonathan despises it. I do not
say he is right, and we are wrong ; but this difference beeomes very im-
portant, when a race ef competition is to be run. These preliminary re-
marks find immediate application in the causes which have led to our loss
of character on the sea.
The Americans constantly on the alert, have carried out and applied
every new discovery to the advancement of navigation ; while with the
English, naval construction and seaman-ship is exactly that bvanch of
practice in which science has not only been disregarded, but is altogether
despised and set aside. The Americans show what can be done by mod-
ern science, and unflinchingly put it into practice ; we show what can be
done in spite of science and defiance of its principles. It appears from
the comparison that was instituted between American and English vessels
that the American ship-builders have gained over the English, chiefly by
the ready abandonment of old systems and the adoption of true principles
of science, and the most modern discoveries. They have changed their
fashions of steamers and ships to meet new circumstances as they arise.
For river steamers, they at once abandoned all the well-known sea-going
forms, and created absolutely a new form and general arrangement both
of ship and maehinery. We on the other hand, subject to the prejudice
of a class, invariably attempted to make a river steamer to resemble as
much as possible a sea-going ship propelled by sails. We were even for
a long time so much ashamed of our paddle-wheels that we adopted all
sorts of inconvenient forms and inapt artifices to conceal them, as if it
were a high achievement to make a steam vessel to be mistaken for a
sailing vessel. The first sharp bows which the wave principle has brought
to our knowledge, have been adopted in this country with the greatest
reluctance, and those who adopt them are often unwilling to allow they
are wave-bows, and would feign assert that they always built them so,
were it not that the ship lines are able to speak for themselves. The
Americans, however, ■ adopted the wave-bow without reluctance, and
avowed it with pleasui'e, the moment they found it to give economy and
speed. In. like manner, the Americans having found the wave-line or
hollow-bow good for steamers, were quite ready to believe it might be
equally good for sailing vessels. We, on the other hand, have kept on
asserting, that though we could not deny its efficacy for steamers, it
would never do for vessels that were meant to carry sails. The Ameri-
OF Wisconsin. 3^
cans ou the contrary, tried it on their pilot boats, and finding it succeed-
ed there, avowed at once, in their latest treatises on Naval Architecture,
the complete success of the principle ; not even disclaiming its British
origin. To prove to ourselves our insensibility to its advantages — they
built the America, carried out the wave principle to the utmost, and de-
spising the prejudices and antiquated regulations of our clubs, came over
and beat us. The diagrams and models which were exhibited, showed
the water-lines of the America to coincide exactly with the theoretical
wave-line. In another respect, the Americans showed their implicit faith
in science and disregard of prejudice. Theory says and has always said,
"sails should sit as flat as boards," we said tlid^y should bo cut so as to
hang in graceful waves. It has always been so: we have always done it.
The Americans believed in principles and with flat sails, went one point
nearer to the wind, leaving prejudice and picturesque far to t]ie leoward.
In other points, the Americans beat us by the use of science. They use
all the refinement of science in their rigging and tackle; they, it is true,
have to employ better educated and more enlightened inen — they do so;
and b}'' employing a smaller number of hands, beat us in efficiency as
well as in, economy." This article does equal justice to the discrimina-
ting judgment and strict candor of Mr. Scott, as well as to the undoubt-
ed right of the Americans to the supremacy of the ocean, gained no doubt
by placing implicit faith in naval architectural science, and by taking
early advantage of every circumstance which chance threw in their way.
3Iilwaukee is peculiarly well circumstaoced as regards convenience and
materials for ship-building. On the spot may be found the best oak and
lumber of every description in the greatest abundance, while the Milwau-
kee water basins affords excellent feites for building both wet and dry
docks. Buffalo, Chicago, or indeed any other lake town, presents no
such advantages to the ship-builder in these respects, as Milwaukee. They
will, no doubt, be taken advantage of by some enterprising capitalist of
skill. 1 am happy to see that a company is being formed to build six
propellers of the largest class, which are to be employed during the ap-
proaching season (1853) between Milwaukee and Buffalo. This line of
propellers, in connection with a nct'Work of rail and plank roads, radiat-
ing from the city of Milwaukee in every direction, as far as the Mississip-
pi, cannot fail to advance the* interests of our citizens, as well as those
of the miners, agriculturists, and other classes throughout the state.
Manitowoc is likewise very favorably situated for ship-building, and I
am glad to see that the enterprising citizens of that rising village are tak-
ing advantage of their position. Several fine vessels have been built at
that place, and another will be ready to take to her native element early
in the coming spring. Green Bay is another point, that must in time be
occupied by ship yards, when the navigation of the Fox and Wisconsin
40 iNrrsTKiAL Kksocroks
rivers is open. Kaoiae and Kouosha have suffioiout tacilities for building
all their own sailing crafts. We ought to appreciate our advantages
hero, when wo see immense quantities of timber crorj year gent to the
ship yanls of New York, a distance of twelve hundred miles.
From what has been said in this article, it will be seen how impor-
tant it is to have a knowledge of soioTioo. which is closely connected with
almost overr branch of industry in which we are engaged. Under the
existing conilition of this country, only few can afford to devote time to
the acquirement of an extensive course of edueation. therefore, the time
set apart for educatiou:il purposes should be devoted to those branches of
learning, bearing directly on the pursuit in which the individual is to be
engaged. Two elements are essential to the perfection of an industrial
education — science and jiractico. Science leads to practical eminence.
A man may bo very dexterous in the management of his tools, but totally
ignoniut of the principles on which his practice rests. Such a man can
never rise to eminence in any important department of his business.
Watt could never have brought the steam eugiue to the degree of perfec-
tion in which he left it. had he not been acquainted with the principles of
science. Lord Ross had to invoke the aid of soieace in the improvement
of his wonderful telescope, which leads to infinities of space and faintness
— which places the traveler on mountain top, where foot never trod —
which shows the sailor his place in the deep, and the object of his pur-
suit in the gloom of night — which shows the stars wIjoso faint light is
lost in the sun shine — carries us beyond our own abode, and in the glim-
ses it gives us of the condition of other worlds, adds a mighty voice to
the acclaim in which the '•firmament declares the glory of God."'
Science alone perfects art : therefore, it ought to hold the first rank
in all our seminaries of education. Throughout this work it will be seen,
that science is the fountain from which all our practical knowledge i»
drawn. Without science we could only grope in the dark in pursuit of
the hidden treasures with irhich our mineral regions abound — regions of
vast extent, great variety, and peculiar richness in mineral character,
rendering the geology of the State of peculiar interest, net only in a geo-
logical point of view, but asregartls profit and industrial labor also. In
contemplating the subject of geology, one is constrained to exclaim what
mighty things are revealed by the silent hand of time ! When the eye
of the geologist pierces the earth, guides the way to its hidden treasures
and reads its petrified pasres, on which are legibly written the geological
epochs of the world and the history of its many changes before it assumed
its present conditieu. he shall likewise see that during these changes, i:
was manifestly the habitation of successive races, which disappeared from
existence at the change of each period, most possessing only remote ana-
logies to anv creature now livins. and that these relations seem to in-
OP WiSCON'SIX. 41
crease, till lie fiiida in the formations, which are considered moat recent,
remains of animals, nearly allied to the present races. Man, however,
forms an exception never having been found fossil, which proves that he
was called into existence later than any geological epoch. By the help
of the microscope, he may read in the pages of geological history, that
many mountains and rocks are entirely composed of evanescent atoms,
which once had life ; that this very State wns once the bed of the ocean ;
that large drifts coriHisting of clay, gravel, rounded stones of various
sizes, and large boulders, have been driven by ocean currents, and deposi-
ted in various parts of the State; that the action of water wore away the
solid rocks in some places to the depth of several hundred feet; that sub-
terranean force lifted up certain limited spots and whole districts; that
granite and other ingeneous rocks, were thrown up in a molten state ; that
volcanic action once exerted itself in some of the regions occupied by some
of our large lakes, and by groups of lakes, for whieh the northern portion
of this State is remarkable ; that the waters of the Mississippi have worn
down its bed to the tiepth of a thousand feet or more, and that some of
ita tributaries have acted in a similar way. These and a thousand other
phenomena, which will ha described hereafter, characterize the geology
of Wisconsin, giving it a degree of interest unequalled in but few of the
States. While the north seems to have been the theater of volcanic ac-
tion, as may be seen from the number and variety of its primitive rocks
and other visible evidences, the southern portion of the State seems to
have suffered little from the agency of subterranean force, but the surface
of these portions show sample evidence of tlie action of water.
Wisconsin is peculiarly characterized by the number and variety of
its ancient monumental rcniains, proving the existence of a people, who
in very remote antiquity, inhabited North America, but of whom nothing
is known, except what can be gleaned from such of their labors as have
been spared by the devastating hand of time. Silliman's Journal con-
tains some valuable notices of Indian mounds in Wisconsin, by R. C-
Taylor, Esq.; and our indefatigable townsman, I. A. Lapham, Esq., is
preparing an elaborate work on the same subject, which coming from
such a source cannot fail of being highly interesting. Mr. Lapham has
devoted much time and labor to tlie antiquities of Wisconsin, and I liave
no doubt but the minute details which he will exhibit, will be the means
of throwing some light upon the history and character of tliat departed
race, of whom even tradition is totally ignorant. The smallest circum-
stance connected with the remains of antiquity often gives a clue to val-
uable discoveries, leading to the solution of problems, enveloped in the
cobweb which the lapse of ages throws around them. As an illustration
of this remark, I might mention two circumstances bearing concurrent
42 Industki.vl Kksourci:;s
testimouj to the fact, that the architects of these Wisconsin mounds must
have come from i\.sia. A mound has been discovered at Cassville,0)i tlic Mis-
sissippi, which is supposed to have a trunk like tliat of an olepliant, Avliicli
goes to prove that Asia must have been the country from which that de-
parted race had derived their origin. Another fact related by 3Ir. Tay-
lor, of which there is no doubt, bears additional testimony to the Asiatic
origin of that people. A monument representing the human form lies in
an east and west direction near the Blue Mounds, with the arms and
legs extended, the head lying towards the west, and the feet toward the
east. This is the direction in which the Irish are invariably buried : and
what had given rise to the practice must be referred to a period antece-
dent to the introduction of Christianity into Ireland. Before the intro-
duction of Christianity into Ireland, by her patron saint, that countrv as
well as Britain, was the slave of idolatry, worshiping numerous deities,
and among them, the rising san. This circumstance led to the practice
of burying the dead with the face east, towards the rising sun This
practice as well as numerous others, to which tlic Irish and Scotch cling
to this day, Avith that national ardency so peculiar to them, were derived
from their ancestors — the Phoenicians, a people inhabiting the eastern
coast of the IMcditerranean Sea, on the confines of Palestine Should
another monuricnt be found of the human form, occup3'ing the Cardinal
points, like that at the Blue Mounds, it would add another link to the
chain connecting the ancient tribes of Wisconsin and the fii'st Irish sett-
lers, with one and the same country — Phoenicia. The following incident
relating to the sepulchral rites of the Indians, is an additional proof of
their oriental origin. Cooper, the Walter Scott of America, speaking
of the Chief Uncas, says in his "Last of the Mohicans,"' "The body was
deposited in an attitude of repose, facing the rising sun, with the imple-
ments of war and the chase at hand." On making enquiry about what
was supposed to be the trunk of an elephant, as above stated, there was not
sufficient proof to warrant the report ; and the coincidence of the position
of the monument found at theBlue Mounds and theCardinal points studious-
ly observed by the Irish and Scotch in burj'ing their dead, is not sufficient
proof of the oriental origin of the American Indian, as numerous other
tribes, Viesidcs these mentioned above, paid the most scrupulous attention
to the sepulchral position of the dead. It is a conceded fact among many
scientific men of the present day that the American Indians are a distinct
race, created in the country where they were found. The state of the
industrial arts among the ancient people of this western country, as gath-
ered from a few nide drawings, representing the mode of spinning, weav-
ing, &e., is related to a problem of Amei'Ican Ethnology of peculiar, in-
creasing interest. In this country-, instead of dwelling on the past, every
one looks to the future. Every American goes right ahead without ever
OF Wisconsin. 43
looking behind In Europe, an antiquarian will spend days and years in
the investigation of the remaining vestiges of vanished pomp and grand-
eur, here the object of eager pursuit is the coming power and gain. In
Europe an antiquarian would feel himself well rewarded by the discovery
of a glass bead after a weeks search, among the rubbish in tlie ruins of
Pompeii ; here notliing is sought with eager anxiety, but the dollar.
Hence it is, that the Wisconsin Mounds are passed without notice, except
by a few. Only very few will take the trouble, or spare time to bestow
a thought on the origin or history of these curious monuments. General
Smith, vdio is at present engaged in writing a history of Wisconsin, thinks
they are heraldic emblems, similar to the coat of arms and crests, at
present worn by different distinguished families in Europe.
There is sufficient evidence to prove that a people once inhabited
this country that worked in brass, which probably was first known as a
metal employed for tools. A copper instrument was found not long since,
about two feet under the roots of a pine tree, in the town of Stevens
Point, Portage county. It had the incontestible evidence of having been
moulded. One end was rather sharp, and the other bad the appearance
of having been blunted by use. It presented somewhat the appearance
of a drilling machine.
Having given this introductory notice of s mie of the subjects to bc^
hereafter discussed in detail, I shall next take up a subject intimately
connected with the welfare of every civilized community. This subject
is the fuel at our command in Wisconsin. But before I enter upon this
new subject, it may be necessary for mc, by way of apology, to say that
the subject of the Wisconsin Mounds has been introduced merely to
gratify the curiosity of Europeans, who feel a deep interest in such mat-
ters. Though these ancient monuments have nothing to do with the in-
dustrial resources of the State, yet for the reason above assigned, I
thought, that a few pages devoted to them may not be considered entire-
ly out, of place.
C H A P T E U T I.
The industrial resources of every nation depend principally on its
natural resources. Where nature supplies the raw material in great
abundance, and also the power to fashion that material into form for our
own use, is (all other things being equal) in general, the best field for
active labor. The locality rich in iron ore, and coal to prepare the
metal, to receive from the mould a thousand different forms, according to
the different purposes it may be required to serve, is always favorable to
the economical manufacture of that most useful, and indeed, indispensible*
article. Hence it is, that many parts of England and Scotland contain-
ing iron and coal, ^vhich often aecempany each other, are celebrated for
their iron works. The same remark applies to Pittsburgh, the Birming-
ham of America. There was, however, a time when iron was an article
of export from Ireland to England and Scotland. The cause that led to
this profitable branch of industrial labor has long since ceased to exist in
Ireland. Some two hundred years ago, the same process was em-
ployed in both countries to manufacture iron, the fuel used in the process
being wood charcoal, which soon became too scarce for manufacturing
purposes in England which, therefore had to draw upon Ireland where the
supply of wood was still sufficient for manufacturing purposes, till about
a century ago, when the forests disappeared there also. As soon as the
denuded state of the country denied a supply of wood for fuel, the manu-
facture of iron had to be abandoned in Kerry, the last place in Ireland
that used wood charcoal in the manufacture of iron. All this goes to
prove the truth of the general principle — that the industrial resources of
every country depend principally on her natural resources. When nature
ceased to supply the necessary supply of fuel in England, she had to
import iron from Ireland, and when the forests of Ireland became exhaust-
ed, she also had to abandon a lucrative branch of her industry. Iron
being indispensible to an advanced state of the arts, and England anxious
to attain a high position, with a view to the profits derivable from an ar-
ticle in Buch universal demand, set to work in order to find a substitute
for wood charcoal , which the naked state of the country refused any
longer to supply. Mr. Dudley, a native of England, soon supplied this
great desideratum, by invoking the aid of science, which upon all such
occasions ought to be brought into requisition. Had not this man made
OF Wisconsin. 45
the fortunate discovery — that coke may be substituted for cliarcoal, in
the smelting of iron, "the condition of industry -vrhich gave field to Watt
and Arkwright, could scarcely have existed." From the rapid increase
of population requiring increased consumption of fuel for various domes-
tic purposes, the forests on the continent of Europe are rapidly wasting
away, by which the economial manufacture of iron, by means of wood,
must be confined to those countries where a limited population admits
large tracts of forests to continue to grow, as in some of the countries of
the north of Europe, on which England would be depondent for iron now
had not the discovery of Dudley rescued her from such depondance.
Though this man's discovery has made England the industrial sovereifrn
of all the world, yet that country has allowed his name to pass from this
world to a better unhonored. The position I assume at the starting
point, and the conclusion I arrive at will show why I enter into the his-
tory of the iron manufactures in England : therefore I shall be for^-iven
for the digression. Heat being an essential agent tu give liquidity to
.solid substances, and bring into active operation those wonderful chemical
affinities which may be said t» alter the very constitution of, and form
new products from, substances apparently different, the iucl from which
heat is produced must necessarily enter largely as an element of calcula-
tion into the gain or loss on such industrial operations. Heat is also re-
quired to convert water into steam, in order to create power and produce
motion, by which cotton, flax, wool, and other fabrics may be spun and
woven into cloth. Of all the elements of power, placed at our disposal
by the hand of God, none is so extensive in its application as that of heat
which is employed, not only in all the chemical and metallurgic arts, but
also in creating power which has effected a revolution in all the arts,
from the simple operation of turning a spit in the kitchen to that of pro-
pelling the largest vessel through the pathless ocean, or the most poiider-
ous train through lenghtened space, traced out by iron tracks properly
laid to guard against danger and secure safety. By the agency of steam
generated by heat, wonderful effects are produced, which are profitable
partly in proportion to the cost of fuel. When nature supplies the pow-
er to give motion to machinery at a less cost than that created by heat
that power of course, if equally effective is to be preferred. A locality
possessing water privileges is to be chosen in preference to one destitute
of such natural advantages, as it effects a considerable savino- to the
manufacturer. In the most favored parts of England as regards fuel,
water power effects a saving of from five hundred to eight hundred per
cent, as compared with steam, which upon a large outlay would, in the
course of a year amount to a considerable sum. For the transmission of
heavy goods, water carriage would be found more economical than any
other placed at our disposal by the agency of steam : therefore, naviga-
46 • In'dustrial Resoukces
ble rivors, soas, and lakes are favorable to the commerce and general in-
dustry of erery country, especially, when the transmission of heavy goods
to a distance becomes necessary. The economy of water carriage is stri-
kincly illustrated by a comparison of what is now paid per ton, from New
York to Milwaukee by water and land.
The following list of terms charged from New York to Milwaukee
both by land and water, shows exactly the relative cost :
On rail road from New York to Buffalo, or Dunkirk, and Lake
Erie and Michigan, on dry goods, per hundred pounds - - $1.60
Iron and nails by the same route, per hundred pounds - - 0.99
Groceries by the same route, per hundred pound - - - 1,1,5
From New York, via Erie Canal and steamer, via chain of lakes
dry r'oods, per hundred pounds - . _ . . 0.90
Iron and nails, per hundred pounds - • - - - - 0.50
Groceries, per hundred pounds - - - - - - 0.75
By this list of charges it is seen that on an average, the cost of trans-
mission by land is nearly double the cost by water ; and the ratio would be
still greater, were it not for the competition on the railway route.
It may be further observed that all the way from New York to
Milwaukee is not traveled by land, as Lakes Erie and Michigan
are included in the distanfe. Wlieh the entire distance from New
York to Milwaukee is traveled by rail road, the relative cost of
transporting heavy goods by water and land, will probably be as one to
three. The profits derived from the agricultural industry of a country
depend, in a great measure, on tlie natural advantages peculiar to it. The
same amount of labor expended on a good rich soil, in every way suited
to agricultvire, may produce a profit many times as great us on a poor
sickly soil ill-suited to the purpose. Equal qualities of land diff"erently
circumstanced, as to convenience or manure, water carriage, and markets,
will invariably leave unequal profits to the farmer. One farm within a
few rods of sea weed, shell sand, marl, or other suitable manure, may
yield a profit many times that another of similar quality, situated at a
distance from those manuring and renovating substances. In a similar
way, it may be shown, that where nature is bountiful in supj^lying fuel,
water power, and abundance of natural products, and also, in presenting
other natural advantages, industrial labor will be rewarded in much a
higher degree than where she dispenses them with a niggardly hand. It
may then be assumed, that tho natural resources of a nation are the true
source of its wealth, when the active hand of labor is brought to bear
upon them, without which, however, many of them may remain altogether
useless, or be at best but of little value. As the prosperity of every coun-
try depends chiefly on its natural products and advantages, it may be
necessary to discuss the problem which shows how to utilitize them, so as
to derive the oreatest possible gain from the time, labor, and money ex-
OF Wisco\six. 47
pended on them. The solution of this most important problem wilt
necessarily involve economy ot'Ia'oor and expense of every kind in con-
verting all these natural products to tlieir respective ultimate uses. To
economize labor, machinery and mechanical skill are essential — knowledge
of the propor.ties, nature and constitutions of the objects, on which we
operate is essential, without which much time, labor and expense may be
thrown away to no purpose. The comparative expense of the transmis-
sion of produce by water, rail road, or plankroad, or by the ordinary
roads tf the country, ought to form an item in tlie calculation of o-aiu or
loss. These and a thousand other elements enteidng into the solution of
the great problem relating to the utilization of the unsurpassin'-'- luitural
resources of the State of Wisconsin, require a knowledo-c varied and ex-
ten.sive. In the subsequent part of the work I mean to examine all in-
dustrial objects available in the State.
In this examination, it will appear that nature has placed before us
in Wisconsin a wider and richer field for the active exercise of profitable
labor, than is perhaps to be found in any other State of the Union. We
have fuel in exhaustlcss quantities in our forests for domestic and indus-
trial purposes, and that too at a cost in some places, less than coal can
be procured for in any part of the Union. The almost total absence of
stagnant swamps — the rolling character of the surface — the numerous
running streams of crystal purity — the proximity ©f our ocean lakes on
two sides and the father of waters on the third, with the navio-able waters
of the Fox and Wisconsin rivers running through it, equalizing the tem-
perature, and giving motion to the aerial currents — and the cloudless sky
of Wisconsin must necessarily render it one of the most healthful States
in the Union and best adapted to European constitutions. Add to these
the quality of the soil, tlie facilities of navigation afforded by its surroun-
ding lakes, and by the two last named rivers, dividing it diagonally, and
terminating at the Mississippi on the south west, and at Green Bay on
the north east, thus opening a channel of communication with soutliern
and eastern markets, and the State of Wisconsin cannot be surpassed as
regards its adaptation to all agricultural purposes. Spangled witli lakes
and interspersed with prairies, oak openings and wood lands, possessino-
educational advantages creditable to so young a State, and a climate un-
exceptionable; it is no wonder that the rapid growth of its cities and
towns; of its trade and commerce; of its manufacturing industry and
population sliould become the admiration of the age. A re- action how-
ever, has recently taken place — the progressive improvement of the
State has been checked by a combination of circumstances which cannot
last but for a moment. As soon as the eauses that produced this re-ac-
tion shall have been removed, the j)i'osperity of the country must return.
It might be considered out of my province to enter into the details of ail
48 Industrial Resourcks
the combined circumstances that brought about the temporary difficulty
in which the State is at i^resent (1850) involved, but I do it with a view
to point out a remedv, and also, to prevent strangers from falling into
the same error which tended to create this difficulty.
We cannot conceal the fact, that the elements of nature have been
unpropitious to us for the last two or three years. Tne fall of snow dur-
ing that time having been too scanty, our winter wheat crops have been
miserably deficient in quantity as well as quality, the deterioration in
quality however being the consequence of an over-supply of rain during
tbe last harvest, which superinduced rust and other diseases injurious to
the grain. This deficiency in quantity and quality, and the low price of
wheat in our market, consequent on the glutted state of the English
markets, have crippled the farming community, and rendered many of
them unable to meet demands, which under more favorable eireumstanoes
would weigh but lightly on them. The farmer's profits having been thus
curtailed by untoward circums^tances, over which, under his present man-
agement, he could have no control, the store-keeper and others depending
on his eustom must necessarily feel the efi'ects. The failure of our winter
wheat crop is only the natural result ef those unpropitious seasons, whicb
the most favored countries in Europe and America have often experienced.
A more advanced state of agricultural knowledge would enable the farmer
to obviate some of these evils resulting from climate. To protect the
seed from the killing effects of the winter frosts, it would be well to choose
a favorable aspect for winter wheat, where the ground may be sheltered
from the pernicious efi'ects of wind and weather. It would likewise be a
o-reat improvement upon the present system to sow the seed in drills, as
aff'ording a better protection from the frost than the present plan usually
employed in this country of sowing the seed broad-cast, which from the
light covering of soil over the grain aifords little or *o protection to the
seed. I have seen the truth of these remarks verified in several places
last year, but in no place so strikingly as in the township of Menomonee,
Waukesha county. Tlie wheat was sown in drills, after having been
ploughed sufficiently deep : the field was protected from the north west
wind bv rising ground covered with a thick forest ; the land was of good
quality ; and the crop was most abundant, but sufi'ered from the efi'ects
of the heavy rains that fell before it was cut. It would be advisable that
the farmers of W^isconsm should try other crops than wheat, which seems
to be the only one they are anxious to raise, on account of its commanding
a cash price in all our markets.
While I am on this subject, it may be well to mention that our far-
mers should raise more stock and cultivate a greater variety of crops than
they do at present. Horned cattle, horses, sheep, and hogs, could be
raised in great abundance in our State, which is admirably suited to the
OP Wisconsin. 49
growth and perfection of all and every one of these species of farming
stock ; and the facility afforded of transmitting these to a good market
by our lakes and rivers, and soon by rail roads, ought to induce the
farmer to vary his system from what is at present but very precarious
and not very profitable, to what he is sure would be highly remunerative.
Barley would pay well here and in the eastern markets ; a greater breadth
of soil should therefore be devoted to that article than is at present. Be.
sides, the partial failure of the winter wheat crop, another cause has con-
tributed to the depression generally felt throughout the country at present.
Immigrants from Europe, tempted by the low price of land in this country,
as compared with the prices in those they left, too frequently purchase
a larger quantity of land than they are able to pay for ; giving a mortgage
for the balance at high rates of interest. When pay day comes round,
they, in too many cases, are unprepared to meet the demand by the pro-
duce of their farm : therefore, they are obliged to raise money at such an
enormous rate of interest as must prove ruinous in the end. This keeps
the farmer poor all his life, except an improvement takes place in his
crops and in the market prices. No one should purchase more land than
he is able to pay for, nor should he under any circumstance leave himself
without the means of working his farm, as land is of little value without
the means of cultivating it. There is no use in paying taxes on land
which produces nothing. For these reasons, I would recommend to every
one to pay down for his land, and keep as much money as will enable him
to work it to advantage. He must have a plough, a harrow, a spade, and
other implements of husbandry, besides a team of horses, or a yoke of
oxen. He will besides, require milk, butter, seed, and other necessaries
for the use of his farm and family, till his crops come round. Let him
at all events keep out of debt, as no return which the farm will make the
first year can enable him to pay the enormous interest demanded in this
western country.*) The truth of what I have stated here is proved by
the vast number of mortgages that have been foreclosed durino' the year
just past, in all these western states, owing to the insatiable desire of
getting more land than people are able to pay for. Before I conclude
this chapter, it may be useful to point out another mistake generally
committed by the farmers of Wisconsin. Besides the propensity of
purchasing too much land, they invariably manifest too great a desire
to till more than they ought, which is a fallacy, not however so ruinous
in its results as that of buying more as they can pay for. It is a mistake
to till more than what can be done well, as ten acres well ploughed
thoroughly drained, and carefully managed and attended to in the progress
of its growth, will leave more profit than thirty scraped over and left to
*) The legal interest now (1865) is 7 per cent.
4
50 Industrial Resources
chance after. I liave seen the truth of this proved in many parts of this
State, but in no place so fully as in the outskirts of Milwaukee, where
an industrious and skillful German makes more of an acre than a country
farmer does of five. This ought to be a useful lesson to our farmers.
They shoidd manifest a greater desire to cultivate a small quantity well,
than a large quantity badly, as by doing so, they would be sure of
deriving a greater profit from their labor and outlay of capital. Looking
to the present condition of Wisconsin, it must be admitted, that for many
years to come her staple industry must be agriculture, therefore; it be-
comes the imperative duty of those posses-sing the power and influence to
provide instruction for the people in that branch of industry. Instruction
precedes improvement; hence the State is bound to provide the farmer
with the means of acquiring knowledge, without which he is sure to fellow
in the footsteps of his father. This knowledge should be imparted to the
boy at school, where he ought to .be instructed 23ractically, how to turn
every thing to the best possible advantage. Nothing would tend to ad-
vance the interest of the State more than to connect agricultural instruc-
tion with the usual course already adopted in all our connnon schools, as
well as in all our colleges throughout the State. This may be done with-
out infringing materially on the funds, which, so far as the common
schools are concerned, are ample for all purposes. In a subsequent part
of the work I mean to resume this subject, and show how the plan may
be effectually carried out.
Abundance and cheapness of fuel form chief elements of success in a
vast field of industry: therefore; it becomes necessary to compare the relative
heating power of such articles of fuel as are used, as well for domestic
purposes, as for chemical, metalurgic and steam purposes, by which we
can ascertain their comparative economy, and hence make use of that
"which will leave most profit. The only articles of fuel employed to any
extent are turf, (peat,) wood and coal. Peat being found only in very
limited quantities in this State it is scarcely necessary to introduce it
into the discussion of the problem under consideration. However, as it
is extensively used for very important purposes in other countries, a brief
account of its origin, character, and use may not be unacceptable. The
production of peat is confined to places containing water, when the temp-
erature is so low as that vegetables may decompose without putrifying.
In the production of peat, a species of moss (sphagnum) is allowed on
all hands to have been a principal agent, and superabundant moisture the
inducing cause. The great golden hair moss (polytrichum) seems to act
no inconsiderable part in the production of turf bogs. Many species of
feather moss (hypum) ; thread moss (bryum) ; spring moss (mnium) ;
besides many other species lend their assistance. It is a fact not more
curious than it is true, that many bogs in the north of Europe and Ire-
OF Wisconsin. 51
land occupy the place of immense forests of pine and oak, many of them
haA'ing disappeared within the historic era. Such changes are brought
about by the fall of trees, and the stagnation of water caused by their
trunks and bi-anches obstructing the free passage or drainage of the at-
mospheric waters, and giving rise to a marsh. Mosses appear to require
a much lower temperature and a more rough climate than most other
vegetables. Their most vigorous growth and propagation are in the
spring and autumn. In low situations, they are seldom or never seea
growing in the middle of summer ; heat always impeding their vegetation.
It is an opinion very generally entertained, that most of the peat bogs of
Europe are not more ancient than the age in wliich Julius Caesar lived, and
I have no doubt that many of the bogs of Ireland are not of an older date
than Henry the Second's reign, when extensive forests were cut down by
his orders, to prevent the Irish from taking shelter in them, and haras-
sing his troops. A peat bog is in process of formation on either side of
the Menomonee river near Milwaukee. The quantity of peat moss al-
ready accumulated in that locality amounts to many feet in depth, and I
have no doubt but that a considerable part of that valley, which I could
now point out, will in time become a vegetable mass of turf bog, if the
process now in operation be not checked. All that part of the valley now
occupied by the deep marsh, must have been at no distant period, an
estuary or small lake, connected with Lake Michigan by the present
stream. Had not the progress of growth been checked, all the lower
parts of the city of Milwaukee would in the process of time, be covered
with a turf bog. A similar process as that now in operation in the marsli,
is going on in many parts of the State ; but the result as an article of fuel,
will be of little value so long as our forests last. In Ireland, where the
seventh part of the island is bog, it is a matter of much national interest
to convert so large a portion to a profitable use. The fault that character-
izes turf as a fuel is want of density, which renders it dfficult to remove,
and also, to concentrate the quantity of heat required for numerous pur-
poses. In the subsequent part of this work, I mean to point out some of
the industrial purposes to which turf may be practically applied. At
present, I mean to confine my enquiry to its economic employment in the
smelting of iron, and also, in the manufacture of cutlery and other instru-
ments requiring strength, elasticity, and durability. When we employ
pit coal in the smelting of iron, the article produced generally retains
impurities, which reduce its strength and lessen its value. But when turf
charcoal is employed, iron is produced in its greatest purity. It may be
necessary for my purpose to show that charcoal produced from turf is
nearly allied to that produced from wood. When the forests of England
and Ireland became exhausted, both countries had recourse to Russia and
Sweden, where iron was had in great purity, from the circumstance of its
52 Industrial Resourcks
being smelteed with charcoal. From experiments carefulij conducted in
Ireland to ascertain the comparative heating power of turf, and also, its
comparative cost, it was found that when perfectly dry, turf had a haating
power equal to half that of English coal. When English eoal was used,
the cost of fuel for a horse power was found to be about fifteen cents per
working day of twelve hours ; but using turf manufactured in the ordinary
way, the cost of fuel for a horse power was eighteen cents, for the day of
twelve hours, which no doubt is far too much, if the turf had been eco-
nomically worked and the fire-place properly constructed, neither of which
was the ease in the experiments above refered to. Much of course depends
on the cost of carriage, in estimating the expense of turf. IJeing of great
bulk, as compared with coal, the cost of transmission to a distance forms
a large item. A gentleman in England trying the comparative expense,
of turf and coal, as heating agents to generate steam, found that an engine ,
when turf was used, to produce steam, did the same amount of work for
just half the price, as when coal was used. This great disparity in the
expense of the coal, was due in this case, to the distance it had to be
drawn, and to the rigid economy used in preparing the turf and the fire
place. On the continent of Europe where the coal fields are of limited
extent, and where the promotion of native industry i? an object of pri-
mary importance, the economy of every source of fuel becomes a matter
of necessity. Turf is extensively used in the industrial arts in Prussia
in Bavaria, and in France. Within a few years considerable attention
has been paid to the manufacture of turf on a large scale in Ireland and
England. Its large bulk and the characteristic difficulty of concentrating
its heat for certain purposes, formed the chief objection to its general use
in Ireland. To remove its porosity. Lord Willoughby, an English noble-
man, invented a machine to compress the peat by means of steam, but on
account of its complexity and enormous price, its use has been dispensed
with. Charles Wye Williams, of Dublin, brought into use a preparation
of turf which appears to answer well. His process is, to dry the turf well,
and then impregnate it with tar, which renders it water proof, besides in-
creasing its calorific power to equal that of coal very nearly. The procesg
of impregnating the turf with tar is by no means expensive. Mr Williams
uses a hydraulic press. The turf is broken or rather mashed up, and then
rolled between cloths, to allow only the water to escape when subjected
to pressure. This process reduces it to about one third of the volume,
and it loses about two-fifths of its weight, by the escape of the water
through the pores of the cloth. When thus pressed, it is set out to dry.
The density of the coke produced from this preparation exceeds that of
wood charcoal, and the expense but very little. The peat produced by
Mr. Wye Williams' process is used extensively in mills, destilleries and
inland steamboats. In connection with my business in Dublin as Civil
OF Wisconsin. 53
Engineer, I manufactured to a limited extent, peat and brick presses,
which, however, were found too expensive when employed in compressing
turf.
The turf made by my press equaled in solidity the best bituminous
coal, and took a polish equal to the finest and closest grained wood.
This turf burnt very slowly and emitted very little flame, but sent out
heat of gr.eat intensity. When mixed with culm or the dust of coal, it
burned somewhat like stone coal, of which I shall write presently. In
Ireland, where bog is found in such abundance, the farmers us ethe stuft'
not only as a source of heat but also as a manure, from which they derive
great profit. Its qualities in many respects are rery curious and some-
what peculiar. In its natural state, scarcely any thing will grow in it
except the mosses from which it is produced ; but by destroying its anti-
ceptic quality it becomes an excellent manure, especially, when mixed
with other substances. It preserves animal and vegetable substance for
a very long period. I have seen some butter which had been buried deep
in a bog for a great many years, preserve all its characteristic properties,
and it is known to preserve wood from decay for many centuries. The
quantity of iron occasionally associated with bog is one of the most curious
circumstances connected with it. Of this ore I shall speak further on.
Peat contains much less nitrogen than coal, and therefore, the liquor
obtained from it by distillation, contains no free ammonia. It contains
acetic acid, but in such small quantities as not to become an object of
manufacture — like wood. The heating character of turf is, to distribute
the heat over a large area, whilst no one point is heated to any consider,
able degree of intensity injurious to metals ; by which it is peculiarly
adapted to steam boilers, which are frequently burned away from the in-
tensity of the heat of coal or coke. Possessing a large quantity of in-
flammable ingredients, it makes a most cheerful fire for domestic purposes.
Being distributed over a large portion of Ireland, composing about one-
seventh of its area, it is one of the very few comforts the poor of that very
unfortunate country enjoy. The quality of turf varies considerably
When ignited, it emmits inflammable gas and much water, and leaves a
light char-coal. The specimens which were analyzed in Ireland, by Sir
Robert Kane, yielded the respective quantities of volatile matter, pure
charcoal and ashes in the foUowintr table :
Volatile matter
Pure charcoal
Ashes
LIGHT TURF.
DENSE.
TCKF.
73.63
72 80
70.10
23.82
19.14
23.66
2.55
8.06
6.24
100.00 100.00 100.00
I have devoted more space to the article of turf, as a source of heat,
than its limited quantity in Wisconsin would appear to warrant, but as
54
Industrial Resoukcks
the State is not altogether destitute of it, and as it is extensively used in
other countries for various industrial purjDOses, I thought that to omit it
altogether, might be considered a fault in such a work as the present, at
least in a scientific point of view. Though the State of Wisconsin is con-
sidered not to contain coal, yet, as it is used in every part, in all industrial
operations of magnitude, a chapter on it as a soui-ce of heat, appears to
he indispensable. Coal has had its origin in the amassing together of a
large quantity of vegetable matter, at a period long before man had made
his appearance on the stage of existence.
C H x\ P T E R III.
From tbe vast quantity of vegetable matter necessary to form many
of the coal fields which are found in various parts of the Old and New
Worlds, there is no doubt but that vegetation must have been then much
more rapid than at present in the same localities. From the nature of
the trees and plants, which are still discoverable in a fossil state in many
of the coal beds, it is evident that they must have grown in a climate
much warmer than is enjoyed by the same localities at present. The plants
discernable in the coal, belong, fer the most part, to a tropical climate.
The luxuriance of their growth, as indicated by their gigantic size, gives
a temperate climate no claim to them. All their characteristic forms and
types prove their origin as belonging to a climate of high temperature.
To what are we to attribute the change of temperature from the coal
formation period to the present ? Is it caused by the change of the po-
sition of our globe in reference to the sun? Or, are we to refer the cause
to the action of internal heat ? Physical astronomy proves that no very
great change of temperature can result from any change of position that
can pos.«ibly take place in our planet in relation to the sun — that change
being confined within very narrow limits. We are, therefore, constrained
to refer tbe cause of the rapid growth of those gigantic fossil plants found
in temperate climates to internal heat. The theory which refers the large
growth of plants to internal heat, is not a variance with laws at present
^n active operation. The number of burning mountains at present to be
found in very high latitudes, in every quarter of the globe, as well as in
the numerous islands scattered over the face of the deep, attest the fact,
that none of nature's laws are violated, by referring that high degree of
temperature requisite for the production of tropical plants to internal heat,
existing in high latitudes. The change of temperature from high to low,
is also due to the change of circumstances, such as the relative change of
land and water, of high and low lands, diminution of internal heat, and
other natural causes, which I shall discuss in the chapter devoted to the
climate of Wisconsin.
56 Industsrial Reources
Sir John Richardson is of opinion, that the arctic regions were once
warm enough to produce vegetation, sufficient to support a vast creation
of herbivorous animals, such as we find entombed therein. lie attributes
the excessive vegetation to internal heat.
The organization of many trees and plants is perfectly visible in some
specimens of coal, but in others, all traces of their original form is com-
pletely obliterated. Geology teaches us that the superficial crust of our
planet has been subjected to natural convulsions, in whieh forests were
prostrated, and currents set in motion, bearing with them in their course
masses of vegetable matter, which being deposited under enormous pressure,
where the influence of elevated temperature tended to decompose them,
when in contact with water, was converted into coal after the lapse of
ages. Geology sets no limits to her periods, each of which may consist of
ages, through which natural laws continue to operate without intermission,
ending in those wonderful results, daily brought to light by the industry
of scientific research. Numerous geological specimens point out the pro-
gress of change effected by time under favorable circumstances. Fossi
wood or brown coal, exhibits a state between recent wood and perfect
coal. We can also trace the chemical changes which take place in the
conversion of wood into coal, and also learn from the fossil remains of
riiany species of plants, the internal structure and character of the numer-
ous classes or divisions of the ancient Flora. Although no one at this
time denies the vegetable origin of coal, yet evidence of the original struct-
ure is not in all cases attainable, the most perfect bituminous coal having
undergone complete iiquifaction,by which all traces of its vegetable origin
are completely obliterated. It would not suit my present purpose to
dwell at much greater length on the origin of coal ; but tlie article being
of such general use, I am induced to offer a few more remarks on the
subject. It is rather interesting to trace the causes that produce differ-
ent changes in vegetable matter. Bituminous coal is generally found
where the strata remain level and unbroken ; and anthracite where the
stratification is broken and distorted. When the gases escape in conse-
quence of a disturbing force, bituminous coal is transformed into anthra-
cite, to which various names are given ; such as split coal, glance coal,
culm, &c. When no volcanic action disturbs the stratification, the car-
bonic acid, carbonated hydrogen, nitrogen, and oliphiant gases remain un-
disturbed in the coal. This accounts for the large cjuantities of anthracite
found in the disturbed rocks of Pennsylvania, while the level regions
abound in bituminous coal. And when the action of heat expels nearly
all the gaseous ingredients from anthracite, it is transformed into plum-
bago.
Mr. Lyel writing on the great accumulation of anthracite in Penn-
sylvania, says, "The vegetable matter whieh is represented by the im-
OF Wisconsin. 57
mense mass of anthracite must, before it was condensed by preesure, and
the discharge of its oxygen, hydrogen, and other volatile ingredients, have
been probably between two hundred and three hundred feet thick. The
accumulation of such a thickness of the remains of plants so unmixed with
earthy ingredients would be most difficult to explain on the hypothesis of
their having been drifted into the place they now occupy. Whether we
regard the stagmaria as roets, or embrace the doctrine of their being
aquatic plants, no one can doubt that they at least are fosilified on the
very spot where they grew, and as all agree that they are not marine
plants, they must be terrestrial." It is however evident, that water is
constantly drifting and depositing vegetable matter, which in time will be-
come coal, if placed under favorable circumstances. The bogs of Europe
grew were they now stand, and would under favorable circumstances be-
come coal, which, in general terms is, a carbonized mass, in which the in-
ternal structure generally remains, while in most cases_, the external forms
are obliterated. When the microscope is brought to bear on geological
objects, it is probable that the internal structure and external forms of
minute vegetable fosils shall be distinctly recognized. When I come to
treat of the geology of Wisconsin, I shall point out those rock formations
with which coal is generally associated. I might mention here that the
coal formation stands quite distinct from those above and below it, and
that its formation was limited to one geological period, which from the
depth of some of the beds found in this country as well as in England,
must have taken a vast time to accumulate. Though geologists limit the
coal formation to one geological period, yet I see no reason to restrict the
2)roduction of combustible bituminous coal to any single period, or serie^
of strata, as it may occur in situations pi'esenting local conditions favor'
able to the complete bituminization of masses of vegetable matter. These
recent formations, however, in temperate climates, can never equal in
deptb or magnitude, those formations peculiar to what is called the coal
formation period, which seems from its high temperature, to be peculiarly
favorable to the growth of these gigantic plants, peculiar to that period.
I have no doubt but that the production of lignite is constantly going on.
and the beds of recent origin found in the State of Maine attest the fact.
This recent production is found in a bog near Limerick, in that State, at
a depth of four feet under the surface. It is represented as true bitumi-
nous coal. I have seen beds of lignite at Laugh Neagh, Ireland, which
clearly exhibit the process of formation now going on. — This fuel is inter-
mediate between coal and wood. In the specimens I have seen, the struct-
ure of the wood was discernable. It is generally of a brown color, and
its economic value is about two thirds that of average coal. Its heat is
not so intense as that of coal, but more diffused. — Lignite, when ignited,
burns brilliantly and gives out gaseous matter, leaving dense, black char-
58 Industrial Resource?
eoul. The average constitution of two specimens of lignite, as also their
chemical composition, are seen in the following tables :
Volatile matter, _ . . 55.700
Pure charcoal, - - . _ 31.875
Ashes, - - . - 12.425
1 00.000
Carbon, . - . . 54.9G0
Hydrogen, _ . _ _ 6.650
Oxygen, _ . - . 25.905
Ashes, - - - - • - 12.425
100.000
Anthracite is a description of coal well known in many parts of the
world. Its composition is very uniform, and it burns without flame, and
does not cake. It is generally termed mineral charcoal, and is considered
j)ure carbon mixed only with ashes. In some localities I have seen this
coal associated with iron pyrites, and from the sulphurious fumes it emit-
ted, it was not fit for domestic purposes, nor for any purpose in the arts.
The average composition of pure anthracite may be taken as represented
by the following numbers :
Carbon, - . _ . 94.125
Ashes, - - - . - 5, S75
100.000
The peculiar composition of anthracite limits its use in the arts, in a
very high degree, where science is not brought into requisition to obviate
the disadvantages peculiar to it. In other respects it has many advantages.
It conducts heat but slowly, and is difficult to burn. It contains very
little combustible matter ; but j^^roduces a most intense heat, which, how-
ever, is confined to the immediate neighborhood of the fire. When anal-
ysed it yields the following quantities :
Volatile matter, - - - 10.20
Pure carbon, _ _ _ . 82.42
Ashes, - . - - 7.3S
100.00
The peculiarity which confines the heat to the neighborhood of the fire,
tends to burn the boiler when used to generate steam, but is by no means
eifective in causing evaporation. Science, however, obviates this defect,
by passing the vapor of water through the red-hot coal. The water being
decomposed, the oxygen combines with carbon, the composition forming
carbonic oxide, and the hj'drogen is set free. "These mixed combustible
gases pass into the flues, and inflaming in the excess of air which enters,
gives a sheet of flame, which I have seen to extend for thirty feet under
OF Wisconsin 59
and tbrough a boiler." By thus allowing the vapor of water to pass
through red-hot anthracite, it is converted into flaming coal. The process
gives no gain or loss of heat, but remove?' it from where it would act in-
juriously, and distributes it over a large area, where its maximum econo-
mical effect is obtained. Its economical effect was tested on the Liverpool
and Manchester Rail Road, and the result of the experiment showed that
5|- Hundred of anthracite generated the same amount of power, by the
agency of steam, as 7|- hundred of coke, which is the most expensive fuel
at our disposal. That which accomplishes most, ia any operation whatso-
ever, for the same outlay, is considered the most economical. In the above
experiment Sj hundred of anthracite accomj^lishes the same duty as 7^
hundred of coke, and coke, besides, is much more costly than anthracite.
Hence the economy of this fuel when used under the direction of science,
without which, its use would be a positive loss. It is known that pure
carbon reduces to the metallic state, 35 parts of lead, while bituminous
coal only reduces from 25 to 30 ; but when anthracite is used, it reduces
from 28 to 32 times its own weight, which shows that where it can be
suitably employed, it is among the best fuels.
The next specimen of coal I shall notice, is bituminous coal, which is
the fitest for most purposes. It ignites freely, gives out flame, and cakes.
Its effective power to generate steam, as compared with other sources of
heat is seen in this table.
Hydrogen, ----- 46.8 Average Coal. ----- 12.0
Pure Charcoal, - - - - 14.G Best Turf, ------- 6.0
Coke, .--.-. 13.0 Dry Wood, ------ 7.0
Best Turf Coke, - - - -12.8 Wood, not dried, 5.2
These numbers are the result of a series of trials, expressly made by
competent scientific persons, with a view to ascertain the absolute heating
power of fuels of different kinds. In the experiments one pound of each
kind of fuel was employed, and the testing power was, to find how many
pounds of water a pound of each kind was capable of evaporating. The coal
employed was bituminous, of the average kind. -- By looking over the
numbers representing the evaporating power of different kinds of fuel, it
will be seen that hydrogen has the greatest, and fresh wood the least
heating power ; and that coke made of coals, turf coke, and bituminous
coals have nearly equal power, and are very little inferior to pure charcoal.
It may be further seen that the best quality of turf, not c'ompressed, is
very little inferior to dry wood. Doctor Fyfe, of Edinburgh, made several
trials to ascertain the relative evaporative power of anthracite and bitu-
minous coal, and his experiments showed that with the same furnace one
pound of anthracite evaporated 7. 94 pounds of water, whilst one pound of
coal evaporated only 6.62 pounds. — Dr. Fyfe remarks that the heating
power of any fuel is proportional to the quantity of fixed carbon it con-
60 Industrial Resources
tains ; that is, of pure coke. The following numbers represent their re-
spective ingredients ;
Anthracite. Bituminous Coal.
Moisture, -----4.5 7.5
Volatile matter, - - - - 14.3 84.5
Fixed carbon, - - - -70.8 50.5
Ashes, 11.8 7.5
100.0 100.0
The fixed carbon iu anthracite and bituminous coal are represented
by llA and 50.5 which are nearly proportionalr to the numbers 7.94 and
6.62, expressing their effective power in generating steam. The result
varies when the quality of the fuel varies, and also when the circumstances
under wkieh the fuel burns, and the steam is generated vary. But for
all practical purposes, the tabular numbers above may be taken to express
the relative ingredients of anthracite and bituminous coal, ^
The United States are richer in coal than any part of the known
world, as may be seen from the following taken from the valuable work
of Mr. C. Taylor :
United States, - _ _ 133,lo"2 square miles.
British America, - - - 18,000
Great Britain, - - - 11,000
France, _ . . . _ 1,709 ,, ,,
Spain, 8,408
Belgium, ----- 528 ,, ,,
It: may be seen from this table that the United States contain over
twelve times as great an extent containing coal as Great Britain.
A single one of these gigantic mines runs about 900 miles from
Pennsylvania to Alabama, and embraces 50,000 square miles, ec^al to,
the whole of England proper.
Natural Oil. — From what has been here stated, we can easily ac-
count for those subterraneous collections of natural oils found in many parts
of the world. When the stratafication is horizontal and not disturbed by
vulcanic action, which sometimes throws horizontal beds into an inclined
positition, the combustible materials remain incorporated with the rock,
the water not having the same facility or power to remove or carry away
the oily substances to a lower level, as when the stratafication is inclined
and broken. There may however be a little drippling distillation from
the edges of the horizontal coal fields, but can rarely be expected towards
the central parts. Anthracite coal being produced by the disturbance of
a bituminous horizontal stratum, oil may be expected in the regions of
anthracite coal fields, or in the surrounding districts. When oil is found
near the surface, at a considerable distance from a hill, the supply cannot
last long. — When several wells are sunk at small distances apart, the
OF Wisconsin, 61
supply cannot be permanent, but may increase after a short or long inter-
val, according to the rapidity or slowness of the distilling process, vrhich is
still continued. A gentleman of some eminence writing on this subject,
says, ,,Sea organism, both animal and vegetable, seems to have contri-
buted the principal, if not the sole apparatus for generating petrolium."
This sweeping assertion is a mistake. There is no doubt but that oil has
its origin in the slow decomposition of vegetable tissue and dead animal
matter, both land and marine, such as masses of reeds, rushes, ferns, sea
weeds, land and marine animals of every description, when collected to-
gether in sufficient quantities, and under favorable decomposing circum-
stances. I have no doubt that the- most abundant source of oil is coal.
When the stratafication is broken and considerably inclined, the water
carries down the oil to a lower level where it collects in some basin cap-
able of holding fluids.
The science of geology teaches us that the ancient seas, as well as
the modern, were full of animal and vegetable life ; that the animals and
vegetables which abounded in those ancient reservoirs, after having played
their respective parts on the stage of existence, died off, and were suc-
ceeded by others of their kind, and a different kind, after a long geological
period. An accumulation of such decomposed gelatinous animals and
fueous plants would after a long lapse of time, produce vast quantities of
animal and vegetable hydrocarbons, which being enveloped in sand mud,
would consolidate and form bitumen, such as we find in many parts of the
world, both beneath and on the surface of the ground.
It has been long known that the crystals of grafites found in the
©Idest rocks were once oily substances ; and the lumps of amber, with
which some of the newest rocks abound, were of similar substances.
It is a curious fact that pure water and flakes of anthracite are sepa-
rately found in some of the best specimens of rock crystal. I had such a
specimen in my own cabinet, I had also specimens of bitumen found in
both the old and new red sandstone, produced Jrom flattened fish, which
showed the scales and other lines, however minute, with great distinct-
ness. When the decomposition of the fish was complete and the pressure
enormous, the outlines, as above described, were no longer visible but
appeared on the stone like a blackish daub. It is a couceeded fact that
what is known as bituminous limestone of different geological ages is a
petrefied mass of oil produced by the slow decomposition of animal and
vegetable dead matter. This limestone, when broken, emits an offensive
odor ; and some rocks are so thoroughly charged with this animal dead
matter, that, when broken, they are so offensively fetid as to get the very
appropriate name of stink stone.
The fossilliferous black shale, are in many places, charged with this
bituminous dead matter. I had numerous specimens in my cabinet showing
G2 Industrial Resoukces
the wonderful operations of nature in producing stones of different kinds
by the slow operation of the petrifaction. Limestone formed from coral
reefs is known to he altogether composed of animal and vegetable dead
matter.
The native fuel at our disposal in Wisconsin is wood, which has
different heating powers. As a general thing, the heating power of wood
is proportional to its density, all otijer things being equal. But a differ-
ence in the composition of woods of equal density will, of course, produce
a difference in their heating powers. Though we are destitute of coal in
Wisconsin, as far as we know at present, yet we have a vast source of heat
in our forests. The State of Wisconsin is computed to contain 63,924
square miles, which being reduced to square acres, gives 34,511,360.
Now it is not too much to allow, on an average, 25 cords to an acre which
would place 862,784,000 cords at our disposal, for domestic purposes, if
the whole state were covered with wood. Allowing that the prairie and
cleared lands comprise half the surface, half the above quantity is avail-
able for domestic purposes — namely, 481,392,000 cords. The heating
quality of the woods generally employed for fuel, ranges in the following-
order : Iron-W^ood, Hickory, Maple, White-Oak, Red -Oak, Beech, Butter-
nut, Yellow-Pine, White-Pine, Bass-Wood, Poplar.
Iron-Wood being found only in small quantities, its use as fuel may
be left out The above quantity of firewood is, of course, but an aproxim-
ation, which, however, cannot be very far from the truth.
The number of houses in the state, in 1850, was 56,281 ; allowing
each house on an average to burn thirty cords in a year, the population of
1850 would require 255 years to consume all the available fuel in Wis-
consin at present.
In one of the back tables it is seen that one pound of coal evaporates
twelve pounds of water, and one pound of dry wood, only seven pounds ;
the effective power of coal in evaporating water, as compared with that of
dry wood, is as twelve to seven. Hence the effective power of wood is
only 7-12ths that of coal, the weight being equal. Mr. Scott Russell, an
eminent Scotch Engineer, gives the following as the working conditions
of the evaporation of water and the generation of power ; one cubic foot
of water evaporated per hour, is equal to one horse power ; 11 pounds of
coal evaporate a cubic foot of water, therefore, from the above proportion,
nearly 19 pounds of dry wood evaporate a cubic foot. One pound of coal
evaporates 6.6 pounds of water; one pound of wood evaporates 3.82
pounds. Here the quantity of water required to generate a horse-power
of steam is nearly double what theory assigns to it above, and the quantity
of coal and wood is also nearly double. This great difference is the result
of using a badly shaped boiler, whose greatest evaporative effect is 9
ounds (nearly) of water for one pound of coal, and 5f pounds of water
OF Wisconsin. 63
for one pound of wood. We may consider a horse power as represented by
one cubic foot of water evaporated per hour, with at least ten pounds of coal
or seventeen pounds of wood, using the ordinary steam engine and commou
wagon boiler. Now, if we suppose a cord of wood to weigh three thousand
pounds, 4.313,928,000 cords would weigh 1,294,176,000,000 pounds,
which, divided by 17 gives 76,128,000,000 horse power. By using the
improved boiler perforated by flues, and working the steam expansively,
the same quantity of fuel would produce nearly double the horse power
above given ; that is, all the wood in Wisconsin at present is sufficient to
generate steam equal to 152,256,000,000 horse power. The power of a
horse is variously rated. Bolton and Watt are of opinion that a horse is
able to raise 32,000 pounds avoirdupois one foot high in one minute ;
others make it 44,000 pounds, 27,000 and 33,000. It is common in
practice to allow 44,000 pounds, or at least 23,000 lbs. for one horse
power. In calculating horse power it should be stated which of these two
numbers has been taken.
If the rapid increase of population should continue, as I have no doubt
it will, the forest will soon vanish, and coal must be used as a substitute.
But should coal, as a fuel be found too expensive, every proprietor will
find it necessary to keep up a fresh supply of growing timber for his own
use, at least, by which the state can never suffer for want of fuel for
domestic purposes. In the course of time those persons occupying prairies
will be driven to the necessity of planting for domestic purposes. We
find that in France and other European countries, the forests are allowed
to grow in order to supply a dense population with fuel ; why then should
we apprehend a scarcity in Wisconsin for, at least, some ages to come.
When the carriage of cord-wood becomes to expensive, which of course it
must in some localities^ at no distant period, they must have reoource to
coal, which can be had from the neighboring states of Illinois, Minnesota
and Iowa, at a cost of transport which will diminish in proportion as rail-
roads and vrater communication will increase. The facilities of transport
offered by our lakes and rivers, and the projected rail-roads through our
State, will enable us to procure coal at a little more cost than it may be
procured for in some parts of the states where it is found. When we
employ coal in the smelting of iron the article produced preserves impuri-
ties highly injurious to it ; therefore, for the finer purposes of cutlery and
of machinery, we invariably use charcoal. England, so justly celebrated
for its manufacture of iron, imports quantities from Russia and Sweden.
which being smelted and refined by means of wood charcoal, is better
adapted to all the purposes of fine work than any that can bo manufactured
by means of coal. Our numerous mines, in connection with the great
quantities of wood charcoal at our disposal, will, when vigorously worked,
prove a source of wealth to our state. In the progress of the work I shall
(54 Industrial Resources
have occasion to say more in detail of our mines, which, in some metals,
are the richest in the world.
Experience has proved that trees for lumber, if cut at one season of
the year, are far more durable than if cut at another. Wood, to be lasting
must be cut at the end of summer, or beginning of autumn ; but if it is
wished to clothe the surface with a new growth of trees, the cutting must
be made late in winter. The strength and elasticity depend considerably
on the season of cutting, also. In another point of view, the amount of
water contained in the wood is of importance. The amount of water in
the wood is sometimes from 20 to 50 per cent., and the average may be
rated at 35 or 40 per cent of its weight, which, in its carriage to market
makes a great diflference in the amount of labor expended. The water in
wood intended for firing is not only of no good, but of positive injury.
As all the heat required to dissipate the water is in a latent state while
employed in this process, its eifect is lost, especially if the wood is con-
sumed on the hearth or in a stove. This should be recollected by every
one buying green wood. The caloric in the wood is employed first to
convert the water it contains into steam, in which state it escapes through
the pores. During this process the heat is in a latent state, and its heating
influence partly lost. Hence it appears that dry wood has two advantages —
the one in the way of carriage to market, ond the other in its heating in-
fluence — two very important advantages.
The statistics of the lumber trade, conducted on the Wisconsin,
Black, Chippewa, and the St. Croix rivers and their tributaries, as taken
from Dr. Owen's Report, published in lb48, gives the following quanti-
ties, which will convey some idea of the importance of this trade to the
State of Wisconsin. In 1847 there were on the Wisconsin River, 24 mills,
running 45 saws, and sawing about l9J millions of square feet, worth, at
the mills, about $6 per 1000, and 3 millions of shingles, worth $2 per
1000, On Black River and its tributaries, there were, at the time above
referred to, 13 mills, running 16 saws, and turning out 6,350,000 feet of
lumber annually, and 500,000 shingles, besides 45,000 feet of square
timber, at $25 per thousand. On the Chippewa and ita tributaries, there
were five mills and seven saws, manufacturing 5,350,000 feet of lumber,
8,100,000 lathing, 1,300,000 shingles, 50,000 feet of square timber, and
2,000 logs. On the St Croix and its tributaries, there were five mills
and twelve saws in operation, which cut 7,700,000 feet of boards and
plank, 6,000,000 laths, 100,000 shingles, 15,000 logs. By the time this
reaches St. Louis, its value is nearly doubled, making the actual income
to the inhabitants of these locations from this trade alone, upwards of half
a million of dollars From the influx of strangers, to these regions, since
the above dates, and the increasing demand for lumber in and out of the
State, the annual quantity manufactured at present in these localities.
oi' Wisconsin. (55
■cannot fall sliurf of an auioutit worth uiic million. 'I ht^ clnL't lumber
regions arc foiiiul in the following counties, viz : AVinncbagi), iMarathon,
Eau. Clairo, Brown, Dunn, i>ranitowoc, Fond du Lac, Chippewa, Portagv.
Door, Juneaii, Oconto, Waupacea, Sheboygan, Pepin, Jeiferson, Clarkr,
Outagamie, St. Croix, Dodge, Pierce, La Crosse, Sauk, Vernon, Green,
Wasliington, Grant, Douglas, other countie.*. not nientianed. All pro-
■ducing in the year 1S65, 884,528,000 feet. To this great quantity, may be
added the produce of sixfeen other counties, which however, made no
report.
The lumber business em[»loys many thousands in cutting, hauling,
sawing, rafting, and sliipping, and the quantity of pines yet standing,
will be sufficient to give employment to thousands, for year.s to come,
while the yearly profit will enrich the owners.
From the calculation, in the pine regions of New York and New
England, of t!ie quantity of lumber, whicli an acre of land will produce,
5000 acres of land must be denuded, annually, in the Chippewa district
alone. South of the Wisconsin river there arc no piuQ lands of any
extent ; therefore the whole Mississippi country below the Wisconsin
river, and north of the mouth of the Ohio, must be supplied with timber
from the Chip])ewa land district. Dr. Owen concludes his report in the
following words : "The future circumstances and value of the trade can
be well appreciated by those who have witnessed the rate of Immigration
into these vast and fertile plains of the United States, particularly when .
they consider the preference given. to Avooden liuildings in the Avest, and
the increased consumption of building material, not only in the larfer
cities, but also for the construction of those numerous towns and villages
which spring up, as if by magic, along the shores of the Mississippi and its
tributaries." Some of the pine lands are valuable only tor the immense
quantity of timber they produce. To give some idea of the quantity, the
steamboat War Eagle towed out of Lake St. Croix, at one time, a raft of
logs and sawed lumber, which covered eleven acres by measurement.
Further on will be seen the immense amount of profit derived from the
lumber trade in those districts having an outlet for their trade through
Green Bay. The improvement already fmade on the Fox River, and
those under contract, give strong hopes of a vast increase in the lumber
business in that extensive region wliose )iatural outlet is Green Bay.
But recent difficulties connected with the improvement of that river,
have excited a general fear that the hojies of those anxious for the
improvement, will never be realized. As matters stand at present, it
is hard to say whether or not the works will ever .be completed. As so
much of the public money has been already expended, anil as th(! pro-
posed improvement would doubtless prove of vast benefit to a very lar^e
district, it is to be regretted that it should be chnked in its progress bv
CiG Indi'stim.vl Hksoukces ^
any untoward circumstance growing out of causes whicli called torth the
authority of the executive. The legislature is this moment actively
engaged in debating pro et con, the expediency of stopping the works
altogether, or ])ushing them on to completion. I should be sorry that
■works of such importance to a vast district should now be abandoned.
With a prcspcct of a net-work of railroads through every part of the State,
the benefit resulting from the opening of the navigation of the Fox and
Wisconsin liivers may not be equal to the expectations at first enter-
tained ; but be that as it may, the navigation of these rivers could not
fail of being a source of benefit to the lumber-trade of the Northwest, a.s
well as to other })ranches of business depending on the transportation of
heavy articles, which can best and most economically be effected by
water carriage.*) The following statistics of the business of the North-
west will further show the importance of the lumber trade of this distant
re-^non, as well as amount of cash in circulation :
ESTIMATED EXPORTS OK 1851.
There are on the Mississippi River, above the mouth of the
St. Croix 1-viver, engaged ni cutting logs, 11 saws, cut-
ting 15 millions feet of lumber, at ^10 per thousand 150,000
Ten millions of logs at $5, _ 50,000
On tlie St. Croix are 17 saws, cutting -<"> millions feet, at
1 10 ])er thousand, ^ 1^00,000
Twenty-two millions, at $5, * 110,00()
Square lumber, latliing, &c.. 10,000
H 80,0 00
( hic jniii is in progress of erection for driving sixty saws, at
the outlet of St. Croix Lake.
The Chippewa River yields twenty millions feet of lumber,
at^lO, 200,00'J
Four million feet of logs, at ^5, 20,0L'O
Square timber, lathing, &c., 5,000
225,000
The Black River yields fifteen millions feet, at ten dollars, 150,000
Logs, square timber, lathing, &c.. 15,000
Furs and peltfries for the whole region, 200,000
Whole amount of exports estimated, $1,170,000
ESTIMATED AMOUNT OF IMPORTS.
For St. Croix raid Chippe.ioa .
7,454 bbls. of Pork, at |16, 119,2(J4
14,094 " Flour, at G dollars, 89,oG4
14,000 bushels of Oats, at 50 cents, 7,00(t
10,000 " Corn, at 1 dollar, 10,000
223,(588
*)The difficulty abcTve alluded to has been iuiiieablv settled, and the woi'ks arc
iiow progressing. ^
OF WlSCONS:^I\. 67
For (lie Upper ^lississijypi and Black Ricers.
2,100 bbls. .jfPork, at 16 dolIar.s * 33,600
4,200 " Flour, at 6 dollars, 25,200
2,000 bushels Corn, at one dollar, 2,000
4,000 •■ Oats, at fifty cents 2,000
62,800
Groceries and otlior necessaries, includiiii!; ,42(;
Laths, UoG^.OOil
Shingles, C.S-JO.nOd
• In the northern part of what is known as tiu; 3Ienonionee district, arc
large and extensive pineries, extending for miles beyond the head waters
of the Wolf Kiver. These extensive pineries will open a liiml»cr trade in a
few years that will be unparallelled by anything of a similar character m
the historv >>{' the West. The trees grow to a reniarkalde hoigiit, straight,
free, and make clear lumber, some of which has been taken to the St.
Louis market, where it has been pronounced of excellent (luality. Those
pineries are destined to be an important item in the commerce ot Wiscon-
sin as soon as an outlet can be made through the Fox and Wisconsin rivers.
A large rivei', navigable two hnndred miles, extends up to the very lieart
of the district. The untold wealth of her forests, the availability of her
water power, and the superior produetitms of her soil must be induce-
ments for capital and immigration. WMien the means of access to this
vast reo-ion are open, it cannot remain long unknown. The Fox River ■
improvement is the key by which the entire tract is laid open. These
pineries form a })art of the Menomonee District, lying north of the Fox
River, equal in extent to the State of Connecticut. It was ceded by
the Menomonee Indians to the United States Government in 1841.
Aceordin"- to the articles of that treaty the tribe was to deliver up pos-
session in July, l852. The impression has gone abroad that the pur-
chase comprises the poorest and most unproductive jjorlion of Wisconsin.
Hence immigrants destined for Wisconsin, have invariably shunned it,
and located themselves, either in the Western part of the State, or in
Minnesota. The true statement ,000,000
Fish, bbis., ^^^^y
Ashes, ton, '^^^
Steven's Point, in Portage County, is situated on the Wisconsin
llivc'r, about ninety miles from Portage City. It is the depot for the
supplies used in the extensive lumbering business of the^rivor on which it
is located. According to the statement of the Wisconsin Correspondent,
it contains seven hundred inhabitants, all engaged in the lumbering busi-
ness. The chief liunbering localities are the P>ig Ball Falls, 40 miles
north of this river: the Fan Claire Mills, on a stream of that name.
There are twenty-live mills north of Stevens Point, many of which run
three and four saws constantly, which, according to the correspondent
of the Wisconsin, turn out forty million feet of lumber in the season.
\Vw Bull Falls has a population of five hundred, wlio arc all engaged
in Uie lumbering trade. A'ast quantities of Shingles are made in this
region. Large quantities of provisions and dry goods arc consumed in
this gxtcnsivr district, all of which would be purchased at Milwaukee if
a communication were once open between the two points. The La Crosse
railroad will effect a part' of this desirable object. North of Stevens
Pointisadenscforcst of pine, ill-suited to agriculture, the land being
too sandv.
C H A P T K !{ [ \'.
When water is exijosed to atmospheric, influence, it is converted into
vapor, whicli, from its levity, ascends. When this vapor is thus sepa-
rated, the air lioldiiig it in solution, it is invisible, assuming either the
form of clouds or mists, suspended in the atmosphere; or of rain, dew.
snow, and liail falling to the ground. It is probable that electricity acts
a very consideral)!e part in elevating and depressing clouds and mists.
When repelled by negative electricit}^ the clouds ascend, and when mists
are attracted by positive electricity they fall to the ground, regaining, in
their descent, the solid and liquid form, by which, under the influence
of gravity, they tend continually to a lower level, till the entire tnass
joins the ocea?i. The rain or snow that falls on the elevated parts of the
country first forms, in its descent, rivulets, then streams, an(J ultimately
rivers. The velocity and weight of the water, thus set in motion by the
actiou of gravity, place at our disposal a power which may be applied to
give motion to machinery. This application of water in motion is the
simplest power which an}^ of its conditions places at our co)nmand.
If all the rain falling on any district, passed to tlie ocean or any
reservoir, and if its quantity and fall could be ascertained, we could then
easily determine the amount of mechanical force brought to act, in driv-
ing machinery of any kind. These data are but imperfectly known, even
in the oldest country ; and how much less do we know of such data in a
new country, where the application of science to such matters is scarcely
thought of. Mr. Lapham has a rain gage, aiul another is kept at the
Beloit College, under the superintendence of one of the professors : but
two are too few for so wide a field as Wisconsin. It is to be hoped,
however, tliat the scientific gentlemen throughout the State, and more
especially those connected with public institutions of learning, will see
the ne(!essity of co-operating at diff"erent points, simidtanoously, with
the view to collect data on whicli might lie founded the solution of many
philosophicjil problems of a highly interesting and practical character.
OF WISCONSIN. 71
The importuiiue of the water power nf this state is of such magnitude, in
a national and industrial point of view, that I am induced to discuss it,
not, of course, pretcndinir to })crfeet accuracy, but rather to draw atten-
tion to the subject, and point oiit in a general way, the circumstances
affecting it. — The first thing to lead to the proper solution of the prob-
lem, which I mean to discuss, is the quantity of rain that falls in Wis-
consin in a year, on an average. As rain gages have not been kept at
different points of the State, I shall only assume what 1 think from com-
mon observation cannot differ very much from the truth. Mr. Lapbam,
of Milwaukee, has kejit an account of the quantity of rain that falls in
a year in the city, whicli he considers . to bo thirty inches. In Beloit,
where the quantity that falls is also registered, it appears tliat the quan-
tit3' which falls there exceeds that which falls at Milwaukee, by more
tlian twenty-one inches. The mean quantity as derived from the two
sources, the only reliable ones in the State, may therefore he taken at
40^ inches. The next thing to be discussed is the quantity of water
absorbed by the earth and atmosphere. — As no observations liave ever
been made in Wisconsin to show the amount of eva|)oration and absor])-
tiou, I must onlv take my data from other countries, where tlie (juantitv
has been ascertained from a series of experiments long continued, with a
view to arrive at as accurate results as the nature of the subject would
admit. Mr. Dobson, of Liverpool, tried experiments there, and found
that nearly the same quantity of water was evaporated from the snrface
of water as fell on it, in rain. l)r. Palton, well-known from his high
scientific attainments, in conjunction with Mr. Hoyer, tried experiments
in Manchester, in order to ascertain the relative quantities evaporated
from diffei-ent surfaces, and they found that from the land the evaporation
was 25.1(5 inches, and from the water, at the same time, 44 inches, the
rain that fell being 83.56 inches.
Baron Dupin. of France, Dr. Thonq»son, of Great Britain, Mr. Kair-
bairn, of Ireland, and others, made numerous observations on the evapo-
ration of water, and though the circumstances affecting their results wore
quite different, yet they came to the conclusion tliat about two-thirds of
all the rain that fell evaporated, the other one-third making its way to
the ocean. It is an ascertained fact that a greater quantity of rain falls
here than in Ireland, where the evaporation is taken at two-tliirds of the
rain that falls on the surface, the other third being the oidy source of
jwwer to give motion to inaeliinery l)y its gravity and ac([Tiircd velocity.
— Though the quantit\- of rain that falls in Wisconsin and Ireland is not
very different, yet the quantity of water evai)oratod may ))e quite un-
equal, arising from different <'onditions of the atmosphere and different
qualities of the soil. In tlie absence of any direct observations on this
-subject in Wisconsin. I must oidy assume that which I consider to be
72 InDI STItl.VI, KksOI KCKS
nearest the truth, without pioteiiding to perfect accuracy. — In coTiSe-
quence of the cloudy sky of Ireland as compared with the bright sky of
AVisconsin, a less quantity evaporates there than here. Of o() inches
that tall in Ireland, --i inches evapor;itr, and I'J are employed a.s a
power. In Wi.'icon.sin 40.^ inches of rain fall, and it is not too much to-
suppo.se that '2^1 inclii's evaporate, leaving 12 inches to drive machinery.
Now as the force of water is proportional to the height through which it
falls, it is evident that the entln; (j[uantitv of water, as well as the height
through which it falls, must enter as an essential element into the solu-
tion of the prolilen: under discussion. The government report makes the
number of s((uare miles in Wisconsin ');!,'.)"24, wliich being reduced to
square yards, gives l(i7.9;J4,'.ts2,4(lO. All the rain that falls on the en-
tire surface of Wisconsin in one year, amounts to this number of yards,
40J inches high, out only 177,Uo4,9S2.400 sifuan; yards 12 inches high
are employed to proiluce niecduuiical motion : therefore, the entire i|uan-
tity of water to generate power is "»,"), (578, •!2T,4(JG-2-o cubic vards. The
next thing to be ascertained is tiie average fall through which, the quan-
titv passes. In Trebmd this could be ascertained to as great a degree of
accuracy as need })e required : as in connection with the survey of the
country, the altitudes of all the rivev courses, duiding ridges, &c., were
taken, by which the catchment basins of all the country nuiy Ijc seen,
almost at a single gbnce, and the average height, not only of each catcli-
mcnt, but of the whole Island, may be calculated. But in a new country
like Wisconsin, it could not lie expected that the limited time and
labor bestowed on such matters, (•ould place at our disposal such faet.^
in sufficient anujiint or detail as would be desirable, to lead to such re-
sults as could be depended on. Lu our [iresent position we must only
employ all the materials we can collect, and make the best u.se of thenn
we are able, by which a step i". made in the right direction, and some-
thing more left for our successors who ari; to push the subject still farther.
'^) Dr. Owen and his associates to(d< levels from tlie mouth of the Chippewai
to the mouth of Bad river ; from the outlet of Lake St. Croix to the
mouth of Bois Brule river; and fVum the Mississippi, at 8t. J*aul, to the
trading houso on St. Louis nver, 1 >> miles above Fond du Lac. Mr.
*) The numerous levels whifh linvoM)een t.-iken tI:.rou»li the S^tate fur Phmk
Hoiul and other purposes, would att'ord good dat i for the solution of this problem.
A»;an e(pial ijuaiitity of watyr does ii"t fall ill the diftiU-eiit lociilities of "the State,,
two rain f^ages at su<;h a distani-e ajtait are entirely too tew, to warrant .'niything
approaching an e\aet solution of the problem liere under discussion The number of;'
levels which 1 have been able to obtain, are also too few to enable nic to arrive at
true resul's ; but when sullieient data can have been obtained on these two points,
namely, the (juantity of water that falls in the state in a given time, on an average,
:tnd tlie true levels oF all its catchment basins, the method employed above may be
depended on as a guide, to le e! to true results <'n these two siih)ects. see Greaory's
oourse of Engeiieering.
OK Wisconsin. 73
Lapham has kiiidlj plat-ed in my hands, levels takeji from Rock river,
near Beloit, to the head of the Wolf river ; alho levels frem Milwaukee
to the discharging point of the Wisconsin river, at the Mississippi. With
these limited materials, and assisted by the map of Wisconsin, I have
endeavored to find an average elevation of the entire State, over lakes
Michigan and Superior, and also over the Mississippi river, these being
the recipients of all the water that falls on the .surface of the State, em-
ployed to generate power. This altitude or elevation. I consider to be
about o,')0 feet. The problem now under discussion has narrowed itself
to the finding of the power generated by 55,678,327,46(1 'l-o cubic yards,
falling through tlic hight of 350 feet, in 365 days, or, li)5, 933 cubic yards
in one minute. A cubic foot of water weigh (J2iV lbs and a cubic yard
16875 lbs. ; therefore the weight of all the water that falls in one minute
through 350 feet, is 178,761,937 lbs The horse-powc^r, therefore, is
equal 17>-,701,937x350.' 44.000, which gives 1,421,909 horse power for
tlio entire State, and which exceeds the water-power of Irelaml, so cele-
l)rated for tliat, as well as for numerous otiicr natural advantages. \V'here
it is an object t(» economise i)ower, tlic water is not allowed to escape
during the idle hours ; therefore, if we only take three hundred working
days of twelve hour.* each, instead of three hundred and sixty-five of
twenty-four hours each, the water-])Owcr of Wisconsin will be 3,460,124,
distributed over the entire State. Now if we knew the structure of the
country and the aer;i of all the catchment basins, wc could assign to each-
district, geographically the portion of this power belonging to it, but with
our present knowledge of the contour of the surface of the country, we-
can only approximate the truth The dividing ridge separating the tri-
liutaries of L;iJvo Michigan and the Mississippi river, gives to the lattcr
about three fourths of the water, that falls on the entire surface of Wis-
con.sin, and to the Lake about one fourth ; very little, comparatively,
falling into Lake Superior. The water falling into Lake Michigan is.
principally contributed by the Fox and Wulf rivers, which pass through.
Lake Winnebago, and ultimately into Lake Michigan, by (ireen Bay.
The water of Winnebago Lake in its passagt; towards Grrecn Bay, aftbrd.s-
considerable ])ower at different points along its course, the most consider-
able, and surely the best circumstanced, being at the rising towns of Nee
nah and Menasha, situated at opposite sides of Doty Island. When enga-
ged in laying out the canal and other improvements at Grand Rapids, I
measured the water-power tlu're, and found it to amount to over three
hundred lK)rse power, and the amount of power at Menasha is not much
less. The other principal outlet is at 3Iilwaukee, where a river of that
name and the Menomonee enter Lake Michigan together. Sheboygan,
Twin Rivers, Racine, Manitowoc, and others of little note, are also con-
tributors to Lake Mii-higan. There arc numerous streams from the west
74 iNDUSTsra.vL ili:ounci:.-
sidc of the dividing ridge, running towards tho Mississippi, the principal
being the Wisconsin and Hock Hirers. The drainage of many districts
for agricultural purposes, and tlie maintainance of navigation, m;iy be ad-
verse to the perfect economy of power. Knmerous places liaving plenty
of water may, notwithstanding possess very little available power, the fall
not being suited to mechanical purposes. In the best circumstanced situ-
ations, there is a loss of power in working every description of machines,
l)y means of water, amounting, generalh', to a third : but withal, we
possess an abundance of water power to develop the manufacturing re-
sources of our State on the very largest scale. In contrasting the ex-
pense of Avater power with that of steam, tlie former has much the advan-
'tagc, being vastly cheaper than steam at the very mouth of the coal-pit.
This is practically illustrated on a large scale, on the ShaAve's Waterworks
iu Scotland, where each horse-power, by water, "costs upon the whole £5
5s 5d being £.30 13s 7d less than tlie cost of one horse power by steam, at
Olasgow."
In discussing the eomparitive cost of water and steam power, Sir
Robert Kane writing on this subject says: — ,,Thus whether we take Mr.
Bateman's value which is for the bare supply of power, or Mr. Thorn's
value, which includes the delivery of the power in a working form, we
see that the cost of the water-power is not more than one-tenth of the
cost of steam." In this statement Sir Robert has reference to Shawe's
water at Grrcenock, in Scotland, which was collected from the surrounding
country at a vast espence l)y which its cost as a power must have been
considerably increased on the manufacturers as compared with the power
derived from a natural stream of running water, which cost nothing.
Possessed of an amount of water sufficient to drive any quantity of ma-
<-hinery, and that distributed through every part of the state : and pos
sessed also of an immense quantity of wood, as an source of heat, the
bscnce of coal will not be very seriously felt for many years to come, in
some localities, at least and more espicially when our navigable rivers
and lakes render the articles accessible, should its use at any time become
indispensible. Though almost all tlie rivers and streams distribute me-
chanical power to most parts of the State, yet there are localisties without
any, where the demand of certain articles af manufacture may render
power of some sort necessary. Iti such locations steam is indispensable.
It is sometimes supposed that a water-wheel cannot produce such a
smooth and equal motion as to act with as full effect as a steam engine.
This is a mistake, as I shall show by transcribing an article on this sub-
ject, by Scott Russel, inserted in the Encyclopedia Britanica : "Mr.
Lucy had constructed at Brimingham a Hour mill driven by steam, and it
has been his object to obtain perfection without any limitation of expense.
lie had jrot one of Bolton and Watt's steam engines, and vet he found
OF WlSCON.^lN. ' T5
that hi -J, mill neither produet'd snch perfect flour, -.mr moved so smoothly
as mills driven by water. On the contrary, it Avas found that the irregularity
of the motion neither produced such perfect flour, nor moved as smoothly
as mills driven Ly water. Ou the contrary it was found that the irregu-
larity of the motion produced a larger quantity of coarse than offiue flour,
at a mercantile loss to the owner ; and it was likewise found that the
irregular propulsion n tergo intervening with the uniform motion,
towards wliich the millstones tended to their own momentuni, produced
a clanging reciprocation along the whole line of toothed gearing, which
was most injurious, and rapidly destructive to the toothed wheels. When
we visited the spot in 1838, the ruins of former wheels, most unequally
worn and totally destroyed, were strewed about the yard. The usual
plan of increasing the weight of the fly-wlieel was resorted to without
success : and Mr. Lucy applied to Mr, Buckle to propose a remedy for
the evil. This remedy Mr. Buckle found in the very simple contrivance
of a pneumatic pump. 80 perfect was the action of the mechanism that
the fly-wheel had been wholly removed, and the engine and the whole
mill-work were moving in the most smooth and effective manner. It was
found that the change enabled them to give all the grinding stones a
greater velocity than formerly, so that the quantity ground was greater
in the proportion of 52 to 06, and the quantity of the tinest, or first flour
from the same wheat, was likewise much increased : so that both by
quantity and quality, the owner of that mill was enabled to command
the market. The same motion has subsequently been applied to cotton
mills with perfect success, the quantity and quality of yarn produced
being much improved." From what I know myself of the application of
water and steam power to the coarsest as well as to the most delicate
description of work, the former, in every case, is not only found to be
much cheaper, but much more delicate and exact in its movements than
the latter For both these reasons in England, where coal is so chea}*
and abundant, water power is invariably used wherever it is at all avail-
able. - Where water is scarce its economy is secured by the construction
of reservoirs, which, during wet whoather, store up S])ared power to be
used in dry wheatlier, where there is an insufticieney of supply. Another
mode of maintaining an adequate power,- when a deficiency of water is
found to exist, is to make up the deficiency by adding a steam engine,
which can at all times be worked with the water-wheel, — This mode of
jnaintaiaing any required quantity of jiower is resorted to in many places
deficient in the supply of water. Two steam-engines of one hundred
horse power, and two overshot wheels may be seen working together
:at the great cotton fjxctory in Portlaw, in Trela'id. In such cases a small
Amount of steam power is required to compensate for the deficiency iu
the supply of water, while no assistance at nil is required from the engine.
HO long ;i^ the Miji[)l> oi water is, of itsolf isuflk-K'ut. Witliuiit ilio co-
"jicnitivc assistance of steam in places siinilaily circumstanced as Portlaw,
the water slioukl run waste when it became insufficient, or the work should
Ke suspended till a sufficient su|»ply -A water was procured ; but liy the
application of steam in conjunction with water, the full economical value
of the latter is retained, wtiile the steam-entriiie may rest altogether when
the water is, of itself, sufficient to perform the duty. Ireland is sujtposed
to possess a greater ai)u)unl of available of water power than most countries
of equal extent, partly on account of tlie moisture of the climate and the
inecjualities of tiie surface, which give rise to numerous springs that
traverse the cituntry in every direction. The country is iikewis,; studded
with high mountains and peaks, which give the rivers and streams a con-
sideral)le fall, which favors the employment of water wheels to conuuu-
nicate motion to mill inachincMT- This will appear from a cmnparison
of the average heiglit of Ireland, which is "J^Tfeet, with that of \Viscdnsin,
wliicli I estimated at :;5n. The area of NVisconsin being ov(;r once and
a Iralf that id" Frehind, the available fall to gcnei-atc power is more
gradual in thnt. and riierefore less favoralde t:. turn water-wheels than
in Ireland. This dis:idvantage ad'led to the sniiiU average iieight, as
onipjred with Ireland, rells somewhat against the industrial effect (tf the
water power of '.Visconsin. To compensate for this disadvantage, how-
ever, we use ill Wisconsin a description of water-wheel, which is entirely
unknown in Ireland, except as an object of mechanical science. This is
the reaction wheel, wdiich works under a two foot head of water. ThLs
property renders the re-action M'heel lit tVn* streams having very mode-
rate falls The trifling cost of this wheel adapts it to the pockets of
most new" ciimers, to wdiom even a small saving is a matter o{ some con-
sider,. timi In Great Britain and Ireland the wheels employed to com-
municate motion are the overshot wheel, the breast Vvheel, and the under-
shot wheel. Their usual effects are in the order in which they are written.
The overshot wheel when well constructed, gives a working effect of &}
per cent : and in general, its useful effect is not under 7;") per cent.
Wherevei- there is an available! fall the overshot wheel should nnaria-
bl}'' be preferred. Practical men recommend the use of this in every
case wlicre the locality aff'ords the fall varying from iifteen to fifty feet.
In sluggish streams affording much water, but little fall, the undershot
wheel is adopted, by which a loss ni' pov.-er is sustained equal to two-
thirds of the M'ater exjfended. the available useful effect benig oidy one^
third of the (piantity expemb'd. i^'roni the great (juantity of j)ower lost,
this wheel should lu'ver lie usedifanv nthcr could be exj)loyed. Its
use is limited in Europt> to streams luiving a fall from two to six feet. —
Streams having a fall fnnn si.\ to fifteen feet are adapted to the breast
wheel, wdii'di a'ives a usefnl working effect of abruit fiftv-hvo |)er-(tent of
\\'l<(ONSl N.
the water ex,,o,.ae.l. Ou the e.mtineut ot Eun.j.e, esi^eeialb^ la Bavun:..
a .ater-proJuvo online is often u.e.l in localities havu,. a iul exeeochng
fifty i\J. Its uorkin^ eiWl is s-nnewhat similnr f, that et_ the overshot
wheel. Where the tall is so great as to render it untit i.>r any . the
wheels already mcntiane.L the water-pressur.engineis ava.Iable. Barkers
null, winch aHs on the principle of re-action, eonununiat.s motu.u w, h
eonsiderahle advantage, where the tall i, considerable and the qnau .tv
.r water limited. Its useful effect is between one-half and_ ono-rh.rd e reaction wheel, so
.enorallv used in this country. U. use is lorced into pnictice by neces-
^ty which i,.dee.l often gives rise to nunnn-ous inrentious_ peculiarly
aa;pted to existing eircumstances It may be adopted ut tts mod.hed
torms to situations'Muito unsuited to the overshot wheel, wlule Usn.ay be
substituted for the undershot wheel with mud, advantage _ lh,s wheel
,ivcs from sixtv ro seventy per cent of uscfnl effeet. and besule it ada,.
Vation to extreme cases, its lirst cost is eou.parat^ely Intt a tnfle A
.vheel capable to move one run of stones costs nbou^ lourhund.e.1 dolla,.
while a reaction wheel o,dy costs thirty dollars. One run of so.es wtll
n-ind twenty bushels in one hour, making two hunured revolutions m
^ne minute In America the stones are comparitively of small duuneU^r,
;;;:; Zr execution is great, owing to the quick veh>c.ty with which tbev
„,ove Havino- paid n.uch attention to those practical sciences, bearing
.„th;subicct;/machinery, I should willingly devote more time to he
aLussion if water wheels, were it not inconsistent w.th the intend d
H„,its of the work, and with Its intended purposes. As 1 am upon h
^, ect, it may not, however, be considered out of place to mention that
^t mi.ht iLollected in many localities, at a very trifling cos , su!-
dlt tc;;irive a large amount of machinery and supply towns and cit.es
V .,„.,-v , mwiititv c.f water camibk- ot pvoduenig JHMl
l,„,.se,30we,-. besides su,,plyi.,g tl.o t.,»., w.t!, plenty ot «ate,. Alt tU-
cinplisl,e,l by ,„akh,g .. avtifieial lake or teservof e„,„n,a..tag t .•
,,„„.„ ,„t , wbieh ti,e vaitt-water of a large traet „. e,,„ntvy ..atm-ally e 1-
",e 1 Ma,>y tow,,, are .o ci,-e„,.sta„ee,l as to take a.ka„tago „f the
p,.„, :,.l„|„e,l by Mr Tho,„, .. Gree„oel:. ,v,th„„. tocurnng ,„u..h
"'' WI,e„eatehn,enteo,.Wbefor,„c,l to ,.o,H„,a„a a ,o>v„ or eity, a„,l
s„„,,ly it \vHh plenty o, „ate,-, it should invariably be done ,„ pre erenee
,„' e orting U, the expensive ,node of supply.ng >t by nteans « s.ean
e„«„es whiel, re.pire fnel and attendance- ,«., e.penstve ,ten,s, to winch
.ni^ht be added the expense of wear and far ..f „,a, h,ne,y.
OHArTEl^ Y.
Althou"'!! I am very far from undervaluing the great facilities afforded
by Wisconsin to prosecute the varioiis branches of manufacturing indus-
try • yet, circumstanced as the eounti-y is at present, her population
must derive its chief support from agricultural pursuits for many years to
niand for articles of taste and
luxury as well as of usefulness. There is nothing in the one occupation
that is incompatible with the success of the other. The farn.er cultivates
his crops to the best advantage where the industrial arts are in a flourish-
ing condition, and every description of trade prospers just in proportion
to the improving condition of 'the surrounding agricultural population.
With us the primary elements of prosperity are in the soil, and only
require the strong arm of labor and agricultural skill to lender them
productive. Agriculture is the source of that bountiful stream, which,
iu its course, nourishes every department through which it flows. It is
the very life-blood of the human race. With it every new country must
commence ; without it, no new country can prosper. The importance
of the subject in all its bearings demands more than a passing notice :
and though it would bo inconsistent with the intended limits of this work,
as well as the general plan I had iu view, to enter u{)on a regular discus-
0|- Wlr-CONHIX. 7-)
sion relative to the various mudes employed in the pvactice of agneulturo,
yet I feel constraiued to point out some glaring defects in the mode adop-
ted by most of the Wisconsin farmers, and throw out a few iiints calcu-
ted to lead to a more improved system, not oiil}^ as regards the culti-
vation of the soil, but also as regards the general economy that ought
to guide them in all their financial arrangements. It is said by a modern
writer of eminence that -'If agriculture is ever to be brought to that
comparative state of perl'ection to which other arts have already- attained,
it will only be by availing itself, as they have done, of the very many aids
which science offers to it." Though this is a truth which scarcely any
one will deny, yet how very few, even in a whole state, ever think of
calling in the aid of that unerring guide in the management of their
farms. —How few even think of acquiring a knowledge of even the bare
elemonts of those sciences so essential to the economical and successful
working of the farm, much less of serving an apprenticeship, though it
is the invariable practice to do so in other arts or trades, not near so,
difficult to learn. The tailor, the hatter, and the shoemaker serve so
long apprenticeship to acquire a knowledge of their respective trades ;
but no one ever thinks scarcely of serving a single week to a branch
which requires a high degree of practical aod scientific knowledge.
Thij ought not to be so. It might appear strange that a branch of
human industry, coeval with his race, and upon which the very existence
of the human family may be said, at all times to depend, should not
have been brought to its ne plus ultra of perfection many ages before
this. In all ages since the creation, man has been incessantly employed in
tilling the ground, with a view to raise from it the necessary food for
his support ; and in proportion to the increase of population, and con-
sequently scarcity of land, it became his duty to raise, from a given
extent, the greatest quantity of useful produce, without jjermanent in-
jury to the soil, and with the least expenditure of labor and cost. In
some of the nations of antiquity, a scarcity of the necessaries of life was
often experienced, arising from various causes, which, of course, imposed
on them the ncessity of increased exertion both of skill and labor, as
regarded agriculture. It has, however, been reserved formodern science
to effect an improvement in that art, which our fathers could not have
contemplated. They have transmitted to us their practical experience,
to which, wc have added the numerous facts collected from the sciences
of Geology and Ciiemistry, which are comparatively of moderndate. Our fore
fathers, no doubt, from repeated trials, were aware of man}' of tiie obvious
qualities of the soil, favorable or unfavorable to vegetation; but were totally
unacquainted with numerous others which lie dormant until awakened into
activity by the application of proper stimulants, pointed out by science.
The science of (Jeology facilitates the labors of the agriculturist, by poin-
80 I.VDl^TltlAI, Ek.-^OL ItCKS
ting out tlic origin of soils, the causes ( f tlioii- diversity, tlifir gcneia
character, the benefit or injury resulting from their admixture, the
changes which arc constantly taking jjlaoe 'on the surface of t lie earth,
arising from mechanical and chemical causes, and a vast (juantity of otliei-
information, which, hut that scicnee alone can imjiart. Tlie .science of
chemistry enables him to ascertain the element of which all organized
substances are composed, the dilferent propcirtions in which these elements
enter into the composition of each particular substance, to analyze the
various s ills, with a view to ascertain the (juantity of suitable food afforded
by each for the nourishment of plants, and supply the deficiency, if found
to exist, by the application of proper manures in adequate ((uantities.
By the aid afforded by the sciences of (ieology and Chemistry, the scientific
farmer is conducted to results which he never could have arrived at by
any other means ; and the perfection of his art, which is still in great
want of further improvenuMit, is only attainable by combining with prac-
tical experience the assistance afforded by science. It could not be
expected that every farmer could be a geologist and chemist, but the
outlines of these sciences ought, doubtless, to form a part of the system
of education adopted in all our high and common schools, by Avhich a
taste would soon be formed among enlightened farmers, the advantage
of which would at once be felt and appreciated. It would, for instance,
require but a short time and a small amount of intellectual exertion, to
learn tlie names of the common I'ocks of the country, which, so far as the
farmer is concerned, are very few in number. lie might be told that the
loose soil, which, in general forms the surface of the glol)e, has been
derived from those rocks : and tliat the soil is fruitful or sterile according
to the rocks from which it had its origin. The intelligent farmer could
soon learn the general outline of this science, by which he could see its
direct bearing on practical agriculture. For instance, he would find it
useful to know the constancy in the relative position and character of the
stratified rocks, the general character of the soil upon them. He would
likewise find it useful to knew the quality of soil derived from the un-
stratified rocks, such as the granites and trap rocks; also the physical
character of the transported sands, gravels, and clays ; and the relation
between the nature of the soil and the kind of plarits that naturally grow
upon it. The effect of temperature on the growth of plants is a fact
with which the practical farmer ought to be ac(]uaiiited. Altitude,
climate, and other local circumstances exercise an influence affecting the
vegetation of every country, which is perliajis more obvious to the senses
than any other cause, and which ought to form an item of tlie practical
farmer's knowledge.
The cliemical constitution of the soil and growing crops is a subject
that iiKiv rrquirc a man's life time to h^irn : but a great deal nf what
or WiscoysiN. 81
would prove tiglily useful, in after life, may be learned at school or col-
lege, in a few months. The agriculturist ought to know that the growing
crops and the soil in which they grow are composed of certain organic
or inorganic substances ; that the substances which contribute to the
growth, nourishment, and support of his crops, are derived from the soil
and atmosphere . that different plants take in these substances in different
proportions, and are supplied by different soils in different proportions.
And, although every farmer could not be expected to be able to make
a chemical analysis of every soil and every crop, in order to ascertain the
exact proportion in which the different substances enter into the compo-
sition of each plant, and the quantity present in each soil ; yet by learn-
ing a little of the outlines of the science, he will be enabled to perform
many experiments, at an expense of a few cents, which could not fail of
proving useful and interesting. Knowing when acids or alkalies are in
the soil in too great abundance, the scientific agriculturist will, at once,
know the proper remedy to be applied in order to neutralize the injurious
effect of the prevailing substances. Knowing, also, that the soil is defi-
cient in some of those substances that are required to feed his plants, he
will supply the deficiency by the addition of proper manures in sufficient
quantities. By founding his practice on this principle, he will be the
legs liable to fail in any new experiment he may make to increase the
produce of his land; he will also be more likely to succeed under varied
circumstances, as regards soil and climate.
A farmer may be very successful in one locality, from long acquain-
tance with the habits of the soil and climate, and be totolly at a loss how
to proceed when both arc different. Indeed, similar soils in two different
climates may require different treatment ; and he who is guided by prin-
ciple will feel no hesitation to alter his mode of treatment according as
the circumstances of the case may require ; while the person whosa guide
is habit, cannot see why he should adopt a different mode of treatment
from that which he always found to answer. This person, who may be
termed a local agriculturist, will doubtless be disappointed, while that
man whose practice is founded on principle, combined with experience,
will succeed ; being what may be termed an universal agriculturist.
He who knows a little of the geological structure of the crust of the
globe, a,nd of the chemical constitution of the different soils, will not find
much difficulty in forming a correct judgment of the capabilities of any
particular soil from its external character, and from the plants it natu-
rally produces. Would it not be well therefore, to afford the rising gene-
ration an opportunity of acquiring a knowledge of such importance to the
State, by either establishing agricultural schools, or making^agriculture
a component part of the system of instruction adopted in all our common
schools and colleges throughout the State ?
S2 iNDusTiiiAii Resources
I hail, with mucli pleasure, the organization of agricultural societies
ill many parts of our State, which cannot fail to arouse public attention
to a department of our resources, on which mainly depends the future
prosperity of our infant country ; which, from its situation, soil an^
climate, contains all the elements of future greatness, if hut properly
developed. I aut glad to find that an appropriation of $3,000 has been
recently made by the legislature to aid the agricultural societies.
The absence of extensive swamps, spreading their deadly influence
far and wide, and the proximity of our ocean lakes, moderating our
climate, and preventing those extremes of heat and cold, which act not so
injuriously on animal and vegetable life in other places, arc blessings
which we do not duly apprcciato. The peculiar contour of the surface,
rfivint"- facility of drainage to every district, while its undulating character
gives rise to numerous springs that send forth, in every direction, stream-
lets, through the channels of which flows the very life-blood of agriculture.
And the union of two or more of these streamlets, by the unevenncss of
the surface, creating sufficient power to drive the machinery used to con-
vert the produce of the soil into food for man and beast, arc circumstances
highly favorable to th- agriculturist.
With all the advantages pointed out in theprecideng pages, Wiscon-
sin farmers have no reason to complain of the want of an easy expeditious
and cheap mode of transmitting the produce of their farms to a good mar-
ket. Witli all these advantages, and with a hardy, industrious and active
populatio)!, the State of Wisconsin ma}^ look forward with confidence to
be able to compete with the most favored State of the Union. 2sature has
done her pait, by giving us a soil of unsurpassed fertility, with a surface
of endless variety, rivers and lakes of crystal purity, and a sky free from
hazy foo-s and drizzling mists, and it only remains fi)r us to convert all
these natural advantages to some useful purpose.
At present, this State derives her principal resources from the soil,
and, as I have stated before, must continue to do so for some years to
come. It is, therefore, the duty of all, to contribute, in one way or other,
to the improvement of that art, trade, or business, from the exercise of
which we derive our chief suj)port. And it is a strange fact, that, though
agriculture must have been the first business in which men were engaged,
and therefore the oldest trade, nevertheless few trades- are less under-
stood. For thousands of years, the same invariable jiractieo was pursued
in the old country, as regarded the raising of stock and the cultivation of
various crops — the son never daring to deviate from tlio practice of the
father in such matters. Ignorant of those sciences that bear directly
upon animal and vegetable physiology, the farmer could make no advance
towards an improved system. And if he happened to hit upon an improved
OF Wisconsin. 83
mode of management, it was the result of chance, not of scientific investi-
gation.
It is not so at present in many parts of the state. Griiided by the
sciences of chemistry and geology, wo can try more experiments, loading
to useful results, in a few hours, than our fore-fathors, unaided by such *
lights, could effect iti as many centuries, Encouraged by the certainty of
success, under the guidance of science, men of education in every part of
Europe and America turned their attention, sometime since, to i^^he im-
jjrovement of agriculture. Men of wealth and influence soon formed them-
selves into societies to encourage the successful espcriraeutalists b}^ the
bestowal of honorary and pecuniary rewards ; and thus instructed and en-
couraged, the former no longer treads in the footsteps of his father, but
following the advice and example of enlightened practical men, he adopts
a system which amply rewards him by an increased amount of produce
quite unattainable under the old system of management.
I am happy to see the State of Wisconsin following the laudable ex-
ample set her by her older sister States. The agricultural societies already
formed, and those in prog.iess of formation in many parts of the State,
must be productive of much good
The show fairs for the exhibition of improved breeds of stock and
implements of husbandry; of different specimens of plants, fruits and
flowers ; of works of art and of agricultural produce of every kind, cannot
fail to excite a spirit of rivalry, which must necessarily tend to the gen-
eral good of all. Any suggestion having fur its object the improvement
of agriculture, should be extensively circulated; and the medium through,
which useful knowledge is communicated ought to b.^ encouraged by all
whom it may concern. He who suggests a plan by which "two blades
of grass may be grown, where only one had been raised before, is a useful
benefactor;" and he who communicates information to the public is no
less useful. Hence it appears that an agricultural publication in one or
two parts of the State, to give publicity to the proceedings and reports of
societies and individuals relative to agricultural improvements, ought to
receive public support.
In this age of progress, we must keep pace v^'ith our neighbors, if
we wish to take advantage of those natural resources so abundautly'placed
before us in every part of the State. If vre neglect this duty, we shall
be left far behind. Having expressed my opinion that Wisconsin must
chiefly depend on her agricultural resources, for many years to come ;
therefore it becomes the duty of every farmer to pay due attention to the
cultivation of those crops that pay best, and are least liable to injury
from the effect of climate or other existing causes. Ho is also bound to
try other branches of farming, when they promise a larger and more cer-
tain return for the outlay of capital and labor bestowed on them. For
84 Tndustiual Hksoukcks
the last two or three successive years, we liave suffered eunsulerably, from
the failure of the wheat crop, which has crip])lecl the fanners considerably,
but the abundant harvest of the present year (lS58) and the usually
high prices of produce of every description, have revived tlioir drooping
spirits and placed them in comparatively affluent circumstances, which is
visible by the number of shanties which are being replaced by comfortable
and sightly frame dwellings in every part of the State. Siiould we be
blessed next year with such another harvest as that which has passed, our
farmers and the State in general will occupy an enviable position among
the States of the Union.
Having stated, more than once, that the future prosperity of the
State depends, in a great measure, on the attention paid to improved modes
of husbandry, which consists chiefly in deep ploughing, thourough drain-
ing, and due attention to cleaning, manuring, and providing good seed,
a few hints upon these subjects may not be considered out of place. The
following facts in relation to the habits of plants, will show the necessity
of deep ploughing or digging.
It is a fact not generally known that plants, in general, send tlieir
roots to a greater depth than is generally noticed, when not obstructed
by some hard or impenetrable substance. Turnips are known sometimes
to send their fibres to a depth exceeding two feet, while they extend
themselves in a lateral direction upwards of four feet from the bulb.
Wheat, oats and grass-seed send forth some of their roots to a depth of
more than twenty or thirty inches ; bean and clover roots penetrate tha
soil to the depth of tree feet ; and flax, two feet and a half. A gentle-
man, who devoted much of his time to agricultural pursuits, told me that
he traced bean and flax roots to the depth of forty-two inches, ,
I state these facts to show the necessity of working the soil to a cou-
giderable depth for the reception of what are termed surface roots.
Though it forms no part of my plan to enter into detailed description,
either of actual methods now adopted in the agricultural operations of
Wisconsin, or the propositions now under discussion for the general im-
provement of that great branch of human industry, yet the time will not
be snent uselessly, which I mean to devote to a department that seems
to have been overlooked in this state.
Thorough draining, so far as my observations go, has never received
any share of attention in Wisconsin ; neither have I seen any attention
paid to subsoil ploughing, manuring, or weeding. The high rate of wa-
f'es and the low price of land in this State, induce farmers, in general, to
till extensively rather than well ; but the farmer desirous of reaping a
plentiful harvest must, in the place, be particularly careful to retain no
more water in the soil than is essential to vegetation ; a greater quantity
being invariably injurious.
OF Wisconsin. 85
His land being dry, liis next care should be to enrich it with manure,
without which an abundant crop cannot be expected where the soil is,
in any degree, exhausted from previous cropping.
Draining and deep ploughing being attended to, the next duty that
devolves on the farmer is, to keep his land clean. These principles must
be always kept in view. Any of them being neglected proves injurious.
Manure is thrown away, to no purpose, on land (especially in cold
climates) containing an excess of water, which never fails to .diminish the
fertility of the soil, and encourage the growth of coarse grasses and use
les weeds. This is so well understood in Great Britain and Ireland, that
the thorough draining of the land is particularly attended to by every one
deserving the name of an agriculturist. When the ground is not kept
clean, weedi encroach upon the useful plants, very often gaining the
ascendancy by extracting from the soil an undue proportion of nourish-
ing juices, which should be reserved solely for the use of the growing
crop intended for consumption. When noxious weeds are allowed to
grow up among grain crops, or vegetables of any kind, they deprive them
of their due proportion of light and air, which are assential to their growth
and perfection. The same remark applies to pasture and meadov/ laud,
which should be kept dry, manured and clean. I have seen useless weeds
iu many parts of these western states occupying the place of the swi^etest
lierbagc, after having smothered it altogether. This should be prevented
by checking the growth of such weeds before their number and size be-
come injurious. Foi'uierly few persons, even the old country, understood
draining upon scientific principles. The plan then pursued was both ex-
pensive and inefficient, owing, no doubt, to a want of knowledge of the
geological formation of the earth's upper strata.
A proper knowledge of the cause producing excessive moisture, fre-
([uently saves time, labor and expense ; .us a single drain made in the
proper place and direction, may eft'ect more then ten made without refe-
rence to the producing cause. Rain water is retained either on the sur-
face, where it evaporates, or penetrates to a lower level, throu,gh beds of
sand, gravel, or other permeable substances ; and at some small distance
beneath the surface, meeting an impenetrable bed, it flows through the
porus stratum, which usually terminates at, or near the surface, and at
which point it escapes, spreading itself over the surface in all directions,
where the land is lower than the point of escape. While the water re-
mains far under the surface, it does no injury ; it is, therefore, tlie busi-
ness of the drainer to check its progress before it reaches the surface,
by confining it to some channel from which it may be carried away through
some convenient outlet. Tliese observations will be easily understood,
by referring to the diagrams in my treatise on thorough draining. Y\'hen
the swamps and many of the shallow lakes throughout the State shall
86 Industrial Eesourcks
have been draincil, a considerable area will be gained for Agricultural
purposes, and much water-power created, by being collected into narrow
channels, instead of being spread over a large surface, from which only
a part wuidd evaporate, and the rest remain to the great injury" of the
soil.
The absence of high Mountains extends the area of Wisconsin for
Agricultural purposes, while the height of mountains and peaks in many
other countries places them above the range of vegetation ; the highest
of the mounds of "Wisconsin is below that range. The few swamps it
contains command a sufficient fall for drainage, and the limited quantity
of inferior quality of soil is covered with pine and forest trees, which, at
all times, must command remunerative prices in the market, and be other-
wise useful for domestic purposes. So it might be said of the State of "Wis-
consin that every acre of its surface is available for some profitable pur-
pose.
In connecting with this notice of the actual circumstances of the sur-
face of "Vi^'isconsin as regards Agricultural capabilities, the important
question of how its powers may be augmented and protected from that
impoverishing effect of cropping, invariably observable in lands under
unskillful cultivation, it may be necessary to show that the action of
plants upon the soil has this deteriorating tendancy. A plant receives
all its nourishment from the soil in which it grows, and from the atmos-
phere : and if we analyze the plant, we shall readil}'- find what it has ta-
ken from the soil. If the soil thus deprived of a certain proportion of
nourishing ingredients should not contain the necessary nourishment for
another crop, the deficiency must be supplied by manuring ; otherwise
the fertility of the soil will continiie to diminish, and every successive
crop, from the diminution of the necessary food for its support, will ne-
cessarily diminish, at least in quantity, if not in quality. Hence it ap-
pears tliat, to keep the soil in good condition and I'aise a good? healthy,
productive crop, a perfect knowledge of the constituent parts of both is
essential.
In like manner, in applying vegetable substances to tlie feeding o}
animals, it is of equal importance to know what they severally contain :
as then the science of Chemistry and Physiology would enable us to
make a selection of the food best suited to the individual. The three
great divisions of Nature are co-relative and mutually compensating.
Plants derive tlicir food partly from the earth - animals theirs from plants.
Animals and plants die, and return their elements to the soil, which
sends tliem back in the same order as before ; hence everything in nature
is referable to some one or other of these three divisions. All plants and
animals are composed of sixteen elements, the chief being carbon, hydro-
gen, o.xygen and nitrogen : carbon being a solid substance, and the other
OF Wisconsin. 87
three gases. The remaining elements, though usually present in small
quantities, are no less essential to the healthy condition of the growing
plants. The great duty of the farmer, then, is to ascertain the composi-
tion of the soil, and the action of the plants upon it. As the farmer
could not be supposed to be able to make a chemical analysis of the soil,
it becomes the imperative duty of the State to supply it. Scientific
gentlemen connected with the public institutions of learning, world be
the most fit persons to undertake this task. Professor Hitchcock furni-
shes a most valuable table, by which a comparison can be instituted be-
tween the soils of Wisconsin and Massachusetts. This comparison is, of
itself, sufficient to prove the productive quality of the former :
Massachusetts. Wisconsin.
Average quantity of organic matter (soluble,) 3.90 4.90
Average quantity of inorganic matter, (in
soluble,) 8.70 5.13
Average specific quantity of soil, - 2.44 1.S4
From an inspection of this table it will readily appear, that the quan-
tity of organic matter in the Wisconsin soil far exceeds that of the Mas-
sachusetts, while its specific gravity is very much less.
In looking over the analysis of the soils of Wisconsin and Massachu-
setts, by Dr. Owen and Prof. Hitchcock, I find in every case, that where
the specific gravity is small, thtj organic matter in the soil is invariably
large ; from which we may infer the quality of soils by the specific gravi-
ties. This, however, though forming a sort of clue to the quality of soil,
may bring us to conclusions not in all cases satisfactory,
Aiialjjsis of a sandy soil eoUexted above the mouth of the Chijjpevfa,
hy Dr. Noriuood.
W^ater, 1.02
Organic matter soluble in carbonate of ammonia 1.74
Organic matter, insoluble 0.25
Insoluble silicates, 93.00
Peroxide of iron, 1.65
Alumina, ].22
Carbonate of lime, 0.10
Phosphate of lime, not appreciable, 0.00
Carbonate of Magnesia, 0.01
Alkiles, not appreciable, 0.00
Inorganic acids and loss, 1.00
100.00
From this table it appears that a soil containing only two per cent,
of organic matter, with ninety-thfee percent of insoluble silicates, less
than four per cent, of soluble saline matter, consisting of oxide cf iron
88 Industrial, Rksources
and alumina, and only a mere trace of calcareous earth, holds out no great
prospect to the farmer. It is, however, right to mention that this district
produces crops far better than I could expect from a combination of such
materials.
Analysis of soil derived from the decomposilioa of Loicer Magnesia
Ijimestone of Eau Golli.
Water, 2.50
Organic matter, 8.20
Silicic acid, dissolved by chloroydzic acid, ' 0.05
Cai'bonate of lime, b^O
Magnesia, 0.32
Oxide of iron, 2.68
Alumina, dissolved by chlorodic acid, 3.04
Alumina, dissolved by sulphuric ;rcid, 1.00
Alkiles, 0.00
Phosyhatc of lime and iron, 0.01
Insoluble silicates, 77.10
Inorganic acids, combined with above and los.-^, 4.23
' 100.00
An inspection of tliis table will readily show how muwh better the
soil derived from this' rock is than that exliibited in the preceding table.
It is rich in mineral salts, which give rapidity to growth and durability to
the soil : while the table of the sandy soil above the mouth of the Chip-
pewa, above exhibited, gives only two per cent, of organic matter, this
gives 8.20 per cent, of salts : the sandy soil giving scarcely four per cent,
of saline matter. This soil is also riclier in the carbonate of lime than
that.
An analysis of the soils resting on the different racks ot the State
would be a valuable acquisition to the agriculturist ; as upon it he would
soon base a system whieh would be much more profitable than any that
he could derive from bare observation.
Having introduced the constitution of soils, it miglit be well to state
that the consist of two parts : the one organic, which can bo burned when
the soil is heated to redness ; and the otlier inorganic, which is fixed in
the fire, consisting entirely of earthy and saline substances. The orgaicn
part of the soil is the remains of animals and vegetables, which had once
lived and died, and whicli have been spread over the surface of the ground
bv river.s, rains and other agencies. These substances add to tlie natural
fertility of the soil. In different soils, these organic substances exist in
different ([uantities. In peaty soils it forms from 5() to 70 per cenf. of the
weight, and as much as 25 per cent, is found in rich, long cultivated soils;
but, in general, it is found in much smaller proi")ortions, even in the best
OF Wisconsin. 8&
arable lands. It is known that oats and rje will grow in land containing
only 14- per cent. ; barley will grow in soils con taining from 2 to 3 per
cent. ; but a good wbeat crop will require from 4 to 8 per cent. From
10 to 12 per cent, is found in some clayey soils. In gardens long culti-
vated, and all pasture lands, the entire of the upper part of the surface
is composed of organic matter, which yields to the plants ulmic, geic, cro-
niic, and apocrenic acids, When animal matter is present, ammonia is
produced by the decaying process of organized substances.
Besides the important olfica of supplying the growing plant with these
substances, the soil supplies also a considerable quantity of inorganic mat-
ter, such as saline and earthy substances, which are liberated or set free
during the decay of the organized plant. When we analyze a crop and
discover that, in a^ healthy state, it contains certain proportions of organic
and inorganic substances, then, if upon examinaticn a soil is found defi-
cient in any of these substances, whether organic or inorganic, the defi-
ciency must be added, otherwise a good crop cannot be expected. The
surface soil of every district is composed of these organic and inorganic
substances, mixed together in various proportions, whicli act upon the
plant injuriously, or otherwise, according- to the deficiency, or to the
quantity present in the soil of some of these substances. T!ic subsoil is
variable in quantity and quality, and exercises a very important part in
the production of crops, as is well known to every intelligent farmer.
The jjhysical properties of the subsoil, in connection with the effects of
climate, aftect vegetation in a very high degree. The effects of climate
upon the upper soil is also very great. Some soils are dense and others
light. Sandy and marly soils are the heaviest, and peaty soils the light-
est. Some soils absorb more moisture than others and retain it longer.
Peaty soils absorb most, and sandy soils least. Strong clays absorb and
ratain three times as much water as sandy soils ; hence the necessity of
draining peaty and clayey soils.
The capilary attraction of soils influence the growth of plants. The
different capacities of soil to lose water by evaporation affect the growth
of plants. In dry weather plants would be burnt up in a sandy soil, while
they may prosper in a soil retaining moisture. On the contrary, plants
may flourish on a sandy soil in wet weather, while in a soil retentive of
water, they would perish, or at least would not be productive as in clayey
and peaty soils. Shrinking or diminishing is bulk in another property of
the soil, whicli has some influence on the growth of plants. Clayey and
peaty soils shrink most, and sandy soils least, if at all. In dry weather
this property of the soil acts most injuriously on the growing plants. The
soil, in shrinking, grasps to tender roots, and often squeezes them to
death. Hence the utility of mixing sandy and gravelly soils with still
clayey soils. The sand or gravel prevents the squeezing tendency of the
90 Industsrial Reouuchs
clay to injure the roots by conipressing them, and admits the air also,
which Avould otherwise be excluded. • In dry seasons, peat or clay, mixed
with sandy soils, improves them by making them absorb more moisture
from the athmosphere, and retain it longer. Different degrees of heat
exercise a considerable influence on TCgetation. A wet soil takes a longer
time in acquiring a degree of heat sufficient to produce vegetation than
dry soils. Hence the necessity of draining. Color enters also into the
functions of vegetation. Blackish vegetable mould and dry sand, and clay
become heated to nearly equal degrees, by exposure to the sun during
equal times.
Besides a knowledge of those geological properties of the soil, its
chemical composition must be understood. Professor Johnson very pro-
perly says, that soils perform at least three functions in relation to vege-
tation. "They serve as a basis in which plants may fix their roots, and
sustain themselves' in an erect position ; they supply inorganic food to
vegetables at every period of their growth, and they are the medium in
which many chemical changes take place, that are essential to the right
preparation of the various kinds of food which the soil is destined to yield
to the growing plant." I have said, in one of the preceding pages, that
when a plant dies, its elements, under the influence of chemical affinities
are reduced to a blackish mould, chem.ically termed humus, or ulmic
Sir Cobert Kane says, that when perfectly pure, this substance contains
no nitrogen, and coiisists of, as prepared ;
From Wood. From Sugar,
Carbon, 72.7 ' 65.65
Hydrogen, 6.1 4 2S
Oxygen, 21.2 30. oT
100.00 100.00
This material is destitute of any power on vegetation. In the pro-
cess of the decomposition of vegetable matter, it evolves carbonic acid
and absorbs oxygen from the atmosphere, as a considerable quantity of
nitrogen, which enter into the constitution of the new product, which
finally acquires almost the composition of an animal substance, as may
be seen under. Tliis new product is termed nitrogen.
Carbon
Hydrogen,
Nitrogen,
Oxygen,
Nitrogen.
Flesh.
57.20
55.20
6.32
7.00
12.20
16.89
24.28
20.90
100.00 100.00
OF Wisconsin. ' , 91
The decomjiosition of this nitrogen, when in contact with air and
moisture, is similar to that of animal bodies. The roots and fibres of
plants left in the ground to rot, by a similar chemical process, form food
for the next generation of plants.
A certain relation exists between the soil and the plants that grow
upon it ; a fact well known to the most unobserving farmer. While one
description of soil will yield an abundant erep of wheat, another descrip-
tion will refuse in any substance whatever. While pine timber pill grow
naturally on one so.l, beach will be the natural growth of another. — The
mountain top will naturally grow heath or moss, but wnen abundantly
limed, these are displaced by natural grasses or daise.. Hence it appears
that the seeds lie dormant in the soil, till they are awakened into vita\
existence by the presence of the food necessary for their siipport When
any soil denies to the plant sufficient food for its support, it dies off and
is suceeeded by a different plant, whose wants can be supplied by the
food still remaining in the soil, adapted to its nature.
The soil is a natural laboratory in which animal and vegetable sub-
stances are decomposed, and when these svbstances are mysteriously com-
bined by the chemical affinity in certain proportions, the mass forms a
compound containing the elements produced from the decomposition of
seeds planted by the hand of man and when thus combined by the elabo-
ration of nature under general laws, vegetable growth commences, simi-
lar to what takes place in seeds discomposed in the soil after having been
planted by the agriculturist or gardener. In this way trees spring up in
prairies and other natural surfaces where no seed had ever been. The
theory which confers on. animals the credit of transporting the seed of a
whole forest of the same species from a long distance, and sometimes
across a standing forest composed of a different species, is most unlikely
and not worthy of credit.
It has been stated before that the natural operations of nature point
out the necessity of a regular rotation of cropping. The analysis of dif-
ferent crops show, that one crop takes away from the soil a certain quan-
tity of food ; another extracts a certain quantity of another description,
leaving still plenty for the support of a third crop, different from the
other two. Here it may be seen that the same soil may amply supply
three different crops, while the same crop perhaps might grow but indiffe-
rently the second year, and die off the third for want of sufficient food for
its support. Hence the necessity of manuring the soil specially for par"
ticular crops.
But following nature, a more economical plan might be adopted ;
namely, a proper rotation. Science points out the best rotation, which
books on agriculture will describe. As well as the same soil, to be eco-
nomically worked, requires a proper rotation of crops, so likewise does it
92 I.VDUSTKIAL KkSOUKCES
require the same seed to be cbauged as often as possible. Evcrj farmer
is aware of the utility of this practice.
In order to illustrate some of the statements made in the preceding
part of this work, and also to show the great advantage of a superabun-
dant supply of certain substances — to pt'olong the agricultural capabili-
ties of the sail, and restore it when worn out by injudicious tillage, I sub-
join the composition of three diflerent soils, as determined by ^prognel,
a celebrated German chemist, who devoted much attention to Agricultural
Science. The three soils are under the numbers 1, 2, '6 — number 1
being a very fertile alluvial soil from East Friesland, formerly overflowed
by the sea, but under cultivation for GO years without manure : number
2 being a fertile soil, producing excellent crops of clover, pulse, rape po-
tatoes and turnips, "the two last more especially when manured witli
gypsum'' ; and number 3 being a very barren soil from Luneberg :
No.. 1. No. 2. No. 3.
Soluble saline matter, 18 1 1
Fine clay and organic matter, 937 839 599
Silicious sand, 45 KiO 400
1000 1000 1000
These numbers present very striking- differences. No. 1 contains a
([uantity uf saline matter, consisting of common salt, chloride of potassium,
sulphate of potash, sulpliate of lime, sulphate of magnesia, sulphate of
of iron, and phosphade of soda, while No, 3 contains a large proportion
of sand but is dificient in other substances which confer fertility, as
shown in the subjoined table, in which the finer portions, separated from
sand and "soluble matter, consisted, in 1000 parts of —
Organic matter.
Silica,
Alumina,
Lime,
Magnesia,
Oxide of iron,
Oxide of magnesia,
Potash,
Soda,
Ammonia
Chlorine
Sulphuric acid,
Phosphoric acid,
Car])onic acid.
Loss,
1000 1000 ' 1000
In reviewing this table, it appears thit No, 1 contains all the ele-
ments of fertility, having 10 per cent of organic matter, nearly 6 per cent
of lime, a large quantity of saline matter, with the acids, soda, and pot-
No. 1.
No. 2.
No. 3
9-(
50
40
743
!^33
778
57
51
91
59
IS
4
Si-
c
1
of^
30
SI
1
3
x
o
trace
trace
4
do
do
trace
do
du
.)
do
d..
2
.'.1
do
41-
IK
do
40"
41
do
14
■*
OF Wisconsin.
93
ash, in sufficient quantities. Tlie soil No. 2 shows a deficiency of soluble
saline matter, and also of lime and organic ingredients ; but, on the
whole, it contains (some in limited quantities) all the elements of fertil-
ility, and under proper management, may be made highly productive.
The figures under No. 3 show a great deficiency of organic matter, and
|ime, but an excess of the oxide of iron. The effect of this excess of
^ron must be neutralized, and the substances found wanting supplied by
the application of manure in proper proportions ; otherwise this already
miserable soil should be given up to hopeless sterility. It is of the grea-
test importance to know the constitution of the soil, as well as of the
plants intended to grow upon it, as then, if the soil should be found de-
ficient in the particular fruit required by the plant, it could be supplied
from the farm yard or some other source. In like manner, whed we
know the ingredients in the composition of a plant, we can make a pro-
per selection to feed animals, either for fattening or for the pail. Im-
pressed with the importance of this knowledge, I copy the followino-
table, drawn up by Sir Robert Kane, from accurate analysis, by Baus-
singault.
100 parts of the following substances, considered as dry, consists of
Carbon. Hydrogen. Oxygen. Nitrogen. ' Ashes.
Wheat
Wheat stra,
Oats,
Oat straw,
Potatoes,
Turnips,
Red clover hay,
4(3.1
48.5
50.7
50.1
4.40
42.9
47.4
5.3
6.4
5.4
5.8
5.5
5
43.4
3S.9
36.7
39.0
44.7
42.3
37. S
2.3
0.4
2 2
0^4
1.5
1.7
2.1
2 4
7^2
4.0
5.1
4.0
7.13
7.7
100 parts of these in their ordinary state of moisture, contain usually
Clover
hay.
Tur-
nips.
Pota-
toes.
Wheat.
Do
straw.
Dry material.
Water,
I 79 I 7.5 1 24.1 I 85.5
! 21 ] 62 5 i 75.9 [ 14.5
100 parts of these ashes of these substances contain —
74
26
Oats.
Oat
straw.
79.2
20.8
Phosphoric acid
Sulphuric acid,
Carbonic acid,
Chloirnine,
Lime,
Magnesia,
Potash,
Soda,
Silica,
Aluniina,
Mosture & loss,
Wheat.
Wheat
Oats
Oat
Pota-
Tur-
straw.
3.1
straw.
3.0
toes.
11.3
nips.
6 1
47-0
14.9
1.0
1.0
1.0
4.1
7.1
10.9
1.0
1.0
1.7
3.2
13.4
14.0
trace
0.6
0.5
4.7
2.7
2.9
2.9
8.5
3.7
8.3
1.8
10.9
15.9
5.0
7.7
2.8
54
4. .3
29.5
9.5
12.9
24.5
51.5
33.7
trace
0.3
0.0
4.4
trace
4.1
1.2
67 6
52.3
40.0
56
6.4
1.2
1.0
1,3
2.1
0.5
1.2
2.4
3-7
3.0
2.9
0.7
5.5
71.3
28.7
Clo-
ver.
6.3
2.5
25.0
2.6
24.6
6.3
26.6
0.5
5.3
.0.0
0.0
94 Industkiai, Hesoorces
By means of these investigations of ]3aussingault, I could actully
ascertain the exact quantity of these various elements taken from the soil
by the growing crop ; but having already exceeded the limits which I
first proposed, I can onl}'- refer such as might be anxious to pursue this
subject farther to works written expressly on agriculture. These results
show how numerous are the substances which the plants abstract from the
soil, and if the process of abstraction be continued, it would ultimately be
left barren, and unable to sustain a growing crop in a healthy state.
Therefore the land must be renewed, either by manuring or by allowing
it to repose.
Wishiug tc limit nij^self on this subject, I shall only briefly state the
most approved plan resorted to by the best agriculturist,
The admixture of clay with sand or peat produces both a physical
and chemical alteration, favorable to cultivation ; so does lime, mixed with
other substances, form an excellent compost, which, when applied to soils
containing little or none of this fertilizer, never fails of having a good ef-
fect. Land may be increased in permanent value by planting it. All
woods however, are not equally eifeetive ia improving the soil. — Scotch
fir efi'ects very little improvement ; beech and spruce effect still less ; but
under ash, oak, larch, and other tribes whose leaves contain enriching
matter, the soil is increased in value, Land laid down to artificial grasses
for some years is restored to a sound condition. Running water being al-
ways charges with both organic and inorganic food for plants in a greater
or less degree, should not be allowed to escape without discharging a very
important duty — that of enriching the soil wherever the circumstances of
the surface would admit it. Pure water is known to improve the soil
considerably, but the benefit bestowed will be increased in proportion to
the quantity of manuring ingredients conveyed to the surface. It is upon
this principle that lime or shell marl is sometimes diluted in the water
of the upper carrier, in order that its particles may be conveyed to the
different parts of the ground. Salt is excellent upon rushy and sour past-
ures, which are subject to occasion rot in sheep; such is its effects, that
it prevents tliat destructive evil from attacking them. The salt, as well
as the lime, or marl, should be put in small quantities into the upper cut,
and stirred about occasionally, in order that it may be borne down by the
stream, and equally diffused among the roots of the grass, which will soon
feci the beneficial effects of such a mixture. '\Vhen the velocity of the
water in the cut is imperceptible, it is useless to impregnate it with salt or
rich eartli, as the particles will soon fall to the bottom, gravity exerting a
greater force than the propelling force of the water. 1 have observed that
the fertilizing effects of water, whether poor or charged with manuring
ingredients, is very great. Therefore, the practice of irrigating land should
never be neglected. What has tended to fertilize the arrid land of the
OF Wisconsin. 95
Egyptians but the periodical overliowing of the turbid waters of the Nile.
So duly is the benefit derived from the watering of the laud appreciated
by some scientific farmers, that the practice is never omitted at theproj^er
season, while others seem to be indifferent to so cheap a source of improve-
ment. I have bad considerable experience in this department of improve-
ment in the old country, and I can assert that, in every case where it was
tried, the result was beneficial. The water should never be allowed on
land before it is thoroughly drained, nor on any place from which it could
not be drawn oflF at pleasure.
The sinuosities of the surface of Wiseonsin are favorable to irrigation,
and where water and a sloping surface present themselves, advantage
should be taken, of the concurrent circumstances. In many parts of Europe
as well as in the United States, the land is sown with green crops, which
are plowed into the soil to enrich it. Straw, hay, saw-dust, bran, brewer'KS
grain, malt dust, rape dust, charcoal powder, sea weed, marl, sea sand,
gypsum, tanners' bark' soot, coal dust and coal tar, are used in various
ways as fertilizers. Peat is extensively used as a manure in countries
which abound in bogs. Peat charcoal is also used, and where turf is
the only fuel used fo^ domestic purposes, the ashes are of some importance
as a manure. The ashes of pure turf are similar to those of other plants,
except that the soluble ingredients, for the most part are absent. For
instance, the quantity of potash present in most ashes of plants, is not
found m turf ashes. From an analysis carefully conducted on the conti-
nent of Europe, turf ashes differ in their constitution ; some containing
magnesia, potash, soda, sul^iheric acid (Sec, which are highly benificial ;
while the ashes of a different description of turf, on account of the ab-
sence of some these substances, are of little value.
Every farmer is aware of the action of animal manures, which are
much more stimulating than vegetable manures. The refuse of fish, skin,
tallow, and of other animal substances are employed with much advan-
tage to renovate the soil. Wool, hair, woolen rags, and all similar sub-
stances exercise a higher and more lusting influence on the soil than any
description of vegetable matter. Blood, mixed with other ingredients,
makes a good compost. Shell fish, bones, and hoof parings are used as
good manure with effect.
The relative value of vegetable manures is estimated, first : by the
relative quantity of inorganic matter they contain ; and second, by^ the
relative quantity of nitrogen present in each. Digested animal substan-
ces, such as night soil, the solid excrement of horses, cows, sheeps, hoes,
and birds, are known to exercise great influence on vegetation. The urine
of men, horses, cows, and other animals is in high esteem among agricul-
turists. Trifling as the quantity of urine voided by animals may be con-
sidered, its waste amounts to a national loss, which, in amount, is incred-
9G
Industrial Resources
ible. Mr. Smith of Deanstown, one of the first authorities in England
njDon suuh matters, says that the urine of two men is sufficient to manure
an acre of land ; and, if mixed with ashes, will produce a good crop of
turnips. The quantity of phosphates in human urine gives it a higher
value, as compared with the urine of other enimals, in which these sub-
stances are absent. Liquid manure should never be allowed to go to
waste. If not collected in tanks, as in many parts of Britain, it should
be made to flow over the surface of some field, which it could not fail to
improve.
The large quantity of ammonia in guano, gives it fertilizing powers
which arc gejicrally known and acknowledged. This substance contains
also a proportion of phosphates- which enchance its value. Valuable as
many of these substances are, as manures, some are so expensive, and
more so scarce, that their use must always be confined to individuals, and
to particular localities. They may all, however, be supplied by the use
of the farm yard manure, which is within the reach of every farmer, and
and which contains all the elements of fertility — a quality not possessed
by any particular manuring substance mentioned in this chapter. Its
quantity ^.nd quality depend on the rigid economy used in collecting it,
and upon the manner in which it is made, kept, and used on the farm.
The following is the result of analysis of farm yard manure in a half
rotted condition, by Bausingault. The result, of course, depends on cir-
cumstances, which are continually changing, and therefore no two will
exactly agree. The manure, in its usual form, contains 20.7 per cent of
iou!\ ct goos«
and lUioks, wluoh soaroly ooj^t uMYtluuii' t'or fooilitii;. ln\toh a :;oikI prioo.
For soino voars haok, tho potatoo has not boon oultivatod m \\ i>i oa-
sin to any oxtout. ovYin^s;, I supjuiso. to tho attaok o( that ticstruotivo
diseaso whioh throatons to banish it iVoiii tho tiohl altouollior. "*■ Tho oh^
monts ot'naturo soon» to wage war against this tubi>r in ovorv part of tho
»YorKl wlioro it has boon oultivatoil. ^^un>ori>ns thoorios !iavo boon pro-
posoil lu tills oonntrv ami in Kuropo to ohook tho pri>gross of this ilisoajso
aiul provont a roourronoo of it. but all lo no pnrposo. The nialailv stiU
oontinuos to balHo tho skill i>f tho most oxporionooil soiontitio nion of tho
ago. Tho oanso that lias prodnooil this blight, and tho roinody to ouro it
nio yot. vinknown. Tho orop was bad. both in quantity and nualitv, in
overv part of tho Union I travollod. fin* somo y oars, but tho growth of
tho prosont yoar t^l{^r»"J) is vory tolorablo. Tho quantity of land lu-on-
piod by this orop in this oouutrv is rathor liiuitod. Its failuro in AmorioA
is not of suoh serious oouvsoijuonoe as in parts of Europe ; as Indian ooni
sumdios its jdaoo in almost ovory rospoot, being tho ohlof toiul of "ovory
animal, from man down to tho maurauding rat, while its dried blade fur-
nishes us with 7-10 t>f tho long food for our working animals." Tho In-
dian oorn orop is oonsiderod the '"king of all orops" in almost every
State of tho Union. Its value, as an artiolo oi human t'ood, is eonsider-
ably rodiu'od in orossing tho v>eean. It deteriorates in its passage so nuieh
that in Ireland during the famine, the inmates ol' the poor-houses used it
with roluetanoo. 1 invariably witnessed the poor of that eountry, though
in a state of starvation at tho time, to exprtss tlioir ilisliko to Imlian I'orn
in any shape.
Cranberries are not only used in almost ovory family, but are ;iJso
an artiolo of eommeree, boin^ exported in largo quaatities to Oaliforuia,
Kui:;l»nd and other eouutries. SoO.OOO wore sent, in lv^^^)L^ frwiu Massa-
ohusotts alone to the land of gold. Our swamps and marshes would yield
a very largo return, by plautiug them with this article of luxury. 1
have seou it stated that a single aore. under proper maiuigemoiu. will
jield a profit of SoOO. If this bo so, attention should bo ilirootod to tho
oultivatiou of this orop. espooially in marshy and boggy lands unsuitod to
other purposes. From the experiments o( eastern farmers, oranberrios
may be raisoil on almost any soil, but best on low meadow, whioh is fouud
to bo improved by drainage. They may bo propagated by roots orseed.>.
TTie elimate of Wiseonsin is well adapted to tho growth and porfootiou of
this favorite fruit.
'- '^ The {lotaloi" Miiiht has uot mndo its appear.Hiioo \u Hi<>M>^''\ for jtomo vow.*
back.
ry important results in agricultural induslry. All
t.lic, variotioH of starch and sugar are efunposed of siitiilnr clenM^nts, carbon
j and water ; that is carbfUi, ox3'gen and hydrogen. VVlnoi tln>^(! bodies
I ar(i ])uro, they contain no nitrogen. TIk; plants that eontnin stnreli and
sugar require nitrogcni ami mineral (dements, therefearing crop. W(!
i!nport into this State a vast (juantity of this artiele from Nc^w ^'ork,
whifdi might be supplied a(: lionn; at nuni{
lawyer and honorable in every relation of life.
WILLIAM AUGUSTUS PRENTISS
of Milwaukee, was born at Northfield, Franklin County, State of Massa-
chusetts on the 24th day of March A. D. 1 800, served a regular appren-
ticeship at the Mercantile business in his native place, and removed to
Biography. 117
ihe State of Vennont iu the year 1 822, wliero he coutinucd to reside
nearly fourteen years.
While a resident of Vermont, was elected and continued a.s chair-
raan of the Town Board of Selectmen for eight successive years, and was
also elected a member of the State Legislature for the years 1829 and
1830. Ill the month of June A. i». 1836, Mr. Prentiss removed to Mil-
waukee, then containing less than five hundred permanent white iuhabi-
Tant8, and has continued his residence at Milwaukee to the present time.
In March 1837, a village corporation was organized on the East
.'-ide of the River, whicli included all that portion of the City, now com-
prising the First, Third and Seventh Wards, and at the first election
M»-. Prentiss was chosen a member of the Board of Trustees, and wa^
continued as a member of that Board until the year 1839, when the West
side village corporation was consolidated with the East side, and Mr.
Pfentiss was elected and continued a member of the Board for several
years»
In April A. 1). 1837, Henry Dodge, the first Governor of the Ter-
risory of Wisconsin, which then included the present States of Iowa and
Minnesota, without solicitation on tlie part of Mr. Prentiss, sent him a
commission as Justice of the Peace, and he officiated in that capacity
until the year 1845. At the first election of members of the Territorial
Legislature of Wisconsin after the organization of the Territory of Iowa.
in the year 1838, Mr. Prentiss was elected a member of the upper
branch of that body, for the term of four years, and was also elected one
of the County Commissioners of Milwaukee County for three years, which
then comprised the present counties of Waukesha, Jetl'erson. Dodge.
Washington and Ozaukee.
la 1846 the present city government was organized and Mr. Pren-
tiss has been a member of the City Council for many years, also a mem-
her of the Board of Supervisors of the County. Ho is now a member of
tke City Common Council.
Mr. Prentiss was also elected Mayor of the City in the year 1888,
beating the Democratic Nominee by some twelve hundred votes. He
was also elected, a member of the State Legislature from the Seventh
Assembly District of Milwaukee for 1S67, and re-elected to the same
t»flice for the year 18G8.
Mr. Prentias has served so long and faithfully in the management
of the financial aff'airs of the City of Milwaukee, that he should hold some
position in the cooperation as long as he lives. Mr, Prentiss is one of
the old settlers of Milwaukee whose interest he has never forsaken.
GEOHaE B. GOODWIN,
bom Dec. 18th 1834, Livingston Co., New York. Learned the printer's
trade and prepared for College in Mt. Morris, N. Y., entered Genesee
College, Lima, N. Y. in 1851, left the first term Senior year and entered
Williams' College, Mass., in Senior year, remained one term and returned
and graduated at Genessee College in 1851, studied law in Albany N. Y.
and was admitted to practice in that State in 1856, started for Wisconsiu
in spring of 1856, settled in Menasha, Winnebago Co., Wisconsin and
practiced law there during eight years, was member of the Wisconsin
Legislature in 1859 and I860. At the commencement of the rebellion,
assisted in raising Company C of the lOth Infantry Regiment and Com-
pany I of the '2lst. In 1863, in conjunction with Col. C. K. Pier of Fond
du Lac and Maj. Wheeloek of Hartford, raised a regiment, was sent to
Washington to put this regiment into service. Regiment could not
then be received as an independent organization ; received from E. M.
Stanton, Secretary of War the promise of being received as an indepen-
dent organization at the first opportunity, was mustered into service of
U. S. in command of 4 1 st Wisconsin Infantry Volunteers in June 1 864,
did service in Georgia and in the department of the Mississippi until the
Fall of 1864, term of service expired, was mustered out at Milwaukee,
Wis. Moved to Milwaukee in summer of 1 865, practiced law, was placed
upon Gov. Fairchild's Staff with rank of Colonel, was appointed U. S.
Assessor in 1st District of Wisconsin in March 1870. Always a strong
Republican, first vote cast for Freemont and last one for Gen. Grant,
always engaged in political canvasses; during Fremont Campaign, spoke
in all the northern countries in the state, stumped the state for Gen,
Grant and was always a great admirer and strong supporter of Matt, H.
Carpenter, present IT. S. Senator.
DON. A. J. UPHAM.
He was born in Windsor Co., Vermont in 1809, but not of Puritan
origin His ancestors were persecuted by the Puritans of Connecticut ist
the 17th century, and driven out of that colony in the depths of winter,
and forced to find refuge in the wilds and among the mountains of Ver-
rnont.
He graduated at Union College, New York in 1830. under the
Biography. 11»
Presidency of that distinguished scholar and divine, the late Dr. Elipha-
let Nott. He was assistant Professor of Mathematics for two years, in
ihe University of Delaware, at Newark in that state.
He studied law in the office of the late Gen. James Talmadge in
the city of New York, and first commenced the practice in Wilmington,
Delaware, where he was married. He removed to the then Territory of
Wisconsin, in the spring of 1837, and was there admitted to the bar in
the following fall. The settlement of Milwaukee had just commenced,
the interior and central portions of the territory were not settled at all.
Meacham had located at West Troy and old Jones had built a log hut at
what is now Janesvillc. There were no stages, or even roads, and com-
munication was on horseback and by following Indian trails.
His first case was in the Supreme Court of the Territory, in which
he was employed by the Hon (xeorge Read, now of Manitowoc, to bring
a writ of error, and obtain an injunction from the Supreme Court, to
Mop the sale of his property in Milwaukee. This was in December 1 837,
the two eastern Judges, Frasier and Irwin, had gone East, and in order
to get the writ allowed, it was necessary to visit Judge Dunn, who then
lived at Elk Grove near Belmont, in the western part of the Territory.
This he accomplished on horseback, by following the Indian trail to
Jones' hut, on Rock river, then across the wild prairie to Sugar River
Diggings, Hamilton Diggings, &c. to Elk Grove, but in returning he lost
time in fording the rivers, and it became necessary to travel with a jaded
horse from Sugar River to Milwaulcee, a distance of over lOO miles, in
one day and two nights, in order to have the injunction served in time.
But on entering, on the prairie at night, it was found to be on fire, the
Indian trail had been burnt over, and no trace of it could be found. At
midnight, and a days ride from any human habitation, he became lost on
the prairie. The scene was sublime beyond description, the flames swel-
ling up, and rising to the sky in every part of the horizon, as if the last
final conflagration was at hand. The sky was partly obscured by clouds,
and the North Star could not be seen, and here the young lawyer had
use for his astronomy and the position of the stars to help him out of the
difficulty. At times casseiopeia, and other constellations were visible,
;ind by knowing their po.sitious in relation to the points of the compass,
he was enabled to find his way back to Jones' hut on Rock River, and
reach Milwaukee in time to stop the sale of his client's property.
This was a kind of practice, of which the young lawyers, now-a-days,
fiave no knowledge.
Mr. Upham was a member of the Territorial Council, at its second ses-
sion at Madison in 1840. He was President of the first Convention,
which formed a Constitution for the State of Wisconsin.
liiO Biography.
He has been twice elected Mayor of the City of Milwaukee, and was
appointed by the President, U. S. Attorney for the District of Wiscon-
for the terra ending on the fourth of March in 1861.
Mr. Upham is one of the old settlers of the state, and his biography
will be read with considerable interest, especially by iiis follow pioneers.
The late Hon. CHARLES QIJENTIN,
of Milwaukee, was born in Prussia in 1811. Studied law aud (tcoupied
many prominent judicial jio.sitious, his government frequently requiring
his advice in financial and oommercial matters, and for such purposes he
was sent to Prussia, England and Franee ; was deputized as Commission-
er for his government at the first VV'orld's Exhibition in I.K>ndon and
Paris.
After the reaction having taken place in 1849, his sense of indepen-
dence induced him to quit the Prussian service and come to America,
where he arrived in 1851. Having travelled over the Northwestern
states in ([uest of a home, he finally settled in Milwaukee. In 1H&), he
was elected State Senator, and in 18GI was appointed commissioner of
the Public Debt
Hon. JAMES S. BROWN
was born in Hampden, Maine, February 1824 ; removed to Cincinnati,
Ohio, in 1840, where ho studied law; and in 1844 took up his residence
in Milwaukee, Wisconsiii. In 1845, he was chosen Prosecutive Attorney
for Milwaukee County- in 1848 was elected Attorney General of the
State of Wisconsin — in 18(il was elected Mayor of Milwaukee — aHd in
1862 was elected a Representative from Wisconsin to the thirty-ciglith
Congress, serving on the committee of Elections. For so young a man,
Mr. Brown has occupied many positions of honor, the duties of every
one of which, ho has discharged with considerable ability, and to thf^ en-
tire satisfaction of his constituents.
FERDINAND KUEHN
was born in the old City of Augsburg in Bavaria in 1821, where h\- rc-
«eived a good education — was apprenticed a clerk in a banking house in
Switzerland. Attracted by the free institutions of the United States, he
gave up a good situation and emigrated to Wisconsin in 1844; and settled
JB Washington County as a farmer, with scarcely any means of subsistence
Biography, 121
a»tl therefore underwent all the hardships of a pioneer life. Early in
1846, he settled in Milwaukee, where he learned cigar making to earn a
living. In 1849, he was appointed clerk in the city treasurer's office
aader Charles Geisberg, where he remained discharging the duty of depu-
ty till he was elected treasurer in 1855, and was re-elected in 1856.
Declining a re-nomination, he associated himself in 1856 with Charles
Quentin in conducting real estate business, and taking charge of the
property of non-residents. In 1856 and 1857, he was elected alderman
for the sixth Ward, and was acting as chairman of the finance committee
during the eventful crises of 1857. In 1858, he was appointed school
commissioner and in 1860, Comptroller of the City of Milwaukee. Hav-
ing discharged the duty of every office committed to his care with ability,
a-nd to the general satisfaction of the tax-payer, he was re-elected to the
said office for six consecutive years, without opposition , conclusively prov-
ing his talent for business, and his honesty as a public officer. In 1S61
under the able management of the commissioners of the public debt, com-
{>08od of Alexander Mitcliell, Joshua Hathaway, Oharles Quentin and
Hon. James 3. Brown, then Mayor of the city, the re-adjustment of the
oity debt was put in operation, the Comptroller acting as secretary of
.said board, and after four years of incessant labor a debt amounting to
nearly three millions of dollars was satisfactorily arranged with tlie cred-
itors of the city, and the re-adjustment generally pronounced a perfect
H access.
In 1866, the subjc^jf of this sketch retired from public life and coia-
mom all the reports that have been made of this lead-bearing
region, all the valuable deposites that have been discovered were found
imbedded in the recent deposites that overlie the cliff rock, or in the rents
and fissures of that rock. These fissures vary from the thickness of a
wafer to 30 or 50 foet, and many of them extend to an unknown depth.
It is a curious fact that the fissures of productive lead ore run east and
west. The rich veins seldom quarter. A regular vein half an inch thick,
imbedded in a rock requiring to be blasted, will pay well, and where the
crevice is filled with clay or loose rock, a vein of a quarter of an inch thick
will pay for working it. In the neighborhood of Minerel Point and
Dodgeville, veins rimning north and south are found to be productive in
lead ore, which shows that the fore which produced these fishures is not
restricted to any particular point. The downward iuclination of these
crevices does not seem to be uniform. The entire crevice is not generally
filled by the ore, which is commonly surrounded by clay or sand.
Chrystaline carbonate of lime may be considered the veinstone or gauge
of these lead mines. Lead is found in fissures from the size of a pea
to a cube of one thousand pounds weight. The clay in which the oar is
found imbedded is sometimes of a jet black color, owing to the presence
of manganese. It is often found in feruginous clay, and in a fine sandy
looking powder, formed from the decomposition of the rock. The lead
ore is sometimes found in a solid sheet, compressed between the sills of
the crevices, and in this position it is called sheet mineral ; when found
in detached masses, it is called chuck ore. It is rather curious, that
-though the ore is never found attached to the side walls of the crevices,
it nevertheless is imbedded in the rock which caps it, and sometimes it
reaches the surface through a contracted funnel, "When a rock crumbles
under decaying influences, the ore is then found in detached masses
among the clay or rubbish along the depressed surface, which, in general,
can be traced.
Mineral veins generally occur in the vicinity of trap dykes and other
volcanic rocks. I am not aware of any part of the world showing surface
indications of mineral deposites so palpably as the mineral region of \Yis-
consin, In Dr. Owens' able report, he says, "When the outlines of a
hill present a sort of bench, or step, or slight undulation, even if but
small, and not readily remarked' yet as indicating a slight slip from an
9
130 Industrial Resources
internal rent, it becomes a symptom of load, which the experienced miner's
eye instantly detects." For the same reason, a small ravine along tlie
side of a hill may be considered a reasonable indication of a mineral vein.
I have stated that the mineral veins run east and west, north and south :
therefore Bink-hoios running in these directions are indications of conceal-
ed treasure, -.'alcareous spar found oil the surface is a good indication ?
but if found in large quantities, it is an unfavorable one. In Wisconsin,
as well as in many other parts of the world, there may be rich mines with-
out any surface indications whatever. Where the Surface shows no
ravines, high bluffs, or artificial cuttings, it is in general difficult to tell
what IS beerried under the soil. This difficulty is not experienced in
Alpino regions, where every streamlet groves out a deep ravine, exposing
to view all the treasures of countless ages, which, without the abrading
action of the streamlet, would probably remain hidden under the surface
till time was no more. The most trustworthy indication observable in
the Wisconsin load region is the appearance of mineral gravel in connec-
tion with the crumbling appearance of the adjacent magnosian limestone,
to which may be added minute dark specks spread over the surface of the
rock, forming delicate figures, resembling ferns. When the surface
presents an arid aspect, it indicates the feruginous clay in which lead is
often found imbedded.
These mines are not worked with the same economy as those of the old
country, where the operation requires steam power, at an enormous ex-
pense, to be employed day and night to unwater them. Here, the mom-
ent the mine becomes inundated, whieih is often the case, at a small depth
it is at once abandoned.
With the exception of a few localities, the ore worked is sulphuret of
lead, called galena, from which almost all the lead of commerce is derived.
One of the localities in which carbonate of lead is worked is near the Blue
Mounds. In some places the sulphuret of lead is intermixed with the
sulphuret of zinc, called black jack, and occasionally with oxide of iron
and carbonate of zink. Dr. Owen, in his able report, gives the following
statistics of the lead region, which I take leave to transcribe: "In pro-
portion as I proceeded with the geological survey of the Wisconsin lead
region, I became more and more strongly impressed with its great value
and rich promise of commercial importance. This conviction urged me
to the task of carefully collecting and collating such facts as might supply
materials for a comparison between the geological character of this region
and that of the richest lead districts in Europe, the Cross Fell country
of the north of England." That comparison has been briefly made, and
as far as it goes, it is, in a pecuniary and commercial view, highly sat-
isfactory. "The strong similarity between the two formations furnishes
OP "Wisconsin. 131
an encouraging item in the estimates of the value of the mineral tract
now under examination. But other and more direct proof of that value
jet remains. The statistics of this American lead region, solatelj settled,
(50 insufficiently worked for lack of force, even in those localities where a
cursory survey had chanced upon rich lead veins — these statistics, uncer-
tain though they be, of a country so new and rude impel us to the con-
clusion that the Wisconsin lead region may compare, if not in present
productiveness, at least in future prospects, with any in the known world.
For a time my opinion was very unsettled as to the actual amount of
lead now annually produced in the district. The merchants of Galena,
when the question was put to them, calculated the total in Wisconsin and
Illinois, (when the ninetenths of the lead is made,) at from ten to twelve
millions of pounds ; but I soon became convinced, even from a particular
inquiry as to the amount actually produced at a very few furnaces, that
this was far below the truth. I found, for instance, from actual returns,
that tho lead turned out from the furnaces at three diggings, (to-wit ;
the Platteville, Snake and Dubuque, already exceeded ten millions of
pounds An estimate of the number of miners, collected from the best
sources, multiplied by the probable amount of lead raised by each, also
showed that the estimate made at Galena must fall very short of the
actual amount produced in this region. Since my return I have received
several letters in reply to enquiries addressed to the most intelligent
smelters throughout the district. These and the personal enquiries I
made in the course of the expedition, enabled me to furnish, with consid-
erable confidence, the following statement of the amount produced from
thirty-four furnaces, not quite three-fourths of the whole number which
are at present at work in the district :
In Iowa, from four furnaces, 3,000,000 lbs. ; in Wisconsin from 28
furnaces, 18,764,400 lbs. ; in Illinois, from two furnaces, 2,000,000 lbs.
Total from thirty-four furnaces, 24,764,400 lbs.
In addition to the above, I have ascertained that there are at least
twelve other smelters (probably more) whose furnaces are either in full
operation or doing an occasional business. From these I have no
authentic returns, though I have taken some pains, by letter and other-
wise, to procure them. Although many of them are doing a heavy busi-
ness, yet they can not perhaps safely be averaged as high as those from
whom we have actual returns, namely at 725,000 lbs. each. It might
be safe, and is probably below the truth to average them at half a million
pounds each, making for the twelve 6,000,000 lbs. This added to the
amount of the foregoing table, gives us tho total produce in the year 1839
from the lead mines of Iowa, Wisconsin and northern Illinois, upwards
of 30,000,000 of pounds. This result was unexpected by me, yet it can-
132 Industriai, Resources
not, I tliink, be far from the truth. The Smelters as far as I could judge,
had no interest in deceiving me, and appeared frank and candid in their
statements.
Again — the number of miners in the district is variously estimated at
from two to four tliousand, not employed, however, on an average, prob-
ably more than half the time. The medium between the two estimates,
say three thousand, may be near the truth. As to the average amount
which each man can raise per day. it is difficult to estimate it with accu-
racy. One of the most experienced miners and smelters in the district
writes to me, "two men can raise something near five hundred pounds
from veins of average richness. Two men have raised as much as twenty
hundred pounds a day, from the richest veins. At McKnight's diggings,
near Mineral P»int, three men (miners from Cornwall, England,) were
seen by one of our party at work on a vein of three inches thick in the
solid rock. This did not seem to be considered much more than an aver-
age vein, and they were then raising on the averaveof 1,500 lbs. per day;
that is 500 lbs. each."
I may notice a few additional facts which came to my knowledge, re-
garding the yield of the Wisconcin mines. Some of them are unparallel-
ed in the history of mining. From a spot of ground not more than fifty
yarks sr^uare, upwards of 3,000,000 lbs, of ore have been raised. A
drift in Major Gray's diggings, near Mineral Point, in a crevice twelve
feet wide, was filled in with clay and ore. When I was there, nine yards
only of the contents of thir crevice had been excavated, and out of that
amount of excavation, 34,000 lbs. of ore had been obtained. At the
new diggings near the source of the west branch of the Pecatonica two
men can readily raise 2000 lbs of ore in a day, and these diggings are not
more than twelve feet deep. At Hamilton diggings from two and a half
to three millions of pounds of ore were raised from a few acre lots, work-
ing to the^water, which was to an average depth of twenty feet. At Shaw
and Gennett's diggings 1,500 lbs. have been raised by two men in
a day.
4
Upon the whole, I cannot resist the conclusion that the foregoing
estimate of the amount of lead now produced in that favored region, is as
likely to be below as above the truth. If then we suppose the amount
of lead obtained at 30,000,000 lbs., we are furnished with the data of
comparison between the produce of tliis region and that of raining count-
ries in Europe. The amount of lead produced in the Island of Great
l^ritain in the year 1828 was, according to a statement made by Mr.
Taylor, in his records of mining, as follows : *
OF Wisconsin. 133
North of England mines 56,070,000 lbs.
Derbyshire and Shropshire, 10,080,000
Devonshire and Cornwall, 4,200,000
Flintshire and Denbighshire. 25,200,000
Scotland, 2,100,000
Ireland, Isles of Man, &c. 1,050,000
Total, . 98,700,000
The rest of Europe produced 33,000,000 lbs.
If these data be accurate, it follows that the Wisconsin lead mines
already produce nearly as much lead as all Europe, with the exception
of England ; and that they produce one-third nearly as much as England,
the great miner of the civilized world. If such be its actual produce, it
is difficult to set bounds to its capabilities. A thousand obstacles have
hitherto opposed its progress. The temptations offered dy the high
wages given in Illinois on the public works of that State ; these and many
other causes have deranged the regular working of even proved mines,
and greatly retarded the discovery of others.
But again — this expedition has furnished data regarding the depth and
durability of the mines, more trustworthy than the mere opinion of any
individual, however intelligent and experienced. In the southern and
western portion of the district, the lead-bearing rock, by Dr. Lock's ob-
servations, has attained to a thickness of upwards of three hundred feet,
gradually becoming thinner as it approaches the northern limits of the
district. Now, even in that portion where it is thinest, the mines are
not yet in any instance exhausted. It may be safely inferred in the south
and west, t!ie supply is for many years, if not for ages to come,
inexhaustible.
Upon the whole, a review of resources and capabilities of this lead
region, taken in connection with its statistics, (in so far as it was possible
to collect these, ) induces me to say with confidence that ten thousand
miners could find profitable employment within the confines. If we sup-
pose each of these to raise daily 150 lbs. of ore during six months only
of each year, they would produce annually 150,000,000 lbs. of lead-
more than is now furnished by the entire mines of Europe, those of Great
Britain included. This estimate, founded (as those who have perused
the foregoing pages will hardly deny, ) upon reasonable data, presents in
a striking point of view the intrinsic value and commercial importance of
the country upon which I am reporting ; emphatically the lead region of
Northern America. It. is, as far as my reading and expei-ience extend,
decidely the richest in the kiaown world."
Dr. Owen's report shows other facts connected with this mineral region.
134 Industkial Resources
which are of importauee — namely, that "the copper ore of Wisconsin, in
the lead mine region, forms an item in its mineral wealth which would be
considered of great importance, and would attract much attention, but
for the superior richness and value of the lead. "' i)r. Owen says, "this
occupies the same geological position as tke lead ore," — "it is not a
superficial or vagrant deposit, but extends in veins of uniform bearing,
and that these veins are continuous, and in all probability extensive," —
that it is found in several localities in sufficient abundance to repay well
the labor of the miner — that it compares favorably \yith the Cornwall
(England) copper mines — that a selected specimen of the best working
Cornwall ore yieled but '21 G-10 per cent, while three average specimens
of Wisconsin ore yield fron 'J3 to 35 7-10 per cent, of copper — that there
had then (1839) been raised at the Mineral Point mines upwards of a
million and a halt pounds (if copper — that the indications of copper in
Wisconsin afford strong presumptive evidence that capital and skill alone
are required to render copper mining in this district an advantageous and
profitable adventure — and as an additional fact, Avhereby to estimate the
value of the Wisconsin copper ore, that in some of the European copper
mines the ore does not contain throe per cent, while, as above stated,
average specimens of Wisconsin ore yieled ft-om "Id to 35 per cent.," pieces
are found weighing from a few ounces to five hundred pounds.
There are found, in the vicinity of the same veins, productive veins of
zinc, which usually occurs in the lead fissures. Dr. Owen says "that it
frequently happens that the lead fissure gradually diminishes, and even-
tually is entirely replaced by thia zinc ore." I have seen thousands of
tons lying in various localities on the surface, which the miners seemed
to know nothing about. An analysis of thi« ore proves it to be a true
carbonate of zinc, containing 45 per cent of the pure metal. Sulphuret
of zinc, sometimes called blende, and by the English miners black Jack,
is also abundant in the Wisconsin mines. It contains from 55 to 65 per
cent of zinc, but is more difficult of reduction than the carbonate. W"e
Import a large quantity of brass raateriala, copper and zinc, from Europe,
though the latter is seen thrown about on the surface of the lead region
in every direction, and the former is abundant in the state. When we
possess these ores in sufficient quantities for home consumption, it would
be our advantage to manufacture for our own use instead of sending
abroad for a supply.
The iron ore of this district i.s of cxcollent quality, and unlimited
abundance, but the richness of tjje iron veins cannot be well ascertained
till mines shall be actually opened, which has not yet been done. But
more encouragino; or more numerous surface indications of an abundant
supply of tins useful mineral, can hardly present themselves to the notice
OF Wisconsin. 135
of the geologist. In a country more thickly settled, and with skill and
capital to spare, these would cause and justify the employment of whole
villages of workmen. How little, here in the west, at least, we have im-
proved our natural resources, is proved by the immense quantities of ores
unsurpassed in richness, which lie unsought in Wisconsin. The commit-
tee appointed lately to report on this mineral region, states "the same
report contains many interesting facts in relation to the connection witli
the mineral substances, such as coal, building stones, mill stones chalcedony
agate, jasper, cornelion, porcelain, clay, silver, arsenic, antimony, plumba-
go, manganese, iron pyrites ; also in relation to soils, and their value and
productiveness. But the committee have already filled this paper with
such copious extracts in relation to the great staple production of the
mines, and indeed as tiaey will show, of the state — extracts, however, well
worthy to be brought to the notice, and demandidg the eareful considera-
tion of the legislator, more interesting by far than anything the committee
could say. And in consideration of the disinterested attitude of the
geologist, and his world-wide reputation, forcing conviction of the truth
of these representations more unequivocally than it was possible to do, by
the most voluminous representation the committee could make. They
are reluctantly compelled to close the book, and content themselves by
referring to the report itself for more particular information in relation to
the interesting subject of which it treats ; feeling that no apology is
necessary for the space occupied by the extracts already made. The facts,
opinions, theories, and conclusions embodied in Dr. Owen's report, de-
manding credence and respect, as they unquestionably do, creating an
intense anxiety in the minds of the scientific enquirer into the hidden
mysteries of nature, as they cannot fail to do, only purport to present
the result, of a very hurried and imperfect and very general outline
reconuoisancc of the south-western portion of the State, They lead, how-
ever, to the unavoidable conclusion, that if such, and so slight an examin-
ation has developed such wonderful results, that although a more minute
examination would present still more astonishing results, and what is
now demanded by the duty the state government owes to the people of
the whole state, is to give them such important information as it is in
their power to give, and especially by the duty it owes to the people of
the mining region, containing nearly one-sixth of the population of the
state, to take the necessary steps to have such an examination made."
It appeare from the report of actual shipments, during eleven years,, that
Dr. Owen's estimate (30,000,000 lbs.) is below the truth, the average
yearly produce of Wisconsin alone amounting to 41,727,023 lbs , as may
be seen from the following tables :
136
Years
1841
1842
1S43
1844
1845
1846
1847
1S4S
1840
1850
1851
Averaee for 11 years
BlOGKAPliy.
No. of Pounds
Value
29,749,909
.$1,189,996
29,424,329
1,176,973
36,878,797
1,475,151
41,636.293
1,641,451
51,144,822
2,045,792
48,007,938
1,920.317
50,999,303
2,039,972
49,683,737
1,991,349
45,935,839
1,839,433
41,485,900
1,659,430
34,500„484
1,380,15
41,727,023
$1,660,030
Sketch of the career of Hon. LEONARD J. FAREWELL.
The first settlers in any new country pass through an exjDerience which
no succeeding generation will ever be able to fully appreciate. The time
is already past when the youth of the present, even, have any apreciatiou
of the visisitudes, dangers, and trials which the pioneer fathers and mothers
were compelled to undergo to gain a foothold in the states west of the
great lakes. Every new settlement wrote a history of its own, which
differed from others in the nature of its surroundings, but the aggregate
of the experience of all, was one never a gain to be repeated in the same
territory or country. The mighty woods and the solemn prairies are no
larger shrouded in the mystery ; and their effects upon the minds of the
early comers, are sensations which will be a sealed book to the future.
It is therefore not without a weighty reason, seated in the curiosity, if
not the affection of the race, that the old settlers hold annual reunions,
and compare notes with each other as to their mutual privations and
isolations from the former outer world. Year by year the circle is narrow-
ing. All that is most vivid and valuable in memory is disappearing.
Gray hairs and bowed forms attest the march of time. bVesh hillocks in
every cemetar^, to which each year contributes its quota are all the marks
that are left of a race of giants who grappled nature in her fastnesses, and
made a triumphant conquest in the face of greatest privations, disease,
and difficulty. The shadows that fall upon their toombs as time recedes
are like the smoky haze that enveloped the great prairies of the early
days saddening the memory and giving to dim distance only a faint and
phantom outline, to which the future will look baek, and must often
marwel at the great hearth that lie hidden under the peaceful canopy.
Biography. 137
It is fur this reason, therefore, that no personal sketch of pioneer
settlers, however rudely drawn, or immature in detail, can be classed as
the work of mere vain glory. On the contrary the future will treasure
them, and as the generations recede, they will become more and more ob-
jects of interest and real value. The memory of the pioneers is one that
the world will never consent to let fade. Its transmission is a priceless
gift to the future, and the addition of a fresh sketch from any quarter,
must be esteemed a welcome contribution.
American life has this peculiarity very strickingly developed, that each
youth is generally the arbiter of his own fortune, — that family names
and mere wealth count a little, and often that little is a detriment to its
possessor. Nearly every great man who has risen from obscurity to
prominence has the same private history. He was born in poverty raised
in the rugged school of want and privation, where the great lesson of self
reliance is practically taught. He inherited from a noble paternity the
ambition and the will to achieve grcai and useful ends — to acquire an
honorable distinction — to faithfully discharge the most important public
trusts — and to leave to his family and the country the memory and
example of a spotless reputation, and an honored name. This fortune-
ately, is the highest distinction in America, where men do not receive tlie
credit for something done by their great grand-fathers, but must make
up their own account, and stand or fall upon their own personel record.
It is the distinction between a supposed hereditary succession in virtue
talent, and ability, and the actual acquirement of these qualities by labor
sagacity, honesty and example.
The subject of this sketch was no exception to the American rule.
The rugged road of poverty and orphanage was his lot. But he came
from a solid and reliable stock. His father was Captain James Farewell
of Massaceusetts, and his mother, whose maiden name was Eebecca Gady
was born in Vermont, two states whose popvilation have done as much
and probably more than any other, of the continent. From this uuionr
two children were born, Greorge and Leonard J. Farewell, both in Water-
town, New York — the latter on the 5th day of January, 1819. The
mother died in 1824, and the father in 1830, so that at the early age of
eleven years, he aild his brother were left alone in the world. The
younger, George Farewell, removed to the west at a very early period,
and died in Chicago, March 29th 184-1. He was a young man of conspi-
cuous ability, and great promise, omd his early loss was long and deeply
lamented. The elder brother remained in his native village or country
until a later period to fit himself for the battle of life, into which he was
destined to take an active and quite prominent part, as this sketch will
sufficiently show.
138 Biography.
The first cftbrts of the young man to gain a livelihood, was in the capa-
city of a clerk in a dry goods store, in which ho remained about one year:
but feeling, what every American boy shouhl feel, tlie importance of
learning a useful trade, he then became an apprentice to a tin smith, and
followed that occupation until the age of nineteen, diligently improving
all leisure hours, in not only fitting himself to become a competent clerk,
but in mastering the elements and secrets of business success. Having
thus prepared himself, and obeying an impulse common to the young men
of that time to penetrate into the mysterious wilds of a new country and
with a capital so modest that it would astonish many of the youth of the
present he emigrated to the west to seek an opening for trade, where he
might establish himself. His first ventnrn was at Lockport, Ills., with a
small stock of hardware, and a few tools of his trade, and for the time
and place, soon established a thriving business — but the country was then
new, the settlement slow, the point isolated and the field for trade not
large enough for one of his enterprising mind. In January 1840, he
sold out his stock and store, and removed to the then new village ofMil-
waukee, in the Territory of Wisconsin, and embarked in business on a
larger scale. By judicious advertising a critical knowledge of his trade,
great industry, aad a careful managomcnt, in a few years he was at the
head of one of the largest wholesale houses in the west. Ten years later
owing to impavied health from a too great confinement to indooi- life, and
having secured a large fortune for those days, he withdrew from the cares
of mercantile trafic to embark in enterprises of a difi'erent kind. No
event of importance marked this career of successfuU trade, or to vary its
monotony, except that in 1846, he made a sis months trip to Cuba and
the West India Islands, in pursuit of health and recreation, and to gain
a more comprehensire knowledge of the country, and the magnitude ef its
surroundings.
The tide of emigration which set towards the then far west, as early
as 1835, and had been checked by the financial crash of 1837, revived
again, and since about 1840, has known little abatement. This gave
prominence to real estate transaction, and vast tracts previously valueless
as private property, were at onee eagerly sought, and the scramble was
generally designated in the country as the "land fever." All along the
margin of the quiet lakes, and tlie principal rivers, farms were taken up,
villages projected or laid out, roads opened, and the silence of the native
wilds was invaded by the advanced guard of that endless throng, the head
of a moring column which has now reached tiie Pacific Ocean, while the
closing files are still in Germany and Northern Europe, making ready for
the maroh.
In 1847, forseeing the certainity tliat the country would speedily be
Biography. 139^
occupied, Mr. Farewell visited Madison, the Territorial capital of Wis-
consin, and effected a large purchase of village property embracing and
including its then unoccupied water power ; and having completed the
arrangement, in September of the same year he made a trip to Europe,
which lasted a year and a half, visiting England, Ireland, France, Italy,
India, Turkey, Egypt, and many other countries, returning to the United
States in the sirring of 1S49. He contributed while absent a series of
travel from time to time to theMilwaukee Sintinel, which attracted much
puplic attention.
The real estate purchased at Madison, embraced nearly half the site ot
the then village, and if the additions subsequently made are included, to
more than half of the present site of the city. A brief sketch of the con-
dition of this then remote hamlet, and its surroundings, will best indicate
to the reader the nature and extent of the enterprise upon which he had
embarked, and will not be out of place here.
Wisconsin was originally settled from the eastern side, and its south
west corner — one stream of emigrants coming by the lakes, and mainly
through Milwaukee, and the other by way of the Mississippi river, gener-
ally by way of Galena, in Ills. They pressed steadily inland, but owing
to the lack of roads au5
was elected Mayor of the city of Milwaukee, in wliicli position he lias
proved to be a watchful guardian upon all occasions of the financial affairs
of the city, and an enemy to every practice which, in his opinion was
calculated to lower the moral standard of the people
Actuated no doubt by a due sense of public duty, the mayor's first
message to the common council suggested, among other things, the pro-
priety of closing certain places of public amusements on Sundays, which
suggestion gave rise to the well known "dance house" ordinance. To
suggest any measure tending to curtail the Sunday amusements and hab-
itual enjoyments of the masses, especially the G-ermans, required consid-
erable moral courage, on the part of the chief magistrate. Ilabit be-
comes a second nature ; therefore the Grermans, long accustomed at home
and abroad to unrestricted liberty to amuse themselves on the Sabbath ,
the only day they have to rest from labor and indulge in their favourite
beverage, looked upon these innovations as an undue infringement on
their natural rights ; and convinced that no one had a right to interfere
with what they considered their natural right, the masses of the Germans
refused to obey the city ordinance.
On the next Sabbath, the usual places of amusement, including the
"dance houses", were more than usually crowded, and eloquent speeches
delivered, setting the city ordlaance at defiance; adding, as an argument
in favor of natural rights, that the ordinance was unconstitutional, and
contrary to any existing law .
The leaders among the crovrds were summoned to appear before the
municipal judge on the next day to account for their disobedience. The
city Attorney vras in attendance, on part of the city authorities, also the
violators of the law, attended by able counsel, and after having heard
the arguments on both sides, the judge decided that the law, under
which they tried the case, was unconstitutional, and dismissed the com-
plaint. The city attorney, doubting the justice of the decision, asked
the city authorities leave to bring the case for trial in a superior courts
which the board of council granted, but was refused by a majority of the
board of aldermen. So the case rests in statu quo, and the G-ermans
dance and drink their beer as usual.
3Ir. Phillips through life has borne a high character as a business man,
and now enjoys amply tlie fruits of perseverance, industry, strict honesty,
and straiirhtforward conduct in all his mercantile transactions.
A. R. R. BUTLER
was born in Vermont, September 4th, 1821, reai-ed in Genesee County,
in the state of New York. He received an academical education, at
156 BiooR.\piiY.
a classical school in Alexandria, Genesee County ; read law in Buifalo,
and commenced the practice of his profession at Milwaukee in 184G ;
was elected district attorney of Milwaukee County soon after he located
in Milwaukee, and hold that appointment for three terms, or six years.
He once allowed his name to be used for member of the Assembly, and
took his place as such for one winter, and is still in full practice of his pro-
fession.
The subject of this sketch, who has always stood high in his profession,
was once pressed by his friends to run for the place of Chief Justice of
the Supreme Court, but declined the honor intended by his friends. As
an adviser in matters involving intricate law points, and as an advocate
before a jury, few could if any, be found, superior to Mr. Butler.
JAMES G. JENKINS.
James G. Jenkins was born in New York ia 1S34 ; came to Wisconsin
in ] 857 ; was city attorney of Milwaukee for four years ; president of
the Young Mens' Association ; member of the board of School Commiss-
ioners : and is now practiesing at his profession, as a lawyer.
As a young lawyer, Mr. Jenkins has considerable practice ; is re-
markable for his quickness in taking advantage of any favourable point
that might incidontly arise in the course of a trial; sticking with unflinch-
ing pertinacity to his own objections and arguments ; and only yielding to
his opponent, when everything that ingenuity and legal knowledge could
suggest, is entirely exhausted.
II. A. STAKIC
of Milwaukee was born at Leroy, Geneva County, New York, November
21st, 1831, and came to Milwaukee in 183G. From 184G till 1850, he
was engaged in printing in the Atilwauhee Sentinel office with his
father, and with Messrs. Wilson and King. When his father, Elisha
Starr, was appointed Post Master, he acted with him, as assistant Post
Master till his removal. In 1851 he embarked with his father in the
book and job printing business, under the firm known as Starr and Son
and was actively engaged in the trade till the rebellion, when he raised
a company for the 1st Wisconsin Infantry in July 1861 at his own ex-
pense, and remained with the regiment till promoted to the rank of
Major in 20th Wisconsin Infantry, July 3d, 1862.
The 20tH Fteeiment left the state on the 31st of August 1862.
BlOGRAl'IIY. 157
The priucipal engagements in which the 20th Wisconsin took part were
Prairie Grove, Ark., Springfield, Mo., Vickshurg, Miss., Yazoo City,
Miss., Morganzia, La. Brownsville, Texas, Spanish Fort, Mobile, Ala,
He was promoted Lieutenant Colonel of the regiment July 11th, 18G3,
and mustered out of the service July l4th, 1865. On October 7th
186G, Colonel Starr was appointed Post Master of Milwaukee, which po-
sition he occupied till February, 1869, when he was removed.
While in the army, Colonel Starr was attentive and kind to the men
under his command, and had the reputation of being a brave aud intrepid
officer, aud while acting as Post Master of Milwaukee, his general conduct
gave universal satisfaction.
EDWAKD O'NEILL,
A native of Kilkenny, Ireland, immigrated to the United States in the
spring of 1837. He resided for several years in the state of Vermont,
in 1850 meved to Milwaukee, and for many years vfas engaged in the
mercantile business. Since his residence in Milwaukee he has occupied
many prominent positions, having been a member of the state legis-
lature for four successive years, two 3^ears in each branch. He was for
nine years a member of the board of school commissioners, four of which
he was president of the board. He is at present a member of the board
of managers of the State Reform School, a position which he has filled for
the past 8 years, 5 of which he has occupied the position of president. In
1863 he was elected Mayor of Milwaukee and served in that capacity for
four years, the first and last year of which he vras elected without oppo-
sition. He has just been elected President of the Bank of Commerce^,
which has been organized within a few days in our city.
• JOHN PLANKINTON.
John Plankinton came to the city of Milwaukee in 1844, and com-
menced business with a capital, not exceeding five hundred dollars. He
was once elected in the board of supervisors, and once on the board of
common council. In both capacities he commanded attention by reason
of his common sense views of all the questions submitted for discussion.
Few persons in the state have had so prosperous a career as the subject
at the head of this short history. By hard labor, strict attention to busi-
ness, moderate caution, and clear foresight, Mr. Plankinton with the
above scanty capital and a good name, soon made a foi'tuue in the provi-
sion trade in which he has been and is still engaged Some idea may be
formed of the extent of his trade from the fact, thi.t his yearly outlay in
the purchase of packing barrels alone amounts to $100,000.
158 BlOGUAPIlY.
JOHN PIXLEY
came to 3Iil\vauke.e in IboG, when the city was iu its infancy. Ininie-
diatcly on his arrival, he engaged in the mercantile business, which he
pursued with considerable success for six years, at the end of which time
he commenced to speculate in real estate and in money matters, in which
he still continues. His attention to business, strict integrity, and frugal
habits, have placed him in affluent circumstances, without mnking much
noise or show. His quiet, obliging and unobtrusive manner has gained
for Mr. Pixley the good opinion and esteem of those who have enjoyed
liis acquaintance. He is a good member of the old settlers' club and a
living witness of a village growing into a magnificent city.
INCKEASE A. LAPHAM,
was born in Palmyra, Ontario, (now Wayne,) New York, March 7th,
1811, and came to Milwaukee July 1st, 1836. He published a work on
Wisconsin in 1844 — a geological map of Wisconsin in 1855 and 1869,
and Antiquities of Wisconsin in 1855. Tlie degree of LL. D. was
conferred on him by the college of Amherst in 1860, He was elected
president of the Wisconsin Historical Society in 1842.
BEMJAMIN BAGNALL.
Benjamin Bagnall came to Milwaukee, April 1842, from Lancaster, in
Yorkshire, England, was engaged in mercantile business from that time
to 1844, after which, he embarked in the lumber trade, which, with his
first business, he carried on for ten years, and since then, he has been
exclusively in the lumber trade in which he has acquired a considerable
property — owns ships &c. Mr. Bagnall, liaving acquired a cerapetent
fortune, has retired from business.
J. B. STEMPER
came to Milwaukee in May, 1846 from Luxemburg, in (jrcrmany. He
was engaged in farming in the town of Oak Creek, and was Deputy
Sherifi: in I860. After this he was justice of the peace and supervisor
of the town of Franklin for seven years. In 1868 he was elected to the
office of Register of Deeds of the County of Milwaukee, which office he
still holds. Having occupied so many places for sucfe a length of time,
he must have discharged his duty w^ith satisfaction. The author has done
a food deal of business in Mr. Stemper's office, and always found him
attentive and obliging.
Industrial Mesourckj 159
It is estimated that at least nine-tenths of the load shipped at Galena,
is raised in Wisconsin, leaving Illinois and Iowa only the remaining one-
tenth; and this is more than compensated for by the amount of lead shipped
from Potosi, Milwaukee, and Chicago, of which no estimate is made.
Some curious facts, relating to the statistics of the lead region in the
south-west portion of our state, may be gathered from the report of a
committee, appointed some two years ago, to inquire into the actual state
of the mining interests of that particular portion of the state of Wiscon-
sin. The first astonishing fact, established by that committee, is, that
[n the mining counties, containing a population of only 45,229, at the
time, and with a taxable property of about four millions of dollars, tiie
lead product of the year 1851 was $1,380,015, and that of the average
for 11 years has been $1,609,080, while the total exports (lead ex.
cepted) from the ports of Kenosha, Racine, Milwaukee, Port Washington
and Sheboygan, during the last year (1851) was only $2,039,547, though
the counties in which these- ports are situated, and tbose connected with
them, commercially, contain a population of 227,996, and have a taxable
property of nearly ^20,000,000. From these facts it may be inferred
that the average produce of lead, for the eleven years above exhibited,
v/ould give to every man, womaa, and child , in the mining counties, the
sum of $36,90, and yield a return of 42 cents on the dollar, on all the
taxable property.
On the other hand, the exports frem the lake counties, and these com-
mercially connected with them, give to every individual of the popula-
tion, only the small sum of $8,94, and yield only lOi cents to the dollar
on the assessed value of the taxable property in those counties. From
this it appears that if tested by the criterion of population, the exports
of the mining counties, during the above eleven years, exceed those of
the agricultural counties in the proportion of about four to one ; and if
tested by the criterion of the assessed valuation of taxable propertj^, they
exceed thera in the proportion of more than thi*ee to one.
Thougli these proportions are deducible from the above tables, yet it
does not follow that the absolute advantages of the miner over the agri-
culturist, are as great as these ratios would lead one to suppose. The
a"-riculturisfc consumes a large portion of his produce in and about his
homestead; he sells a portion to the storekeeper, to the miner, to the
lumberman, and to others not engaged, like himself, in tilling tne
o-round ; and the balance is shipped to the seaport, for sale at a dis-
tance. But all the lead raised by the miner is shipped. — Hence it fol-
lows that the apparent odds agaiust the farmer, as comparod with the
miner, are not so great, by which, their chances of success approaches to
t}ie ratio of equality. It must, however, h(? acknowleged that no mining
160 OF Wisconsin.
region in tLe known world combines a surface of such fertility, iind in
every way suited to farming purposes, with a sub-stratum of such mineral
wealtli, as the lead-bearing district, reported on by the couimittee ap-
pointed for that purpose.
The following table, exhibiting tho lead products and population ol"
three former years, is still more favorable to the miner as giving each
individual a greater return than that deduced from the above table ,
Year. Population Value of lead exp Am't to each pcrson-
1845, 2,27a ,^1.176,073 $95,90
184G, 30,605, 1,920,317 62,74
1847, 33,414, 2,039,972 60,15
The history of mining affords no parallel to the results here exhibited.
In 1845 each individual of the population could count nearly f 96, which,
if multiplied by the population of 1850, would give the aggregate value
of lead exported, $29,000,000. At present, and for some years past, there
appears to be a great want of hands to work the mines, owing to the pre-
valence of the California gold fever, which seduced numbers from our
mines, which always yield them good wages. For many years the opera,
tions of mining were confined almost exclusively to raising the surface
mineral, or that portion of the great land deposit which was not under
water, and which could be raised without removing the water ■ — the re-
movin,c of which required the employment of no other machinery than
the pick and shovel of the miner, and Kis rude windlass. There were, it
is true, some few experiments made in removing the water with pumps
worked by horse power, and, in two instances, by steam. These experi-
ments proved the fallacy of the opinion entertained by some, that mineral
did not exist in the water, and demonstrated that the mineral not only
existed below the water line, but that it gradually increased in quality,
ia proportion to the depth to which it is followed : and there is no doubt
from all the information which experience and observation furnish, that
the mineral will be found to exist to tho depth that the lead-bearing rock
extends, which is more than two hundred feet below the bed of tlie lar-
gest stream.
A great portion of the mining district is traversed by deep ravines,
from which tunnels might be run to different localities containing the ore.
Through these tunnels, the water, which so much impedes the operations
of mining, might be removed, to the depth, in some places, of one hundred
and fifty feet. Into these tunnels may be pumped w'ater to a still lower
depth, hy which the miner would be enabled to carry on his operations to
a pretty considerable depth, at a comparatively small expenditure of power
or capital. It is very much to be regretted that the load mines of Wis-
consin are not worked with sufficient capital and skill. It is very probable
Industrial Rksources l6l
that the want of capital is the chief cause of the rapid decline in opera-
tions in this State. When- T travelled through these mining districts last
fall, (1852.) they appeared to be deserted, except where an occasional
solitary person was employed digging up the surface, in search of mineral,
his only implement being a spade. Wherever a shaft had been sunk, the
operations of mining and pumping were conducted on very primitive prinf
eiples indeed — all for want of skill and capital, both of which might be
invested in these mines, with a much surer prospect of a profitable return,
than is held out in any other lead region in the world.
It appears to me that the principal lead basins of Wisconsin have been
scarcely touched, the miners having confined their operations to the edges
of the great deposits, and to the decomposed surface. As to geological
science, it is never called into requisition. This is also the opinion o-
Mr. Phillips, a practieal miner well acquainted with these districts. It
is to be hoped that a more regular and scientific system will in future be
adopted, under the guidance of the State Geologist recently appointed,
to explore the mineral treasures of the State.
A company has been recently formed, whose labors are to be confined
to La Fayette County, where new mines have been recently discoveredt
These mines give great promiso of a very rich supply of mineral. Almos
every day new mines are discovered, but when the top mineral is picked
out, all is abandoned. Two uew leads have been recently discovered at
Potosi, near Plattev ille, in Grant County. Lead ore exists in Portage
County, on the west side of the Wisconsin Ptiver, about two miles from,
its bank. This mine is supposed to be of tolerable extent, and the quali-
ty of the mineral good. This mine has not yet been worked. Lead ore
exists in Sauk County, in several localities along the'^Baraboo Valley. I
have seen specimens from the town of Garrison, which contained some
lead.
The average price of lead has been steadiiy increasing, year after year,
yet it is to be regretted that the mineral produce is gradually diminishing
In 1847, the price of lead was $3,60 per lbs., and in 1852 it was $4,10
on the levee at Galena.
Zinc, being in general demand for numerous purposes, might be profit-
able raised in Wisconsin, Where slate is not used for covering buildings,
large quantities of sheet zinc would doubtless command a ready market,
not only in this and the adjoining States, but in the Atlantic States also.
It lies on the surface at the Wisconsin mines, where it is considered a
nuisance, while the common brass imported from England contains upwards
of 13 pret. of that metal. The large quantities of copper and zinc imported
into the States, from England, proves how little we improve all the natural
wealth which is treasured up. in our State like a sealed book. Every day
11
162 OF Wisconsin.
England pours into the eastern cities thousands of tons of iron for rail
road purposes, while in Wisconsin it may be found of the very best quali-
ty, and in quantity inexhaustible. Immeasurable quantities of iron frag-
ments may be found scattered over the surface in many of the tov^nships,.
especially in the Missouri limestone on the Wisconsin Eiver, aud so rich
as to be perfectly chrystalized. I have seen iron on the surface over a
large district, sume of it being hematite of such purity as to yield, so far
as I could judge without making any analysis, from 40 to 60 per cent, of
the metal. Why, then, in the name of comon sense, do we import from
England, while mountains of this ore are lying useless in many parts of
our State, with fuel, water power, and limestone for flux are at hand.
There are parts of the district, however, though abounding with iron,
which are not favorable to the smelting of that metal, on account of the
scarcity of fuel, which is an item in this branch of industry not to be left
out of the account. Iron ore of unlimited extent and of great purity may
be found at Lake Superior, in the Baraboo district, and at the Iron
Ridge in Dodge and Washington counties. This mouHtain, extending
several miles in length, would be sufficient to supply ore in any required
quantity, both for home consumption and exportation. A company has
been recently organized to manufacture this ore into rails, and for domes-
tic utensils, which cannot fail to realize a good profit on their capital, and
confer to the State a lasting benefit. Private individuals* are also mak-
ing preparations to manufacture iron in this district on a large scale for
various purposes. A.n iron foundry has been commenced at Horicon,.
where the prospects are favorable.
Few persons are aware of the enormous sums of money sent out of our
State for articles of iron. According to the increase of our population,
during the last ten years, it is not too much to estimate our present pop-
ulation at 570,000. And allowing five persons to every dwelling, we
have at present 114,000 houses in the State. If we suppose that each
house has two stoves, and that each stove, with pipe and other fixings,
average $15, the money sent out of the state for that single article would
amount to $3,360,000. Add to this the sum sent out of the State 'to
purchase nails, pots, pans, iron ploughs, tools of every description, rod
and bar iron, and numerous other articles indispensable in their use to
almost every house-holder, and the aggregate sum would far exceed any-
thing which most persons could form an idea of. The length of rail road
now in course of construction, and of others in contemplation, cannot fall
far short of 17(0 millions, which would require an outlay, in the article
*The company lately organized, called the Northwestern Iron Co. — is composed
of the loUowing persons : J. L. Bean, Pres., Jonas.Tower. James Ladington.
Industkial Kesourcks l63
of iron alone, of $1!^, 012, 200, wbicli sum, in addition to the above, must
be sent out ef the State, in the event of oui* not converting our own
resources to their legitimate uses. Very few bestow a thought on the
enormous national amount required to purchase articles of indispensable
use in every family. Every house has, or ought to have, the following
articles ; an axe, a hammer, and a spade ; and estimating the number
of houses at 114,000, the sum required to purchase these would amount
to $256,500.
I have dwelt at some length on the money value of articles in general
use in our State, from a conviction that all might be manufactm-ed here
with greater economy than any where else I know of, on account of the
abundance and excellence of our ore, and the quantity of charcoal within
our reach, with the facilities which will soon be afforded by our roads and
navigable rivers of procuring coal from distant places. The various
peculiar properties of iron adapt it, in an unparelleled degree, to thousands
of industrial purposes for which no other metal is available. What art
in any civilized nation on earth can be brought to any degree of perfec-
tion without the use of iron V Deprive the most prosperous and enlight-
ened country on the face of the globe of the use of iron, and that country
must soon sink into semi-barbarism. Take away the plow and harrow,
the spade and shovel, the crow-bar and pick-axe from the farmer, and he
will be obliged to seek for a living on the running stream, and among the
wilds of the forest ; to be followed by every one requiring food for his
support. Take away from the tailor his needle, from the shoemaker his
awl, from the carqenter his tools, from the mason his trowel and hammer,
and I ask, to what state society would be reduced. Take from the sailor
his anchor, and he is sure to be ship -wrecked. So it would appear that
whether we require delicacy of form, or massive strength ; elasticity or
rigidity ; softness or hardness of material, iron is that material which
satisfies all our wants, and fulfills every required condition. It is only
where iron can be obtained in abundance, and on reasonable terms, that
agriculture can be pursued with advantage; all the trades requiring tools,
practiced with success ; and civilization advanced amongst a people.
Indeed, I recognize in iron one of the chief agents of comfort, convenience,
civilization and happiness. Without it, no nation can emerge from a
state of semi-barbarism, and the most eulightenel must necessarily degen-
erate.
These various peculiar properties of iron, fitting it so wonderfully for
so many uses in all the concerns of life, give it a money value which 1
deem it necessary to notice, as it will be found to affect the circumstances
of this State, as regards the manufacture of iron, which, so far as the ore
itself is concerened, costs little ; but which under the guidance of mechan-
164 OF Wisconsin.
ieal skill and labor, amounts to sums that Vut those only in the business
could imagine, or have any idea of I could not, perhaps, select an
example which shows so strikingly the value which skill and labor are
capable of giving to iron, more to my purpose, than by exhibiting the
result given by Babbage and Fordenburg of five dollars worth of iron
when converted into —
Ordinary machinery, § 20
Large ornamental work, 225
Buckles, bellin work, 3,300
Neck chains, 0,930
Shirt buttons, 29,480
To this example of money value given to iron, I shall add another -
the quantity of iron used being worth only five dollars : —
Horse shoes, $ 12|-
Table knives, 180
Needles, 355
Pen knife blades, 3,285
Polished buttons and buckles 4,485
Balance springs of watches, 250,000
The above is the money value given to iron in England by skill and
labor ; but according to the value of labor in Milwaukee. ^5 worth o
iron would, when manufactured into horse shoos, come to $18,75. If the
other branches of manufacturing industry were carried on in Milwaukee,
at proportionably high prices for labor, $5 worth of iron would fetch
•1375,000. At this rate, the quantity of iron in the "Iron Ridge" alone
would be more than sufficient to pay off all the national debt of England.
I do not arrive at this conclusion from guess work — the result is found
by calculation, founded on tolerably correct data. This more than any-
thing I am aware of, establishes the honest claim of labor, combined with
skill, to respect. The ore in the ground or scattered over the surface,
is literally worth nothing, but under skill and labor, may be converted
into the current coin of the country of countless amount. The same may
be said of the agricultural soil, or of any other raw material, which, in
general, is worthless, till submitted to skillful labor. Hence, skillfu
labor is the foundation of national wealth.
Iron is found in many other places, but especially at Lake Superior,
where its quality is of unparelleled richness. I have seen specimens
from Lake Superior, which far surpassed the richest I have seen in any
other part of the world.
Copper ore of a singular character is found between the Mississippi and
Kickapoo. It is of a light green color, with a waxy lustre and fracture,
and very brittle. This ore is disseminated through ferugiuous earthy
Industrial Resodrses 165
matter, composed chiefly of the brown oxide of iron. It was discovered
in 1843, on a small tributary which runs west into the Misssissippi. This
small tributary is called Copper Creek, and the place where the copper
was found is only four miles and a half from the Kiekapoo. The bed
containing this ore is from 12 to 15 feet wide, and from 5 to 7 feet deep
spreading out as it descends the slope, to 30 feet wide. This mine lies
well for drainage, and the ore is of a description easily reduced in the
furnace, and yields about 20 per cent, of pure copper. The person that
discovered this mine, (Mr. Sterling,) sent 24,000 lbs. of the ore to be
smelted at mineral point, and it yielded 23 per cent, of good copper.
Copper ore is also said to have been discovered on the Baraboo, but its
geological position has not been ascertained Carson and Sterling, of
Mineral Point, discovered copper not far from the Kiekapoo mines, not
dissimilar in character to that found at this place.
The lower magnesian limestone north of the Wisconsin Kiver presents
numerous metaliferous indications, more promising than the upper, it be-
ing a well known geological fact, that the lower and older rock (all other
things being equal,) is more likely to contain metallic minerals than a
rock more distant from the source. Lead ore has been discovered in a
cherty bed of the inferior part of the lower magnesian limestone, north of
the mouth of the Kiekapoo River. On the opposite side of the same
valley, Hearn and Ward obtained masses of galena weighing 15 lbs.
Hearn and Miller discovered some lead ore in the hills at the first great
western bend of the Kickahoo, a little below the mouth of Plumb Greek.
Half a mile south of the aforesaid. Burns and Miller procured lead ore.
Lead ore was discovered in several parts ()f this locality, and vestiges of
ancient diggings made by the Indians are to be seen to this day.
Mr. Randall, to whom was assigned the exploration of some of the
tributaries of the Upper Mississippi, found it impracticable io survey, by
means of the needle, some of the localities not far from the Falls of Black
River, on account of the large quantiiies of iron, with which the soil was
impregnated.
On the east side of the Chippewa River, and a short distance below
Allen's Mills, is an extensive deposit of brown oxide of iron, which is of
a variety easily wrought in the furnace. Rennet's Portage, twelve miles
above Vermillion Rapids, presents the most important upheaval to be
met with on the Chippewa, and from its geological formation, it is mure
than probable that, when explored, it will be found to repay abundantly
for the time devoted to the search, Trappean and conglomerate rocks
being considered favorable to the existence of metalic minerals, the idea
long prevalent through the Lake Superior country, that hidden treasure
is abundant in that vicinity^ has been more than realized by recent dis-
16G OF Wisconsin.
coveries. The upper rapids on the Bois Brulo lliver is composed of a
rock rather peculiar in its cliaractor. It is crystalline, and has iron
disseminated through it, with large quantities of labrador felspar.
Pieces of native copper have been frequently found in the vicinity of
a trap range upon the St. Croix River, A sample of copper ore from
the falls of the St. Croix, was found to contain 5 4 parts of protoxide of
copper. 1.5,5 of oxide of iron, manganese, and alumina. Specimens o^
copper from the same vein were found to contain 19.72 per cent, of pure
copper. On Spawn Eiver a vein of copper ore has been discovered by
Mr. C. H. Oakes, of La Pointe, who also found some specimens of Na^
tiveCopper in the bed of Piush liiver. Specimens of black oxide of
copper are found in the trap range that crosses near the mouths
of Snake and Kettle rivers. In the same locallity are large boulders
containing native cop[)r,'r. On Left Hand lliver and its tributaries, cop-
per ore has been found in large quantities. Ten per cent, were extract-
ed from inferior specimens of this ore.
The mineral district of Lake Superior, which is now receiving that
attention which its vast importance deserves, lies principally in the State
of Michigan, but the discovery of copper ore on the Menomonee, the
Baraboo, and Kickapoo rivers, renders the idea probable that the region
of country between Lake Superior and the mineral district south of the
Wisconsin contains hidden treasures, which time and indefatigable indust-
ry will bring to light. . Magnetic iron ore occurs in many parts of the
State. It is found on the shores of Lake Superior and Lake Michigan.
It may be seen on the shore near Milwaukee, and among the rocks disin-
terred at Walker's Point, in cutting down the hills for grading purposes.
I have observed magnetic iron ore at Sheboygan, at the mouth of the
Bois Brule, and many other places.
Good roads and capital would render the Lake Superior district a most
desirable place for persons of active habits. Some of the lands are valu-
able, not only on account of their mineral treasures, but for their heavy
timber, which every year is becoming more valuable. The proximity to
the great mines, which are now in active operation, and the prime quality
of some of the land for farming purposes, are circumstances which must
render farming in this region highly profitable. Want of good roads is
the great drawback ; but from tlie enterprising spirit of some of Ihe
inhabitants, this great desideratum will soon be supplied. A rail road
twelve miles long is to be constructed next season from the Iron mines to
Carp lliver, whicli will facilitate operations considerably. There are em-
ployed on the southern sliore of Lake Superior 710 miners and copper
cutters, 800 surface men and meciiauics, and 500 other citizens. Pota-
toes are worth ^1 per bushel; turnips 75 cts per bushel ; liay $25 a ton;
oats, in the bundle, Sj^30 a Um. The wages of miners average $50 per
Industrial Resources 167
month ; surface men ^2G per month ; good mechanics $45 per month ;
team and driver from $4 to ^5 per day. The short canal which will open
a ready communication between Lake Superior and the lower lakes, in
connection with rail road communication with Milwaukee, as recommenced
bj Col. Whittlesey, late of the United States Geological Corps, will ren-
der the Lake Superior district one of great importrnce.
CHAPTER VII.
Having given the localities of some of the most important minerals em-
ployed in the arts, it will doubtless be expected that in a work like the
present, a general representation of all the mineral resources of the coun-
try shall be given, as well as the extent to which these resources are cap-
'able of being developed. To accomplish this, it will be necessary to
point out the different species of rocks that compose the surface of the
State ; the manner in which they are arranged, and the different fa«ts
connected with their composition, as regards their adaptation to buildino-,
to agriculture, and to other domestic and industrial purposes In giving
this brief outline of the common rocks of the country, and their general
arrangement, nothing like a geological essay, full in detail, is intended ;
my object being simply to show how they may be made available for the
purposes just mentioned.
Before entering upon a brief geological outline of Wisconsin, it may be
necessary to observe, that one unacquainted with the science of geology
may suppose', that the rocks composing the crust of our globe, are thrown
together indiscriminately without arrangement, or order ; but upon a
closer examination and a wider range of observation, it will appear that
the order of super-position among all the rocks is regular and constant,
that is, the various strata or layers overlie each other in an unbroken
order. In some places, however, a stratum or layer may be entirely
wanting, and the order of super-position may be somewhat deranged at
the junction of two formations, arising from some disturbing force. The
base, or lowest stratum, is granite, green stone, or some similar chrysta-
line rock produced, by heat. Above these are deposited the primary
rocks, such as gneiss, mica, slate, primitive limestone, &c. Immediately
above these are the mountain limestone, the bituminous coal fields, the
saline rocks, and the chalk, which are denominated secondary rocks.
Above these rocks are the tertiary series, containing a succession of ma-
168 OF Wisconsin.
rine and fresh water deposit. And above this last series are found the
recent surface deposits. These several strata, resting on the primitive
rocks, have been deposited by water in a horizontal position, or very
nearly so.
This constant order of succession, with a knowledge of the fact that
certain minerals are almost invariably found only in particular formations,
gives the geologist an unerring guide to look for minerals where alone
they can be found. These rocks, which must have been originally depos-
ited in a horizontal position, at various angles, some indeed standing ver-
ticalley. We can easily imagine that the position of these rocks was
disturbed by a force from beneath, which elevated them at different
angles. This elevating force from beneath has produced its effects about
Lake Superior and many other parte of the State. It has elevated many
mountains, thrown up islands, and rent rocks asunder. This disturbing
force has rendered accessible to us numerous minerals, which otherwise
would have remained hidden till the end of time. It has likewise expos-
ed to view numerous fossils, whose presence is an evidence of the identity
of geological strata. This force, which at one time might have proved
destructive, was destined to produce mineral wealth accessible to millions
in after ages.
Subterranean heat once fused the srold of California and forced it to
o
the surface, where it is now picked up by thousands from every nation
and from every clime. It was subterranean heat that burst the incum-
bent rock, and forced the fused granite and porphyry to the highest
altitude among the Alleghanies and the Andes.
In giving a brief sketch of the geology of Wisconsin, it may be well to
divide it into districts, beginning with the mountain or carboniferous
limestone, which extends from Lake Michigan west and north-west to
the geodiferous, or, as Dr. Locke calls it, cliff limestone, and to the sand-
stone formations. This extensive limestone district extends from Mack-
inaw along the lake shore till it dips under the rocks of the coal formation
in the State of Illinois. These two points limit its extent in a north and
south direction. The very few oi'ganic remains it contains indicate its
affinity to the carboniferous limestone formation which forms the basis on
which the coal-bearing rocks rest. As the order of super-position of
rocks is never inverted, the position of these deposits, which is nearly
horizontal, holds out no great prospect of supplying coal to any great ex-
tent. What were supposed to be small fragments of coal were found in
the vicinity of Lake Winnebago and at Milwaukee, but what I have seen
in these placec was only common shale.
Industrial Resources 169"
The limestone of this eastern, or Lake district, when burned, affords
very pure lime. Its appearance in the quarry would lead one to suppose
that it contains a considerable quantity ofearthj'or Scndy particles, which
however is not the case. It occurs near the surface in many localities
I have seen it at Waukesha, in the township of Lisbon, up the Menomonee
River, and other places ; some of it splits with a tolerably straight edge-
and of nearly equal thickness. Though this stone is very rough, 3'^et
some of it answers well for building purposes and for side-walks. In
Waukesha, it is full of nodules of flint, which give it the appearance of a
brechia. The quarry at Waukesha contains fossils, not, however, in
great quantities. The color of this limestone is alight grey, but in some
places, it is of a dirty yellow oolor. The facility with which some of this
stone crumbles, under atmospheric influence, and the difiiculty of cleavage
render it unfit for building. In general, it presents a very uneven surface,
and, in most cases, is full of cavities. It is easily burnt, and makes good
lime, Two or three lime-kilns in the vicinity of Milwaukee are doing a
good business.
This limestone contains pyrites of iron, in some places, in great abund-
ance, and sulphuret of zinc, and gypsum, or plaster of paris, which is
well known to be of great value to the farmer. Cavities have been found
in this rock along the lake shore, containing bitumen, both liquid and
solid. In the former state it is not found in sufficient quantities to war-
rant an outlay of time to collect it for medicinal purposes-'.
Water lime is found in Jefferson County, which is represented as very
good, and promises to bring a considerable profit to the owner. I have
seen water limestone on the bank of the Rock River, near Janesville. It
is found under the sandstone, and over silicious rock, which I describe
in another place, as fit for making glass. Iron pyrites are .found in large
quantities in the rock, vvhich might become of some importance in the
manufacture of oil of vitriol ; iron pyrites being a substitute for sulphur.
Marble has been recently found in Manitowoc County, which, it liis
hoped will be a source of profitable employment. Its color is white, and
takes a good polish ; but the extent to which it runs is not known. The
quarry is to be worked in the course of the present year. I have seen a
specimen of good white marble_^from the Lake Superior district. Time
will disinter quantities of this rock. A block of marble was sent from
Richland County, to be placed in the Washington Monument, which is
said to be of good puality.
A bed of potter's clay, equal in quality to any in the Union, and inex-
haustible in quantity, has been discovered on the banks of Fox River^
between Appleton and Neenah.
170 OF Wisconsin.
Milwaukee produces brick clay of a very superior quality and beautiful
•color, somewhat resembling cream color. There are several kilns in full
operation in the vicinity of the town, which supply it, as well as other
towns, with large quantities of brick for building purposes. These bricks
are now generally used in the better class of houses instead of lumber.
Besides the durability of brick, as compared with lumber, the protection
it affords from tires, and its appearance, ought to be sufficient to recom-
jnend it ; and more especially when its price does not considerably exceed
that of lumber. A machine was employed in one establishment, which
turned out 30,000 bricks in 10 hours. This machine presses the brick
without any previous tempering. The clay is thrown from the bank
into a sort of hopper, out of which it escapes into the moulds, where it
is pressed into form, having been previously pulverized in its passage from
the hopper to the moulds. Most of the other establishments, if not all,
have moulds which turn out bricks, beautiful in appearance, and of great
durability. The principal brick kilns are owned by Messrs. John and
George Burnham, Watkins & Co., Colclough & Co., Chas. Seep, Esau
and Meincke, Busack, and Baumbach, who manufacture respectively 7, 5;
3, 3|, IJ, 11, 1| millions of bricks yearly. The Milwaukee brick is now
well known in New York, Chicago, and other large towns, where it is
used to set off the appearance of their first class buildings.
Bricks are made at Kenosha, Racine, Sheboygan, Whitewater, and
numerous other places throughout the State. I have seen some bricks
made in Washington County, which resemble the Milwaukee bricks.
Seventeen millions of bricks are made in Milwaukee in the year, gives
employment to a large number of hands, and leaves a good profit to those
engaged in thh^ manufacture. The ordinary brick is sold for $4,00 per
thousand, and a better sort, used in facing, for $12,00. From the super-
iority of the Milwaukee clay, brick-making cannot fail of being ranked
among the most important branches of manufacturing industry in the State,
It may be manufactured in any quantity along the Menomonee River,
which can be made navigable for boats at a small expense, by which the
expense of cartage might be saved. A tram road from the kiln to the
edge of the water would reduce the expense.
Large boulders of granite, green-stone, and others of igneous origin, are
occasion;illy met with, lying on the surface. Being generally found
water-worn, these erratic blocks must have travelled some distance, no
doubt from some of those nortliern districts containing these primitive
rocks. In cutting down the bluffs round the city of Milwaukee, for the
purpose of grading the streets, several of these boulders are exposed to
view, especially at Walker's Point, where likewise may be seen a few
large blocks of limestone, which show no evidence of having travelled
any distance ; as they all present unimpaired angles. All these must
Industrial Hesouhces 171
bave been brought to their present position at the same time, as they are
found imbedded together in the clay forming the bluffs. During or subse-
quent to the geological period in which these comparatively recent depo-
sits were formed, extraordinary currents from the north must have
existed, bearing with them, in their impetuous course, those ponderous
rocks in thousands, many of them, probably, embedded in fields of ice.
These northern waves have produced similar effects in many parts of Eu-
rope. The limestone districts of our state show evidences of this north-
ern current. Large boulders may be seeh in the town lands of Green-
field, Oak Creek, Milwaukee ; in the counties of Sheboygan, Jefferson,
and indeed in most of the counties comprehended in the carboniferous
limestone districts. In some places, however, only very few are seen on
the surface, and in no place do they interfere with the operations of the
former, to any injurious degree. The soil and subsoil of this district arc,
in general, clayey and calcarious, with a large proportion of vegetable
mould, and, in many places, mixed with water-worn limestone pebbles,
from the size of a marble to that of a goose egg, and some much larger
The subsoil of numerous localities, "which I have seen, is composed of this
diluvial deposit, derived altogether from the limestone rock. Tliis drift-
ed deposit is of considerable depth in some places, and, from its small
size, might be used with great advantage in making the public roads, and
especially where it is found of a quality sufiiciently hard, and unmixed
with the soil.
The largest drift formation in the world is found in ^A'iseonsin ; extend-
ing from Lake Michigan, near Green Bay, to the Mississippi River, and
passing cast of Fond du Lac, Watertown, and Whitewater, continuing
its course right through Illinois to the Father of \taters. Whether it
crosses the Mississippi or not, I cannot say. This extraordinary forma-
tion, so far as I examined it, is composed of rounded limestones, mixed
with calcareous earth. Its width varies from less than a mile to three,
and its height from forty or fifty feet to two hundred. Its direction is
somewhat north and south, inclining east of south and west of north.
Many parts of tliis great range would appear to be made up of innumer-
able hills, with deep hollows between, which inclines me to believe that
these little bills were transported in fields of ice, which, upon 'being brok-
en, or dissolved, dropped their contents right beneath the points where
such a.i occurrence happend to take place. A continuous current, in the
direction of tliis curious ridge, could not, by any physical law, have pro-
duced a range presenting such a diversified surface, without the agency
of icebergs.
The northern current has transported large pieces of pure copper,
T)robably from the mineral district of Lnke Superior, to our limestone dis-
172 OF Wisconsin.
trict. Among these was a remarkable specimen found at Green Bay, over
100 pounds weight. Another piece, weighing 30 pounds, was found by-
Mr. Trowbridge, on his farm, near ^lilwaukee. In excavating the canal
at Milwaukee, pieces wore found, at the depth of ten feet, which, togeth-
er, weiglied 20 pounds. One of these specimens is deposited in the cab-
inet of Yale College, at New Haven. Small pieces are occasionally found
at Racine, and other places, and "a mass is said to exist a little west of
La Vieux Deserte,. far exceeding in magnitude the celebrated copper rock
from the Ontonagon." Thes'e isolated erratics, thus straying from their
native beds, cannot be regarded as among the sources of wealth of Wis"
consin ; they however strengthen the evidence in favor of the existence
of copper and of a northern current, which has left thousands of ponder-
ous land marks, not only in several parts of Wisconsin, but in many other
northern States — all proving the existence of a powerful force exerted at
a somewhat recent geological period in a southerly direction.
Causes at present in operation transport large masses of rocks, clay,
&c., from the polar regions, toward the soutli. These boulders liave not
been observed farther south than Ohio
Just after having written the last sentence, I read an account of a
piece of copper faund by Mr. Tunis J. Burhyte, of Em[»irc, while dig-
ging in a cellar. This contais 95 per cent, of pure copper, and weighs 120
pounds. A number of specimens were found in the same region, on the
Ledge, and also in Eden and Osceola. A very fine piece was found at
Waupun a short time since.
Sulphate of barytes, sometimes called heavy spar, is found in boulders
or in fragments of limestone on the Wisconsin River Cabarious spar,
forming rhombs, is found in tlie limestone at Neenah, as also at the mines,
and at several other places. Calcareous tuffa occurs in the canal near
Milwaukee, incrusting moss, leaves, and such other vegetable matter as
may come in contact with it, under favorable circumstances. Tuffa must
be found in many parts of this State, where so much calcarious matter
abounds.
The sliore of Lake Micliigan within the county of Milwaukee, consists
of a bank of reddish clay, varying in height from 20 to 100 feet, and
standing over the lake In very erect position. From the lake, the country
continues to rise to the dividing ridge between the lake and Rock River,
flowing into the Mississippi. West of tliis dividing ridge, the country
maintains nearly a uniform level, inclining a little toward Rock River.
This .summit is considered as the lowest point in the dividing ridge bet-
ween the Mississippi and the two lakes - Michigan and Superior — except
at the Portage, between the Neenah or Fox River, and the Wisconsin.
Industrial Resources 178
The face of this great limestone district is not considerably broken up
by deep ravines, or diversified by mountains, the surface being what is
termed rolling. The beds of the rivers traversing this district are not
considerably depressed below the face of the surrounding country. All
the east and northeast, with a considerable portion of the north-west of
the limestone district is timber land, and most of the south and west
prairie and oak openings
The next district ]s the great magnesian or clifFlimestone, which, though
sparingly developed elsewhere, "swells, in the Wisconsin lead region, Into
the most remarkable, most important, and most bulky member of the
group." This great deposit of magnesian limestone attains to the thickness
of 550 feet, whilst the underlying blue limestone shrinks in some places
into a mere string scarcely 100 feet, and in others it seems entirely want-
ing — (^the blue limestone crops out at Fever River, above the thriving
town of Galeua, in the State of Illinois. ) It is fouud here in place in
limited quantity, and the specimens I saw contained numerous fossil re-
mains, similar to those found in the mountain limestone of Ireland, It
contained a small quantity of siliclous sand and was very hard and com-
pact. This is the only specimen of blue limestone I met so far south.
The surrounding locality is rich in lead vre, which probably formed the
foundation of the prosperity so long enjoyed by the commercial city of
Galena, which, for its size, is the wealthiest and most prosperous place in
this or, perhaps, in any other country. The enterprising spirit of its in-
habitants deserves far better accommodations than is afforded by its shallow
river, narrow and irregular levee and confined streets. The inhabitants
have made the most of the small space between the almost insurmounta-
ble bluff behind the business part of the town, and the little stream which
bears such a numerous fleet of flat-bottomed steamers, as no town I know
of, of double the size, could require to cary on its trade.
The trade of Galena must be transferred to Dubuque as soon as the rail
road, now in the course of construction, shall have reached so far ; and
when the works now in progress to improve the landing at Dubuque,
shall have been completed. The landing, at present, at Dubuque, is
very bad ; but by engineering skill, may be made to answer all the pur-
poses which its increasing importance may require. This point must be
the centre of a vast district, and from it must radiate all the commercial
I)usiness at present done at Galena. The Janesville and Dubuque, as
well as the Milwaukee and Mississippi rail roads, add considerably to the
importance of Dubuque. Its mineral resources and its position, must
secure to it a very extensive trade, when all the works in actual progress
and in contemplation shall have been completed. The town has a re-
spectable, substantial appearance, and contains hotels which deserve the
high character which they bear.
Vi4: OF Wisconsin.
The black slab, wliich is generally fouiicl resting on the cliff limestone,
is wanting. Throaghout the entire district of country explored by Dr.
Owen's party, it is doubtful whether the fine grained sandstone, oolitic
lin:estone, or the conglomerate, can, be detected. From this it appears
that the magnesian limestone, with the thin substratum of blue limestone
and some coarse-grained sandstone, engrosses the entire mountain lime
stone group. The coal measures occur in the southern boundary, in im-
mediate centact with it, in stead of being seporateJ, as in other places, by
three district members, occupying many hundred feet. This district is
very peculiar, in a geological point of view, from the enormous develope .
meat of this member and the complete obliteration of ail the other mem-
bers of the mountain limestone group, except the underlying blue lime-
stone and sandstone already mentioned. In the nortli of this district,
the magnesian limestone runs out, and the underlying blue limestone and
sandstone come to the surface. In the south it runs under the coal meas-
ure of Illinois. East, it is covered up by recent deposits, and west it is
occasionally exposed in the beds of the streams and rivers, and in project-
ing clift". This district then belongs to that group, or formation, called
transition and sometimes ranked amongst the carboniferous, metaliferous,
encrinital, and mountain limesbone group. Local terms, adopted by dif-
ferent geologists, tend to obscure and retard the science of geology
Terms of general import, and not founded on local circumstances, ought
to be chosen, and their moaning defined, like the technical terms of the
exact sciences. The external character of this lead-bearing district no
doubt warrants the assumption of the term, cliff, but the term does not
apply to the same formation in other localities, where the external cha-
racter bears no striking resemblance to the Wisconsin limestone clifis.
Dr. Owen, an able geologist and accomplished scholar, gives the following
luminous decription of the external character of what he calls the cliff
limestone, along the Mississippi :
"These mural escarpments, exhibiting every veriety of form, give to
the otherwise monotonous character of the landscape in Iowa, a varied
and picturesque appearance. Sometimes they may be seen in the dis-
tance from out of the rolling hills of the prairie, like ruined castles, moss-
wrown under the hand of time. Sometimes they present, even when
more closely inspected, a curious resemblance to turrets, and bastions,
and battlements, and even to the loopholes and embrasures of a regular
fortification. Sometimes single blocks are seen jutting forth, not unlike
dormer windows, rising through the turf-clad roof of an old cottage ; and
again, at times especially along the descending spurs of the hills isolated
masses emerge in a thousand different forni.«, in which the imagination
readily recognizes the appearance of giants, sphynxes, lions, and innu-
merable fantastic resemblances."
Industrial Eesoukces 175
The district round Mineral Point, the Blue Mounds, on the Wisconsin
side of theMississippi, and many other places, present similar appearances.
The manner in which this rock wears under atmospheric influences
modifies its form. Numerous silicious fossils and masses of cbert are
interspersed through this rock, which when acted on by the weather, fall
out^ leaving cavities innumerable, and giving the rock a rugged appear-
ance. This process sometimes undermines portions of the cliff"; often
leaving it bearing on a weakly pillar, which every moment threathens ta
give way, and precipitate the incumbent mass down the fearful steep.
Part of this rock is very hard and durable, and makes some of the best
building stone to be had anywhere. Quarries are opened at the Sinsin-
* awa Mounds at Mineral Point, at the Four Lakes, and at the Pecatonica.
The last, however, is not very good. The best building stone occurs in
the lower portions of the upper beds of the cliff limestone. It can be
quarried from six to twelve inches thick, and presents beautiful straight
edges, a smooth face, ■end a light yellow color. This rock may be had
of almost any required thickness, and horizontal extent. It is similar
to the stone of which the two Houses of Parliament, in England are
built.
Two and a half miles from Madison on the road leading to the Blue
Mounds, is a quarry of white sandstone, surmounted by limestone, which
makes good lime. This dips towards the north-west. Some brown sand-
stone occurs here, which comes out of the quarry in large blocks, and is
exceedingly hard. The material from this quarry is employed in build-
iug the new bank and hotel at Madison. It is a beautiful, close-grained,
milk-white stone of great durability. These rare qualities, combined
with the architectural taste displayed in these buildings, will add con-
siderably to the appearance of the town. A good hotel will be an addi-
tional inducement to strangers to visit Madison and its surrounding
scenery, and a bank conducted on liberal principles cannot fail to prove a
great convenience, and advance the general interest of the town and sur-
rounding country. In this quarry I observed vertical cracks, which have
been formed by the shrinking of the mass when drying. Such cracks as
these may be observed in every soil especially clayey, after having been
drained. ^
I have seen excellent quarries at Mineral Point and Galena, composed,
of magnesian limestone, resting on sandstone. The roek in these quar-
ries cleaves in large blocks, but is coarse grained, and the color a dirty
yellow. I have seen specimens of sandstone at Mineral Point, of excel-
lent quality and good color, which, I was told, had been quarried in that
neighborhood. A small marble quarry has been recently discovered in
Grant County, near Potosi. The marble is nearly white, and is consid-
176 OP Wisconsin.
ered of good quality. Few couuties in the State can compete with Grant
County in Mineral wealth, and the discovery of marble will add consider-
ably to its industrial resources.
Water lime is found iu Jefferson County, which is represented as very-
good, and pro^nises to bring a considerable profit to the owner. Thn
quarry at Janesville, containing water lime, deserves more than a passing
notice. In the neighborhood of this rising town, on the opposite side o?
the Rock River, is a quarry which is worked for various purposes. The
upper five feet of the quarry makes good quick lime ; the next five feet
are impure limestone mixed with sand, and are used for building purposes
The next two feet and a half are composed of the same description of stone ,
whish is cut to any required size, for ornamental and useful purposes,
such as door-ways, window-sills, &c. The next two feet are sandstone,
fit for building, and may be cut to any required size. The color is not
good, but in other respects, this rock makes a good and lasting building
material. It rests on twenty-two inches of water limestone, which last
rests on pure sand fit for the manufacture of glass. I had no means of
ascertaining the depth of this last rock. A building has been recently
erected at this place, intended for a sawing mill to be worked by water,
which cannot fail to be a source of considerable profit to the proprietors,
as the lime and sandstone of this quarry are distinctly stratified and very
easily quarried, and moreover it lies high above the bed of the river,
which whashes its base, and waters the town. It is, however, in common
with the limestone of the surrounding distaict, very coarse - graind. It
dips a little to the S. S. W., but is perfectly horizontal, when viewed
from the river. I have seen specimens of stone found in the neighbor-
hood of Janesville, which is used as Pilasters and supports, supposed by
the inhabitants to be marble, but has no claim to that name, being no
better than a coarse limestone, good, however, for building purposes, as
it easily splits into blocks, limited only in thickness ; the other dimen-
sions being sufficiently ample for any industrial purpose, where stone is
re.;^nired.
Magncsian limestone has not yet been found east of Whitewater, where
I have observed it exposed by grading operations. A good quarry is
worked at Waupun, a small village on the line between Dodge County
and Fonc du Lac. The stone comes out of this quarry of any required
size. Portland, in Dodge County, has also a good quarry.
Three miles from Omro, a superior quality of glass sand has been
found. Samples of it have been sent to the Lancaster Glass Factory,
to Erie and New York, and it was found to be of very superior quality. A
company has been formed, styled the " Omro Glass Company," which
OF Wisconsin. 177
will manufacture glass at that place. This being on the Fox River which
.will soon be navigable to the Mississippi, and Lake Michigan, by Greeu
Bay, the article may be easily shipped in any direction for sale. No-
thing will tend to improve the industrial interests of the State more than
the erection of snoh works, under the guidance of a company with suffi-
cient capital.
A white rock, which, by disintegration, fornix a Avhite plastic material
used in the manufacture of porcelain, is found in the 3Iineral Point and
Blue Kiver lead mines, besides several other placeg. Should it exist in
iiufiieient (juantities, it would prove a valuable addition to that peculiarly
favored region This material is a hydrate of silica, containing a small
percentage of alumina. It likewise contains viens of so bright a green aji
to give rise to tlie idea of the existence of copper ore, but when tested,
it contained none of the metal.
Upon the side of the river opposite to Prairie du Chien, is a strutum of
sand stone, identical in character with that 300 feet higher. The follow-
ing is a geological section, extending from the top of the eastern mound
(Blue,) to the Wisconsin River at Helena, taken from Pr. Locke's re-
port ;
1. Chert, hornstone, flint, at top, 410
2. Magnesian (cliff) limestone, 169
li. Blue fossiliferous limestone, very thin or wanting,
4. Sacbarine sandstone, 4{)
5. Alternations of sandstone and limestone, 188
6. Sandstone, variable and not well defined, 3
7. Lower limestone, probably magnesian, 190
1000
This lowest bed of magnesian limestone, as well as the upper, is a bad
burning rock. Till the upper rock shall have been exhausted, no shaft
will extend to the lower ; and from the inexhaustible quantity, compara-
tively, near the surface, countless ages may pass away before the miner
will be driven by necessity to the lower bed. Time, however, can only
determine this.
The magnesian limestone district lias a vast extent of prairie and oak
openings, with groves here and there, especially on the rivers and stream*.
Blue Mounds — two conical hills, the one in Dane, and the other in lovra,
County — are the most conspicuous objects in the whole landscape of Wis-
consin. The Indian name of these mounds signifies smokey mountains,
applied to them on account of their summits being sometimes enveloped
in clouds, which, in Wisconsin, from the absence of liigh hills, is a rare
phenomenon. These mounds stand almost one thousand feet above the
12
187 IXPTHTKIil HhNOHUCKIk.
Wisconsli. ilivcr, ai. li-^iecia, as has boon ^>h(>wn iu ihf la.si labib, And are
covered with vegetation to the top, from which there is a view of the sur-
rounding couatrj, extending far beyond the Wisconsin on the north, and
erabracing .'4 wide circle all around.,, ThesM jnoundsare twetity-fire mile?
west from Madisou, and tM'olve south from tlio "NViBconsin River
The Platte Mounds are somewhat similar to thr Blue Mounar Limerick, is a perfect illustration of
this upheaven. force. This rock stands in the inidit of a 5at limeBtone
district,, and is viaible at a considerable distance, it?- circumference being
as far an my jneiKory berves nie, ji(» more than a quarter of a mile. Thi«
limestone rock in contact with its base has been completely metamorphisied
by tiie action of heat. Had the force which shot this igneous rock through
the limestone been less violent, and extended over a wider space, a conical
numnd mijrht have been formed similar to the isolated mounds of Wiscoo-
filn But the stratified rocks on the top could not have retained their or-
iginal ]tosition, as at theBlueMounds. Some derangement of the limestone
rock would be visible, but volcanic action is vissible by the derangement
of the f-ttcitrt, at (.-arrigoguinal, and the metamorphic effect of heat, is seen
al! round. At i\\v. Blue Mounds, the stratification is perfectly horizontal
to the very top, eacept at the most elevated and conical one, where the
rocks seem to dip in different directions in conforiaity with the shape of
the cone; but on « close ftxauunation of this mound, the.«erockf arc tiU«d
by th'j wearing ;*wu) '.f thu surrouudiag support-, and sonio of tbum Ijavt
tumbled over. Tlit other mounds near this, not being so rteep, retain
the .strafcificatiou to the top iu a perfectly horizontal position, so far as
the ey« is able to judge On approaching these mounds, I observed, close
to th«: juidide one, four or five large, denuded blocks, whiclj 1 mistook for
small houses, and another one, near the eastern cone, .stjinding in a reclin-
ing poeition, witl; :i broad head, which I mistook for a tree. This in a
comparatively short time, will tumble down the precipice. The lliutj ap-
pciirance cf rhe rock oa the top of these inounds has been caused by the
the infusion of silicious matter into the porouig rock by water, The view
from the top of the mound is so elqouently described by 't<»ii. Wm. E.
Smitli, that I am induced to give it here;
•'An ocean of prairie surrounds the gazer, whost; vision is nut limited
to less than thirty or forty miles. This great sea of verdure is interspei--
sed with delightfully varying undulations, like the vast waves of the ocean,
and ©very h«re and thero sinking into the hollows, or cresting the swells,
appear .spot.<» of wood, large groves, extensive ranges of timber, small
groups of 4ree», a8 if planted by the hand of art, for ornamenting this
naturally splendid scene Over this extended view, in all directions, are
scattered the incipiont farms of the settlers, with their luxuriant crops
of wheat and oats, whoso yellow sheaves, already cut, form a beautiful
eontrast with the weaving green of the Indian corn, and the smooth dark^
lined of the potato crop. Throughout the prairie, the most gorgeous var-
iety of flowers are seen rising above the thickly eet grass, which, i^ large
and .s:ual[ patches, has here and there been moved for hay ; all presenting
V, curiously ebequered appearance of the table beneath us. The mineral
flowtjv, the tall bright purplo a,nd red feather, the suu-ilower, the yellow-
bloom, the golden rod, the several small and beautiful flowers, interspersed
with the grass, render the scene ii\diseribably beautiful. To the north.
Wisconsin hills are seeu bounding the view ; to the east, prairie and wood
are only limited by the horizon ; and the Blue Mounds, on the north-east
form a back ground and land mark ; to the south, the veiw over the roll-
ing country extends into the State of Illinois : in the south-west, is seen
the Sinsinawa Mound ; the view to the west is only bounded by the Table
Mound, and the hills west of the Mississippi, and distant about thirty
mile.s : while to the uorth-west, the high hills through which the Father
of Waters sweeps his way, clo.«e the view. Below us, on the plain, is the
little village of Belmont, with its painted dwellings, the brown lines in
the broad green carpet, indicate the roads and track over the prairie ; the
grazing cattle are scattered over the wide surface, looking like dogs or
sheep in size ; while in the distance are seen wagon of emigrants and ox
t]0(;jiAPiiy.
ellcr arc passing and rcpajis-mg ; pleasure and tntvolling carriages ar«
whirliiiir rapidly over the sward, as if the country had been improved for
a century past, instead of having been only five years reclaimed from tho
saviige?. This picture is not exaggerated. It fails of the original beauty,
iu the attempt to discribe the scene, which is worth a journey of a thou-
sand miles to contemplate in the calm sunshine of a sumnierday, as i have
viewed it from the top of the Platte Mounds.'*
The face of Dane Count)' is diversified by hills f
the State of Wisconsin. After having served two years in that
capacity, he resumed the practice of law at Milwaukee, and is now
engaged in the practice of his profession in the city of New York,
a field fit for his talents, which arc of no oi-dinary degree. Im-
mediately on the death of Governor Harvey, which melancholy event took
place soon after the battle of Pittsburgh Landing, Lieutenant Governor
Salomon took pos.session of the executive office at 3Iadison, as Governor
of the State of Wisconsin. During his term of office, he supported the
General Government engaged in a bloody war with the South, and proved
himself all through faithful, energetic, and persevering in his endeavours
to supply a large element of support from the sttite he governed to subdue
the enemy. The history of tl>) at unnatural struggle shows what a large ele-
ment the Wisconsin troups formed in the force that vanquished the ene-
mies of the constitution. lu 1862 his services were especially required
to fill up thct decimated ranks of the several regiments. To effect this ob-
ject, volunteering was found insufficient ; therefore as a matter of necessity
reeourse was had to the draft, as being the most prompt measure that
could be adopted by reason of the fearful and gigantic proportions then
assumed by the war. In this eracrgeney, the governor discharged hLs
duty with promptness, seal, and ability. In the very beginninnr of his
administration, his conduct was truly laudable in assuming the responsi-
bility of providing for the sick and wounded soldiers, no appropriation
having yet boon made for that purpose. The Indian disturbances in the
state during that year, imposed additional labor en the executive, •which
he was able to perform by reason of his untiring attention to business.
The massacres by the Lidians in Minnesota, the threatening aspect of the
Wisconsin Indians, and the gloomy aspect, of public affairs, required troops
at home, and by the advice of the governor a militia was organized for
the emergency, by authority of the legislature, which was called for that
purpose by the executive. In every emergency the governor was found
at his post.
GEOKGE W. ALLEN.
George W. Allen was born in Casenovia, New York, December Jj>th
1818 ; graduated at Union College, in the same City in 1841, where he
was considered the best natural Orator that had graduated at that College.
Mr. Allen studied law, but never followed it as a profession, prefering to
engage in active business. He removed to Milwaukee in 1851, where he
has been engaged in the manufacture of Leather since, together with "his
brothers, under the name of the Wisconsin Leather Company-^or.e of
ilie largest manufacturing concerns in the United States.
l^i BlOORAFMY.
The subject ol' this -dkotch wa-« very actlvt* during; lh>'. laU; vmr. discrib-
iug large suiub of money, and deliverin^ir oloquent sp«eclies> <:alculat«d to
arouse the people to a aen&ti of their duty, and go forward to meet, and
subdue the enemy, and protect the constitution and country unimpaired.
He and his brothers, Messr* William and Rufits Allevi Junr. raised
one Company iri the 24ih Ilegimfmt, ;uni supported the families of some
i.f the men during the war. He always refused office of any kind, uud
often declined oilers of nomination. The bar suft'ered a los.s by the choice
Mr. Allen made nf the tanning business in [ireference to the legal profca-
siou. as he possessed all the neces.sury qualities to constitute a fii'st rate
lawyer. But thou;if]i tli<*law suffered by the choice Mr. Allen made, the
working classes around his m:tnufacturing uoneerns was benefitted largely
by getting constant employment from him, and hi* wortiiY relrjtions in
*heir gigantic tanneries.
The Wisconsin Leather Ooinpituy is ;i private (;u-partiiei>hip, ■•ooaist-
ing of Father and Sons^. T})e fathei-, W. Rufus Allen 8cnr., has been
engaged in the manufacture of Leather for over sixty years, conjuienc-
ing April 1809. The Mes^srs. Allen were engaged in tanning in the
state of New York and came to Milwaukee in 1851 : ct.onmenccd to build
a large tannery at Two Rivers in this state, which they completed in that
year, in 1862 they built a second one at Two Rivera, 50 per cent larg-
er tlian the first, and continued t«j nui both till 187", t.-mnin^' 5*'*, 000 to
<^i0.000 large hides per annum.
In 1870, they built one of the largest rwniiericjt ill this cciunirv in the
south part of the irity of Milwaukee, which is considered the largest Har-
ness Tannery in the world. These (Jentlemenhave now the capacity for
tanning 110,000 hides or 220,000 half lades per annum, and use 13,000
Cords of bark every year. Their trade extends over several states of tha
Union, and their firm is regarded as one of the largest juid must succeHf?.
ful leather man\ita(dnrinu' firms in tiiis country, and snosv *o t.hsii .ony in
Europe.
OK. dAMKS iMjI.irLAS.
l>r. James Douglas. who.so father was: m farmer, .vai;! mM-n m
Westmoreland, Oneida County, New York, July 4th 1><01. J^uriuj,' the
first thirty years of his life his health was very feeble, lie attended an
academy at Whitesboro, conducted liy l*eletiah Rawson, .-i gentleman of
eminent acquirementu When prepared tjw York', oa the
19th day "f August 1822; was educated at Union College at Shenectady in
that >tati' atid graduated iu the chijis of 1845 ; read law with tlui Hon.
J&bitz I>. Oamnionr] at Cherry A'ailey iu that State ; and wim admitted
to the Har in January A. 1>. 1848. eanie to Wiscon-sin in May of thesaina
year and locnied at Miiwauket^, wher*; he has cotitinued e\er »inee in the
practice of the profes:*ion. .Mr. An,-»tin has received a goof -Deputy Pension Agent at Milvfautee. M'here, from his strict attentiou
;o busincsB, hie T^illiagnese to pleaee and answer all inquiries connected
^th his department, he is regarded as a general favorite.
The biographer having bad frequent opportunities, as I'ension and
Bounty Claim Agent, of vfitnepsing the official conduct of Lieutenant
Kasson cheerfully wudoreet" th*; good opinicm so gener&liy vs'^pre.ssed of
Ifim. afi a pnblic oflk-er.
lOSKFH V. MCMULLEN
was bora in tde City of New York of Irish parcnt.-«, August 1st 1831.
He was educated at Lowville Academy, Lewis county, state of New York,
and admitted to the bar, September 1862, at Milwaukee Wisconsin, where
be practices as a lawyer, witb great success, by reason >:
he held till January 1870, when he was appointed Clerk of the Board of
Supervisors to fill the vacancy created by the death of tlie late Henry
Hillmantel, under whom Mr. Saar had served, as deputy. The manner
in which he had discharged his duty, as deputy, made him the most eligible
person for the office, the duties of which he now discharges to the satis-
faction of the public.
K n W IN T W iN 8E NT)
•vras born June 17th 1802 at East Chester, Westchester county. New
York. Ho received a common school education, and was a dry goods
merchant in New York ('ity for some time. He was Director of Butche''
and Drover's Bank ; came to Wisconsin in 184G, and settled in Milwau-
kee, where ho em])arked in tlie business of wholesale grocer, in tho firm
of Townsend & Kane, and was burned out. He next was elected Presi-
dent of the banking house of Townsend, Bean & Burlock ; and afterwanl
Townsend & Finklor. Some years before his death he entered into part-
uership with 3Ir. Schly, tho firm })eing known .as Townsend & Schly, Real
estate agents.
The subject of this historical sketch iloparted from this busy world on
feho nth day of March 1870, after an active life, and having discharged
the duties of every position lie had occupied, with much ability, close at-
iention, and strict propriety, leaving after him a name that cannot hv
aoon forgotten — a name of more lasting value to his family than precious
pearls and pure gold — that of an honest man. Mr. Townsend left four
sons surviving him. John neglect his duty to bis client.
A. F. W, BODEN
was born at Lancaster, Ohio, 2d of August, 1830, and was educated at
New York. When he left school, he did business with his father, who wan
a rectifier and importer of high wines. The subjecfc of this sketch waa
engaged in the manufacture of vinegar and high wines for some years at
Krooklyn, N. Y , and is now in the vinegar business exclusively.
190 BlOC-H.^Riiy.
F. W. Boden, tht; bttuv.- ot" A. F. W. Bodei^ was o«e oi" the olde?-
manufacturers of rincgar in the United States, and hig vinegar gener-
ally allowed by oompeteut chcraistH to Ix; the purest in the United State--'.
The father was the first who used filterevs and generators in this countr*
in manufacturing vinegar, and obtained the first premium, at the Stat.
and World's Fair in Ne^' York.
The subject of this sketch obtained the fir^l priz>j at the fair iatuly hvii
at Milwaukee, which is the hn^i pro'if be could give o? the superior «ieel-
l«Rce ''f hig vinecf&r.
FBTlvK V. DEUSTEK
rasborn in Dm^reii, vonutj of Aix-la-Chapelle, FruBsia, Feb, l.'ith l?i.!J ■.
received an academical education, but left too joung to finish the fiour?''.
He completed his education in the priming oiflce, is bj profession a prin-
ter, publisher and editor. He came lo Wisconsin in 1847, and settled »t
Milwaukee, when he published a literary paper, eutitled " Ha,usfreur>d
Milwaukee.'' He was Deputy Clerk of the Circuit Court of Washius-
ion county in 1854 ; and in 1S56, he purchased the Milwauket; Seebot*.
He repreijeated the Fifth District of Milwaukee in the Legiislaiive Assem-
bly of the state of Wisconsin ; in 1869 was* elected Senator of the Sixth
District ; and is now President of the Chicago Publishing Company .
which publishes the " Chicago Union.''
Mr. Deuster's carreer has been one of jrfeat snccess. having, iju -.* ff«
years, secured u, Ksndsome independence.
JEKEMIAH QUiiN.N.
bora in B<).>nctstowii, county of Limerick, Ireland, oxi the llOth da^ "t
January A. D. 183.V, lost both his parents while an infant j was edn-
cated at Bosnotstowu National School, and nfc Kilfinane Xligli -School.
He emigrated to the United States when about 17 years of age, landing-
in the City of Boston. Failing to procure a position in any law oifiee,
which profession he .sought eagerly at that time, he apprenticed himselJ
to a Massachusetts niechanic and learned a laborious trado, at whicli hr
worked for several years. He emigrated to Wiscou.-iiti, arriving in Mil-
waukee in the year 1857, where he worked at his trade in the employ ot
the Milwaukee and St. Paul Railroad for six years, whert he obtained j*
position »s clerk in the freight department of llu> ro;u1, bjk! when- h.
unou gained the good will and t-.^nfidenee of bis superior ofl5icerg tu sucK s
degree tbat be v; a.s intrusted with the «harge of the Freight Keeeiring
Departiri«nt of the Milwaukee nud Mississippi Branch, whicli position h
heM until April 1870, when h« was elected If* the reijponsibl'- and ar-
tiao«s portion of (Jity '.'(iraptrollrv «if Ihe eitv
or any visible source of supply except what collects from the surrounding^
hills. These are perhaps more numerous than the chain variety, before
described. These lakes, which seldom exceed one mile in diameter, are
generally found in districts based upon sandstone, or Avhere heavy depos-
its of drifts are found resting upon metamorphic rocks. These lakes are
generally circular or oval, while the chain lakes present every variety of
form.
These circular or oval lakes are generally from GO to 100 feet imder
the surrounding surface, "the ground sloping down to the water's edge
with great regularity, like the descend of an amphitheatre, and covered
with grass." Many of these lakes are dotted with islands, based on bould-
ers, and covered with wood. These are seldom of any considerable depth,
and are supplied, as well as the chain lakes, with delicious fish. These
lakes show unmistakable evidQiice of being extinct volcanoes. The bord-
ers of some of the chain lakes are covered with marsh, in which the wild
rice grows in great plenty, which invites myriads of wild fowl to flock to-
gether in this region of country. The beds of almost all are pebly, and the
water clear.
With so many lakes and rivers, what country is better supplied with
fish and fowl ? With such a vast extent of navigable waters, what countrj;-
can equal it in facilities of transport ? The Mississippi alone, with its trib-
utaries, affords continuous navigation for 14,500 miles. On this river
were 600 steamers, making a tonnage of 1.50,000, worth ^10,000,000, and
carrying §250,000,000 yearly, in 1855. When all the railroads chartcred,
at present amounting to 63, shall have been completed, all the tributaries
to this river made navigable, what calculation will represent the sum total
of the business done on it ? Time alone can tell. The Mississippi, with all
its outlets, measures 51,000 miles, and some writers are of the opinion
that 20,000 miles arc navigable, which exceeds the above estimate.
EioGRAriiv. 209
THADDEUS C POUND.
Theru are very few prominent men of the iNorthweat whose versatile
experiences represent more interestingly the sharp angles of our civilization
than the present Lieutenant G-overnor of Wisconsin. Now one of the most
n^ted lumbermen of tha* section of the country where lumbermen are the
mighty merchants of the land, eminent in the polities of his State, quite
notably distinguished among the public men of the great Valley of the Up-
per Mississippi, he has acquired all he hag, and become what ho is, notwith-
standing early poverty and subsequent difficulties which would have been
insurmountable, except by extraordinary ability and pluck. Thaddeus
Coleman Pound was born December Gth, 1832, in the town of Elk, pop-
ularly known as "Quaker Hill", in the northwestern part of Pennsylvania.
His father and mother, Elijah and Judith, vyere quakers, vi^ho had recent-
ly removed from Rochester, Nev/ York. They were poor. We have often
heard Mr. Pound speak of his birthplace — a small log house, with an
immense lire place ; the old-fashioned back log ; the boiled or baked ches-
nuts : the buckwheat cakes on the huge griddle suspended from a crane,
and eaten with maple syrup; the inevitable school-mistress, "boarding
round", and all the other accompaniments of log-cabin life which now seem
to appertain from an ancient age. In 1838 Elijah Pound removed to west-
ern New York, having found the road to fortune difficult to travel in
Pennsylvania, and the goal invisible. About a year after the removal of
the family to New York, the wife and mother died, when the boy Thad-
deus went to live with his grandfather, after whom he had been named.
Here he passed four years of boyhood, when his fatlier, having married
again, took Ids children, and made a Fourierite venture with a society then
organizing in the to^vnof Glarkson. Six weeks of uubuttered bread and
unseasoned vegetables satisfied Mr. Pound's ambition in this particular,
and he then moved to Ilochesfcer, where he atid his sous were employed
in a woolen factory, the wages of Thaddeus being one shilling a day for as-
sorting wool. The lads earned some pocket money by "doing chores" for
the neighbors — the labor in this line, in which Thaddeus excelled, being,
we believe, washing buggies in the Genessee River. "While he was at work
in the woolen factory, James K. Polk was elected President of the United
States. One of the consequences of that political event, as connected with
precciing vicious legislation, was that the prices of woolen goods declined.
Wages of factory hands declined also, and in consequence, young Pound
became a^tariff whig. Whether he still clings to his '■'boyhood's faith"
in this respect, or has adopted ideas worthy of his vigorous manhood, we
have not taken pains particularly to inquire. The "hard times" of this
period are matter of general recollection. Poverty knocked at the door
14 " ■
210 BlOGllAl'llY.
of Eliiab Pound's home. He determinod to try liis fortune iu the westoru
lands. By disposing of much of his household furniture, he was able to
secure deck passage for his family to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, on a lake
steamer. There the family arrived in May, 1847, and proceeded tlience,
to Walworth County, stopping for a while with Joel Pound, brother of
Elijah. Here the stepmother soon became sick and died, and not long after
a daughter, but two or three years old, of whose beauty and infantile love-
liness Grov. Pound still sp-eaks with affectionate remembrance, was buried
with her. A farm was rented on Avhat was then known as "Cattish Prai-
rie", in Ptoek County, about ten miles from the now beautiful and flour-
ishino- city of Janesville, where father and sons lived in bachelor style. —
Thaddeus performed double duty, being both farm hand and cook. This
brino-s us to an irapoTtant event in the life of Goveraor Pound — the turn-
point, we may say of his history. He had not received, it may well be
supposed, from what has already been said, special advantages of educa-
tion. He had attended the common scliools quite regularly during the
winter seasons, and in the studies tliere pursued he was dUigent and pro-
fieient. He had also read such books as he could borrow, and had become
a youtk of more than usual intelligence. In the winter of 1847. the young
man, then attending district school near the farm, found himself one day
promoted to the rank of teacher. The trustees had, for some cause, dis-
missed the teacher who had been employed, and, in accordance with the
vote of the pupils, had selected young Pound to take the position. Tliat
he filled it with success, though but fifteen years of age, is a remarkable
fact, (unif{ue, as far as we recollect, except in the case of George D. Preiit-
iee,) and greatly to his credit. This event added greatly to his education-
al ambition, andwe find him, soon afterwards pursuing his studies at Wil-
ton Academy. He had but little ease, however, for he paid his tuition,
boarding and clothing with funds gained by teaoJiing public school during
the winter, and by working in the harvest fields during summer vacations.
An episode of his educational life occured in 1850, when ho and his elder
brother, Albert E., made a lecturing toxir, in which they performed many
interesting experiments, in what was then called Animal Magnetism, a.*;
well as exposed many of the humbugging tricks which about this time de-
luded many people who pinned their faith to this "science"'. After this tlie
brothers returned to New York state, with the object of further pursuing
their studies. This they did at Rushford Academy, alternately studying
there and teaching district school and v,-riting school, until the month of
October, 1855, when they were severally married by one ceremony to two
sisters, the elder to Sarah, and Thaddeus toAngevine Looniis. During the
following winter the subject of our sketch and hisbride taught a high school
BlOGJlAPUY. 211
at Caledonia, making enough money, less twenty dollars borrowed, to
carry them to Chippewa Falls, "Wisconsin, where they have ever sincere-
sided— as has the brother with his family. Here, also, the father has lived
for some years, and still lives with" his eiiildren and grandchildren — a
hale, hearty and happy old gentleman.
Since the time when Mr. Pound went to Chippewa Falls to live, his
life has been a steady career of success, whether as respects his private
business affairs or his connection with politics. He began these as an ac-
counting clerk. la 1859 — 60 he was chosen Enrolling Clerk of the Wis-
consin Assembly. He is now Lieutenant Governor of the State and es-
officio President of the Senate, and president and chief business manager
of the Union Lumbering Company, whose business, amounting to more
than a million dollars annually, is conducted over a vast expanse of terri-
tory, and embraces the lumber trade in all its branches— from getting the
new material from the forest, to landing it, in boards, shingles, and laths,
on the wharfs of the 3Iississippi River cities ; merchandizing in about all
of its branches; agriculture in all its forms. The company, owning valu-
able water power and mills, and carrying on an immense business, is the
successor of Pound, Halberfc & Co., lumber manufacturers and merchants,
long generally noted iu both those lines of business. Of this firm, Mr.
Pound was the senior partner and manager. The firm was in existence,
before its business was transferred to the joint stock company, from 1862
to 1869. Its principal trade was in lumber; and if it carried on cpite an
extensive mercantile operation, and accomplished also no ^little in practical
agriculture, it was because of the nature and extent of the operations and
transactions in the manufacture and sale of the products of the pineries.
Every one knows that the primal operations iu the lumber business are
performed in the winter season, when the trees are felled by woodsmen,
sawn asunder into logs of different length, and carried to the streams and
mills on sleds. Many men and domestic animals are required in this branch
of the trade. Then, if the millfi are in the lumber regions, the logs are
sawn into boards, laths, and shingles. This requires many men also. Next
is the formation of rafts— that is, the boards are fastened together for the
purpose of being floated down the river to market. These rafts are made
in "sections", for easy management in the smaller streams. When they
reach the Mississippi, the sections are fastened together into a huge str,uc-
ture, oftener worth more or less than one hundred thousand dollars. Then,
in charge of a pilot and from ten to fifteen raftsmen, the raft is navigated
down the river. Thus there are floated down the Mississippi River every
year hundreds of rafts, worth millions of dollars. The raftsmen form a
class of men by themselves— rough in exterior and manners, usually wear
~1- JilOGRArilY.
iiig red shirts, addicted to drinking when ;iHhore, aud other immoralities
which have not seldom resulted in fearful crimes; but often of generous
disposition, nearly always true to their employers, and invariably skilful
in the "manly art" of self-defence.
Sometimes the rafts are assisted down the i-iver by little steamers
pushing them. Such has been the case with much of the lumber sold by
Mr. Pound. Now it will be perceived that, to carry on this business ex-
tensively — fr(,'m cutting down the trees to the sale of the lumber in rafts
at various places along the river — requires in the first place unusual busi-
ness talents and executive capacity. That Mr. Pound has occupied a prom-
inent position in this business among those engaged in it on the Upper
Mississippi is universally agreed by all acquainted with the trade. We
do not hesitate to say that it is more difficult to conduct successfully the
business which Mr. Pound has carried on, as the head of the Union Lum-
bering Company, than to conduct with credit the chief executive office of
any State of the Republic. The statement ouglit not to be omitted, that
Mr. Pound's brother,' Albert, has always been associated with him in busi-
ness, and is now tlio Secretary of the Lumber Company. They have nev-
er kept any accounts with each other; have never quarrelled, and the one
JB just as well off as the other. While Mr. Pound was thus passing up, by
reason of remarkable business capacity, integrity and eaergy, from the
position of an accountant to that of president of a company of great
and varied trade — from the grade of simple livelihood to that of afflu-
ence — he was also constantly extending his reputation and his influence
in the public aifairs of the great State of which he is a citizen. He was
a Member of the Assembly, the popular branch of the Legislature, in
1848: and was successively re-elected to the Assembly of 1864, 1867,
and 1869, — at the latter session being chosen speaker pro-tempore. He
has also been quite generally spoken of, meantime, for more prominent,
if not more important, official station. At the Republican Convention of
1869 ho was nominated for Lieutenant Governor, and was elected inNovem-
ber by a majority of about ten thousand votes. As a legislater he was
laborious, popular, influential; and as a presiding officer of the Senate,
he is impartial, dignified and efficient. He had not been long in the As-
sembly before he had shown an aptitude for legislative business, and
tact in bringing his views, and measures into favour, which gave him an ex-
tensive reputation. He was often spoken of by public journals of the
state, with hearty approvals and in connection with the highest office in
the Assembly ; but ho declined to be a candidate tlierofor. He devoted
■special attention to the subject of the free navigation of the rivers of Wis-
consin, by nature suitable for this purpose ; and is known as tlie cham-
pion of several notable successes in furtherance of his views. Mr. Pound
is also the author of a very able report, made to
JilOGKAPHY. 213
the Legislature several years ago agaiosfc tlie authority of individual
states to grant railway companies or others the franchise of bridging the
Mississippi River — a document whoso views have since been indorsed by
Congress. In politics, Grovcrnor Pound is a Republican of the most
radical 'type. He believes in the political equality of all men, and wouaen .
He is a pleasant speaker, and as a ccversatioualist has a sort of magnetic
power little less than fascinating. All who come in contact with him,
whether in business, tlie social circle, or in politics, acknowledge his kindly
and genial nature. That he has admirable abilities, is conclusively shown
by his sucecsa in extensive business, and in the high reputation which he
has won among the Citizens of his adopted State and of other States.
The History of Lieutenant 'Governor Pound is the highest tastiraony
that oould be borne to his character, as a man.
Ln the weakness of early iioyhood, he commenced the battle of life
and fought his way to manhood with heroic courage, unremitting perse-
verance, and consumate skill, and came out victorious. Governor Pound
now stands before the world, crowned with unfading laurels — a man of
much wealth, considerable influence, and a pjiblic benefactor, as an em-
ployer. He foi-ras a permanent Landmark, to which his descendants will
point with pride and pleasure, long after he quits this stage on which he
316W plays his part of the drama of human life.
Governor Faircliild fought his way up to the executive chair, which
he now occupies, and frora which ho watches, with parental solicitude, the
wants and wishes of the people, doing all in his power to remedy the one
and satisfy the other. Circumstances did not force him into the hard bat-
tle of life at an early age, but when his country required his services, he
voluntarily went to fight the enemies of the constitution, and the sketch
•of his life before published in this Work, v/ill shoA\' tlio part lie acted.
HENRY EAETZ.
State Treasurer Henry RaeLs, of Manitowoc, was born in Stockhausen,
Hesse Darmstadt, in (xermany, July 27, 1830 and came to this country
in December 1835, settling at Two-Kivers. In July 1S56 he removed to
Manitowoc and took a place as Clerk in the office of Register of Deeda
of Manitowoc coujity. He was elected Town Clerk of Manitowoc iu the
spring of 1857 and Register of Deeds for the County of Manitowoc in
1858 and re-elected in 1800; was Trustee, Supervisor of Manitowoc
for two years and Treasurer of the village of Manitowoc from April 1866
to 18G7. He was elected County Treasurer of the County of ?>ranitowoc
214 ]>IOGUAI'HY.
in 18GG and re-elected ill 1S6S ;'also President of the village of Mani-
towoc in 1H)7 and lb68.
Ho was a delegate to the Ilejjublican Nat. Convention at Chicago
ISOS and there supported the Nomination of Grant and Colfax for Presi-
dent and Vice President.
In the summer of 1S82 he entered the military service asCaptaiu in the
2Gth Wisconsin llegiment, and was promoted Major of said Regiment iu
March 1803. He was with his command in the battles of Chancellorville
and Crettysburgh, in the latter of which he received a gunshot wound in
the right Icic below the knee which disabled liim from further service, and
he accordingly resigned.
Was elected State Treasurer in 1809. The biography of Major Baetz
is brief, but full of events. His address, appearance, and gentlemanly
manners, wevo of themselves sufficient, in the lirst instance, to procure
him a position in a remote and secluded village, and his conduct in the dis-
charge of his official duties soon proved thnt he required no advantitious
aid to secure lus re-election in even the largest and most enlightened
town in which chance nsny place him.
GEOKGE PFISTEll AND FEED VOGEJ.,
formerly comprising the firm Pfister & Co., are both natives of Germany,
and after arriving in this country, first commenced business at Buffalo,
State of New York, from which they removed to Milwaukee in 1847,
where they engaged iu tlie leather business, and commenced, at the same
time, to build a tannery on the Mcnoniouee River. Their success in ti-ade
was so rapid as to oblige them to enlarge their ])uilding, from time to
time, so as to afford sufficient accommodation for their increasing business.
In 1865, they built a largo brick currj^ shop, 200 feet long, 40 feet
wide, and three stories high. This building is finished in the most sub-
stantial manner ; is heated by steam , and furnished with all tlie nec-
essary machineiT and modern appliances required for currying and finish-
ing leather of every description, such as calfskin, kip, and upper leather,
to which sorts the firm pay particular attention. Tlie superior quality of
these articles has been the means of extending and enlarging their trade,
attracting new customers from every direction when the quality of their
goods became known.
In the addition to the above tannery, Messrs.Pfister and Vogel built
another tannery in 1802 at Two Creeks, Manitowoc county, chiefly for
tfce manufacture of sole leather, and having a capacity for tanning fronj
BfOciUAriiv. 2l5
50 to 55000 hides in a year. The above tiriii dcssolved partnership at
the end of the year 186G, ^Ir. Vogel retiring by reason u.f ill health, and
Mr. Pfister continuing to carry on the business alone, till 18G9, when Mr.
Vogel again took charge of the Two Creeks tannery on his own account.
The skill and straight forward conduct of Mr. Pfister as a man of
business, have gained for liii)i a large independence - the reward of knowl-
edge and integrity.
JOHN A. BAKER
was born in Stephenson County, Illinois, March 2.'jth, 1?^G!). He received
an academic education and entei>ed Lavy'rence University in 1860, but
abandoned it to go into the military service in 1861. He enlisted as a
private soldier in Co. B. 1st Wis., Cavalry, in August 1S61, and served
as such with liis regiment in Missouri until the spring of 1863, when he
was appointed Corporal, and soon after Q. M. Sergeant, during which the
regiment was eu£jas;edin fi^htins' Guerillas and Bushwhackers. In June 1863
the regiment was sent to Tennessee and joined the army of the Cumberland
in time to move out withRosencranz from Mumfreesboro, and took an active
part in that campaign, being engaged in the battles of Chickamauga,
Chattanooga and many others. During the fall that year the regiment
was sent into East Tennessee, and saw much severe service during the
winter iinder Burnside, Foster and Granger. He' was appointed Sergeant
IMajor of his regiment in February 1864, and was with Sherman's army,
(which the regiment joined about the 1st May 1864,) and participated in
all the battles of the campaign which resulted in the capture of Atlanta,
when the regiment was sent with Gen. Thouias back to Nashville to look
after Hood : and althougli not ensfaeed in the last battle of Nashvillo,.
the regiment was fighting a raiding party hi Kentucky the same days.
He was appointed first Lieutenant of Co. I., April 13th 1864, and Capt.
of Co. D., January 25th 1SG5, and was with his regiment all the time
after enlisting until mustered out o[ the service, which was in March 1865,
having served 3 years and seven months.
After his return from the arm}^ he engaged in the lumber business on
the Wisconsin Eiver for two year.<, daring which time he improved all
the time he could spare in the study of law. At the end of this time he
entered the office of J. D. Raymond at Plover, ]'ortageCo.,\\'is , where he
remained during the summer, when he went to Albany, New York, for
the purpose of attending the law schod; graduating in ]\[ay 1868, and
was admitted to practice it all the Courts of that State. He tlion came
21b IJioGrvAi'ii V.
to Waupuii Fond du Lac Co., Wis., and began the practice of law, as-
sociating himself witli II. E. Connit of that place, and their firm has the
principal legal business in that section of the County. He is also Member
of the Wis. State Legislature and is Chairman of the Committee on In-
corporations ill the Assembly.
J. B. SELBY', .lu.v.,
was born at Pultneyville, N. Y., October 2Gth, 18-1, and studied medicine
at Willoughby College, Ohio, and graduated at the Now York City Uni-
versity in xVpril lS-42. lie practiced his profession until 18G0 in the city
of Milwaukee. On the breaking out of the war he M-as appointed by
President Lincoln United States Pension Agent at Milwaukee, and con-
tinued to discharge the duties of that officiC until he was removed by Presi-
dent Johnson ia July, 18GG, since wliich time he has been engaged in the
sale of agricultural implements, as a partner in the firm of L. J. Bush &
Co. Pr. Selby has acted in several capacities since th.e biographer has
been in 3Iilwaukee, and it is but doing common justice to him, to state,
that in every position he has occupied, he was uniformly found strictly cor-
rect, amply capable, truly obliging, and gentlemanly.
^^^ a. >\'EBBEr
wakborn in Batayia, State of New York, Jan. 20th, 1818; was educated
in Batavia, and came to Milwaukee on the 11th day of April 1836. Oa
his arrival at Milwaukee he opened a hotel, called the Washington House,
made and put up the first billiard tal)lo in 183G; and<;ontinuesin the same
business still.
He kept a grocery for souio time, and built tlivi soeond frame
building of any sizo in Milwaukee. He traded a good deal with the Ind-
ians, and always made it his study to treat them with great kindness. He
saw Milwaukee in its infancy, and as an old settler must have suffered his
share of the hardships incident to a pioneer's life. Mr. Webber, by close
attention to business, has accumulated a handsome competency in real es-
tate.
. FIIEDERICK WAllDNEll
left Woodstock, Vermont, on the Gth day of October, 183G, and arrived
atMilwaukee November 10th, 183G; was engaged in mercantile business
for many years, and once occupied tlie positions of Alderman and City
ihor.iiAi'UY. 217
Comptroller. Mr. Wardner, as an old settler, must have enjoyed his share
of the discomforts of a pioneer's life; he has seen Milwaukee in its infancy,
discharged his duty as a citizen, with strict propriety, and now enjoys the
fruits of honest industry.
GEORGE BllEiMEK
was horn July Ulst J 834, in Eauffshire, Scotland; iniigrated to Amerioa
in 1845; lived in llacine County for seventqen years, and is »ow living in
the village of Union Grove. He served three years apprenticeship in the
employ of Mr. Thomas Graham of Donn, Racine County, carpenter and
joiner, and has carri-^d on business on his own account, since the end of
his apprenticeship in 1867. Among the buildings he erected are St. Ma-
ry's church, at Donn, which gave good satisfaction; built a steam flouring
mill at Union Grove for Jones and Robertson, which runs four runs of
burr8; built 1st Universalist Church, at Rochester; and built a dwelling
house for the Rev. James Jones of Union Grove, at §5000. The subject
of this sketch received a common school education, attending only eight
months in three successive winters and left when 14 years old. He always
refused office of any kind, but was put up last fall by the people, as an
ndependent candidate for Member of the Assembly, and was elected with-
out opposition. Mr Bremer has the reputation of being an excellent
mechanic, and may be relied on to perform what he promises, according to
his contract.
(lEORGE H. FOLDS
was born in the city of Dublin, Ireland, in 1837; educated in the 6am«
city; came to America in 1848; and is now doing business, as a partner,
in the firm known as McKey Bros. & G. H. Folds.
The bare mention o£-the names McKey Brothers, is sufficient to stamp
a degree of respectability on any house of business with which they arc
connected, known, as they are, to be among the most successnil merchants
in the country. Their business, consisting of staple and fancy Dry Goods,
French millinery, furs, carpets, oil cloth, &c., is conducted by George H.
Folds, one of the partners, son of the late Georgo Folds, formerly'of Dub-
lin, a first class printer and a respectable citizen, well known to the bio -
o-rapher, as liaving printed four different scientific works written by him,
amons which were a treatise on Mensuration, aud am^ther on Arithmetic,
218 mOGKAI'UT.
both for the use of the Irish national schools, the former l)aving a larger
circulation than any -work on the same subject extant. As an appology
for authors who are often censured •without sufficient cause, the
author takes leave to mention an incident proving the fact, which liowcver
is, by no means, connected with the subject of the sketch. The London
Quarterly Review was in the habit of receiving the works written for the
use of the Irish national schools, and the editor, after having given his
opinion of some book written by the biographer, begins to review the
arithmetic, by saying: "Though this work is one of the best of the class
to which it belongs, jet we have great reason to disapprove of the conduct
of the author, as it seems to be taken, verbatum, without any acknowl-
edgement, from a work entitled Gregory's Philosophy and Practice of
arithmetic, infinitely thebestwork on the subject in the English language."
The editor of tlie Quarterly was not aware tliat the author of Gregory's
philosopliies of arithmetic was also the writer of the arithmetic fortheuse
of the Irish national schools, no name being subscribed to tlie books writ-
ten for the use of the schools.
GEORGE GREGORY,
I
the late GeorgeGrcgory, Civil Engineer was born in the town of ^Yc5ford,
Ireland, November 1828 and died suddenly at Rrownsville. jMinncsota in
November 1SG2.
It is a duty the writer owes to the memory of that gentleman, to
state that he possessed rare qualities of head and heart, which never failed
to make him many friends, and but few enemies. Though his life was-
short, having been only thirty-eigbt years of age at his death, he has left
many lasting memorials of his professional skill. Fev/ young men of his
day had equal opportunities of acquiring a knowledge of those brancbcs-
of science, literature, and art, so essentially necessary to the attainment
of eminence in the engineering profession as the subject of this sketch. He
was educated in one of the best schools in Ireland, and was always assisted
in liis studies by some of the highest talent which Trinity College, Dub-
lin, could afford, or afRuence could command. AtAthe age of fourteen he
had gone through the course of matlicmatical science, was a good classical
scholar, and understood some of the modern languages, then most in use»
Shortly after this ho commenced the practice of engineering under his
father, John Gregory, Esq., which considerably checked further progress in
theoretical knowledge. The first effort of his professional genius was
dLsplayod in a trigonometrical survey and disminished map of Lough
r.iOGHAriiY. 21&
Neagh, in Ireland, with such portions of its five surrounding counties as
the laws uf England required, preparatory to its drainage. This map,
and all the plans and sections connected with the drainage, then considered-
the most gigantic engineering undertaken iu Europe, of which his father
was Engineer-in-Chief, raised the reputation of young Gregory in his pro-
fession, to which he added fresh laurels by his trigonometrical survey and
map of tlie Phoenix (Queen's) Park, near Dublin, under his father's di-
rections. At an early age he headed a party of surveyers, employed by
liis father to make survey of part of the county of Gornwell, in England,
according to the conditions of a contract previously entered into the proper
department. In this capacity he acc|uitted himself creditably, consider-
ing the accuracy required in that department of the public service. Shortly
after this, he engaged, as assistant, with Sir John ?Iacneal, a gentleman
of European celebrit}^ aud while with him, assisted in the survey and con-
struction of several railroads, bridges, viaducts, &c. Previously to this
engagement he completed a map and survey of the site of the present
Holyhead Harbor, and of that portion of tlie St. George's channel extend-
ing from thence to Kingston Harbor, near Dublin. This map accom-
panied the report of John Gregory to the Chancellor of the Exchequer of
the day, urging the eligibility of the present site. In this connection it
is but justice to state that George Gregory was partly guided by the ad-
vice and suggestions of his sister's husbatd, Capt. Jenkins of the -Koyal;
Navy, then commanding a steamer that carried tlie mad on that route for
(he Post Office Department. Captain Jenkins is well known to the Mari-
time World from his connection with the "Chart aud Survey of payt of
the South American Coast, by Lord De Koso and Jenkins. "
The part taken by young Gregory iu tliese aud other minor public
works maybe seen in his father's published works on Trigonom.etrical Sur-
veying and Engineering. His reputation for expertness and accuracy in
the field, and general knowledge of oflico business obtaincdfor him the pro-
fessorship of practical engineering in the "College of the Civil Engineering,
]\tining, and Agriculture in Ireland," of which his father was then Presi*
dent. In compliance with an application to the Governmeiit liy Mi*
Gregory, sr., George was appointed Government Engineer, and was forth-
with directed to take charge of one of the districts into which Ireland had
been divided, pursuant to an act of Parliament, passed for the general
drainage of tlie country. The next duty assigned to him by tlie Commi.s-
sioners of Public Works was the construction of Harbors of Ptcfuge on the
Coast of Galway, where he lost his wife — a }0ung lady of high accom-
plishments, and connected with some of the first families in the country^
'J.20 UIUIiKAl'lIY.
including )i;any ui the nobility, with whom he received u gooil fortune.
This bereavetneiit, hightencd by the death of his mother and two sist-
.crs, which took place soon after, and to whom he was ardently at-
tached, pressed so heavily on his mind that he was induced to resign
his appointment and join his father in Milwaukee, where, and after-
wards at LaCrosso.he got the appoiu-tment of city surveyor. He was em"
ployed on the La Crosse llailfoad for a short time, and constructed a
mammoth sectional map of Vvisconsin for his father for publication,
which was a master-piece of artistic talent. This map was printed, but
has never bec?i offered for sale in consequence of a difficulty between
Mr. G-rogory, sr., and tlio ]lublisher^;.
The electors of the congressional district in which he lived proposed
10 send him to Congress, free of expense, but before accepting of tho
; honor intended to bo conferred on him by his friends, he sounded lii-s
father with a view to ascertain how tho old gentleman felt disposed to
■supply means to meet the expenses incident to Washington life, and his
father, knowing his estravagant habits, advised him by all means to mind
his profession, and keep clear of politics.
George Gregory was twice elected County Surveyor of Houston Couu-
■ty, Minnesota, where he died, much regretted by those who enjoyed his
acquaintance. Ue was naturally extravagant. His social habits, kindly
disposition, mild and unassuming manner, and gentlemanly bearing made
liim a universal favorite in every societ}^ in which be mixed. If he had
faults, and few are exempt, tliey only affected himself.
THE NEW STOCK YAllDS.
A mucli needed improvement has been made during the pa.st year
by the Milwaukee & St. Paul Railway Company, in constructing new and
complete stockyards at a point accessible to all the railroads entering the
city. The new yards are located upon the south side of the Menomonee
fiats, about one mile west of tlie Union Depot, at a point where all the
railroads entering the city from the west unite. \ The facilities for receiv-
ing, shipping and yarding stock here are very good, and will bo increased
from time to time to any extent required, as the railroad company own a
large tract of laud adjoining the present yards. Already it is found that
more room is wanted, and important extentions of the pens will be made
in coming spring. The present area covered by that portion of the yards
4hat is comj)lcted is between four and five acres. Tho pens (completed
Industkial IvEsouKCfis ov AViscox.siN. :221"
aad underway) will hold two tliousand head of cattle or about twenty
thousand hogs. Fourteen cars can he unloaded or loaded at the same
time. At the old yards hut one car at a time could unload. Two wide
passages or streets extend the whole length of the yaids, nitersected by
shorter avenues, dividing the pens into sections which are designated as
"Section A," "Section B," and so on. The pens, of which 62 are now
in use, are numbered in regular order, and jthe number of each CQnspicu-
ously inscribed upon its entrance. The arrangements for weighing, wat-
ering and feeding stock are very complete. The yards are supplied with
an abundance of pure water from a large reservoir on an adjacent eminence
which is fed from the Menomoneo River, by means of a pump worked by
a windmill.
One of the canals in process of being dugout through the 3Ienomoaee-
bottoui reaches these yards, so that stock can be shipped cither by rail or
by water with equal convenience. The company are constructing a broad
planked avenue parallel with the line of the railroad track leading from the
yards to the slaughter houses, about half a mile distant. These yards, so>
perfect in all their arrangements, have been constructed with great econ-
omy, the whole expense of the Vv'ork thus far done amountinsr to only
^28,000.
By an arrangement between the railway comj)anies, Jive stock may
now be shipped from any point on the Chicago and Northwestern Rail-
way to this market, and if not sold here may be re-shipped to Chicago with-
out any additional expense. Parties shipping live stock frosn any points
west or north of this city to Chicago have the privilege of unloading,,
feeding and resting here with no additional expense except ft-r fodder con-
siimed.
This liberal and judicious arrangement on the part of the Milwaukee
and St. Paul Railway Company will not only prove a great eonvenienee to
shippers of live stock, but also a decided advantage to the packers and
stock dealers of this city.
Mr. E- W. Edgerton, Superintendent of the New Stock Yards,
reports receipts from the date the 3-ards were opened, October 26th, to
the 31st of December, of 4,125 head of cattle, 47,981 hogs, and 1,677
sheep.
FOUR AND aRAIN.
The following statement showing the total Movement of Flour and
Grain at Milwaukee, in 1869, is taken from tne 12th Annual Statement
of the trade and commerce of Milwaiikee, for the year ending December
31. 1869, as reported by Wm. G. Longson Esq., Secretary of the Cham-
ber of Commerce :
•OOO ' InDU.-STUIAL llK.SOritCKrt
IIECEIPTS.
SouncKs OF Suri'LY.
P. du C. Div. Mil. & St. P. R'y. Flour bbls. 150,(595. Wheat
'busli. 7,533,414. Oats busli. 409,410. Corn busli .38,356. Eye busli.
60,072. Barley bush. G0,057.
La C. Div. Mil. &c St. P. ll'y. Flour bbls. 422,710. Wheat bush.
6,635,C0S. Oats bush. 22,911. Com bush. 3,972. Rye bush 41,220.
Barley bush. 98,575.
Northern Div. Mil. & St. P. ll'y. Flour bis. 135,218. Wheat
^ush. 1,995,061. Oats bush. 3,132. Corn bush Eye bush. 38,-
■064. Barley basii. 29,793.
Western Union E. 11. Mil. Div. C & N. W. Ey. Flour bbls. 12,-
211. Wheat bush. 562,651. Oats bush. 287.246. Corn busb. 377,-
156. Eye bush. .59,420. Barley bush. 33,527.
By Lake, Flour bbls. 16.148. Wheat bush. 483,80a. Oats bush.
-250. Corn bush. 68,071. Eye bush. 5,028. Barley bush. 30,547.
By Teams, Flour bbls. 70,781. Wheat bush. 534,094.
Total Eeceipt.s. Flour bbls. 807,763. Wheat bush. .17,745,238.
Oats bush. 722,949. Corn bush. 487,564. Eye bush. 203,804 Bar-
ley bush. 247,499.
In Store, Jan. 1st, 1S69. Flour bbls. 27,702. Wheat bush. 617,-
761. Oats bush. 65,056. Corn bush. 5.668. Eyu bush. 16,656.
Barley bush. 1,698.
Flour ground in City. Flour bbls. 481,611.
Flour bbls. Total 1,316,976. Wheat bush. Total 18,362,999. Oata
bush. Total 788,005. Corn bush. Total 493,232. Eyo bush. Total 220,-
460. Barley bush. Total 2 49,197
SHIPMENTS.
DlREOTIOXS OF SlIIPMKNTS.
By C. & N. W. E'y. Flour bbls. 340,493. Wheat bush. 312,515.
Oats, bush. 10,490. Corn 1)ush. 2,106. Rye bush. 97,055. Barley
bush. 72,761.
ByD. & Mil. E'y. Flour, bbls. 188,864. Wheat, busli. 19,536.
Oats bush. 29,350. Corn bu.sh. 42,579. Eye bush. 875. ' Barley bush.
1,514.
OF Wisconsin. 22S
ToBufialo, by Lake. Flour bbls 459,353. Wheat bush. 7,595.-
935. Oats bush. 209,507. Corn bush. 1,837. Eye hush. 22,277.
Barley hush. 500.
To Oswego by Lake. Wheat bush. 3, i37,77C.
To Ogdenshurg, by Lake. Flour bbls. 69,922. Wheat hnsli. 524,-
532. Oats l)ush. 29,600. Coru bush. 5.025.
To Port Huron, by Lake Flour bbls. 77,559. Wheat bush. 6,500.
Oats bush. 6,670
To Kingston, by Lake. Wheat bash. 1,640,312,
To St. Catharmcs, by Lake. Wheat bush. 431,387.
To Montreal, by Lake. Flour bbls. 4,813. Wheat bush. 80,400.
To Erie, by Lake. Flour bbls. 28,580. Wheat bush. 130,690.
To Cleveland, by Lake. Wheat bush. 76,748.
T'o Cape Vincent, by Lake. Wheat bush. 197, 9S7.
To Dunkirk, by Lake. Wheat bush. 27,000.
To Toledo, by Lake. Wheat bush. 13,000.
To Thorold, by Lake. Wheat bush. 53,310.
To Saginaw, by Luke. Flour bbls. 1,168.
To Lake Superior Ports. Flour bbls, 4,634. Oats bush. 23.665.
Corn bush. 15,335. Barley bush. 1,190.
. To East Shore L. Michigan. Flour bbls. 16,428. Oats bush 46,-
1.52. Corn bush. 17,053. Barley bush. 75.
To W^cst Shore L. Michigan. Flour bbls. 1,211. Oats bush. 6,384.
Corn bush. 9,871. Barley bush. 570.
To Chicago, by Lake. Flour bbls. 27,033. Wheat bush. 25.171.
Piye bush. 455. Barley bush. 1,425.
Total Shipments. Flour bbls. 1,220,058. Wheat bush 14,272,799.
Oats bush. 351,768. Corn bush. 93,806. Eye bush. 120,662. Barley
bush. 78,035.
Li Store at close of year. Flour bbls. 14,630. Wheat bush. 1,682,-
645. Oats bush. 24,010. Corn bush. 4,527. Eye bush. 10,790.
Barley bush. 21,850.
Local Trade and Milling. Flour bbls. 82,288. Wheat bush. 2,407,-
555. Oatsbush. 411,727. " Corn bush. 394,899. Eye bush. 83,008.
Barley bush. 149,312.
Flour bbls. Total 1,316,976. Wheat bush. Total 18,362,999. Gate
bush. Total 788,005, Corn bush. Total 493,232. Eye hmh. Total
220,460. Barley bush. Total 249,197.
224 Industkiai, Kksources
FLOUR.
Tlie amount of fiour handled in this city inl8G9was considerably
larger than at any former year, while the arliclo itself proved less rcnum-
erativc than usual to Loth millers and dealers.
STATEMKNNT
Of the total Movement of Flour in 18G9V
Received by llailroad barrels 720,884
'• Lake " 16,l4S
" Teams '• 70,781
Total receipts, " 807,763
Manufactured in the city " . . . ; 481,511
In store at beginning of year, " 27, 702
1,31G,97G
Shipped, barrels, ] ,220.058
In store at close of the year " 14,G30
Unaccounted for, local trade •' 82,288
1.316,1)70
The flour leceived by teams came from the following point.«:
Ccdarburir, barrels 26,417
Thienville. " 24,000
Newbur.^, " 11,000
Grafton," " 4,261
East Troy, " 1,700
Wauwatosa, " 1,200
Waterford, " 90a
Other places " 1,300
Totall869 " 70,781
«' 1868 " 50,636
" 1867 " 25,021
WHEAT.
The receipts of wheat at Milwaukee iu 1869, were tlie largest in the
history of the city, amounting to 17,745,237 bushels, against 12,761,648
ia 1868, an increase of 4,983,589 bushels. These figures, it should be
Tinderstood, do not include flour The shipments amounted to 14,272,790
bushels, against 9,878,099 bushels in the previous year, an increase of
4,894,700 bushels. The following statement will show, at a glance, the
otal movement of this great cereal at Milwaukee for the year :
Industuial Resources
o'2r-i
STATEMENT
Showing tJie Total Moceinent of WhcaUit Milwaukee in 1869:
Receints bv Railroad, Ikishcis 10,727,334
i\ ."I T 1- " ~ 483 80<)
'• -'Teams " 534,094
Total receipts •' ; ^"'I^^??''
In store at becriiiuin of the year, Bushels 017,761
18,362,999
Shipped by Lako, IJashels 13,040,748
•' '-Railroad •' 332,051
Total shipments. " 14,272,799
Ground by City mills, " 2,407,555
In store at the close of lihe year, Bushels 1,682,645
-iS,362,999
Of the receipts during the past year 8,054,902 bushels belonged to
thtj- crop of 1868, and 9,obo,336 bushels to that of 1869, that is far the
year ending August 31, 1869, were 10,750,596 bushels, of which 722,500
bushels were brought in by teams. The following table will show (ap-
proximately) the movement of the last eleven crops, being a statement
of the receipts at this city from one harvest to another, exclusive of the
deliveries by teams :
CROP MOVEMENT.
Rec'b Sept. 1 to Dec. 31. i Kec'd Jan. 1 to Aug. 31. I Total Receipts from
1858, bushels.
1859, "
1860,
1861,
1862,
1863, "
1864,
1865, '•
1866,
1867, ••
1868, '■
1869, '•
...1,621,801 1859, buBhek
..3,794,819 1860,
, ..&.841.70211861, "
, ..7,816.34lllS62, "
, ..6,192,845J1863,
..7,061,880 1864, ''
..2.049,048 1865,
. .6;927,520jl866,
..6,340,055 1867,
..8,780,435!l868, •'
..7,629,714 1869,
..8,811,561!
.1,185,867'Orop
.2,443,010
.6,394,111
8,471,114
.6,109.877
.7,036.810
.4,424,777
.6,258,946
.2,846,765
.4,380,718
.8,398,582
of 1858,.
' 1859,.
' 1860,.
' 1861,.
' 1862..
' 1863^.
' 1864,
' 1865,.
' 1866,.
' 1857,.
' 1868,.
. . 2,807,668
, . . 6.242,825
. 12;735,813
. 16,287,465
. 12,303,822
. 14,098.694
. 6,473,785
. 13,181,456
. 9,086,819
. 13 161,153
16,028,-296
In addition to the above receipts from the crop of 1868, 722,500
bushels were brought in by teams, viz, : 406,200 bushels between Sept.
1. and Dec. 31. 1808, and 256,320 bushels between Jan. 1. and Aug. 31.
1869. The receipts of flour ly ^^cfms during the same period were equival-
ent to 321,780 bushels wheat, if we add these amounts to the receipts by
railroad and Lake, and include the total receipts oijlour reduced to bush-
els, we shall have a grand total of 21,091,861 bushels of wheat received at
Milwaukee from tho crop of 1868. ExclusiTO of deliveries by teams, the
receipts of wheat and flour from eleven crops arc equivalent to the folio
22G
OF WISCONSIN.
From Crop of 1862, bushels.
'■ '• 1861, " .
" " I860, '• .
" " 1869, •'
" " 1858, •• .
14,37i'5.982
19,124,145
14,927,448
2,623,220
8,568,593
ing amounts in bushels:
From Crop of 1868, bushels. . 20,050,581
'■ ■■ 1867, ' .. 15,796,968
• •' 1SC6. " .. 11,197,591
■ IPC.-., •' .. 15,391,915
■ ISiil, '■ .. 7,821,770
" " '• 18S3, •' . . 16,0.''6,765
It will be seen that we have already, up to December 81. received
from the last crop 8,811,461 bushels in the corresponding period of 1868.
As to the extent of the crop, the reports to the Department of Agricult-
ure show a slight increase of yield in Wisconsin and Iowa, and 8.75 bush,
per acre in Minnesota.
OATS.
The roccipts of oats at thi^ market in 18C9 were light, amounting to
only 722,940 bushels, a decrease of 271,799 bushels compared with the
preceding year. Of the amount received, together with the stock on hand
at the beginning of the year, 411,727 bushels were absorbed by the local
trade of the city, 247,267 bushels were shipped to eastern markets, 75,502
bushels to Michigan, and 28,999 bushels to lumber and mining districts
on the west shore of Lake Michigan and Lake Superior, 24,510 bushels
remaininiy in store at the close of the year.
It has lieen the general impression that the last crop of oats yielded
a large product, but it seems tliat the prices prevailing have not been suf-
ficiently remunerative to induce farmers to sell freely. The deliveries at
Chicago fall below the receipts of 1S68 about five and a half million imsh-
els. As the renort.-i of the Agricultural Department indicate an increase
in yield of 25 por cent, in Wisconsin and Minnesota, and 10 per cent in
Illinois and Iowa, compared with the previous crop, it follows that th«re
must be a large surplus still to come forward.
STATEMENT.
Shourini/ the Movement of Oats at Milwaukee in 1869.
RECEIPTS.
XTAVTTTS I'.PUO.DlY.
MONTH?. ^.i.'t.P.Ky.
I.. C. iiiv.
M.&:5t.r.Ky.
M.A.,St.l'.ily.
W. U.-510X *
C.*N.W.Ky.
'^--- 1 "r?s^
1
19 (MO
19 240
26 U<)
28 2ifl
97 114
.".0 206
32 ."^lo
14 048
53 0!)7
3'.) 0S9
10 753
15 So-j
640
1 .5->7
.-585
1 •:bo
:> iG.s
70
12 2H
evo
■(iO
.=.12
2^
1 019
1 0.'12
1 OS I
IT .032
Vi 47.")
8 185
4 2fi0
19 880
7f>4
3S 131
40 313
32 Hi
117 740
5i 1%-,
February
Maj-oh
MKy
19 490
40 07.)
August
September
in 94'
r.3 i-i6
.">; 4f)fi
45 ZSfy
27 2.-a
V50
43 4Q2
.:::;;■:::::
107 833
02 n.).'i
XovemUer
fte 601
4(j 180
Totals
40a 410
■^■1 9)1
3 l.<52
287 240 1 2.i0 i 722 949
In store at the
beginning of
i
0.=) O.Vi
788 0.1?
Industuial Eesouhces
007
RECEIPTS AND SHIPMENTS OF BEANS IN 18G0.
There were 9,923 Bushels of Beans received at Milwaukee in 1869
It}' Ptailroad and 9,023 Bushels shipped.
PEAS.
There were 2(3,945 Bushels shipped from Milwaukee in 1869 against
16,136 Bushels in the privious year. The supply was chiefly from the
reo-ions north of the City, along the west ehorc, the receipts from
this source amounting to 24,438.
POTATOES.
19,226 Bushels of Petatoes vrere received at Milwaukee in 1S69 and
8,154 Bushels shipped.
CRANBERRIES.
Received at Milwaukee in 1SG9 7.763 Bushels, and shipped 4.4G4
Bushels.
WEIGHTS AND MEASURES.
TABLE
Of WnighU and Jlewures as Estahlished hy Law in Wisconsin and
Illinois.
Vv'heat. per bushel .... 60 lbs.
Corn, Shelled, ^^ ....56 ^^
Corn, in ear, ^^ .... 70 ^^
Oats, 32
%^' .. ••••5S ,,
Barley, ^^ ... .48 ^^
White Beans, \^ 60 ^^
Castor ^^ ,^ ....46 ^^
Timothy Seed, ^^ . "^'^ ^^
Clover Seed, ^^ ....GO ^^
Flax ,^ ,, ... 50,^
Hungary G-rass Seed, ^^ ....48 ^^
Potatoes, .... 60
' it. a
Sweet Potatoes, ^^ ... .55
Buckwheat, ^, . 42
Dried Apples, ^^ ... .28 ^
Dried Peaches, per bushel...,. 28 lbs
Turnips,
Onions,
Top Onions,
Peas,
Corn Meal,
Bran,
Malt, ;;
Charcoal,
Coke,
Coarse Salt,
Fine,
..55
...57
...28
...60
.. .48
...'JO
... 34
...22
...40
...50
...55
Beefand Pork per bbl. net,... 200
Flour, ^^ ^^ ...196
Y/hitefisb, ...200
- WEIGHTS AND MEASURES-
In England, Scotland, and Ireland, the diversity of Weights and
Measures in different parts of the same country, is the cause of great ^in-
convenienoe and trouble. In one town or small district in Ireland, a peck
of potatoes may be 21 pounds, in the next town or distriot, the weight of
a peck of potatoes may be quite different. In other kinds of provisions
the same diversity exists. A uniformity of weights ^'lnd measures ougbt
to be adopted in every country.
22^ ■ OF Wi. W>x»^ \n>« t>f th* s^t^^j^* (vnx)u<«t)C«» f ihc" Y*1«*W*u h*tf th« j% xNoft I'^Hftem^l s^t t)\w oitj i« 19^^
Thie^ iit*l )i'*wij>t* v\f |pi§ m>w Wn> ^bimst ♦)»«» \>N*r w\^»t? 12,1?^^ tv^n*. <»«'
AYisssSvM.., ., , .,. , .;.„..,, ....>..,.. ;x>«?i
:i.9CU
v^lrt^^ • ••■:■-,.-.. , ■ -• ■ ^-v»
Inihi.^tiiiai, Ukmoijikjum tiBl
lly ifl'rvy'iwy^ to llm l)i«)//;rii,|iliy nt' ('•imryti Allmi of Uiin ii(». ('ii;.'u/.'cil in llii'.
liiiiUinr Irriiln in UiIh iioiiiiLry nr in ICiirojii'.
'I'lin r('cci|il,n III' liiili'ii ;it. tlTiM <'i(,y ill |Mil) ;iiii<.imri;il to lOV. 1-15, <»i'
wliicli 'J I ..'»()() wurt! Hlii|i|)i'l.Hi{0
llog.'i. 01' tin- r'ff'inptH, lY-.O^O wnvo. packi-d In-ri- and <).7I T) aliippcd
oa.stwai'd.
HKKK I'A(:kin(;.
Ucdf jiarlciid at Milwankoii in \WJ ainountod to .'iKCy cattle.
I-AKM KlHIf.
l*'i,Hli iiiHp(!('ti:(l Croiii January Int to Octolicr Irl \W.i :
WliitH liHJi hair h;irndri r),2l2, Tiont half ImutoIh 1,550, Whito CihIi
atid Trout, half liarrtdrt 141, Ilorrini; half liarrclM 75, SiMkiwit iirid IMck-
crnriialf liarrols ''^\ inakiii/!; a total of 7,04!) half 1);ut<;!h.
InHp(!(!fccd from Octohitr Int to Documlior .'Jlnt 5,000 inakin;/ the total
niiinhiT of half liiirri'lH iiiMpcidcd in I 800, 12,010.
(iKNKIIAI. MKJtClIANDlHi';.
TIh! a'ituul aiiioiint of general.
42
235
215
6
9
40
126
39G
1018
113
41
oo
20 1
196
Miles of Railways Operated
WEST WISCONSIN RY. From Tomah to Mcnomonee
St. PAUL & CHICAGO RY. ,, St. Paul to Red Wing
HASTINGS DAKOTA RY. ,, Hastings to Pairfild
MILWAUKEE & NORTHERN RY. Milwaukee CedarburgI
Total Miles Operated by M. & St. Paul Rv. Miles 1.214
WESTERN UNION RY. " ,, 208.4
SALUTA, ACKLY & DAKOTA KY. „ 20^
Dccember 31st 1870.
The presence of a rich man iu a district or state is a great blessing,
especially if he is guided by the moral that wealth has its duties as well
as its rights. One such man can advauce the social as well as the mater-
ial interests of his neighbors more effectually than hundred whose aggregate
wealth equals his, notwitlistanding the tirade of tho thoughtless multitude
against the accumulation of wealth in the hands of individuals. This is
not the place to prove or discuss tliis subject. I did so many years ago.
The fact, however, may be aptly illustrated iu the ease of Hon. Alexander
3Iitcheil, whose individual exertion and personal intluenoe partly acquired
by reason of his great wealth, and his adherence to tho moral — that
wealth has It^ duties as well as its rights, have done more to open up the
avenues of transportation and iatsrcourso between distant points than
hundreds scattered through tlie 3t.^tc could have done, whose aggregate
wealth may equal his.
-24 Of Wisconsin.
CHAPTEli IX.
-K(|u;il, if not many degrees superior, in iiiiportance to our water
carriage, will be our rail roads, when complete. An inspection of the
map of Wisconsin will show, that when the roads now in progress, and
tliosc for which cliarters liave been obtained, shall liavc been in travelling
order, no State in the TJiiion can compete with this, as regards facilities
of internal intercourse. All we want in AYiseonsin is unanimity. By
co-operating in carrying out all such improvements as are calculated to
benefit the State generally.
The farmer of Wisconsin, like the merchant, makes his money, not
of v/hat he consumes, but of what he sells; aiid his profit depends consid-
erably on the facility of transporting his produce to the mark"et, and the
cost of doing so, it follows that nothing should be left undone, either on
the part of government or the people, to 0})cn up and extend the channels
of transmission, by which the farmer's interest Aviil bo promoted, trade
and commerce extended, the merchant's gain increased, and every class
through which the produce' passes, including the consumer, boneStted.
Where industry prevails, its moral as well as its phj'sical effect, soon man-
ifests itself, EmplojMnent provides competence, creates a desire to save,
and diminishes a desire for profligacy, dissipation, and feuds, political and
religious. AVhile the construction of rail roads and other avenues of
communication afford present employment, they become the source of
wealth to thousands, securing, when completed, to tlie working population
increased employment, by tlius extending the fields of industry, and hiving
the surest foundation on which to build tlie future prosperity and hap-
piness of the State. The mineral treasures now lying useless in many
parts of the State will become accessible, and its agricultural capabilities
fully developed.
The absence of lofty hills and dcop ravines, requiring cutting or
tunnelling, and expensive filling or viaducts, with a superabundance of
V('Ood for little or notliing, keeps down the expense of actual construction
in this country, as campared with the enormous cost of construction in
England or Ireland, where labor is so low. The great item of expense
in America is iron, which, in general, is imported from Great Britain.
This ia unpardonable in a country full of the finest iron ore in the world,
with abundance of fuel to fasliion it iato any shape that may be required-
When shall we see. the folly of sending so many railliona of dollars to Eng-
land every year to purchase railway iron when it can be manufactured
here to the highest perfection ? And instead of getting a good article from
England, she sends us the very dregs of her manufacture. Last year,
wo imported of rail road iron to the amount of more than ^8,000.000.
Imdusthial Resouuckj 235
Here it costs iiotliiug to procure u eharter fur a railroad — ia England or
Ireland it sometimes costs ^10,000 a mile ; hero it costs little to obtain
the riglit of way — in the old country it sonietimes costs thousands: in
this country, the engineering cspense is but a trifle — in the old country
it formes a most important item in the expcii.''c. In this country, th& first
outlay is kept as low us possible, consistent with the bare working capacity
of the road. In Wisconsin it will not often exceed ^*20,000 per mile.
When a rail road here earns the means of improving itself, the improve-
ment is effected — in the old country, the road is coustructed in the first
instance at a vast expense, but it is to last for ever. Most of the roads
here have only single tracks, to save expense. In a new countr}^ such as
this, without much capital, the plan we adopt is the wiser of the two, and
as economy is our guide, why send so much capital abroad when we have
the means of supplying ourselves at our doors. We could supply the
whole world with lead, yet we import of that article to the amount of one
million and a half of dollars.
Rail Road Accidenl ».
In connection with this subject, I might mention a few of the chief
causes that have led to the loss of life and property on our rail roads. In
the first place the want of proper fences gives free access to cattle, hogs,
and other animals by which life and propertj' are at all times exposed to
accidents, and frec|ueutly sacrificed. It is true that when a road runs
througb a wilderness, far removed from habitation of man, there is little
danger to be apprehended, and the expense of fencing may be considerable.
But though there may be an excuse for neglecting to fence such a road,
there can be none whatever for leaving a road, in the vicinity of a town,
or even of a locality but thinly inhabited, exposed to the intrution of man
or boast; as such exposure endangers the life, not only the of passengers,
but of the intruders themselves. Dangers arising from this cause ought
to bo strictly guarded against, by erecting proper fences. In the second
place, the use of flat iron rails has beoii the frequent cause of fatal acci-
dents ; and even rails of the best form,- when not properly fixed and of
sufficient weight and strength, have been often the cause of sad disasters,
Avhich a weightier article, firmly fixed, would have prevented. In the
third place, when th« railroad crosses a public or private road, on the same
level, danger is to be apprehended. lu the old country, no accident can
arise from this cause, as in all populous districts the roads are seldom al-
lowed to cross each other on the same level, and whenever they do, in
rural districts, the crossing is well guarded, so as to prevent the possibil-
ity of a collision.
Another cause, which has frequently lead to accidents, is the un-
pardonable neglect of a minute and thorough examination, by a competent
236 OF V,' I,. « This is one mile in*a minute, or 88
feet in a second. Now, if we* suppose the entire train to weigh 35 tone,
iNDU.STJilAL l^E^OCUCKi
~Ol
whic'a aro (.Mjual to 70,000 pounds, aad which, moving at the rate of 88
feet per second, gives a mouieiitum of G, 100,000^ pounds, movinf at the
rate of one foot per second ; and when two such locomotives meet, mov-
ing in opposite directions, the momentum will be twice as great, that is
12,320,000 pounds, moving at the rate of one foot per second of time.
The crash occasioned by snch a collision will juet bo ecjual to that nro-
du'-ed by CAl caun'iu balls, each LS 11)3., shot from a great gun, charged
with the usual quanity of guu-powder. If we suppose the velocity to be
only 30 miles an hour, which is not considered a high speed, and the train
to weigh TO tons, the effect produced by a collision with another of equal
weight would exactly be equal to the last. A collision of two, weitrhinf)-
140 tons each, and moving at the rate of 15 miles a'l hour, would be
equally disastrous, the momentum in each case being the same.
A STATj'JMEJYT of 'he pupulatiun of ihe liiafcof Wisconsin, by ton-ns.
Census for 1870.
ADAMS COUNTY. iCross
Adams
Big Flats
Pell Prairie
Easton..
Jackson
Leola
Lincoln
Monroe
New Chester
New Haven
Preston
Quincy
Richfield
Rome
Springvillc
Strong's Prairi(
White Creek
621
.435|Fountain City
89|Grilmantown
534jGleneoe
338iMaxville
4Sl!Milton
185>Modena
.433lMontana 508
417jNaple8 1,009
330 Nelson 1,291
894|Waumandee 1,138
1611
272 'Total 11,123
266| BARRON COUNTY.
r,q/:.iBarron. 528
1J43! BROWN COUNTY
5(jjHolland
■ •onHoward
'i;^^^: Humboldt
*^'0[Lawrcnce
•^34, Morrison
244 New Denmark
Pittsfield
Preble
Rockland..
Scott
Suamico
Wrightstown.
Total
278
1,155
730
759
1,166
Sib
6S8
1,104
754
1,SS5
1,073
1,446
25,180
CALMUET COUNTY.
822
Brillon
Total
554
1,382
875
358
Brothertown
Charlestown
Chilton
Harrison
New Holstein
206iBeIleview
JDepere, town
6,713' village
ASHLAND COUNTY, l!!'':^*' ^^P®^^
LaPointc ooi;Eaton
BAYFIELD COUNTY;^^^* ^^'^""■^' ^''iTov^";?^-.
"RoTrfiolfl ' ^'^A -^'-^'^'-'.btockbridge
Bayfield 3o4, 0,1 ^.,rd 742 Woodville
BUFFALO COUNTY.: 3d ward 207
Alma 484 4th ward 407| Total
village 565 Glenmore. 730
Belvidere 632 Green Bay town. . 1.073
Bufialo -459, city,5lstwardl'758
" City 268 " '2d ward 1,972
Canton 6481 3d ward 936
672
1,605
1.250
1,517
1,562
1,812
915
1,978
1,023
12,334
CHIPPEWA CO.
Anson 320
Bloomer 727
1^><
OK Wisconsin.
Chippewa Fa'ls 1st ward Scott,
040 Springvale
llnd Avard.
Eagle Point
Edsou
La Fayette.
Sigcl '
Wheat on.
bo-l I'riiurof-e 1 015
TOO Pleasant Springs 1,0G5
OiOIloxburv 1,307
1.1105 Kutland 1,130
S[)ringdalc 1,138
•2S,7C9:SpriDgfield 1.44S
CRAWFORD CO. ;Stou^iton, village 980
l,0G0We6t Point
>-51 Wvocena
:231
GST Total
12>
Total
CLARK COUNTY
'^' -I Clay ton
lEastman
1 _)•-,(• 'Sun Prairie, town 084
''-^'^^ •ii„_„ ana
!H
'reenu
aney
Eaton
Grrant
Lewis
Loyal
Lynn
Mentor
Pine Valley
Wcsto;;
Total.
315j Marietta
387|Prairie du Chicn
303Scott
039 Soneca
lOSiUnion
44l|Utica
OooiVrauzeka
500 1
i Total
.441'
I 2141 _ village
I'oYQJ Vienna
\f|Ql Verona
^r^l^lVermont
3,G0l!^X^s*I^°^'
801
1,233
340
L260
023
Windsor
York
Total
62 ()
1,177
1,124
1,244
1,5S0
1,256
1,0G0
53,100
12,117
DANir COUNTY. ,
COLUMBIA CO. \M]n<
Arlington.
Caledonia
Cambria, village
Culumbus, town
village
Courtland*
Dekora
Fall River
Fort AVinnebago,
Fountain Prairie
Hampden
].oeds
Lewistoii
Lodi
Lowville
Marcellon
Newport
Village of Kilbonrn City
1,114
Otsego
Pacific
Portage, 1st ward
-d ward
3d ward
4 th ward
5th ward
Randolph, town
village
823;Berry
l,181[Rlack Earth
502|Bioomin2 Grove
053iBiue Mounds
l,8S;"i:Bristol
058!Burke
i,207!Christiana
250 Cottage Grove
706: Cross Plains
l,028iDaae
l,002:Deerlield
1,101 Dunkirk
l,031',Dunn
l,565!Fitehburg
S80|Madison, town
920 1
588|
3d ward
4tli ward
l',719 Mazonianie, town
247 j village
GSSiMedina
710|Middleton
473'Middlelon
1.152| lage
965;Montrose
1.086 Oregon
61 Perrv
DODGE COUNTY.
Ashippun 1,623
Burnett 982
Beaver Dam, town 1,463
1,142 Beaver Dam, city, 1st
1,1 5C ward ' 537
06G 2d ward 836
1,010 3d ward 992
1,165 4th ward 899
l,275iCalamus 1,140
l,127Chester 866
1.342|Cljuian 1,526
955!Elba ,496
l,506lEramett 1,3T4
1,043 Fox Lake, town, 830
1,040 Fox Lake, village 1086
1,104 Hubbard 3,u08
l,172Horicon, village* 80
1,152 Hustisford 1,696
857 Herman 1,935
city 1st ward 3,963 Lebanon 1,622
2d ward 1.601 Leroy 1,576
•J,4l8Lomi'ra i,905
1,801 Lowcl 2,415
560 Oak Grove 1,724
1,144 JHineau village 300
1,526 Portland 1,286
1,539' Rubicon 1,995
Station vil-Shields 1,110
286Theresa 2,248
1.157 Trenton 1,735
1,408 Westford 1,341
l,05LWiIliamstown 2,305
Industrial Resoukces
239
Watcrtowu, city, 5th
ward ' :^li
6th ward l,o77
Wail pun, south ward
1,012
Total 47,140
DOOll COUNTY
Brussels ^ 406
Baiiej's Harbor 283
Clay Banks 319
Egg Harbor 159
Forestvillo 351
Gardner 404
Gibraltar 466
Jaeksonport 139
Liberty Grove 331
Nasewaupee 340
Sevastopol ' 326
Sturfreon Bay 661
Uuiou ' 294
Washington 384
Tutal 4,86t
DOUGLAS COUNTY.
Superior 1,132
DUNN COUNTY.
Colfax 233
Dunn 990
Eau Galle 978
Elk Mound 433
Grant 588
Lucus 317
Menonionee 2,212
New Haven 554
Peru 242
Red Cedar 649
Rock Creek 267
Sheridan 117
Sherman 305
Spring Brook 1,061
Weston 339
Taiater 206
Total 9,4^
EAU CLAIRE CO.
Augusta 765
Bridge Creek 777
Brunswick 576
Eau Claire 1,479
Lincoln 999
North Eau Claire 1,127
Oak Grove 896
Otter Creek 921
Pleasant Valley 349
Washington 527
West Eau Claire 2,458
Total 10,782
FOND DU LAC CO.
ilto . 1,450
AshforJ 1,801
Auburn 1,020
Byrou 1,441
Calumet 1,459
Eden 1,449
Eldorado l,f)74
Empire 1,055
Fond duLac town 1,271
Fond du Lae city 1st
Vard 3,028
2d M'ard 1,977
od ward 3.135
4th ward 3.014
5th ward I,6ll
Forest 1,417
Friendship 1,101
Lamartinc 1,366
Marsclitield, poll No. 1
1,594
Metomeji 1,899
Oakfield 1,'362
Osceola 1,209
Ripon, town 1,143
Ripon City— 1st ward
1,690
2d ward 1,287
Rosendale 1,298
Springrale 1,254
Taycheedah 1,520
Waupun, town 1,23
Waupun, city north ward
924
Blue River G60
Blooniington 880
Bloomington, village 365
Boscobel ^ 14 1
Boscobel, village 1,509
Cassvillo 767
Cassville, village 551
Clifton 1,97G
Ellei'.boro 803
Fennimoro 1,794
Glen Haven 1,0 i 4
Glen Haven, village 103
Harrison 1,045
Hazel Groen 1,438
Hazel Green villao-e 723
Total 46,292
GRANT COUNTY.
Bcetown, village 505
Beetown, town 1,115
Hickory Grove
907
Jamwtown
1,114
L'lnfa.-tcr
2,714
Li'oertv
907
Lima
1,085
Little Grant
813
Marion
675
Millville
223
Mount Hope
758
Muscoda
911
Paris
907
Pateli Grove
(>5I
Patch Grove, villace 177
Platteville,
1.146
Platteville,vill
age 2,537
Potosi
2,686
Snielzer
1,294
Waterloo
951
Watertown
580
Wingville
1.031
Vroodiaan
559
Wyalusing
Total
860
:w,975
GREEN CO
UNTY.
Adams
1,007
Albany
1,374
Brodhead, villa
g<-' 1,548
Brooklyn
■ 1,111
Cadiz
1.404
Clarno
1,637
Decatur
911
Exeter
949
Jeiterson
1,673
Jordan
1,082
24!)
Of Wisconsin
!,I2S
3,404
1,104,
Albion
Alma
1,2:50: Garden Valley
!,034:nixto)i
f'Ol 'Irving
l,088!Manehestcr
Melrose
23,609:Northfioia
IvIoBroe
Monroe, villagu
Mount Pleasant
New Glarus
Spring Grove
Sylvestor
Washington
York
Total
OREEN ].AKE CO.jSpnngfield
Berlin, town 1.024
eity 1 st \Yard 1 , 1 03
2d ward
3d ward
Brooklyn
Ureen Lake
Kingston, town
village
IMaekford
Nanchester
JACKSON COUNTY.
1,992
738
680
900
830
427
933
500
Total
/,/ i'-:
65"
984
1,339
•],|80
807
JEFIi'EESON CO.
1.25i
1,150
Markesan, villagef
Marquette
Princetoxi
village
St. Marie
Seneca
927
1,006
705
705
415
Aztalan
Gold Spring
1,252
142
1,027
2,417
1,373
1,779
2,234
2, 177
1,193
Lindina
Lisbon
N'ew Lisbon,
Lyndon
Marion
Mansion, village
Necedah
village
Orange
Plymoutii
Seven Milo Creek
Summit
Wonowoc
i,0G5
449
village
1,220
47 9
284
9 02
242
941
1>35
795
825
(OD
933
T6tal
13,287
IOWA COUNTY,
Arena
2,131
Avoca
4!8
Clyde
706
Dogeville, town
2,301
village
1,407
Higliland, town
2,534
village
482
Linden
2,054
Mifflin
J, 490
^lineral Point,
town
J, 550
city 1st ward 1,087
2d ward
1,589
Moscow
955
Pulaski
1,082
Ridgoway
2,495
Waldwiek
935
Wyoming
739
Concord
Fjfrmington
Hebron
Ixonia
Jefferson
Jefferson villag
Koshkonong
Yillaire of Fort Atkinson
2,009
Lake Mills, town 919
villao-e 59{
Milford ■ 1,009
Oakland 1,072
Palmyra, town 925
village 703
Sulivan 1,550
Sumner 468
Waterloo, town 1,091
village 727
Watertown, town 2,222
*city 1st ward 1,583
Total 12,396
KENOSHA COUNTY.
Brigliton
Bristol
Kenosha city
1,187
1,140
1 st ward
1,562
2nd ward
3d ward
4th ward
Paris
Pleasant Prairie
Randall
Salem
Somcrs
Wheatland
Total
1,001
944
801
1,016
1.377
533
1,386
1.359
871
13,177
KEWAUNEE Ca.
],544
Total
24,555
2d ward
3d ward
4th ward
7th ward
1,480
936
514
852
Total
34,050
JUNEAU COUNTY.
Armenia
Cloarlield
Fountain
Gennantown
Kildare
Lemonweir
253
203
f.99
595
585
99.5
Ahnepee
Carlton 1,185
Casco 794
*Coryville
Franklin 1,280
Kewaunee 1,840
Lincoln 680
Montpelier 877
Pierce J, 133
Red River 948
^ Total 10,281
LA CROSSE CO.
Barre 1,391
Bangor 1,1 5l
Burns 94l
Campbell 590
OF Wisconsin.
241
Farmington l.b'l'I
Greenfield 676
Holland Si 9
La Crosse, city,
Istward 2,2 d]
2d ward 1,462
3d ward 2,736
4th ward 1,297
North La Crosse,
village 1,494
Neshenoc 869
Onalaska 1,532
Shelby 654
Washington 870
Manitowoc Rapids l,S63|Grreeufield
Maple Grove l,15()lLake
1,179
1,303
1,724
459
Total" 20,295
LA FAYETTE CO.
Argyle
Belmont
Benton
Blanchard
Dalington, Tillage
and town 2,772
,Elk Grove 1,378
Fayette 1,192
Gratiot 1,718
Kendall 1,131
Monticello 480
New Diggings 1,794
Seymour 419
Shullsburg 2,70a
Wayne 1,056
White Oak Springs 540
Willow Springs 1,119
Wiota 1,700
Meeme
Mishicott
Newton
Rockland
Schleswig
Two Creek!
Two Rivers
Two Rivere, village
1st ward 843
2d ward 522
Total 33,*69
MARATHON CO.
Bereen
2,266
2,974
l,57y|Milwaukee, Town 3,096
1,651 city— 1st ward 8,006
1,992 2d ward 8,361
S89 3d ward 6,157
1,718 4th ward 7,640
472 5th ward 8,725
1,400 6th ward 7,376
7th ward 7,033
8th ward 6,624
9th ward 11, 539
Oak Creek 1,959
Wauwatosa 3,691
Berlin
Jenny
Kuowlton
Maine
3Iarathon
Mosinee
Stettin
Texas-
Wausau
86
879!
Wein
Weston
Total
town
village
Total 89.936
MONROE COUNTY
^ISiAdriau
166|AngeIo
694;Clifton
S-i'^'Eaton
^34 Giendale
'^l-' Greenfield
^'■iJefterson
•i-iSiLa Fayette
l,349|Loou '
109'Lincoln
2G5iLittle Falls
lOakdale
Total 22,667
MANITOWOC CO.
5, 8 8.5 Portland
MARQUETTE CO. :Ridgeville
Cato
Centerville
Cooperstown
Eaton
Franklin
Gibson
Kossuth
Liberty
MarQitowoc, town
village
let ward
2d ward
3d ward
4th ward
Buffalo
Crystal Lake
Douglas
Harris
Mecan
Montello
Moundville
Neshkoro
Newton
Oxford
Packwaukee
Shields
Springfield
mstfield
1,669
1,650
1,567
1,468
1,597
1,638
2,187
1,43C
1,016
I Total
1,533 MILWAUKEE
955Franklia
l,54l|Granville
1,139
g24;Sheldon
ggQ Sparta
gIglSparta. village
4gg)Tomah
7]^2''-^^^^^^, village
334 Wellington
4Qg!WiIton
436'
608} Total 16.652
608j OCONTO COUNTY.
603
461
501
392
679
519
765
492
1,242
1,137
721
619
630
829
615
1,146
2,315
829
837
502
818
612|Gillett
j66iLittlo Suamico
-^-'^iMarinette
•534|Oconto
city east ward 7^7
1,012
896
268
542
1,334
623
8,05/ I ^gg^ ^^j.(J
CO. I south ward
2,092:Pensaukee
2,397iPeshtigo
(16)
777
1,750
'iU
I N IU> Ji'l' U 1 A L 1\ K .<(> nUCS ^
AV hit O.St own
18,07:J| villagv
WALWORTH CO. lottuwa
Now tJcriiii l.SlU'Suxvillc
Oounomowoo, town l,.'>"it Spiingwator
1. llU ^\':u•l•on
9±:\\\u\UmvA
7-1 f.
•il'.t)
IHVl
JBloomllold
Pavion
DoloYiUi, village
Dslpvan
Kasl Troy
Klkhoni
Genova, village
Gouovti
La Fay otto
La (uaiiijo
{.iiui
l.lij^rPowaiikoe
l,f>S3;Sunuuit
l.l>S8!Vw"iu>a
S'J 1 1 Wauko!«ba villajjo
11,
!)
1,431
1.207
1)98
1.0-12
ami ti
Total
WAl'PAOA 00.
1,033 Bear iVoolc
l,03l)|falo.lonia
S95il>aTton
1,180: WINNKHAtJO 00.
Algom.'i Sits
Hutto clos Morts,
j village
Ola V ten
3,8(
(^live:;>, ") Uudsou l,8li!| Oupotit
Kiehmor.d
8havoi\
Spritig Prairio
Sugar Oret»k
Troy
Wftiworth
Wlutowater
Total
l,t)l7|Fanuingtoii
l,SC).''v Fremont
1,210 Helv«tia
tnUlola
l,17(.i Larralioe
l,2i)4iLt»bani)n
4,200;Luia
iLittlo Wolf
*2^.0l)2iMattosou
WAS^WNGTON CO. Mukwa
ir>2Kuveka
Oi;i Moaasha
87;>| village
lAONoouah
731 J viliage
(laljNekiini
l48iNi
847
1.340
318
024
2.484
408
2,051
1.270
1,130
1.852
1,385
730
i^ildition
Barton
.Eriu
Fanniugton
Gorman town
Harttonl
Jackson
Kewasknni
Tolk
Richtielil
Trenton
Wajne
West lnM\il
village
Total
l,834:Now Loiulou.
1,370 village*
1.200il\o^alton"
l,884i8t. Lawrenee
1.054JSeauiiinaYia
2,(»85jUnion
1, 07 8j Waupaca
1 , 309 Woy jiu wega , tow n
2,2201 village
i.o.vi; ' -
1,711
050
15,583
W^M^f^HARACO.
2a ward
3d ward
-'(til wanl
r>th ward
l,OU);l»oygan
053ii\uslitonl
75i)|rtioa
l,007|Vinland
21 Ij Winchester
2,04ljWinneeonne.
482, village
701 Winneeoune
Wolf River
citv ,1st ward 2,717
2,501
3,4P3
2.770
1.132
844
Aurora
l,0l3jBloomtioia
Colonia
•-iS.005 n,i;ota
W A U Iv K 8 H A C . ; Poor tiwld
1.710
1,030
1.040
1.430
1.10!>
830
505
Total 37.325
067 W00"1> COHNTV.
l,123lCentralia 803
310;GrandRapids. village 540
4771 citv. Ist wanl 337
l^ri'oktield
Dolotieia
Eaglo
Gouossee
Lieib on
Mononionee
Morton
Miikwanago
Mnskego
2.38! llajieock
1,301 lioon
1,250 Marion
1,462 Monnt Morris
1,385 thipis
•i,847 riaintieia
1,012 Toysippr
l.20l'l\icbtord
1.400 Kosr
234
-138!
808
505
584
034
090
012
42i)
307
2d waxil
od ward
Lincoln
Uuvlolph
Saratoga
Sonoca
Sigel
' Total
401
37(5
220
317
300
203
210
3.011
(M'' WlHOONSIN.
rnpviouon o
t t
. iiuii'.s as
!/ fhr nnitcd ^
ofr.y,
Alar thai.
^\i.. ;
'u|.ul;i- (ilitios au(l I
'ujMi.i.i- ; M^n:,^ .Mhl
IN.pida-
Villages
iion.
Villages
(irand Kiipid
tion
1,114
Villngc«
Oniro
lioM.
Aiii)lofa)ii
I,r)21
1,85::
Alma
nor.
(Iroon liay
4,000
OshkoKli
i2,(;7;5
iM.'Init
,:!!)s
iU'Ai .liaven
1 g;.!
ProKcolt
1,145
!5ultt' (KiH iwdii.s
iCid
iriuJHOn
1,74S
Port ago
::,9;s5
llullalo
IKIS
lloricoii
80
I'niirio du Oliion
;!,oiu
Heaver Dmih*
:;;j(il
1 ia/iOl (Iretui
7u:i
1'ji.l.e.h (Jrove
177
I'.eelowii
U{)U
lli'i;ldan(l
4S2
PlaLtevillo
2,537
l>lii(inmi;;tJ
Lulu^ Mills
590
li«ed.sl)urg
547
i',;>10
ha CrosHO 1
7.780
Sparta,
2,315
Cainiiria
fiO-i
Nitrlli villagu j
1,494
Sank City
1,045
(Columbus
1,888
!),28()
Steven.s I'oitit
I,rtl0
Ciiss villi)
551
MonaHlia
'J,4S4
Spr!ii|^Greoii
422
l^elavaii
l,()8S
IVladiiSoii
;»,I78
Siieboyj^'an City
5,310
Hopore
I,;i8ii
MazoMianie
11,44
Sheboygan Falls
1,175
I'odgcvillo
1,107
iMiddlKt.on
280
Stougliton
9h9
Eau (Jlaii-(! )
North '
West )
l,M7!)
Monroe
M,404
Sim Prairie
020
1 , lti7
iMinoral.roiiil
:],270
Two niver.s
1.305
2,450
;W;i,\istoM
902
'I'omah
837
5,0(52
Maiiitowue,
5,108
Went Bond
1,043
Fountain (Jily
S(;7
.Milvvaukuo
71,401
VVcyauwega
7(il
lAtrt Hdward
•j,4(;i
New London
1,010
WaUirtowM
7,553
Fall Kiv(!r
li;M)
Nconah
2,054
Waiipiin
1,930
Fox Jjakc
l,08(i
NiiW Lisb»n
1,220
W^aterloo
727
Fond du Luc
12,7(;5
ISTcT-edah
944
Wausau
1,34!>
Fort Atkinson
•j.ooy
Oconto
2.055
Geneva
908
OcOllOMlOWOe
1,401
246
Industrial Resources
Offices open on the Northwestern Telegraph Co's Lines -in 1871.
Adams,
Algona,
Anoka,
Appleton,
Arena,
Atwater,
Austin,
Avoca,
Bangor,
Beaver Dam,
Belle Plain,
Beloit,
Benson,
Berlin,*
Big Lake,
Blak Earth,
Blakeley,
Blooming Prairie,
Blue Eiver,
Boscobel,
Brainerd,
Brandon,
Brentwood,-
Bridgeport,
Britt,
Brodhead,
Brooklield,
Burnett.
Byron,
Calmar,
Cambria,
Carpenter,
Castalia,
Cedarburgh,
Codar River,
Centreville,
Charles City,
Chester,
Chicago,
Chickasaw,
Glaremont,
Clear Lake,
Clear Lako, <
Columbus,
Counover,
Crosco,
Cross Plains,
Crow Wing,
Darwin, *
Minn
Iowa
Minn,
Wis.
Wis.
Minn.
Minn.
Wis.
Wis.
Wis.
Minn.
Wis.
Minn.
Wis
Minn
Wis.
Minn.
Minn.
Wis
Wis.
Minn.
; Wis.
Minn.
Wis.
Iowa
Wis.
Wis.
Wis.
Minn.
Iowa
Wis.
Iowa.
Iowa.
Wis.
Mich.
Mich.
Iowa
Wis.
Ills.
Iowa.
Minn.
Iowa
Minn.
Wis
Iowa.
Iowa.
Wis.
Minn.
Minn.
Deansville,
Decoral),
Delano,
Depere,
Dodge Centre,
Duluth,
Dundas,
Eagle,
Edgerton,
Elk River
Elm Grove,
End of Track,
N. P. R.R.
Escanaba,
Evansville,
Eyota,
Fall River,
Faribault,
Farmington
Fond du Lac,
Fond du Lac,
Forest Lake,
Fort Atkinson,
Fort Atkinson,
Fort Ripley,
Fox Lake,
Griard,
Granville,
Green Bay
Greenfield.
Hamilton,
Hanover.
Hartford,
Hartland,
Hastings,
Hinckley
Horicon,
Houghton,
Hudson,
Iron Ridge,
Janesville,
Janesville,
Jefferson.
Juda,
Juneau,
Kasson,
Kettle River,
Kilbourn City,
La Crosse,
Minn.
Mich.
Wis.
Minn.
Wis
Minn.
Minn.
Minn.
Wis.
Minn.
Iowa.
Wis.
Minn.
Wis.
Iowa
Wis.
Wis.
Wis.
Minn.
Wis.
Wis.
Wis.
Minn.
Minn.
Wis.
Mich.
Wis
Wis.
Wis
Wis.
Wis.
Minn.
Wis. Lake City, Minn.
Iowa Lake Crystal. Minn.
Mini}. Lansing, Minn.
Wis. Lawler, , Iowa.
Minn. L'Anse Mich.
Minn Leroy, Minn.
Minn. Le Sneur, Minn.
Wis. Lewiston, Minn.
Wis. Lime Springs, Iowa
Minn. Litchfield Minn.
Wis. Little Falls, Mhm.
Little Suamico, Wis.
Lone Rock, * Wis.
Long Lake, Minn.
Lowell, Wis.
Luana, Iowa.
Lyle, Minn.
Lyndon, Wis.
Madelia, Minn.
Madison, Wis.
Manitowoc, Wis.
Mankato, Minn.
Marquette, Mich.
Mason City, Iowa.
^Lauston, Wis.
Mazemanie, Wis.
Mc Farland, Wis.
Mc Gregor, Iowa.
Medford, Minn.
Mendota, Minn.
Menoraonee, Mich.
Middleton, Wis.
Milton, Wis.
Milton June, Wis.
Milwaukee, Wis.
Mil Stock Y'ds, Wis.
Minneapolis, Minn.
Minneiska. Minn.
Minn June, Wis.
Wis:Monona. Iowa.
Minn.lMonroc, Wis.
Moose Lake, Minn.
Mud River, Minn.
Muscoda, Wis.
Nashotah, Wis.
Neenah, Wis.
Minn.'Negaunee, Mich.
Wis. New Hampton, Iowa.
Wis.. New Lisbon, Wis.
.
OF Wisconsin.
.
No rail Springs,
Iowa.
[landolph,
Wis
Spring Green,
North Branch,
Minn.
Redwing,
Minn.
Stillwater,
Northfiekl,
Minn.
Reeds Landing,
Minn.
Stoughton,
N.P. R. R. June.
Minn.
Richfield,
Wis.
Sun Prairie,
North Prairie,
Wis.
Ridgeway,
Iowa.
Thompson,
Oeonomowoc,
Wis.
Rio,
Wis.
Tomah,
Oconto,
Wis.
Ripon,
Wis.
Trempealeau,
Omro,
Wis.
River Falls,
Wis.
Two Rivers,
Oregon,
Wis.
Rochester,
Minn.
Wabasha,
Oshkosh,
Wis.
Rolling Prairie
Wis.
Waseea,
Ossian,
Iowa.
Rosemount,
Minn.
Waterloo,
Otsego,
Wis.
Rubicon,
Wis.
Watertown,
Ottawa,
Minn.
Rush City,
Minn.
Waukau,
Owatonna,
Minn.
Rush Lake.
Wis.
Waukesha,
Ozaukee,
Wis.
St. Anthony,
Minn.
Waupun,
Pahnyra,
Wis.
St. Charles,
Minn.
Wauzeka,
Pardeeville, for-
j Wis.
St. Cloud,
Minn.
Wayzata,
merly Midland
St. James,
Minn.
West Salem,
Pensaukee,
Wis.
St, Paul,
Minn.
White Bear Lake
Peshtigo,
Wis.
St, Paul June,
Minn.
Whitewater,
Pewauk'ee,
Wis.
St. Peter,
Minn.
Willmar,
Pine City,
Minn.
Sauk Rapids,
Minn.
Wiuneconne,
Plymouth,
Iowa.
Schleisingerville,
Wis.
Winona,
Portage City,
Wis.
Shakopee,
Minn.
Woodland,
Postville,
Iowa
Sheboygan,
Wis.
Wrightstow^n,
Prairie du Ohien
, Wis.
Sicottes,
Minn
Wyocena
Prescott,
Wis.
Smith Lake,
Minn
Wyoming,
Ramsey,
Minn.
Sparta,
Wifi
247
«
Wis.
Minn.
Wis.
Wis.
Minn.
AVis.
Wis.
Wis.
Minn.
Minn.
Wis.
Wis.
Wis.
Wis.
Wis.
Wis.
Minn.
Wis.
, Minn.
Wis.
Minn.
Wis.
Minn.
Wis.
Wis.
Wis.
Minn.
248 BioGRAi'iiv.
' Hon WM. E. SMITH,
who lias uo militury record, it is true, but a highly creditable civil record.
A medium sized man, a well knit, elastic frame, moveme'uts sprightly ;
neat in dress and erect and <|uick of speech ; affable and courteous : an
intellectual head, a smile that is confined to the mouth, theugh pleasant;
a ready presence ef mind under ordinary circumstances ; an exact moral
sense and more gcru])ulous honor then is generally regarded necessary
or useful for profit in public political life — not always manifested in words
but by the most, careful appreciation and consideration for all who come
in his sj)here — strictly honest in all the minutie of his business, public
and private ; the air and bearing of a business man and nothing of the
politioian— in short a gentleman possessing all the kindness of heart and
nobility of soul charaetesistic of the true Scotchman that he is.
He was born in Scotland, in the year 1S24 ; came to New York
city when a boy, removing from thence to Michigan, and after afew^years
returning resided in that city until 1849, when he came to Fox Lake,
Dodge county, Wisconsin, where he lived until his removel to Madison,
temporarily, about two years since. He has follewed mereantile busi-
ness most of the time since he came to the State. Until within a few^
months had been President of the Bank of Fox Lake for a number of
years ; was a prominent man in the place, taking an active and leading
part in all the public enterprises intended to benefit the place and people,
where he is held in grateful remembrance for his many private as well as
public acts of beneficence, and his exemplary character as a Christian and
friend of the people. He has orginated or stimulated many projects for
the promotion of charity and the caBse of education. He was one of the
prime movers in establishing the Female College in Fox Lake, and has
continued one of its best friends in adversity as well as prosperity.
In 1850 lie was elected to the Assembly from Fox Lake, which was
the commencement of his more public career. He iserved with sucli u]ii-
versal satisfaction in tliat capacity that his constituency re-nominated him
by acclamation the following fail, during his absence from home, though
• be declined a second election, his private business requiring his undivided
attention. In 1857 he was elected to the State Senate for 2 years, and
during this time was appointed one of tho Normal School Regents, and
has since held the position — now holds it. In 18G3 was elected to the
Senate a second time. In 18G5 was nominated for State Treasurer,
and elected ; also again in 1867, when ho served a second term. He
has ever been a constant and reliable Republican, contributing his means
and iufluonec to advance the interests of that party, which has so often
honored him. He has administered the affairs of the Treasurer witli
ability and to the satisfaction of the entire people.
BlOGKAPHV. 249
Such are the meia, after all, who should ^e intrusted with the guid-
ance of the Ship of State, to steer it clear of the shoals on which so many
Common wealths have been stranded — the mismanagement of- men of
brilliant intellects, but corrupt hearts and selfish purpose. Burns, the
Bard of Scotland, after discribiug the fate of the State under the rule
of this class of men, sajs it will oulj be safe in the hands of the former,
and adds :
''For thus the rojal mandate ran,
When first the human race began.
'•The social, friendly, honest man',
Whate'er he be,'
"Tis he fulfils great Nature's plan^
And none but he !"
It is generally thought among the Republican party, that Speaker
Smith will get the nomination for Governor at the nest vacancy.
LLYWELYN BREESE, Secretary of State.
(We have the facts of the following brief sketch of the life of one of
the most worthy citizens of Wisconsin from a personal friend of the sub-
ject. )
LlywelynBreese v/as born atObermynach,Merionet8hire,NorthWales,
May 13th, 1S3.3. Came to this country at thirteen years of age, (in 1846)
with his parents, who settled on a farm in Kandoiph, Columbia County,
in this state.
His parents and himself being ignorant of any but their own vernac-
ular language and he being extremely anxious to acquire a knowledge of
the English, hired out to an American, a farmer and neighbor, and in an
almost incredibly short period of tune, mastered the English language,
to that extent, that it was hard to distinguish between him and an Amer-
ican in speech. But still unsatisfied with this meagre accomplishment
he went back to his parents with the double object of helping them during
the summer months, and attending the district school winters. Havnsg
learned all there was to be learned 'in such schools, he next left home and
took an academic course, and after finishing the latter returned to his fath-
ers farm, until 25 years of age.
In the meantime he held the offices of town supervisor, town treasurer,
and justice of the peace. In 18-59 he was appointed Under Sheriff of
Columbia County, which position he held for two years. In ISGO was
elected Treasurer of his county,,and re-elected in 1862 and in 1864, and
served ^vith the sreatest satisfaction to his fellow citizens, managing
250 Biography.
the finances of the county wfth great ability and success, bringing the
greatly de2)riciated ''orders" of his county in a short time to par.
In 18G7 he entered into business relations with the extensive mer-
cantile firm of N. H. Wood & Co. of Portage City.
In November 1869 .he was elected Secretary of State, which position
he now holds. He is a man of strong convictions, and conscientious almost
to a fault, yet affable and obliging, is industrious and very attentive to
business, as may be seen by his first annual report to the Legislature.
His early moral and religious training was of the strict puritan class.
His parents being exemplary members of theWelsh Calvinistic connection
and to this circumstance may be traced his own moral and religious con-
viction. He is universally esteemed by his acquaintances, and particu-
larly among his numerous countrymen in this State.
SAMUEL FALLOWS
was born in Pendleton, near Manchester, England, Dec. 13th, 1835. He
removed with his parents to Wisconsin July 1848 settling on a farm near
Marshall, then Birds Ruins in Dane County.
At this early period in the history of the state, the country was
sparsely settled and the inhabitants generally were very poor.
For several years Mr. Fallows worked on his fathers farm attending
District School or studying alone during the winter season. Without
any teacher, he began the study of Algebra, and Geometry, and made fair
progress in them. Books and periodicals were scarce, and often has our
farmer boy walked ten or twelve miles, to pick up some stray newspaper
of which he had accidentally heard.
In his eighteenth year he united with the Methodist Episcopal church
under the pastoral care of Rev. James Lanson, and immediately beg^in to
seek a higher education He attended towards the close of the same
year 1853, the Graded School, then the best in the state at Aztalan, of
which Prof. N. G. Harvey was Principal. He frequently alludes to the
intellectual stimulus he received from this faithful and accomplished
teacher.
The following year he taught his first District School on Fountain
Prairie, Columbia Co. The year after he attended the Seminary at Sun
Prairie, under the charge of Prof. Mason, and entered the preparatory
Department of the State University at Madison. A portion of the year
following he attended the Lawrenee University at Appleton. Returning
to the State University he remained there until his gratluation,
Biography. ^"^'-
During his college course he taught several terms in the common
Schools and served his own town of Medina as Town Superintenden •
Havino- received licence to preach in the Methodist Episcopal church
at the age of nineteen, he occasionally officiated in the School houses near
the University, and in his Junior and Senior years was appointed assistant
pastor of the Methodist Episcopal church at Madison.
He was also employed by the Faculty during those years as assistant
Tutor At the beginning of the college course he was compelled for the
want of means to board himself, and very often carried provisions on his
back, nineteen miles from his home to the University. In June l^oJ
he graduated as valedictorian of his class. He was elected Vice Presi-
dent of the Galesville University immediately after his graduation, and
remained in charge of that Institution for two years. He then went to
Harvard University to prosecute his studies in Philology and Philosophy
but found no Post Graduate class in these branches. Much to his dis-
appointment, on the recommendation of Prof. Bowen, he purchased^a
Philosophical Library and returned to Wisconsin.
He was appointed Pastor of the Methodist church at Oshkosh in the
fall of 1861 and resigned his pastorate to enter the chaplaincy of the
3-2nd Wis. Regt. Sept. 1862. Resigning the following year he was ap-
pointed Pastor of the Methodist church at Appleton, and elected Professor
of tl^e Lawrence University.
He was mainly instrumental in organizing the 40th Wis. Regt. 100
days men, popularly known as the Normal Regt. being composed largely
of Teachers and Students and was appointed its Lieut. Col. in the Spring
of 18C4. In January 1865 he was appointed Col. of the 40th Wis. Regt.
and in October of the-siime year was brevetted Brig. Genl. for meritorious
services.
He was mustered out in November and appointed pastor of the Sum-
mer^eld ohurch in Milwaukee, the leading Methodist church of the state.
After remaining three years the extent of his ministerial term aeeording to
the Methodist usage, he was appointed Pastor of the Spring Street church
in .the same city. During his connection with the latter People one of the
finest church edifices in Wisconsin was erected.
In July 1S70 Gen. Fallows at the urgent solicitation of Gov. Fair-
child accepted the position of State Superintendent of Public Instruction
made VA^^ant by the death of Hon. A. J. Raig.
In November of the same year he was elected to the same office for
the unexpired term, by a large majority running several thousand ahead
of the Congressional majorities.
Gen. Fallows has been Regent of the State University for six years.
•-'o:i
IjIOGilAPlIY.
In Jane 1SG7 he was elected Professor of Rhetoric and Logic in the
State University whicli position was declined.
On the 9th of April 18G1 he was married to Miss Lucj 13. Hunting-
ton, daughter of Rev. Wm. P. Huntington of Medina and niece of Bishop
V. D. Huntington of the Diocese of Central New York.
The history of this gentleman of many callings is very interesting.
It will, no doubt, be read with considerable interest. It appears that he
has proved himself as formidable in the lield as in the pulpit and General
report gives him the credit of being one of tha best and most eloquent
preachers in the state. The writer regrets exceedingly, that he did not
take an opportunity of hearing him. A short acquaintance, however, war-
rants him, to state, that the subject of this sketch is a gentleman of great
and versatile talent, capable of accomplishing any reasonable task lie un-
dertakes. He is generally allowed to be a good man, and his manner is
perfectly calculated to make him a favorite wherever he is known. The
Rev. Gentleman is eminently qualified to discharge all the duties of his
present position. The biography gives the Governor much credit for
putting the right man in the right place.
/
MATTHEW KEENAN
was born in'Mantius, New York, January .5th 1S2.5 ; rcoeivod a coniwou
>chool education ; is by occupation a merchant ; came to Wisconsin iu
1837, settled at Mihvaukee : was clerk of the circuit court from January
■1st 1853, to January 1, 1861 ; city assessor in 18G3, '64, '66, and lax
commissioner in 1869 to 1870; member of the common council for the
-eventh ward in 1S68 ; Vice President of the Chamber of Commerco, in
1869 to 1870. He received 639 votes against 405 for William A. Pren-
tiss, Rep. and was appeinted by Governor Fairchild a member of the
State visiting committee for 187Q.
The object of the author in writing this short historical sketch of
Mr. ^Matthew; Keeuan is not to tell the people of Milwaukee, how he has
discharged the duties of all the positions he liad oscupied since his advent
to the city, up to the present time. The author seeks a wider range and
a higher object. The manner;ia which he has acquitted himself during his
residence here ; the talent he has displayed ; the purity of his motives in
every act are too well known to require any notice. Matthew Keenan is
not an ordinary man.' His success through life and the high estimation in
which he is held by all wiiaknow him are the best proofs, (if proofs were
required) that honesty is the best policy. The subject of this sketch has
not raised himself to his present position, as a public man, by thebrilancy
BioGUAPiiv. 253
of his eloqueaee, oi- bj the the knowledge displayed by him of the politi-
cal mechanism of electioneering, wire-pulling, etc. etc. Mr. Keeuan is
an honost man. He is a good agreeable speaker ; ever cautious not to
lose sight of hia subject by loftly flights into the (sometimes misty) re-
gions of Oratory. He arranges his subject methodically ;• reasons logi-
cally, and derives just and satisfactory conclusions. In his arguments, he
nerer begs the question, nor asks a favor from his apponent without con-
vincing proof founded on acknowledged principles. He ig never at a loss
for a word, nor does he ever use a sentence not necessary to enforce his
argument. He has not had much practice in publie speaking, and is,
therefore, guided more by great caution, a full knowledge of his subject,
and unflinching honesty of purpose, than by a self confidence in the fiipp-
ancey of his tongue. Matth. Keenan possesses all the attribute of a
good and useful man. He is an honest man, and "an honest man is the
noblest work of God."
Honesty is the cardinal virtue to which all the other are subordinate.
An honest man necessarily possesses many", if not all, the subordinaie
cardinal virtues, but a dishonest man should get no credit for the exercise
of all the minor virtues, as the act has some hidden self interests. The
writer values honesty so highly, and hates dishonesty so intensely, that
he may possibly be carried beyond proper bounds or the bounds of reality
upon the subject. A thief may sometimes run considerable risk to save
the life of a drowning man. An Irish cow and sheep stealer ^s said to
be ia the habit of dividing his prey among his poor and famishing neigh-
bors. The intelligent reader will easily know the writers meaning. If
Mr. Keenan had not been strictly, honest and free from 'malpractices,
while serving as Clerk of the Circuit Court, City Assessor, and Tax Com-
missioner, he would not have been listened to with such silent attention or
his opinion be regarded with such weight, as the writer witnessed during
the last session of the legislature at Madison. His kindly disposition, in-
ostentatious manner, good talent, and above all, his general character will
in time, place him in a position which he docs not, at presant, perhaps
contemplate. The City or County should never dispense with his ser-
vices, as a public officer.
ANDKEW MULLEN.
The subject of this short sketch was born in the County Mayo, L'e-
land, where he left in early infancy ; got the rudements of education
in Bt. John's Academy, Albany, New York. He removed, to "Wisconsin
«
254 BiooR,\i'HY,
about thirty years ago, and therefore claims tu bo an old settler. Un-
like tlie Majority of liis countrymen, he has no taste or desire to take any
active part in politics, and therefore never held any public position, ex-
cept that of School Commissioner for two terms, and member of the ]>oard
of Directors of the Young Men's Association for two years ; is nov/ head
of the firm Mullen Brothers, Wholesale dealers in Cloths &c., No. 384
East Water Street. An opportunity of acquiring an academical educa-
tion at a suitable age, did not present itself, but what he was denied by op-
portunity, he supplied by self exertion at the proper time.
Nature was very propitious to him, having bestowed upon him all the
attributes that constitute the gentleman, and blessed him with many fine
personal qualities calculated to gain him respect and raise his character.
For a man of business, Mr. Mullcji is a good speaker, and possesses
very good conversational powers. He is gentle and aff"able ; friendly and
agreeable ; well mannered and courteous ; All his acts, as a business
man, are guided by strict honesty of purpose, and a scrupulous regard to
all the established rules laid dov/u for the guidance of mercantile com-
munities — ever careful and watchful to meet all his liabilities with punc-
tuality. It is by means of those personal qualities, that Mr. Mullen has
built up a good trade in fifteen years not only in this state, Init also in
Minnesota, where his house is well known.
Rev. henry W. SPALDING D. D.
was born at Rochester, N. Y., April 14. 1832, eldest son of Rev.
Erastus Spalding, for many years an able and faithful clergyman of West-
ern New Y^ork.
Graduated at Hobart College, Seneca, New York, in 1855.
Came to Milwaukee in tlic same year, and accepted a position in the public
schools where he remained for nearly six years in charge of the sixth ward
school as principal. Prosecuting his studies for the ministry under the charge
of the Rev. J. P. T. Ingraham. In 1858 and 1859 he was ordained by
Bishop Kemper to the deaconite, and took charge of the Mission Church
of the Atonement in Milwaukee. From- this place he went to Janesville,
immediately after his ordination to the Priesthood by Bishop Kemper
in i860, and took charge of the New Parish of Christ Church, when he
built up a church, and gathered a flourishnig congregation. After re-
maining hero five years he traveled a year in the interest of Racine Col-
lego, and then went to Whitewater, and from there to Evansville, Ind.
Biography. 255
where he remained three years, and labored successfully. His health
failing he accepted a call to Madison in this State where he now is. Mr.
Spalding has labored muoh as a missionary and places now his parishes
Mr. Spalding has three brothers in the ministry. In July 1870, he re-
ceived from Sis collego at Seneca the degree of Doctor in Divinity.
Dr. Spalding has established a high character for himself, as a clergy-
man. He is represented as a very good preacher and untiring in hirt ex-
ertions to promote the cause of religion and every good work ealeulated
to raise the standard of his parish in religion and morality. He has built
a very handsome church recently, and has succeeded iu collecting a large
congregation.
Rev. JOHN B. PRADT, A M.
was bora June 26th, 1810, in Winehester, Cheshire Co., New Hamp-
shire. His father was a skillful physician and surgeon, and was remotely,
of Franco-Grerman descent. His mother had been a successful school-
teacher, and, was of English-Irish descent. The son commenced the study
of Latin at the age of seven, was fitted for college at twelve, and was edu-
cated principally under private tutors. At the age of seventeen he com-
menced the study of law,' with Hon. Horace Boxter of Bellows Falls, Vt.
After reading law two years, he read theology, with Bishop Carlton Chase
of New Hampshire, and Bishop J. H. Hopkins of Vermont, and was
ordained by the latter in 1838. He has served as clergyman of the Prot.
Epis. Church, in Vermont, New York, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin,
Has taught common district schools four winters, private schools, four
terras ; an academy iu Pennsylvania one year and one term, and the
Sheboygan (Wis.) High School one year. Was county superintendent
of Potter county, Penn. one year and a half, in 1855 and 1S56 ; editor of
the "Wisconsin Journal of Education" five years, 1860 to '65, and has
been co-editor of the same since January 1st 1871; was President of the
Wisconsin State Teachers Association in 1861, and has made seven addres-
ses and reports to that body. Was Examiner of "Normal Classes, (in
Wisconsin) iu 1864. Has been Assistant StaCo Superintondent, in Wis-
consin, since January 1st 1868, having been appointed to that place by
Hon^ A. J. Craig, late Superintendent of Public Instruction. Was
appointed to the Principalship of the first "Normal School in Pennsylvania
in 1856, whioh he declined, having made arrangements to move to Wis-
eonsin. Is an Honorary Gradute (A. M.), of Racine College, of 1858.
256 Biography.
•
GEORGE Q. ERSKINE,
was born in the village of Winchester, New Hampshire, Dee. loth 1827.
Emif^ratod to Oswego County, New York, with his fathers family whoi
five years old. Received a good academical educatioa at M^ico Academy
io said County at the ag» of sixteen commeneed teaching a portion of
the year. In the spring of 1850 went to California by way of tlio Isthmus
of Darien. llsmamed in the gold mines one yo^r and a half, then return-
ed to his home and commenced reading law in the Office of Iliggins and
French at Mosicoville, Oswego Co. In the fall of 1852 emigrated to
Racine, Wis., and resumed reading law in the Office of Doolittle and
Caeg. Was admitted to i:)ractiee law in 1853. In 1855commeneed opov-
ating in timber land, Vessels, Cord V/ood, (Contracting Wood largely at
different times with Racine Rail Road Co.) also engaged in manufaeturing
and shipping brick to Chicago. Has hold the Office of Superintendent
of 'Schools, Town Supervisor, was member of the Wisconsin Legislature
during the Winter of 1S65 and 18G6. In April 1867 he was appointed
Collector of Internal Revenue for the first District of ^IS'isconsm which
Office he now holds.
General report gives the subject of this sketch the credit of having
discharged his duty faithfully in every office he has occupied. Mr.
Erskine is peculiarly adapted to fiUa public office. His general character
is beyond reproach and his manner most gentlemanly —always obliging
and ready to answer all enquiries on business in such a manner as to im-
press the public with a favorable opinion of him as a public officer.
ASHE R. H NICHOLS, an old settler
was born at Brimfield, Maas., March 9th 1815; received a common ■
school education ; was first engaged as carriage manufacturer, came to
Milwaukee in 1836, where he remained till June 1837 ; then went to
Rock River, now Watertown and settled on 160 acres of Goverment land
where he remained working the farm for a lime, working at the carpenter
business occasionally; buying and selling produce &e., was Deputy pro-
vost Marshal for Jefferson county, during the war, was Superintendent of
the poor of Jefferson County three years. In 1867 he built a stave factory
and manufactured flour barrels at Kaukauha. He ran this for one year
when it burned up,
Built the same factories in 1838 and a saw mill, which he ran till
1870, and theo sold it and came to Milwaukee, where he keeps a boar^j,
ing house at No. 483 Main Street.
Mr. Nichols house is not inferior to any in the city or state as regards
attendance or table kept.
Mr. Nichols has six grown up sons all able to provide for themselves,
his third Son John baring a good taste for literature.
OK "Wisconsin. 257
There is no country tluit I know of where skille.l anil unskilled labor
are so much on a par, as regar.ls wages, as in America ; arising partly
from the practice of attempting to do every handscraft work without any
previous training, and partly from the vast amount of manual labor to be
done in the country, re■ iscox^iN '269
wliea once .settled down, it retjuires strong i'Kluceuicuts to teaipt them to
remove ; but an American is isueli a locomotive, from an instinctive love
of travelling about, that the smallest inducement iield out to him at the
most distant point of the Union, will be sufficient to set him out on his
journey at the shortest notice. Most of the Americans devote themselves
to trade or cjuimerce of some kind — they seldom work at hardlaborr. In
towns and suburbs, the Grermans saw \ip wood auil raise garden vegeta-
bles ; the Irish grade the street^, cany the liod, repair and build roads,
and perform all sucli works as recjuirc the use of t!ie .'^piide and shovel;
the working American brings the axe into requisition, which he wields
with a dexterity peculiarly bis own ; and the poor coloied man confines
himst-lf almost exciusivcly to tlie razor and white-wash l)rush he also at-
tends table and acts as steward on board of vessels.
I have before intimated that labor brings a higher price here then in
any part of the known world, wliile in Ireland it brings less. Therefore
as long as this great disparity continues to exist, so long emigration will
continue to flow from that country to this. This inducement, apart from
the lowprice of land here, as compared with the high price there, will induce
farmers to seek permanent homes in this country, in preference t.j remain
where they never could expect to have a permanent interest in the soil,
being always doomed to work and toil for others, as mere tenants at will.
But while these inducements are amply sufficient to warrant* the farm-
er, the laborer, and the mechanic to come and settle on the broad fields
of America, I would emphatically say tliat this country iiolds out no in-
ducement whatever to any other class not amply supplied with capital-
One having money can realize more by it here than in Knglandor Ireland,
wether he lays it out on interest or puts it into business. But, to prevent
dis apoiiitment .to respectable persons seeking employment as clerks,
teachers, engineers, lawyers, or tlie like, it is my duty to tell them that
they had better remain at home. Every working man will improve his
condition by leaving Ireland and coming here. The Irish laborer is well
adapted to the laborious work of this country. When he is well fed on
good American fare, he proves himself to possess a greater share nf animal
power than perhaps any other foreigner to be met with here.
As connected with the subject of labor, I might nieutidu that uned-
ucated brute force can eff"ect but little, as compared with the same aniuunt
of power under the guidance of scientific skill. Unaquainted with the
strength of materials ; the properties of the arch; the laws of gravity ;
the properties of light, magnetism, electricity, and of fire, air and water,
in all their modified forms, how could the engineer achieve all the wonders
which are multiplying around us every day ?
2GU Industkial Eesources
I could multiply instances iiiiiutiienililo to sliow that overytliing greut
is the result of educatctl labor, and that nu work ot" iiiagnitudo was ever
the result of brute force, unassisted by scientific skill. Henco the necess-
ity of a scientific edMcation — an education of every day use. This educa-
tion will economize animal force, by the substitution of machinery, which
works under the guidance of mind, dispensingalmost altogether with brute
force.
AVo Iiavi^ illustrations of this fact in [Milwaukee Win. Hawkins, of
Milwaukee, has invented a stave machine, which makes from 5000 to
8OOO staves in ten hours. It takes a rough stave, as it comes to market,
planes it, hollows it into shape levels the edges, makes the grooves for
the head, and turns it out ooraplcte, ready to be set up in a barel. AVe
have, in ^lilwaukcc, a tub manufactory — seven men are employed to at-
tend the macliinery, and these seven men, l)y the assistance of machinery,
complete four hundred tubs in ten working hours, with handles and hoops,
and perfectly polished. Unassisted by the use of this simple machinery,
all the coopers in England could not turn out a tub made with the same
det^ree of mathematical accuracy, as any one of these. This is not the
result of brute force, but of mind. A rocking-chair is manufactured in
l^osto.i, beautiful in appearance, strong and pernrinent in all its parts
well painted, ornamented and varnished, and sold for the small sum of
1^5.00 -all tha result of machinery — the creation of mind, the child of
necessity, and the consequence of dear labor. In England, such a chair
could not be sold for §10 so as to give the maker a fair profit, and the
journeyman fair wages. The shbstitutionof wooden pegs, made by machin-
ery, for the thread, effects a saving of time and labor to the shoemaker,
which enables him to sell boots at low prices. AV'indow shades and doors
made by machinery are sold here at a price so low as to enable the poor-
est man to enjoy the light of heaven and keep out the cold. Waggon and
carriage wheels are made here with great dexterity ; the farmers have
wooden axletrees, which bear a weight varying from one to three tons.
Many of four wheeled carriages have wooden axles, made of hickory, which
last for a long time. The farmer furnishes his ample waggon with springs
made of the same material. Everything, almost, in couimon use here,
ia characterized by expedition and cheapness. Economy of labor is carr-
ied into every department of industry, even to the very scrubbing of the
floor.
It would be well if many of these contrivances and the general mode of
using them here were adopted in the old country. The gearing of the
saw mills here is very simple and effective. The work done as great, as
compared with the work of a saw mill in any part of Europe. The inr
plements of husbandry are light, and exceedingly Avell suited to their res-
OF Wisconsin. '261
pcctive uses. I do not like the dumpy plough, but no other could bo
used among the stumps. The very axe and its handle are iudicative of
contrivance and adaptation. In some of the tailoring establislunents,
iKachinery is used to sew the garments, which duty it accomplishes -witli
unerring accuracy. A good frame or log house is erected in this country
with a degree of expedition of which few in the old country have an idea.
The architectural style is rather handsome, and v\'ell suited to the climate,
and the exis'ting condition of the country where nothing is made with a
view to permanency — economy of time, labor ami expense, governing everj'
opei'atiou
Keturning again to the suljjoct of nnproveraent in machinery, witli
a view to shorten labor, I might observe that the patent laws of America
are favorable to the progress of mechanical invention. The exorbitant
price of manual labor sets every one, who has to pay for work, a-giing to
invent cheaper modes, b}' the introduction of machinery ; and the small
sam it costs to seeiu\< the riglit of any invention, by patent, is a;i add-
itional stimulous to mental exertion. Thousands of useful inventions are
lost to the world in conscijuence of the unreasonable sums demanded by
the laws of England for securing to the inventor his right by patent.
Nothing could be more unreasonable than to tax a man with a view to
prevent others to appropriate his property to their use. Tlie law which
protects au}' other description of property should extend to mechanical
invention and copyriglit. The patent laws of England have a direct ten-
dency te check the progress of improvement, by taxing inventive genious
so heavily as to render it imposible in most cases for the individual to pay
the sum demanded to secure his right. But in America, a v/iscr policy
is pursued. Tlie small sum demanded to secure to the inventor the jirofits
arising from his inventions, induces every one to secure his right even in
the most trilling article which bears testimony to his ingenuity. This ac-
cessible privilege has the happy effect of accomplishing an amoum. of la-
bor which otherwise, under t!ie existing conditions of the country, would
be impossible. The scarcity of hands and tlie conset|uent high price of la-
bor demand that the law should protect mechanical inventions in this
country ; a&, without these mechanical contrivances in small matters of
every day use, the price of labor would bear, by fur, too high a proportion
to the profits of the employer. Indeed, at present, the price of labor is
not warranted by the profits in many branches of industrial pursuits.
The price paid for lai)or liy the farmer some time ago was more than he
could afford ; but the influx of labor from the old country will remedy
this in due time. In a settled state ofsociety, nothing is more to be de-
sired than to see the- masses receiving high wages and eat clieap food, but
in a new country like this, composed, as it is, of persons Avithont rauch
262 Industrial Eksources
capital, the use of uiaekinory to v/ork and cheapen labor is indesponsabla.
We, therefore, ought to look upon the influx of foreign labor, not as an
intrusion, but as a boon. In tlie same light should Ave view tlie intro-
duction amongst us of men of .science, and literature, and art, and
invention.
CHArTEIl XL
From all the facts stated in the foregoing pages, and from the temper-
ature, a.s indicated by the thermometer in different parts of the State, we
can draw inferences indicative of what the climate may be in the course
of time, under altered circumstances, as well as describe its present con-
dition. The chief moditier of climate, and the agencies that exercise the
greatest influence, are evaporation aud condensation of water, whose in-
fluence is felt in Wi-sconsin to a very high degree. The heavy dews, pec-
uliar to the Lake districts, tend to etjualize the temperature of the nights,
so that the cold mornings, so common in the Middle and Western States,
(far removed from large bodies of water,) during tlie summer months,
are unknown in the lake districts, the amount of calorie envolvcd in con-
densing the vapor exhaled in the early parts of the night, rendering the
mornings mild and plea.sant. Clouds and mists modify the climate con-
siderably, obstructing, as they do, the caloric radiated from the surface
during the night, and reflecting it back to the earth. Clouds and mists
prevail in the neighborhood of large bodies of water more than in. dry
localities, where caloric is radiated, during the night, into space, unob-
structed by clouds, to reflect any part of it back, and causing cool mor-
nings, in summer. Hence we see why the temperature of the lake region
is modified in winter by the cloudy state of the atmosphere, which in
summer tends to obstruct the passage of the sun's rajs, and, tlicreby, keep
the atmosphere cool. In the process of freezing water, a great quantity
of heat is evolved, and while employed in the process of melting ice, a
vast quantity remains latent ; therefore, we are not surprised that our
great lakes tend to modify tlie range of tiie tliermonieter, lessening the
cold in winter, and the heat in summer. This is illustrated by a refer-
ence to the mean temperature at Fort Howard, on Green Bay, and Fort
Snelliiig, on the Mississippi :
Latitude. Main T. Wint'r. Sum'r. Eange of Ther.
• ii'j;. ai II. 'I'.'s'. 1:1. li. lie,'. in:i;. d S- min. .le.'. deg.
Fort Howard, 40.40 44.3 20,5 07.7 — 16 t 1)9
Fort Snellinir, 44.53 44.^ lG.3 72 — 23 t 115
OK Wisconsin. 263
This table shows that during tlio wintei- the Diean temperature of
Fort Howard is higher than at Fort Snellina-, but that during the sum-
mer it is lower, showing that tlie ])roximity of the large lakes equalize the
temperature, while, at a distance from such collections, the extremes of
heat and cold arc more distant, but the annual temperature is nearly the
same. Latitude has less influence on climate than is generally supposed ;
for instance, the mean temperature of Fort Brady is nearly two degrees
lower than at Fort Williams, though the latter post is nearly one degree
farther north. The difference arises from the fact that Keweenaw Point
is bounded on three sides by water. On account of the insular position
of Ireland, the extremes of heat and cold are not felt.
Though parts of Ireland arc much farther north tjian parts of France,
yet the winter in the former country is not near so cold as in the latter,
nor the summer so warm. The influence exercised by a cloudy atmos-
phere arises considerably from the known fact that the force of radiation
from the earth into spaece increases as we proceed northward, and also
with increased elevation above the level of the sea. This last element
(latitude) exercis«s considerable influence in lowering the temperatnre ;
hence it is that the tops of high mountains in low latitudes are covered
with snow, wliile the intensity of the heat at the bottom is almost insup-
portable. Independently of latitude, the direction and form of mountain
ranges have a creat share in adding to, or mittiiratino; tlie ri^or of, a
climate.
From these konwn principles, tlie outline of the general features of
Wisconsin wouhl enal)le us to form an opinion of its climate. The
contour of the country .shows that a free passage is afforded to the north-
west wind's across the State, which is the coldest we ever experience, and
especially when it passes over tlie middle and Mississippi region, where
its course is unbroken, except by the forests extending in a westerly di-
rection from the headwaters of the 8t. Croix, as far as the government
surveyors had extended their labors. When the winds blew from any of
the large lakes, they are a good deal tempered from causes before men-
tioned. Sandy plains are colder then forest lands, on account of the for-
mer possessing greater radiating power. Hence it is that the north winds
passing over Lake Superior, and descending upon the region south of the
water shed, are rendered comparatively mild, even iu the mid-winter, un-
til reaching the sandy regions, where the temperature is considerably
lowered before they reach the country farther south, giving to it a more
excessive climate.
In winter the north-east and east winds are greatly modified, while in
summer, the south west winds, passing, up the valley of the Mississippi,
and deflected east by the western chains of high lands and mountains,
264 Inddutrial Resources
are both temperate and liealthfu]. In the middle and southern parts of
Wisconsin, the northern breezes tend to cool down the air, and the same
effect is produced by the southern winds, whicli arc frcjuently accom-
panied by rain. The vast number of small lakes dotting the north-west
portion of Wisctiisin tend considerably to abate the excessive heat of
mid-summer and modify the cold of winter, l)at not in tlie same degree,
as they are covered with ice during a considerable portion of the winter
season. The same observation applies to the swampy lauds.
Tlie sandy regions of the State are warmer in the summer than those
resting on a clayey soil, owing, in part, to the reflecting power of the sand.
Every wind unac-companied by rain, except the north-west, contributes to
increase the heat of summer, modified, howevi^r, by the configuration of
the country, and other circumstances . Naked rocks, sandy plains, dense
forests, extensive prairies, large bodies of water, large rivers, numerous
lakes, elevated range, c\:c.. exercise no small influence in forming climates.
1 have been able to survey in the forest for a whole day, without gloves,
when 1 could not venture to do so on the j>rairie, witii almost any (|uantity
of clothing consistent with a working condition.
The springs are colder in the lake regions th;;u farther iu-lanu, in
consequence of the volume of caloric rendered latent in the jirocess of
melting tlic ice and snow, whenever they accumulate during tlie winter.
This, of course, retards vegetation, but when spring opeirs, the danger to
which early vegetation is exposed, in the middle and far-western States,
from sudden alterations of temperature, is altogether unknown in the
northern parts of Wisconsin. Though tlic springs are later in the north-
ern parts of Wisconsin than in the middle and southern parts, ye: the
crops are not much later.
Throughout all "Wisconsin, the M-inters are dry, the air l»racing and
invigorating, and the sky generally free from clouds. In frosty weather
there is seldom much wiiid. To all these conditions of the atmosphere, I
attribute the absence of that uncomfortable cold feeling often experienced
in much more southern latitudes. I felt colder in Ireland, in winter, with
the thermometer several degrees above 'zoro, then in this State, with the
thermometer ranging from ten to thirty degrees below zero. A laborer
works out doors liere in liis shirt sleeves, under a degree of cold which
could not be endured in England or Ireland, it is only in April and May,
when the thermometer rises, that I felt any sensatioa of cokb owing, no
doubt, to the quantity of moisture in the atmosphere during those months.
It is not easy to distinguish by sensation the difference between the posi-
tive effects of the pretty high, and the negative of the very low, tliermo-
metric scale. If you handle a piece of iron in very frosty weather, it will
blister your finger as quickly as a hot iron ; tliC trigger of a gun will
OF Wisconsin. -""
speedily blister the fingers, and a jack-knife iu the breeches pocket will
make one jump .s with a sudlen scald. la fact, the Bensation of a pretty
high positive degree of heat, and of a large negative degree, (which we
call cold,) is th,o same, when the atmosphere is dry.
There is much more clear weather in the middle and southern por-
tions of Wisconsin than in the States farther south, and more cloudy
weather in the northern parts of the state than in the south. Ou^ ac-
count of the large bodies of water and extent of forest in the northern
parts of the state, more rain actually falls there than iu the ^southern
portions, the evaporation being more copious from the lakos an(. lorests.
Evaporation irom the foliage of the forest tends to keep the atmosphere
in a humid state, while the direct rays of the sun are intercepted preven-
tino- evaporation from the earth. Hence it appears that a forest has a ten-
dency to eciualize the temperature of a climate, preventing thoseextre^ne de.
grecs of heatand cold which arefelt in an open, unprotected country. Lieva-
Ted prairies and sandy plains have a drier atmosphere than forests, Ifut
the diiference of temperature between day and night, and between sum-
mer and winter is greater.
The temperature of the strean.s flowing into Lake Superior, as cam-
pared with that of the tributaries of the Mississippi, proves the ehect of a
northern, as compared with that of a southern aspect. Ihougn many of
these tributaries take their rise from the same lake or swamp .yet the
difference of their temperature, even at a small distance from the>r com-
mon source, is astonishing. The mean temperature, of two countnes may
be equal, and still the climates may be quite different. . One country may
enjoy very hot summers, and endure very cold winters, the mean temper-
ature of which n.ay equal the mean temperature of a moderate eamate,
neither too hot nor too cold. And though the mean temperature of two
climates may be equal, yet their affect upon vegetation and health may
be very different. The climate nf Ireland clothes her with a rich and
lively mantle of everlasting verdure, but is too cold to ripen the grape,
or bring a squash to maturity ; while parts of America, having the same
mean annual temperature, produce and ripen these to the greatest perfec-
tion, the heat of summer being sufficiently intense for that purpose, but the
intensity of the winter culd so great as to destroy all traces of vegetation.
Hence the necessity of knowing the annual temperature of a country to
form an opinion of its agriculture capabilities, so far as climate is con-
cernect
From the preceeding remarks, we may easily conceive why the dif-
ference between the winter and spring is greater in Wiscensin than it is
in the midland States, and also, why the difference between spring and
•JGG Industrial Uesourcks
.summer, and suiiimor and autumn is not so great in ^Viscon'si^, especially
In tlie lake regions, as in the middle States.
Vegetation, as a general thinir, is a true index of climate and tem-
j)erature. This is proved hy the remarkable coineidonee bet\v een the
vegetation of Alpine districts, as you ascend, and the middle latitudes
northwards. The relation between this ascending forest vegetation, and
the distribution of trees over the temperate and frigid zones, as you travel
northwards, is so striking that it may be considered as a universal law,
modified, liowever, by those influences which constitute the contrasting
peculiarities of distant shores, differently jjosited as regards aspect. In
ascending from the vine-producing plain to the toi» of the snow-capped
mountain, we pass in the course of a single day tlirough several zones
varying in temperature and forest productions. In ascending the Alps,
in. Switzerland, a dift'erence in vertical elevation of three hundred feet will
produce a change of 1 deg. Fahrenheit in tlie mean annual temperature ;
tlierefore, a journey to the top, say of six thousand feet, will produce a
difference in tlie mean annual temperature of '20 deg. Fahrenheit. The
temperature at the foot of tlie Al})s is similar to that in latitude fifty de-
grees north ; and as we travel towards the north, a diminuation of one
degree in the temperature takes place f< r every sixty miles ; therefore,
we should travel over twelve hundrcil miles north from the 40th degree of
north latitude before experiencing the same climatic changes, as in travel-
ling from the foot of tlio Alps to a higlit of six thousand fejeci(.'S ; and trees that susceed
well under the genial influence of the sun in a low latitmle, will altogether
disappear in a higli latitude, whicli will ultimately be wliolly occupied by
pine and birch forests, corresponding exactly with the growth of liigh re-
gions in Alpine districts.
From the connection between climate and vegetation, we are not to
be suprised at the geographical distribution of plants. Animal life, too,
having the full power (jf locomotion, seems to be confined within geo-
grajjhical limits, showing an intimate connection between organized ex-
istence and the external world. This is fully illustrated hj the fact that
certain tribes of fishes are confined to limited oceanic zones, never being
found farther north or south. The parallel between elevation, (as illus-
trated alinve in fnrest vegetation,) seems to be carried out in the animal
OK Wisconsin. 267
kin^-iloii!. Tlie shells and HsIk's foiind in the head waters of larsc rivers
are scarcely ever the same as those inhabitine; their middle or lower
course ; sliowing that certain elevations above the surface of the ocea"
are distinguished by distinct groups. These' groups are said to be identi-
cal with the inhabitants of fresh water lakes occupying zones of equal
temperature ; which shows that the same law which regulates the geo-
graphical distribution of plants is strictly obeyed in the disiribution of
animal life, modified, however, by local circumstances, such as suitable
food and other elements essential to their well-being. Similar exceptions
may be made to the law of geographical distribution in the vegetable
kingdom. The lepidosteus is found in the St. Lawrence, in Lake Ontario,
Erie, and Mud Lake, in Lake St. Clair and Michigan, but never ven-
twvos as far nortlj as Lake Superior, though there is no natural barrier to
prevent it. In the open sea, which presents no natural barrier to marine
animals })Ossessing powerful locomotion, the same law of geographical dis-
tribution seems to be obeyed, ])y confining distinct tribes within certain
limits.
Land animals, perfectly unrestrained, seem to classify themselves in-
to families, which are confined Avithin certain geographical limits. Those,
however, under the control ofinan, are made to adapt themselves to nu-
merous varied circumstances, extending far beyond the natural limits pre-
scribed to them in their wild state.
We derive additional evidence from the migration of birds, to show
that in the plan of creation, animals arc intentcd to be located within cer-
tain limited boundaries. Birds wander at the approach of winter into
temperate climates, but are never known to pass from the northern to the
southern hemispliere. Those birds which go south from the Arctic region
are sure to return at regular stated seasons. Fishes, also, which migrate
at the approach of the spawning season, never fail to return to their for-
mer abodes. This desire of living within limited native boundaries, im-
presses me with the conviction that animals in general were intended to
live where they were created, man is an exception; and those animals under
th.e influence of man, may be adduced as another, but not with equal
propriety, as the change of place is not a voluntary act on their part, but
rather the result of artificial restraint or education. At the discovery of
the most distant island in the ocean, it is generally found inhabited by
some animal dissimilar, perhaps, in character, to any other known to na-
turalists, or agreeing, in many of its leading characteristics, with others
at a distance, but not in all. If no other in the world be like the isolated
inhabitant of the island, how came it there ? Did it leave its native coun-
try and travel land and water over thousands of miles to seek a home in
2G8 Industkial Eesources
adesolate island, leaving no other of its kind behind / This is absurd, and,
to say the least of it, most improbable. I would be iiicli)ied ,to the
opinion that the animal had been created in the region where it was found.
I would rather incline to the opinion, that tho Ka!:,ii'aru Eesouhcks
distant land. In Wisconsin, the ratio of the deatii:-j to the nunil»er living-
is asl to 105.82, in Jlinnesota as 1 to 202.50, and in Orogan as 1 to
282.82. Bat comparing ^Visconsin with an ohl State, for instance Mas-
sachusetts, -where the deaths cunipai'ed with the living arc as 1 to 51.23,
we see the former is twice as healthy as the latter. In this comparison,
however, we must recollect that among oui- present population are large
numbers of foreigners who hut recently settled amongst us ; but conipar-
insr with any State of the Union, wether young or old, except Minnesota
and Oregon, Wisconsin is by far the most healthful.
Meteorolor
of this meteor is reddish, inclining to yellow, sending out freijuent cor-
rustatiuns of pale light, which seems to rise from the horizon in a pyra-
midical, undulating form, and shooting with unconceivable velocity towards
the zenith. This meteor sometimes assumes the form of an arch generally
transparent, but sometimes partly dark. These lights aff"ord much relief
to the inhabitants of high latitudes during the gloom of their long winter
nights. ?Iany attempts liave been made to account for such phenomena,
272 Industrial Kesourck.^;
but 1 have no doubt wo must refer the cause to electricity. Besides the
more obvious and known appearance which constitutes a rosembh\nce be-
tween this meteor and tlie electric matter, by Avhich lightning is produced,
it has been observed that the aurora occasions a very sensible fluctuation
in the magnetical needle, and when its direction is lower than usual in
tbe atmosphere, the flashes are attended with a hissing, rushing sound.
This noise I have not heard myself, but 1 have been told the phenomenon
is frequently observed in the northern parts of these States. Dr. Kane,
one of the gentlemen who went in search of Sir John Franklin, mentions
that he observed the aurora arcs directly over head, nearly coincident with
the magnetic meridian.
Tt may be interesting to mention, in connection with this subject,
that when the exploring were north of the magnetic pole of our earth, tlie
south polar direction was read by the compass as north ; the variation
being iSO degrees.
The aurora is mucli more fre((uent in tlie fall of the year tlian at any
other season. Sir John Iloss paid much attention to this phenomenon
during his exploring voyage in search of a north-west passage. I lieard
him read a paper, on this subject,, before tlie British Association for the
advancement of Science. He appeared to think that the lofty icebergs in
the northern seas had some share in reflecting the electric light, giving
direction to its course according to shape and relative positions of these
reflecting pinnacles. When electric disturbance attains a high degree jof
intensity, the equilibrium of the disturbance is restored by discharge at-
tended by a development of light.
JACKSOX KEMPEE, D. D. L. L. D.
niSIIOP OK WISCONSIN.
Bishop Kemper came of a stalwart race, of high })rincipled, strong-
bodied, strong-hearted and strii'ing brained men.
His grandfather, .T.icoc Kemper, was born at Caub, on the llhine
the son of an ofiicor in the Prince Palatine's army. He emigrated to
America in 1741. The Bishop's Father, Daniel Kemper, was born at
New Brunswick, eight years after the immigration in 1749.
Daniel Kemper, was a Colonel in the Revolutionary Army. He
had sacrified his means, which were not narrow, freely in the struggle for
national independence, and, after the war, through General Washington's
influence, held, for some time, an office in the Tustom House at New York
Biography. 278
Col. Kemper was one of the original members of the (.)r(lei- of the
CiNCiNXATi, and among the Bishop's heirlooms is his father's Cross
and Jewel of the Order, made in France under the direction of Lafay-
ette, just after the Revolution.
The Bishop was born at Pleasant Valley, in Dutchess Cou:ity, where
the family were temporarily residing, on Christmas Eve., Dec. 24, 17S9.
On Col. Kemper's reeieving the apointment mentioned above, he remov-
ed to New York City, wliieh was shortly after the Bishop's birth, and it
occured in that i\'ay, tliat the child was baptized by Bishop Moore.
He entered Columbia C( liege in 1805, and graduated in 1809, as
the valedictorian of his class.
Immediately upon his graduation he began the study of Theologr
under the care of ]jishop Moore aud the clergy of Trinity Parish.
Young Kemper was ready for ordination as soon as he had reached
the canonical ago of twenty one years.
His own Bishop, Moore of New York, was suddenly stricken with
paralysis, and incapacitated from duty, and permission was given the
candidate by the Standing Committee of New York, to apply to Bishop
White for Orders
On the .second Sunday in Lent, in 1811, he was ordained Deacon by
Bishop White, in St. Peter's Church, Philadelphia.
He was immediately called to the Assistantship, under Bishop White
of the united Parishes of ('hrist (Ihurch, St. Peter's and St. James'. In
May he removed to Philadel[)hia and entered on the duties of this position
which he held till June 1831 — twenty years.
In 1812 and 1814, he was granted leave of absence from the par-
ish to perform missionary tours in West. In Western Ponasylvania,
Western Virginia and Eastern Ohio he took his first lessons in the work
to which GrOD was soon to call hiia for life. In those, at that time, wild
regions of the Far West he traveled far and wide, and, in many places
was the first to hold Divine Service, and to read the Common Prayer.
In I8l9 and 1820, he also labored as traveling agent, in the matter
<.'f raising means to establish the General Theological Seminary.
He had been ordained Priest ia June, 1814, in Christ Cliurch, Phila-
delphia, by Bishop White, and. at about the same time had been unan-
imously elected Assistant at St. Paul's Cliurch, Baltimore, of Avhich
Bishop Kemp was Rector, which election he declined. Thif< was not, as
we shall see, the only time that Baltimore asked for him.
In June 1831, the Rev. Jackson Kemper accepted the Rectorship
of St. Paul's Church, Norwalk, Conn. His residence here was to bo short
although marked all his days to him, by the sorest sorrow of his life the
18
274 ]3ioau\i'iiY.
early lruary 1st, 183.5. (hi Feb. 19th
he started in company with George (xoodhere for Kankakee, at the head
of the Illinois River, and returned to Chicago on the 23d ; Feb. 27th he
again started with Joseph Porthier fir jMilwaukee. It was intensely eold;
that sixty five miles without a house, (his own language) was a cold
drive.
He made a claim on the mouth of the river on the south side, also
another where the Wisconsin Leather Compaiiy is now located. He
again returned to Chicago and packed his goods and again started for
Milwaukee, where he arrived March 23, and built a small shanty store-
house at the mouth of the river before mentioned. His merchandise
arrived on the sloop Westward Ho ! March 30, 183.5. Mr. Chase and Por-
thier ran a raft of lumber from Bigelow's mill (now Humboldt), early in
April ; a portion of the way they had to wade half body deep in the cold
water to guide the raft off the boulders.
In April in company with several others he went through to Root
River to open a lake road to the mouth of tlie Milwaukee River. They
succeeded in opening a road that took all the travel, and a portion to this
day still continue to travel tlie same road. In 1835 in company with
his brother (Dr. Chase) lie opened a large and commodious
store, and they alone did the forwarding and commission business of
what is now the great city of Milwaukee. In October 1837, Mr. Chase
was united in marriage to Miss Sarah Ann Gray, a sister of Charles and
George M. Graj', now of Chicago. Mr. Chase was elected a member of
the first constitutional convention from Milwaukee County. The Con-
vention assembled at Madison during the winter of 1846 and 1847, He
284 Biography.
was next elected from the towns Lake and Greeiifiidd to the first State
Legislature, which also convened at Madison, Jan'y, 184S.
Li August, 1852, Mr. Chase met with a sorrowful bereavement in the
loss of his beloved wife.
In 1858 he was again married to Miss Mary H. Davis of Mount
Holly, A'ermont, who is still living to make his home a happy one.
In 18G1 he was elected Alderman and Supervisor for the 5th Ward
of the city of 3Iilwaukee and in lS(i2 received through the suffrages of
his admiring fellow citizens the responsible and honorable position of
Mayor of ^Milwaukee. It is needless to add a fact which is so well known.
Mr. Chase discliaro-ed the duties of his high office to the entire satisfac-
tion of those who elected him.
Mr. Chase has retired on an ample fortune, the result of his own
industry and integrity, and now lives to enjoy the esteem of his fellow
citizens l)oth of Milwaukee and elsewhere.
JAMES STEPHEN WHITE, Dem.,
was born in Detroit. Mich., Dec. 0, 1888 ; received a common school ed-
ucation and attended Sinsinawa Mound College three sessions ; is by pro-
fession a real estate broke) ; came to Wisconsin in 1843, and settled at
Milwaukee, where he has cuutinued to reside ever since, excepting an ab-
sence of 18 months in Colorado ; entered the military service during the
late rebellion and was commissioned 2nd liieutenant, in Co. B. 1st Wis.
Vols., August 18(31 ; resigned September 18t)2, on account of ill health :
was deputy treasurer of the City of Milwaukee from 18G3 to 1808, and is
at present a member of the Board of Health of the city, and member of
the Assembly from the 1st AVard. He received G03 voies as an indepen-
dent candidate against 438 for Patrick Drew, Dem.
James White came to Milwaukee when oidy five years old, and from
tliat day to this, no one uttered a complaint against him for any mischief
or offence, so usually committed by boys of that age. Tip to his going to
Madison as a member of the Assembly, whose labors recently terminated,
he was unknown to the political world. While at school and college, he
evinced considerable talent, and while Deputy Treasurer of the City, his
conduct was obliging and gentlemanly : always at his post. ready and will-
ing to attend to any call made on him by reason of his position
While in the Assembly Ch:imber at Madison, his attention to business
was unremitting, displaying in all cases that came before the house a de-
gree of sound judgement, which would reflect credit on an older ami more
practiced man, giving reasonable hope, yes positive assurance, that with a
little more practice, he is sure to make an indelible mark, as a statesman.
Biography. 285
The Biographer states this as his opinion from personal knowledge,
strengthened by the testimony of one of the most intelligent members of
the house. His address is pleasing, and his personal appearance most
engaging, being by some degrees the finest man in the Capital ; tall in sta-
ture, beautiful in form and features, and in every way calculated to draw
attention. He is the eldest sou of the late John AVhite, who fillef family schools until the age of 12 during the
winter and district-school during the summer. From that age until ho was
18 he attended academies and college Taught school during the winter
months from that age until 22, when he attended tiie Ohio Law-school,
where he graduated at the age of 23. During the winter of 1856 and
1857 he studied law in the office of Theodore Miller of Hudson, at present
one of thejudsres of the Supreme court of the state of N. Y. and received
his diploma after an examination at Albany before the Supreme Court of
the state (tf N. Y. In the spring of 1801 he reutoved to Wisconsin, was^
admitted to the Circuit Court at Elkhorn. Walworth Co. Settled at
Galesville in June 1867 and commenced the practice of law. Was ap-
pointed district attorney for the Co. of Trempealeau in 1868. Wa^
surveyor and surveyed many of the new lands for the new settler.-* then
cominjr to that Co. Was married in 1869 to Miss Hettie E. Tripp,
daughter of Isaac Tripp of Wayne Co., N. Y., by whom he had one
daughter. In 1861 he lost his beautiful and accomplished wife. In 1801
was elected superintendent of schools for Trempealeau Co. In 1860
ran for the Assembly on the Democratic ticket against Roinango Bunn,
present judge of 6th judicial district for the state of Wisconsin, and
was defeated. In August 1862, enlisted in the U. S. service. Elected
Captain of Co, C, 30th Wis. Vols, spent the first year of his service
together with the balance of his regiment in the state doing patrol duty and
enforcing the draft. In the spring of 1863, was ordered up the IMissouri
River to join Q-en. Sully in his expedition against the Sioux Indians. The
regiment l)uilt Forts 'Sully and Rice, relieved Capt. Fisk and was with
BlOGKAPUY. 'iy-")
(xcn. Sully during his cauijiaign. Regiment was ordered tu join Grcn.
Sherman in Oct. 18(Jo, built themselves liat-boats and floated down the
Missouri River 1300 miles to St. Joseph, Missouri, and arrived in Louis-
ville, Kciituckj, after Sherman had left on his "march to the sea."
Was ordered to join Thomas at the tight at Nashville, but had orders to
stop at Bowling Green to defend that place which was threatened. Re-
mained there two months and was then sent to Louisville where it re-
niained nntil the close of the war, taking and hanging guerillas and trans-
sporting prisoners from the South to the northern prisons. The captain was
in command of the regiment most of the time after he arrived in Kentucky,
the field officers bidng detached. In Oct 1865, was mustered out of the
service and spent one year at his old home in Dutchess Co. In 18(5r> he
purchased a large farm at Galesviile and has from that time l)eeii engaged
in the pursuit of agriculture. In the fall of 1870 was unexpectedly nom-
inated for the Assembly for 1871, and elected by a small majority over
ivfo op}»osing candidates.
lu Feb. 1869 was again married to .Miss. Mary J. Dougla.y of 31flru«e.
Jackson Co. and now after a marriage of two vears has one t^'tn six
Toonths of age.
Mr. Arnold takes great jtride in his present profession of agricul-
tr.re, intends to devote the balance of his life to the pursuit, and desires
to be one of the principal blooded stock growers of the Northwest.
HENRY 0. MONTAGUE.
Hetiry U. Montague was born in Onondaga County, State of New
York, Aug. I'J, 1835 : came to Milwaukee, Wisconsin in 1854 ; took up
his residence in 1854 where he has resided since that date ; was admitted
to the bar in 1864, and practiced his profession until 1st Sept. ISt!;"*, when
lie enlisted as a private in the 12th Regiment of Wis. Vols. Infantry, and
served with his regiment in all grades from private to 1st Lieutenant until
July, 18G4, when he was appointed assistant adjutant general of his
brigade, with rank of captain, Mnd in that capacity till the end of hig
term of service. He took part in the following battles : Jeiferson, Stone
River, Chickamauga, Buzzard Roost, Resaca, Dalton, Peach Tree Creek,
Atlanta and Jonesboro.
He was appointed U. S. assessor in December 1864, and remained
in this po.sition until March, 1865, when he was appointed Postmaster at
Whitewater, whicii position he still occupies. He was also elected magis-
trate in 1 *71.
296 IJlOGRAPUY.
Tho number and variety of official positions occupied hy Captain
Montague are the best proofs that could be given of his competency to
dischai'ge the duties required of him, His strict integrity, close atten-
tion to official business, and pleasing manner gained for him the full and
undivided confidem-e of the people, which he still enjoys, and will, no
doubt, continue to enjoy as lon^ so it may answer his purj)oso to remain in
the public service.
Hon. ALEXANDER CIRAI-IAM.
The subject of this brief sketcli was born in Oneida County, New
York. His father was Scotch, and his mother whose maiden name waa
Richter, was of G^erman extraction. Received an academical education at
Homer Academy, New York, and commenced life a schoolteacher, in which
vocation he continued about 5 years, ^leanwhile he occupied his spare time
in studying law witli the late Edward Quin Esq. of Watkins, New York,
not with the view to its jiractice as a profession but to more fully quaiifj
himself for an intelligent liusiness man. Commenced life without :i. dollar,
but lie had what was better capital than money, industry, economy, coupled
with business capacity of high order, in combination with a will power
that in his case made success almost certain wlicn under ordinary circum-
stances disaster and failure would have ensued. He married a daughter
of (len. Martin Keep, of Home, New York.
In 1843 he engaged in milling and an extensive lumber busi-
ness in Tompkins Co. New York, prosecuting it successfully until 1^48,
when he sold out the milling business and purcliased a farm, thence-
forward giving a portion of his time to agriculture, and in the year 1855,
took the 1st premium on farms in the County of Schuyler. During his
residence in Tompkins County, he was elected to the office of Superinten-
dent of schools, supervisor and in 185U was elected to the assembly, where
as a member of the Committee on Canals he took a prominent part in
bringing forward the measure for the enlargement of the Erie '45. His
father, Gottlob Maas, purchased a farm in the Town of Wauwatosa, out-
side tiie city limits, on the Fond du Lac Avenue, well known as the
Maas farm, on wliich he carried on the business of a farmer, till his death.
Charles cultivates a part of this farm and keeps a large dairy.
THOMAS P. COLLINGBOURNE
was born in tlie city of Leicester, in Leicestershire, England, in 1825, and
was educated in the Scientific Institute tliere. He was apprenticed to the
painting and decorating business in said city, for six years. Came to
New York in 1845, and from New York to Milwaukee, where he has carried
on business on a large scale up to the present. He is at present alder-
man of the city of Milwaukee, and has the most extensive business in the
state of his line.
PATRICK Mclaughlin.
< hie of the Nature's best noblemen has gone from amongst u.s. Yes,
Patsy McLaughlin is dead. Our dearly beloved, and long-to-be
mourned Patsy is gone forever. He was peremptorily summoned, at
a short notice, to appear before a tribunal where his usefulness and
many virtues will be duly acknowledged, appreciated, and rewarded. The
Chief Engineer of the Fire Department of the City of Milwaukee was a
very rare and extraordinary character. Not every day — no, not ever}'^
century brings forth such a man.
Born of Irish parents, belonging to the working classes, receiving the
nnliments of education in New York till he attained the age of eleven
years, when lie removed to Milwaukee, and firiisliing it at the (.'hristiaii
El on J!. ACHY. 301
Brothers' ssbool in this city, witiuiut any social intercourse (.luring his
boy-hood with the bettor classes in wliose company he might be initiated
in the ways of the world, and improved in manner and habits — without
any of these personal advantages, he became a great and good man in his
way — he was entirely a self taught man — he was the architect of his own
fame and often earned it at the fearful risk of his nwn life, as will be
shown hereafter.
The Chief Engineer of the Fire l)e})urtment was small in person, be-
ing considerably under the middle size, but was active, determined, and
brave ; fearing no danger where duty called liim, or required his presence.
The little chief was a hero, in the true sense i)f the term. A mercenary
general who displays physical strength, great skill and ingenuit}^ in devis-
ing means to destroy life and property in order to punish a neighboring
king or emperor for an imaginary insult perhaps, is called a hero.
The historian of the event exercises all his intellectual faculties, and ran-
sacks the many pages of a voluminous dictionary to find suitable terms "to
extol the fame of his hero, and transmit his name to posterity, while he
who risks his own life to save the life and property of others is forgotten
immediately after his own generation has passed away ; ajid his fame and
name are allowed to slide into the gulf of oblivion without leaving a single
trace on record. The history of both ought to be recorded, as peculiarly
calculated to transmit a useful moral lesson to posterity. The oi'.e is a
demon, whose mission is to destroy life and property without sufficient
cause. The other hero is an angel, whose mission is to save life and prop-
erty, even at the risk of his own life. Such has been the mission of our
late chief of the Fire Department of Milwaukee. He was the watchful
sentinel and sleepless guardian and safeguard of our city. His heart
and soul were wrapt up in his profession, of which he was a perfect mas-
ter. No pleasure — no enjoyment could induce him to neglect his duty,
which was paramount to every thing earthly. The fame of such a man should
not be soon forgotten. The history of his useful and blameless life should
be written in letters of gold, and transmitted to posterity as a salutary ■
example for others to follow. Tins little hero's life is a perfect illustra-
tion of what a 3'oung man can do to raise himself to eminence and distinc-
tion by beginning as he did, and pursuing the same course. Our little
chief's life is somewhat similar to that of the enemy he so often was called
upon to conquer and subdue. Both generally began very small. That
enemy often had its origin in the accidental ignition of alucifer match, in
the careless deposit of a tobacco pipe containing the dying embers of the
favorite weed. The little chief commenced his professional life as a link
and torch boy, and by his talent, good conduct and strict attention to
"02 BlOOKAl'HY.
husiuccis wurkotl liis way up through the (lifforeiit gnulatiuiis of bis pro-
fession till he became chief engineer — till he became tlie best tire engineer
in the United States, perhaps in the world. The oneuiy the little chief
had to Jight never sent a flag of truce, or had the good grace to accept.
When the battle oommencod that enemy had no mercy, nor ceased to
destroy till all the com1)ustible matter in its vicinity was completely con-
siiirked, if not conijuerod and subdued liy its antagonistic element water.
Tn every capacity, the late chief displayed consummate skill, great energy-
jKroniptncss to act in difficult emergencies, fearlessness in the midst of
danger and beroic bravery, whicli deservedly earned for his memory and
mortal reinsiins lionors paid only to kings and einpurors. Since the day
the first white man placed his foot on the soil of Wisconsin, no man's re-
mains were visited by so many persons, as those of tke late chief en-
gineer. While lying iu state in City Hall, no less than 14,000 persons
visited his mortal remains daily. As to his funeral, no one could form
an estimate, approaching the (ruth, of the numbers that composed it.
The late good, and never to be forgotten, Solomon Juneau, the founder
of this city, is said to have had more carriages in his funeral, tluin in that
af the chief, but not the fourth of the number of pedestrians. The writer
of this history does not state these facts from personal knowledge, though
present on both occasions.
In his opinion, no one could form even an approximate estimate of
the vast numbers that attended the ob,sequies of chief engineer McLaugh"
lin. Much praise is due to our citizens for the feeling of sorrow generally
manifested on tlie death of tho late Chief McLaughlin, by reason of his
many virtues, and public services. The late demonstration will have its
moral effects. It will show that the acts of a good man are duly apprecia-
ted. Popular manifestations of sorrow on the demise of a great and good
man are morally usefuL They are just and right. To do honor to him
to whom honor is due, is a duty we owe to every one pre-eminently dis-
tinf'uished for science, art, or literature, for inventions of public utility —
for supporting national rights, when wrongfully invaded, for public and
private charities, having no reference to religious sects— for disinterested
patriotism — for personal wealth, honestly accumulated, and liberally laid
out in promoting the general interest and advancement of the state or
district in which tlie owricr resides; for the faithful, honest, and able dis-
charge of his duty, by a public officer, and for many other ])crsonal acts
of a minor character. To make the contrast appear more palpable between
the acts of the <^ood and the bad, it would be an improvement in American
life, if public opinion were brought to bear on evil doers more heavily
than is the custom at present.
BiouitAiMiv. 303
Public opiuiou oui^ht to bi' brouohf, t') be;ir uri swiiidier.s who obtain
aiuucy under false pretence, run in debt wherever they can obtain credit,
and commit frauds in various ways, and vfho screen themselves beliind the
laws that protect the salary of office holders, and a certain amount of
personal pro(icrty and real t^-state from attachment or cxecutioi:. The
laws in these cases are wise and merciful, but v.-hen abused, the conduct of
evil doers should be manifested by public disapproval, not by large meet-
tings called for that purpose, but l)y avoiding evil doers coolly- and
shunning their company. If a swindler such as is described above should
escape punishment, he should be designated by a more appropriate name
than — a smart fellow.
When an evil doer, such as above described, is allowed to return t(j
his home, after having expiated, in the jail or penitentiary, for crimes
absolutely coniniitted he should gee the -'cold shouhler" instead of being
received with open arms.
The writer was walking with a gentleman on one of the avenues in
Detroit, about twenty-three years ago, who pointed to a well dressed
young gentleman linked between two fashionably dressed ladies, saying
"that fellow has only returned from jail ten days ago, where he was con-
fined for three years for swindling on a large scale and tho.se two young
ladies linked with him are very respectable." The pet name — a smart
fellow, and his reception by two respectable ladies would not be likely to
reform the swindlers' conduct, who as a cool reception and the "cold shoul-
der" would show tlie necessity, in a worldly point of view, of a reforma-
tion in his conduct ; persons incarcerated for political crimes are not inclu-
ded. Sojue of these observations may not be considered relevant to the
subject, but the author conceives that they are necessary te carry out his
views.
Chief McLaughlin was a thorough master of his profe.ssion. AVheii
a tire Avas announced, he hastened thither with the speed of lightning,
commenced his plan of operation with great promptitu.de and sound judg-
ment ; directed his great gun — the hose, charged with water ; took his
aim and hit his mark with a precision of one eminently skilled in the
science of hydraulics, and art of gunnery, as derived from the nature of a
parabolic curve and projectile force cmplayed.
After a few brief lessons explanatory of the machinery employed in
*he lately invented telegraph to transmit intelligence of fire, the chief
acquired a perfect knowledge of its use, and became familiar with all the
chemicals necessary to run the institution, as though he had been a pupil
of Liebig or Sir Humphry Davy. The writer can state this extraordin-
ary aptitude of the little chief to pick up a knowledge of machinery and
fiuimical ino-redients from personal knowied^e derived from conversation
304 ElOGUAVIiY.
on the subject, and from frequent visits to his chemical rouni. He wouhl
have made a great mathematician, if lie could have received instructions
at an early age. He had the organ of number strongly marked, according
to what we are taught by the science of phrenology. A detached history
of all the dangers he passed through to save tlio life of others at the risk
of his own would fill some pages.
On Monday, Septempcr 24, IbGG, a fatal casualty uccurcd un Spring
Street, Milwaukee, in what was known as Birchard's Block, which had
been burned a short time before, leaving a portion of the old brick walls
standing. Workmen were engaged in rebuilding the block, and had erected
new walls to the height of the third story, when a strong wind' swept a
large portion of tlie west wall toward the inside of the building. Carrying
floors workmen and all that came in their way to the cellar. The part
played by the assistant of the fire department, Patrick McLaughlin', on
this occasion was thus alluded to in the ]\rilwaukec Daily News of the en-
suing morning :
"Mr. Patrick McLaughlin, first assistant of the Pire Department, de-
serves special mention for his conduct in rescuing one of the victims of the
calamity, who was stopped on the second floor, and in bringing him down
tlie ladder alone and unassisted".
There was something superhuman in this lieroic act, when we con-
sider the frightful danger in the attempt, and the diminutive size of him
who performed the humane act, unassisted. The physical strength of the
little assistant fireman could not have performed what has been here sta_
ted, if he had not been inspired by a desire, more than human, to save
the sufi"ering victim. This is a positive proof, that the courageous and humane
assistant would sooner sacrifice his own life than neglect a duty which, he
considered, called upon liim to save anotiicr. The subject of this sketch
followed the business of a carpenter and shingle maker for four years on
his own accoimt, in each of which lie excelled. He was first connected
with the Department in 18-54, when he began with the snmllest duties of
his profession. He served as Hose Captain, and Secretary to Engine No.
6, in the old Volunteer Department ; was hose driver and pipe man of
Steamer, Milwaukee No. 1 ; then became foreman of that con:ipany ; was
1st assistant chief Engineer in 1865, and was promoted to the rank of
chief Engineer in April, 18G.5, by Hon. Edward O'Neill, tlien Maj'or of
the City, and now President of the Bank of Commerce, which proves the
sense of justice and discriminatorj^iudgement of Mr. O'Neill.
Mr. McLaughlin left four brothers and one sister who is married : he
did not chew, smoke or drink intoxicating liquors in all his life ; had his
life insured and owned a house and lot ; he left no ready money, being
BlOiilVAPHY. ^^^
well kiiowu to have given most of Ms salary in charity; made no will.
He lost his health in an attempt to save the lires of two men at the burn-
\nur fire department he rose to its chief ; and we do not believe that he has
left his superior, if indeed lie have left his eciual, in any part of the world
as the head of a fire department. He seemed to be a fireman by natural
instinct. He studied his calling until it was with him a positive science.
He controlled the fire alarm telegraph with an intelligent precision which
we believe to have been wholly unrivalled. Li the presence of a fire, his
commanding self-DOSsession and coolness, intuition and unerring judgment,
his utter insensibility to danger, his supreme self-devotion to the duties of
the exigency, made him absolute master of the position, and seemed al-
most to give him a personal dominion over the destroying element. It
was by no good fortune, by no accident, that a city so combustible as this
has of late been so singularly free from destructive fires. It was due to
the genius, the courage, untiring and unshrinking self-devotion of this
man And the cost to the city has been his life. He wore himself out
in its service. In that service he spared himself for no exhaustion, for no
sickness With him, health and life itself were secondary considerations
306 BlOOIlAPHY.
to the duties of life. A man so heroic in his whole cluuaeter should ac-
cording to our ordinary notions, have had a stalwart, massive frame. He
was in stature and appearance more a boy than a man, and his great soul
wore out his little bod}^ in the arduous and exhausting discharge of his duties
as the guardian of our lives and property against fire. Since our memor-
able fire, his health has steadily declined. His exertions then to save the
lives of others ultimately cost him his own ; and he goes down to bis grave
the martyr as well as the the hero of his office.
But great as were his official merits, it was not for that we chiefly ad-
mire him. We loved Patsy McLaughlin — and we still cling to that familiar
appellation of a sign of our love — for the genuine simplicity, purity and
integrity of his oharacter. Theman's whole character is genuine. There
was no taint of affectation or pretence about him. His character and his lifw
were perfectly truthful, direct and open. There was something rarely
noble in the guileless simplicity of his nature. He seemed to have no
comprehension of deceit, or intrigue, or indirection. Conspicueiu?ly I>ohl
and able and energetic amongst men, he was as gentle and kindly affec-
tionate as a woman. He was singularly disinterested. He was devoted
to his duties from pure love of them and those whom he served. He was
a man and may have had his faults; but we did not see them. He was
a thoroughly good, generous, warm-hearted man.
Speaking, as we believe, the unanimous voice of the people of !Mil-
waukee, we therefore pass the following resolutions ;
1st. That the death of Patrick McLaughlin, late Chief Engineer of
the Fire Department of this city, is a public calamity ; leaving a vacancy
in one of the most important offices in the city, which we have no hope of
goon seeing filled with the wonderful skill, judgment and courage with
which ho filled it, to the security of the city at home and its honor abroad.
2d. That his death has not only cost the city a great and good officer
but a most excellent mouiber of society, dear to us all, and in tlie hightr
and truer sense of the word the most popular man amongst us.
3d. That as a tribute to his worth as an officer and a man, all the
offices of the city be draped in mourning for thirty days ; that until .".fter
his interment all the offices of the city be closed ; that this Common Coun-
eil will attend his funeral in a body, and request all the officers of the city
to acgompany with us, to their last resting place, the honored remains of
Patrick McLaughlin.
The above resolutions were adopted, Aldermau McCarty and Comp-
troller Quin were appointed a committee to confer with the friends of the
Chief and the funeral committee.
The old members of the Volunteer Fire Department also held ^
Bfteeting and resolved to attend the funeral. The parties were A. J.
BlOURAl'UY. S07
Laiigworthy, J. 0. (jroodricb, Daniel Schultz, H. A. Starr, P. Van Veoh-
rei), Henry Baestrin, John W. Eviston.
A meeting of the R) inl of (Jnrlerwriters rusiilteii in the foliowiiio-
proceedings :
Patrick MoLuighliu, lat; Oliiof Engineer oi' the Milwaukee Five
Department, after a brief illness, died at his residence on the 27th day of
June, 1871. As an expression of our personal rogiird for the deoeased.
reraemlgering the many noble and self-sacrificing qualities which ha pos-
sessed, the peculiar fitness and ability displayed at the head of one of th«
most inipertanfe branches of our city government, a position requiring
untiring promptness, zeal and energy, with vigilance unceasing, and an
innate humanity and charity, to whose call he ever nobly responded, regard-
ing neither personal danger nor death in what he considered the line of
his duty ; and in fulfillment of our desire, to acknowledge his virtues and
services in some form which will be an evidence to his comrades and friends
of the esteem in wkich he was held by this Board, be it
Resolved, That in the death of Patrick McLaughlin, hue Ohief En-
oineer of the Eire Department of the city of Milwaukee, our city has lost
a zealous, vigilant and foarless officer ; tho Fire Department a head, orderly
:ind wise to direct and heroic to eseente ; the citizens a faithful guardian ;
the suffering a ready and benevolent friend, and the members of this Board
a trustworthy advisee and colleague, whose loss we mourn as a personal
bereavement.
C. D. Adsit, SEc'ypr© tern.
The members of the city, press assembled at parlor H of the Newhall,
and consisted of the following gentlemen : D. (1. Paul, and C H. Kitchell
of the News ; Alpha Child and Louis Bleyer of the Wisconsin ; P. Y^
Deusterofthc Seehote ; W. Gr. Roberts of the Sentinel; and Doerr
of the Banner and A. A. Singer of the Guide.
Mr. Kitchell was eleeted chairman and Mr. Doerr secretary. Mr.
Roberts moved that a committee be appointed to draft resolutions. Mr.
Singer moved that the chair appoint such committee, which was done, by
naming Messrs. Roberts, Child, Deuster, the Chairman and Secretary, who
reported the following resolutions :
Whereas, The members of the Press of this city have learned,
with feelings of the most sincere and unfeigned sorrow, of the death of
Patrick McLaughlin, Chief Engineer of the Fire Department of this city,
and feel that it is fitting and proper that some public acknowledgmeut
be made of tho universal respect in which they held him as a man and
ofiicer ; therefore,
Resolved, That Patrick MeLavighlin, by his uniform and unvaryiag
courtesy and kindness te all with whom he came in contact ; by hit ua-
308 ' BioGRAPiiy.
swerving and strict principles, and liis blameless life, and by his untiring
devotion to duty, at any hazard, merited and received our lasting regard
and enduring respect.
Resolved, That in his death we feel that we have, individually, lost
a true friend, and the city a most devoted and untiring officer.
Resolved, That v/c tender to the relatives of the deceased our honrty
sympathy and deepest condolence in their affliction, and thnt. as a mark
of our sorrow, we attend his funeral in a body.
Resolved, That a copy of those resolutions be transmitted to tlip
family of the deceased, and published in the papers of the city.
Mr. Bleycr was then appointed a committee to jjrocure carriages, and
make other arrangements, that will be required in order to pay due
respect to our late friend. Mr. Roberts moved to adjourn. Mr. Singer
amended the motion by adding that the chairman should have the power t^
call'another meeting before tlic funeral. \Yhich was carried.
The citizens, together willi members of the Fire Department met In
the room were the Chief slept for a number of years. Ex-Mayor Jos.
Phillips was called to the chair. He stated in brief the object of the
meeting. A committee to arrange the funeral was then selected, which
con.sists of John Black, \Vm. Beck, Edward O'Neill, C J. Gary, Jeremiah
Quin, Joseph Pliillips, Assistant Engineer H. Lippert, J. M. Coughlin,
of No. 1, Henry Hertor, of No. 2, Edward Bristol, of No. 3, James
Foley, of No. 4, John Mathias, of No. 5, and Nic Tyson, foreman of Hook
and Ladder Company.
Ex-Mayor Edward O'Neill made a few very feeling remarks. "TJjc
Chief was a noble man, lie was an honest man, he was a man that had not
his equal. During his administration Patrick McLaughlin had been on*'
of his best advisers, and that advice was always good and well calcula-
ted." But Mr. O'Neill could go on no furtlier; he was too full of sorrow
At any other time he might say more.
Mr. Black mentioned a few of the noble qualities of the ' -little man.
He said how be threatened (jestingly) to whip the chief, if he did not
stop rushing into danger ; and how '."Pat.sy" acted when the Ludington
Block was reported on fire.
Comptroller Jeremiah Quin Itoing requested, delivered tlie i'uUowing
beautiful eulogy :
Mr. Quia said : Assembled here are intimate friends and associates
of the deceased from whom no formal eulogy can find utterance. In the
Common Council Chamber a fitting eulogy has been spoken by the man, of
allothers amongst u^, most competent to pronounce it. The correct standard
by which the true greatness of human character should be measured, is
the depth and extent of the impression which it stamps upon society ,
BroGEAPiiT, 309
Judged by this standard, Patrick McLaughlin was a great man. The
gloom pervading every circle of this city's society proclaims a great public
loss in the untimely death of the man who has so suddenly fallci). It could
be no oi'dinary character which, emerging from comparative obscurity, backed
by no advantage of early life, struggled heroically against untold vieissi-
tudes and impressed itself so strongly in the faith and affections of this
community. Judging him by results, in his profession he leaves no super-
ior, but I think it was the precision with which after a single lesson he
worked that most intricate invention of this age, the Fire Alarm Telegraph,
that attested his wonderful ability. It came within m}^ information that the
officer of one of our largest lines of railway on one occasion sought hi«
i^ervices to regulate their telegraph, when they had in their employ the
most csmpetent electricians they could find and although he illustrated
the good judgment of those who were instrumental in his appointment as
Chief of the Fire Department of tliis city, those friends wdio knew him
well, mast reo;ret that he eno-a<2;ed i:i a profession so arduous and exacting,
hy from an intimate knowledge of his business character and integrity we
have ui) doubt he would achieve as great a success in other walks of life as
lie did in a profession which no doubt caused his untimely death. Self
sacrificing in every impulse, his death leaves a void wiiieli will not soon be
filled. His friends mourn the loss of one who in every sense was a true
friend and a true man.
It is right to mention, that v/heu the unexpected call was made on
the upright and talented city comptroller, he was taken by surprise, and
therefore fjuite unprepared ; but though he spoke without any jjrevious
notice or preparation, his effort was a complete success, as proved by the
well deserved eulogy on the departed Chief of the Fire Department, which,
under the circumstance is highly creditable to Mr. Quin, as a public
speaker.
Funeral Obskiiuies. — Burial oi' CuiEi;' Enginekr McLaughlin. —
Over Fifteen Thousand People Visit the Remains at
City Hall Yesterday. —Services at the Cathedral. —
The Pageant.
On Saturday morning tlie reuiains of tlie Chief Engineer McLaughlin
were taken from his residence to the City Hall in a hearse drawn by members
uf the Fire Department, the fire-bells tolling the while.'
The body was enclosed in what is loiown as the "Lincoln Casket"
which was placed upon a black dais, appropriately canopied. The hall
was draped in white and black, and beside a crucifix at each side of the
head of the coffin candles were burning. On and about the casket were
bouquets in trumpets and hose-nozzles, and here and there might be seen
pieces emblematic of the life and services of the dead. Large numbers
310 Biography.
▼isited the hall throughout the day and evening on Saturday; and yester-
day, before the. funeral hour, it was estimated that over 15,000 men,
women and children had viewed the pale and emaciated face of th.c little
Chief.
At one o'clockthe Mayor, Common Council, and city officers met at the
City Hall, from which the remains wor« borne to the hearse by pall-bearers,
two from each steamer and hook and ladder and hose cart, the mourneras
following, and then the city and county officers, and citizens in general,
joining in the procession to the cathedral, where funeral services took place
according to the rites of the Church, Rov. Father Donaghue officiating.
During the service the Reverend Father delivered an eloquent address
upon the life and character of the lamented Chief and the lesson conveyed
by the true and manly course of the deceased.
The services were directed by the Hon. Edward O'Neill, John Black,
Esq.. assisted by Capt. D. N. Kasson, and Thomas Shea, and at theii
conclusion the casket was again lifted and conveyed to the portal from
which they were soon on their way to their resting plaee at Calvary Cem-
etery under tlie following order of procession :
Assistant Chief Engineer Lippcrt.
Band.
Members of the Hose and Hook and Ladder Companies, in uniform.
iSteamer Mthoaukee, with portrait of the Chief heavily draped.
Supply Hose.
Steamer Solomon Janenv.
Supply Hose.
Steamer Edward O'NeiU.
Supply Hose.
Steamer ./. ./. Talhnadgr.
Supply Hose.
?teani6r Gcrvmnia, draped in black and white.
Supply Hose.
Ex-Engineer Daniel Sehultz.
Capfcs. A. J. Langworthy and John C. C-oodrich.
i*tembers of the Old Fire Department.
Chief of Police Beck.
Lieutenants Kendrjck and Shaughncssv/.
Band.
Drum and Fife Corps.
Major McCaulay.
Milwaukee Light Guard.
Sheridan Guard — Capt. Rooney.
Hibernian Benevolent Association.
Biography. 31^
Carriages — Pall Bearers.
Hearse.
Carriage — Father Donaghue and Assistants.
Carriages.
Kelatives and Mourners.
Carriages.
Mayor, City Att'n'iiey, Cuuiptrollar, Treasurer, and Common Counsil.
Carriages.
County Officers, and Jioai'd of Supervisors.
Carriages.
Board of Underwriters.
Chamber of Commerce.
Carriage — Press.
Friends and Citizens.
Sixty-one Buggies and 'Busses.
The firemen of the city were headed by the Chief Engineer of Chiea-
gci, his assistant and eight officers of his department. Besides the vehicles
enumerated there were forty-one carriages in the procession, and at points
along Spring street new teams fell into line, making it one of the largest
and most imposing funeral processions ever witnessed in this city.
The space about the City Hall, as well as at the Cathedral, wa*
crowded with spectators, and at the corners of the streets through which
the procession moved lai'ge numbers were assembled. The flags upon the
public buildings as well as upon the shipping were displayed at half-mast,
and throughout the city there was a solemn observance of the day set a-
part for the mark of respect for the honored dead.
At the cemetery the exercises were brief, and soon the narrow coutiues
of the grave embraced all but the name and fame of Patsy McLaughlin,
which will be recorded in the annals of our city, and will long be borne in
hallowed remembrance by our citizens, in whose services he sacrificed his
life.
Honors to thk Deai;. — Tut; PtR.ArAiNt; ok thk Late Chief. — The
Funeral To-day.
All day yesterday the body of Patrick McLaughlin lay in state in the
City Hall. At an early hour it was borne thither by those who loved him in
life and mourned sincerely for his death. The building was draped in
mourning, while the flag floated over it at half-mast. The Council Cham-
was tastefully and appropriately decorated with festoon* of black and
white cloth and the national colors.
• In the center of the ehamber was a low platform covered with black
cloth. Pillars at the corners, beautifully eovered with the sprigs of cedar >
supported cross pieces, also adorned with trimmings and crowned with a
312 Eio(uiAPiiv.
brass nozzle, the wluilc (H'lKuucuted witii the various portions of a fire-
man's outfit. On this platform stood the coffin, a beautiful metallic cas-
ket, of the Lincoln pattern, with a full glass top and silver trimmings,
finished in imitation of rosewood. It was furnished by Messrs. J. and H.
B. Kirby, undertakers, and was finished in tlie most elegant manner and
trimmed with fine white satin.
All day long a steady stream of visitors poured into and out of the hall,
where a constant watch v.-as kept by members of the fire department. A
vast number of people must have looked upon the remains during the day.
To-day the body will remain at the City Hall, for those who wish to view
it, till 2 o'clock, when the funeral will take place at the Cathedral.
Tribute of Respect. — Meeting op the County Officers.
In common with the City Government and the prominent associations
of tlie city, the Board of Supervisors and officers of the county hehl a
meeting to exiH'ess their sense of the loss of our people in the death oC
Chief McLaughlin. Supervisor Bentley wa,^ called to th.' chair, and Col.
William Kennedy was appointed secretary.
The follovt^ing resolutions were reported and adopted :
Resolved, That we have heard with feelings of the deepest emotion
of the not unexpected death of Chief Engineer McLaughlin, a man Avhose
death was brought about in the service of the public and by exposure in
protecting the property and saving the lives of our people ; that we have
lost a faithful upright servant whose place it will be difficult to fill ; his
daring and bravery eminently fitted him for the position he occupied aiul
his name will be endeared to us by many recollections of his past service.-.
Resolved, That we attend his funeral in a body, and extend to the
relatives our heartfelt symiiatliy in the hour of their affliction.
Extract from the History of my time.
Having in the preceding pages of the history of my time, prepared
for the press, given a brief sketch of the history of a few of tlie nobility
of England, Ireland, and Scotland, and of others prominently distinguish-
ed in science and literature, an occasional extract from that work may-
not prove uninteresting to some of the readers of this work. The extracts
will generally be taken from some part of the author's own work, containing
an account of some matter or event, in which ho has borne some part
either directly or incidently.
Lord Monteagle, who died in some part of last year, was well versed
in general science. His talents gained for him the high and responsible
position of Chancellor of the Exchequer in England, which he filled with
BlOGfRAPHT. 313
mueli credit to liimbclf, and bcuetit to tli'^ country. To bini is due the
credit of opening the borough of the eity of Limerick, which, as well as
all other rotten boroughs in Ireland, had been closed against Roman
Catliolics for centuries. Having been the first that achieved so ec{uitablc
a measure, he has a just claim to the gratitude of all liberal minded
Irishmen, and especially of the Roman Catholics of Ireland, who had
been long excluded from any participation in the municipal afl'airs (if all
the boroughs in the kingdom. While in power, he proved, by every act
of his. to be a true benefactor to the city which he ably and faithfully
represented. Among the most prominent measures he obtained for the
City of Limerick, next to the opening of the borough, was the building
of the Wellesley Bridge, over the River Shannon. This is one of the most
beautiful bridges in Europe, rendered famous by the peculiarity of it.'^
L-onstruction, no other bridge in the world being similar, except one in
France, which had been built on that plan to prevent an upward pressure
iu time of high floods, to force the arches upwards. Tliis stupendous
structure (Wellesley Bridge) will long bear testimony to the name of
Spring Rice (Lord Monteaglo) as promoter aud successful advocate of
every measure calculated to improve the political, merc;^ntile and social
condition of the beautiful city he represented.
It may not be irrelevant to state that 1 long enjoyed the iViendshiji
and patronage of Lord Monteagle, to which T owe a great part of my
success through life. I never asked him for a favor. He, however, never
allowed an opportunity to escape, wherein he could promote my interest,
that he did not take advantage of, unsolicited by me. He was in Londosi
when aud where he heard it said, on good authority, tliat one assistant
was to be ajopointed to discharge the duty of Astronomer Royal at Grreen-
wich, to relieve Doctor Pond of that duty, by reason of his age or infirmitv,
the incumbent retaining his position aud full pay for life. Spring Rice's
partiality for me induced him to think that I would be, in every way,
competent to fill the vacancy about to be made, by the resignation, or
rather exemption of the Doctor from [>rofessional dut}-. Influenced !i\-
a desire to get me the appointment, he immediately set out for Trinitv
College, Dublin, where he enlisted the services of Doctor Sadlier, the
Provost, and Doctor Sandes, then Senior Fellow of tlie Universitjr, and
afterwards Bishop of Cashel, vAw accompanied him to the rooms of other
influential Follows of the college, to solicit certificates for me, which they
had no difficulty in obtaining, all, to whom they applied, having been m\
intimate friends. Having thus far succeeded, my three distino-uished
fritmds went to Doctor J?rinkley, then Astronomer for Trinity Colleo-e.
and afterwards Bishop of Cloyne, who, from his knowledge of me. promised
to recommend me in the strono;est terms
314 Biography.
Here it may be ^rell t<> |ireini.se, tliat previously to thi^ time, my
astronomical invention, nf which ouly a model existed, was generally
spoken of througl) the presii, and also, that I got cretlit for making true and
accurate calcuhitiuiis and observations in relation to the comet which, not
many years before this lime, had made its appearance. Before this time, T
was a good deal employed in delivering lectures on Astronomy and other
sciences, which were very generally reported Im' the press, in terms more favor-
able and flattering than they really deserved. Andas to thelively interesl
taken in my promotion by Doctors Sadlier and Sandes, [ must say, that the
])art they acted on this occasion proceeded more from personal friendship
then any merit I possessed. Doctor Sandcs wa.H my friend and patron fi*om
my early manhood. lie was rather distant and austere in his manner
towards young persons, and never professed friendship openly, but never
forgot to do an act of kindness unasked wlien an opportunity presented
itself. Though a man of high rank by family connections, education, and
ecclesiastical position he disliked, of all things, to see his name in print.
When Junior Fellow of Trinity College, he invariabl}'- had the largest
classes, from which he derived a considerable income. In liis early college
days, he was considered a good mathematician, his favorite branches being
Arithmetic and Fluxions. During his Senior Fellowship and after having
been honored with a Miter, Mathematics and Science, generally, took an
upward start towards perfection, unequalcd in its progressive celerity by
any colligeate Institutioa in Europe.
All these facts in relation to mj'sclf were very favorable, and highly
calculated to facilitate the task of my friend and patron, Sj)ring Rice, in
.seeking and obtaining my appointment.
Armed with testimonials, reports of public lectures, a dcicriptiun,
in detail, of my astronomical instrument, printed addresses from scientific
societies, my esteemed friend departed for London, where he soon obtain-
ed a positive promise of uiy appointment on the resignation or retirement
of Dr. Pond from active duty, v/hich was expected to take [)lace in a
short time. A\ hile this canvass by my friends was going on, and some
time before, the project of establisliinga college or university for the people
in Dublin, similar to the -'London University for tlie People," was very
generally discussed. Meetings were held, committees appointed to make
all the necessary arrangements, raise funds, frame rule^ and regulations
for the general government of the institution. The first duty thej had
to perform was to procure a building sufficiently large to commence opera-
tions. Having chosen the present spacious premises occupied by the
Board of education for tlieir Normal Schools and other purposes in Marl-
borough Street, formerly the city residence of the Marquis of AYatorford,
the next duty they had to perform was to elect a president. There were
BlOGRAPHV. 3l5
only three candidates for the |n-esidency of the college that was to be, and 1
was elected by a large majority. My friends in Dublin, and they were many,
conceived that I could bo elected to fill the high office of president, if I con-
tended for it, collected around me and urged me to give up the idea of going
to Londen, stating many reasons why I should remain in Dublin, where I
liad so many friends. Weighed down by the force of argument, I con-
sented to become a candidate, and was fortunate enough to be elected
by a large majority. Being now elected president of the University, L
was invited to a seat at the Board and to take part in the future raanao-enient
of the institution. Sometime before this, Captain Jewel of Kilrush, in the
County of Clare, was induced to come to Dublin by a promise to be ap-
pointed stipendiary magistrate, but the authorities in Dublin discovering
that he was step-father to the wife of Counsellor O'Gorman, known for
many years as Secretary to the Catholic Association of Ireland, the gal.
lant captain was never troubled with the appointment, though few were
more peculiarly fit for it, having seen considerable service and been honor-
ed with a position of great responsibility in the East Indies, as governor
of some fortress. Captain Jewel having been disappointed in regard to
the af)pointment which he sought, came to me to solicit my vote and in-
terest to obtain the situation of secretary to the proposed University,
which I did not hessitate to promise without reserve, havii)r, near
Dublin, was forwarded to the Chancellor of tlie Exchequer. Incorporated
ill this report was one of a proposed harbor at Liverpool, and also a re-
port of the route from thence to the harbor near Dublin, which, as com-
pared w ith the former routes could not stand the test of competition.
Tn this connection, it is but right to mention, that Captain Jenkins ac-
cijinpauied my son and myself to Liverpool, a)id gave us a true comparison
of both routes from actual ob.servation, and long and intimate knowledge
of both routes. Captain Jenkins was a scientific officer, well informed
ill all naval mattars. He was also a good nautical surveyor, as is proved
liy tlie fact that, v.dicn a junior officer, under Lord DeEoose, he assisted
that nobleman in making surveys and eharts of some of the South Amer-
ican coasts belonging to England, as sliown by the title, "constructed by
DeRoose and Jenkins". These charts wore put on canvas and mounted
in my office in Dublin. The joint report of my son and myself having
lieen forwarded to the Chancellor of the Exchequer, he had no hesitation
in favoring his olil protege and Grod-son. He was (lod-fatlier to my
oldest son and I called my second son — Spring Eiee, after him T was
private tutor to his brother and another relative of his.
As a further proof of the sincerity of Lord Monteagle's friendship
for tlie author, lie w-ould mention, that when liis lordship was chancellor
of the Exchequer, he invited the members tlien composing the cabinet, to
spend six weeks at his mansion in thu county of Limerick, Ireland, among
whom were the Duke of Devonshire and the Marquis of Lansdowne, who
owned immense estate in that country ; and conceiving that if the author
were brought into contact with these noblemen, they v.ould most likely
give him the general agency of their properties with a view to their im-
provement by drainage, improved modes of agriculture &c., the author',s
friend. Lord Monteagle, invited him to join the party, premising as a con-
dition, that he should give up his room to Lord Morpeth, then Chief Sec-
retary for Ireland, and afterwards, Lord Lieutenant when Earl Carlisle,
who was expected to iMqunt 'IVenchard in six days hence. It is unneces-
BlOGRAV'JlV. 319
sary to state that tlie author gladly complied with the conditions, and
started immediately after having received the invitation, for Mount Tren-
eliard. Whik in company Avith the cabinet of England, the author, by
reason uf his professional avocations, was allov/ed to know more of the
condition of Ireland than most men iii the country, was daily and hourly
(juestioned in reference to the s'ate of matters, as they then stood in that
eoiintry. And though but a cypher in such an assemblage, the autlior
states with pride that honorable mention was made of his name after-
wards in the houses of Lords and Commons in (connection with tlie state
of Ireland at that time. Among other matters discussed, wherein infor-
mation was required of the other, was the state of the roads in Ireland.
This enquiry arose from the fact that the author and Sir James Anderson,
Bart, in the County of Cork, were each engaged in building steam car-
riages to run on the common roads. Though both were on the most in-
timate and friendly terras, yet they studiously avoided to exchange a
single idea that could lead either to take advantage of the other, by a-
dopting any plan that was not his own. "On my return to Dublin from
Mount Trenchard, one ©f the first persons I met was Sir James, to whom T
said, Sir James. Iliave been doing something for you these days back. 1
mentioned all I knew about your steam carriage to some of the members of
of the cabinet. In a fev/ days after my return to Dublin I lieard if whispered ,
that Mr. Rogers, then a partner of Sir James in the steam carriage project,
reported that I took advantage of Sir James' invention, and that while at
Mount Trenchard, I spoke slightly of my friend's carriage. On hearing thi.«
report, I prepared a letter contradicting every AYord of the rumor set afloat
in refprence to myself, by Mr. Rogers, which letter was published in two of
the Dublin papers. In my letters I appealed to the members of the cab-
inet assembled at Lord Monteagle's. When I introdueed the name of Sir
James Anderson in connection with his carriage, I said every thing calcu-
lated to promote his interests, so far as I heard of it, but never instituted
a comparison between his and others, being unab]e t<> do so. as knowing
notliing of his plan.
My carriage being ready, 1 was in treaty with a party in Stafford,
England, who proposed to place it on some of the English roads, when to
my great mortification, I got information that it had been broken into
pieces the night bef»re by some evil minded person or persons. I sus-
pect the deed was perpetrated by one who helped to build it, and that he
had been bribed for that purpose. I never had time to attempt another
to replace it.
Common justice calls on me to state, that Sir James had neither bad
act or part in the matter. Sir James was a man of high honor and noble
320 ' IJioaiiAPin'.
principles, utterly incapable of any act not becoming his excellent chnrac-
ert and hieh sfntinn. T ^vas never al^lo to find out the guilty party.
TreaJ (Hi a \vonii and it will turn. The harmless and defenceless
u-orni, when trodden on, will turn, and will, by the first law of nature, bo
urged to turn, and make an elFort, unavailing as it may be, to remove tlio
weight that pressed it; and if tlic reptile is provided with as ting, it will
turn and, by way of revenge, inflict an injury on the foot that trod on it.
The first law of nature, which is self 211'cscrvation, seems to pervade ail
animated creatures, from the highest to tlie lowest, even to the poor worm
that creeps on the earth, and thougli many (if these creatures may seem to
))ossess no feeling of resentment or revenge, I do firmly believe, that every
living being from man down to tlie lowest and most insignificant insect,
inclusive, is tinctured, more or less, with the spirit of resentment, at
least, if not auger, hatred, and revenge. Man was endowed by his creator,
with all these attributes, no doubt for a good and wise purpose, and only
to be called into action, when assailed, or about to be assailed b}- an ene-
my. When the conflict with an enemy commences, we are aroused by the
laws of nature, and often instigated by the evil propensities of our nature,
to invoke all our vi^orst passions to enlist themselves in our cause, and it
not unfrequently liappcns, that long after the battle with the enemy had
(.•eased, and the cause in which it originated had been removed, we
are urged by an evil spirit of revenge to continue the fight, by which W(^
Itecome the aggres.sors, or offending party. Hence the necessity of keep-
ing all our passions under proper control. When people arc long suffer-
ing under the insupportable Avcight of poverty, degradation ayd distress,
caused by injustice, no matter of what kind, name, or description, they
arc forced by the laws of nature to resist those that op^H-css them. They
may bear the burden that oppresses them with patience, while endurable :
but patience has its limits, and like the smouldering embers, which if not
completely extinguished, finally kindle into a blaze, will ultimately, sooner
or later make an eftort to remove the cause or weight that had long op-
pressed them. 1 have been led to these reflections by the past and present:
social condition of Ireland, whose liistory presents a series of social convul-
sions caused by a difference of races, a difference of religious creeds, and :i
difterence of political sentiments. To these causes may be added nation-
al habits of long standing. But the greatest of all causes, and those that
liave produced, and still continue to produce, the most disastrous effects,
are purely agrarian and want of employment for the working population.
These disturbances that take place in Ireland, year after year, and day
after day, are altogether a war between landlord and tenant. In a futurt*
chapter, I mean to trace out all these causes and their effects. The war
between landlord and tenant came to its highest in 184-4, the year that
the young Ireland party became seriously rebellious.
About this time and long before, daily ejectments from the iiome of
their fathers sent tliousands of poor families on tlie road side without a
roof to shelter them or food to feed them.