VOLUME 36 NUMBER 2

WINTER, 1952-53

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•"^^^^^f^^^^^^^^m "After the Storm" pictures the still­ ness which settles upon the countryside immediately after a snowstorm. Taken by A. J. Mueller of Appleton, this snowscape won third prize in the Pictorial Division of the Third Annual ON THE COVER: Photographic Competition, "Wiscon­ sin Today — 1952," sponsored by the Society. See page 140 for the boxed item, "Quality Reflected in Photo­ graphic Competition," which supplies further information on this competi­ tion and exhibit.

The WISCONSIN MA(;AZINK OF HISTORY is published by the State Historical Society of Wisconsin, 816 State Street, Madison 6, Wisconsin. Distributed to members as part of their dues (Annual Membership, $3.50; Contributing, $10: Business and Professional, $25: Life, $100; -Sustaining, $100 or more annually). Yearly subscription, $3.50; single numbers, 90 cents. Communications should be addressed to the editor. The Society does not assume responsibility for statements made by contributors. Entered as second-class matter at the post office at Madison, Wisconsin, under act of August 24, 1912. Copyright 1953 by the State Historical Society of Wisconsin. Paid for in part by the Maria L. and Simeon Mills Editorial Fund and by the George B. Burrows Fund. PERMISSION—Wisconsin newspapers may reprint any article appearing in the If isconsin Magazine of History provided the story carries the following credit line: Reprinted from the State Historical Society's Wisconsin Magazine of History for [insert the season and year which appears on the Magazine]. PHOTO CREDITS—Wisconsin Assembly Opening, in Session, and Vote Register from the motion picture film, "Wisconsin Makes Its Laws," by the State Centennial Committee, 1947; Donald R. McNeil, Wallace-Zorn, Los Angeles; Log Cabin, Richard Houghton draw­ ing. Society's Museum staff; all other Buttles pictures from Anson M. Buttles Collection, Milwaukee; Medal of Honor (navy). Official U. S. Navy Photo; General MacArthur, U.S. Army photo; Slack, Milwaukee Journal; Van Valkenburgh, Ingman, and Red Cloud, U.S. Army photo; J. Stannard Baker, from Harry D. Baker, St. Croix Falls; Col. ,Iohn Gurley, Mr. and Mrs. Sam Gurley, Mrs. David Kline, Waukesha; Marquetry Cabinet and Beau­ mont's Dining-Room Chair, Lefebvre-Luebke, Commercial Photographers, Green Bay; Grass Rug and Beaded Deerskin Articles. Willis B. Foote, Madison; and the Angus F. Lookaround Memorial Unit, L. L. Cook Company, Milwaukee. VOLUME 36 NUMBER 2

PUBLISHED BY THE STATE HISTORICAL SOCIETY OF WISCONSIN WINTER, 1952-53

Editor: CLIFFORD L. LORD Managing Editor: LILLIAN KRUEGER

CONTENTS

The Wisconsin Legislature EARL SACHSE 83

Lincoln Scolds a General HARLAN HOYT HORNER 90

Pioneer Buttles, Town Milwaukee Diarist LILLIAN KRUEGER 97

Wisconsin and the Medal of Honor ALAN E. KENT 104

Nineteenth Century Land Colonization in Northern Wisconsin ARLAN HELGESON 115

The Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in Southwestern Wisconsin.... BEULAH FOLKEDAHL 122

Weavers of Grasses : Indian Women of the Woodlands PHEBE JEWELL NICHOLS 130 (Mrs, Angus F, Lookaround)

FEATURES : The Collector 127 Meet the Authors 82 Readers' Choice 137 Smoke Rings 87 Sincerely Yours 141 Pandora's Box 113 Accessions 157 meet the authors

EARL SACHSE, a native of Milwaukee, did the Order of the Coif, honorary legal fra­ some of his college work at Marquette. ternity, and Avas a staff member of, and a Taking his M.A. degree in sociology at the contributor to, the Wisconsin Law Review. University of Wisconsin, he was for a Five years were spent as an assistant at­ time a field representative with the State torney general in Wisconsin. Mr. Sachse Department of Public Welfare, and then left this position when he was appointed, completed his work for the Law degree at in October, 1948, the executive secre­ the State University. He was elected to tary of the Legislative Council.

Iowa-born HARLAN HOYT HORNER was edu­ His great interest in Lincoln resulted in a cated at the University of Illinois and fine Lincoln Collection, begun in 1909, New York State College of Teachers. For which he and his wife have donated to many years he was associated with the the University of Illinois as a memorial to University of the State of New York; from the Class oi 1901. The Horner Lincoln- 1923-30 he was the executive secretary of Greeley volume has recently come off the the New York State Teachers' Association. University of Illinois Press.

LILLIAN KRUEGER, a graduate of the Uni­ edge of the state's pioneer period, espe­ versity of Wisconsin School of Journalism, cially as it relates to women and their began research and editing at the Society contribution to the American heritage, has during Dr. Schafer's regime. Hundreds of resulted in her bringing out Motherhood manuscripts, offered for publication in the on the W^isconsin Frontier. Miss Krueger Wisconsin Magazine of History, have been frequently writes articles, reviews books, read by her. Possessing a wide knowl­ and is on the Society's "Speakers' Circuit."

Milwaukee-born ALAN E. KENT served in thesis in political science. Mr. Kent is the U.S. Army, Corps of Engineers, 1944- educational curator in the Historical So­ 46, in the Hawaiian Islands, le Shima, ciety's Museum, a post which requires him and Okinawa. He attended the University to do considerable research. Several of of Wisconsin in 1946-48, where he com­ his sketches will appear in the Dictionary pleted work for his B.S. and M.S. degrees. of Wisconsin Biography, under the spon­ .Jir% Presently he is working on his Doctor's sorship of the Society.

ARLAN HELGESON was born at Holmen, La work. There he completed his work in Crosse County, Wisconsin. In 1943 he was history and received his Master's and graduated from Wisconsin State College, Doctor's degrees. His land colonization La Crosse. During the war he was a radio paper was read at the Society's Annual operator in the Army Airways Communi­ Meeting at Eagle River in June. Dr. cations System, serving in England. After Helgeson, on the staff of Illinois State his return to the states, he entered the Normal University, Normal, is known to University of Wisconsin to do graduate readers through former contributions.

A native of South Dakota, BEULAH FOLKE­ Miss Folkedahl has written for church DAHL has called Blanchardville "home," papers, particularly on Norwegian-Ameri­ t-i for most of her life. She was graduated can themes; has contributed histories of from St. Olaf College, and took her Mas­ Iowa and La Fayette counties to the ter's degree at Columbia University. For County Agricultural Statistics volume; and many years she taught in the junior col­ has prepared several sketches for the Dic­ if' leges of the Evangelical Lutheran Church. tionary of Wisconsin Biography.

PHEBE JEWELL NICHOLS (Mrs. Angus F. shena has become a Museum and Studio Lookaround), a native of Wabasha, Min­ Memorial to her husband. A popular re­ nesota, was a daughter of a writer who gional writer, poet, and lecturer, Mrs. A\as an authority on the wildlife of the Lookaround is an authority on the life legion. Her husband, Angus F. Look­ and culture of the Indians and advo­ around, was a noted Indian athlete and cates, as writer and lecturer, that jus­ musician. The Lookaround home at Ke- tice be used toward them.

82 A series of articles pertaining to the functions of the various branches and agencies of the state government is cur­ rently appearing in the Magazine. How the legislative branch is organized, how it operates, and how it is aided by the work of the legislative council with its committees are explained in Mr. Sachse's lucid account. In this legislative year it is a contribution all citizens will find time to read.

The Wisconsin Legislature by Earl Sachse

In previous issues of this Magazine, articles law has been adopted, it may be challenged describing the executive and judicial branches in the courts, and the supreme court has the of our state government have appeared. This authority to declare it unconstitutional, and article will describe the legislative branch, in that event, it is null and void. The con­ which is the third major division of our stitution itself is the fundamental law under­ state government. The division of our state lying the entire system of our state govern­ government into three branches is similar to ment. That document can be altered only the organization of the federal government. with the consent of the people themselves. It is based upon the theory of checks and Although the constitutions of many states are balances and is intended to make certain that very long and cluttered with minute and un­ no branch will become all-powerful. necessary detail, our Wisconsin constitution In practice how does this system work? is a relatively brief and simple document. We The Legislature passes the laws. The gover­ observe, then, that the three principal branches nor in his message at the opening of the of government are balanced and exert checks, session may urge the passage of certain bills one against the other. In this way, rights which are important to the program which and liberties of the people are protected. he considers to be for the best interest of In addition to the three branches of gov­ the State. For example, in the 1951 session, ernment mentioned above, there is another Governor Walter J. Kohler, Jr., recommended division which we might call the administra­ fifty-five measures and the Legislature adopted tive branch. It consists of the constitutional forty-seven of them. However, if the gover­ officers: lieutenant governor, attorney gen­ nor disapproves of some measure passed by eral, state treasurer, secretary of state, and the Legislature, he has power to veto it. The superintendent of public instruction. These Legislature may then by two-thirds vote in officers are elected directly by the people both houses pass it over his veto. After a and are not subject to direct control by

83 Chaplain Opening a Daily Session of the State Assembly. 1947 the other branches, except to the extent (2) The Legislature creates state depart­ that the Legislature may prescribe the vari­ ments and agencies and retains the power of ous duties of their offices. abolishing or reorganizing them. When a Since the turn of the century, there has been new problem arises, the Legislature frequently a great growth of departments, boards, com­ finds it necessary to establish a state depart­ missions, and similar agencies. Although ment to handle that problem. For instance, they are considered to be in the executive when workmen's compensation was adopted department, actually, as Governor Kohler in 1911, it became necessary to create the pointed out in his article in the Summer, industrial commission to supervise the ac­ 1952, issue of this Magazine, the chief ex­ tivities in this field. Similarly, the department ecutive has only limited control in many of veterans affairs was created in 1945 to cases. The agencies are created by the cope with the problem of veterans returning Legislature, and the powers, duties, and func­ from service in World War II. tions are defined by statute. These depart­ (3) The Legislature has broad responsi­ ments often have power to make rules and bilities in respect to local government units to use their own initiative in administering such as towns, villages, cities, and counties. their affairs. Frequently the Legislature sets It prescribes the method by which such units standards and leaves the detail of administra­ are organized and lays down rules governing tion to the department heads. their powers. We may now take a closer look at the role (4) Finally, the Legislature is responsible the legislative branch plays in the entire for appropriating the money to operate all scheme of state government. The Legislature of the many state government functions and, has several important functions. in addition, makes provision for granting (1) It establishes general rules of conduct state aids to local units of government to as­ for all citizens. This function may be illus­ sist them in carrying on their activities. It trated by the election laws which set up the must determine the amount of revenue neces­ whole machinery by which we elect federal, sary to carry on these functions, and it must state, and local officers. Another example is establish a tax structure which will be ade­ the criminal code which defines crimes and quate to raise the essential revenue. prescribes penalties therefor. The laws gov­ Our Legislature, like the Federal Congress, erning wills and the probate of estates and consists of two houses—the assembly and the the law governing traffic on our highways are senate. There are 100 assemblymen, each other examples. elected from a district. There are 33 sen-

84 Members of the Assembly Attending One of Their Sessions, 1947

ators, and each one represents a district larger Immediately after the session is organized, in area and population than the assembly the governor delivers his message. Following districts. The assemblymen are elected for this, bills are introduced in both houses by two-year terms and the senators for four-year individual members and by committees, and terms. The Legislature convenes in January the session is under way. As the bills are of the odd-numbered years, all of the assem­ introduced, they are referred to committees; blymen and one-half of the senators having all bills are printed, and every member has a been elected in the preceding November. copy on his desk. The committees then sched­ On the first day of the session, each house ule the bills for public hearing, and all bills organizes by electing officers and appointing are accorded this treatment. After the hear­ standing committees. The assembly elects a ing, the committee studies all of the arguments speaker who is the presiding officer, and he both in favor of and in opposition to the bill, names the members to the twenty-four stand­ and then makes its recommendation to the ing committees. The senate elects a president house in which the bill originated. The com­ pro tempore from among its members, who mittee may recommend that the bill be amend­ presides in the absence of the lieutenant gov­ ed, that it be rejected, or that it be approved ernor, who is the president of the senate, in full. If the bill passes the house of origin, although not a member thereof. The senate it is sent to the other house where the same also elects a committee on committees, con­ procedure is followed—referral to a commit­ sisting of three members. This committee is tee, public hearing, recommendation by the responsible for the selection of the thirteen committee, and final action by that house. standing committees of the senate. Each If the bill is amended in the second house, it is returned to the house of origin for con­ house elects a chief clerk and a sergeant at currence in the amendment. If the bill passes arms to carry on the work during the session. the second house in exactly the same form in Customarily, legislative sessions in Wisconsin which it came from the house of origin, it have been rather long, frequently extending goes to the governor; if he affixes his signa­ for about six months. There is no constitution­ ture, it is published in the state paper and al or statutory limit to the length of our ses­ becomes law. As pointed out earlier in this sions, although such limitations do exist in article, the governor may veto a measure, and many other states. In some states the legisla­ in that event both houses of the legislature ture meets annually, but for many years (since must pass it by a two-thirds vote if they de­ 1883) we have had biennial sessions. sire to override his veto.

85 WISCONSIN MAGAZINE OF HISTORY WINTER, 1952-53

Although a great deal of the work of the Before the Legislature adjourns, all bills are Legislature must be done by the standing com­ reported out of the committees and acted up­ mittees, they do not have the power of com­ on. There are frequently as many as 1,500 bills mittees in the Federal Congress. One of the introduced, and usually less than half of them most important committees is the joint com­ are enacted into law. There are, of course, mittee on finance to which all bills involving hundreds of amendments proposed to these appropriations or affecting state revenues are bills during their journey through the Legis­ referred. This committee consists of nine as­ lature. semblymen and five senators. They act as a After the Legislature has adjourned and single body and do not vote separately as rep­ the governor has acted upon all the bills, the resentatives of the assemblv or the senate. laws are published in book form as the ses­ sion laws of that year. Subsequently these laws are incorporated into the statutes by the revisor of statutes. This practice keeps the statutes of Wisconsin constantly up to date since they include all enactments of the Legislature. When Wisconsin established this service in 1909, it was a leader in the field, and even today only a few states equal us in the publication of current statutes. We have looked briefly at the organization of the Legislature and its operation during the session. We can now turn our attention to an examination of the activity which leads to preparation for the next session. In the early days of our statehood, when govern­ ment was relatively simple, the sessions of mMmmfm SCHItUNO JB^ the Legislature were very short and required but little in the way of advance preparation. stmstmn W" As we indicated earlier, sessions were on an smnms M annual basis up until 1883. As the problems wumkmm a ?. j of government became more complex, legis­ soumgs a • ^ lators recognized the need for improvement mmLm c> in the methods of operation. The legislator sought new aids to assist him in fulfilling his mm ^ ^^-1 obligations to the people of the State. To meet some of these needs, the Legislature in ..::MiiiiM.: fmmSS^^. 1901 established the legislative reference li­ brary. This agency gathers materials such ^r-;^|.,t n as government documents, reports, and cur­ rent newspaper and magazine clippings which are useful to legislators in formulating their bills. Early in its history the library pro­ ^J\. 'mi vided a bill-drafting service for the legislators, and today practically all bills are drawn by this agency. This has resulted in greater uni­ formity and improved quality of the bills. The library has also carried on a great deal of research. Some of this has been of an extensive nature resulting in published re­ ports, while some has been limited to less Fo^e Register in the Assembly Chamber (Continued on page 134)

86 The Nineteen Regional Meetings of the 1952 History Caravan were highly productive. The five caravaners covered 2,913 miles, met 1,104 members and friends. The all-time rec­ ord attendance was established by the Ke­ for a rejuvenation of the Jackson County So­ nosha meeting which 146 attended, while 4 ciety. Between regionals, Mr. McNeil and had to be turned away. In that record group Miss Gleason attended the organization meet­ were 40 members of the Racine County His­ ing of the Marshfield Society, while Messrs. torical Society. McNeil and Lord spoke to the reorganization What were the tangible results? We met meeting of the Washington County Historical personally nearly a third of our members, Society. The upsurge of interest, the eager­ and enlisted a number of new ones. We met ness for cooperation with the State Society, and conferred with over half of our board of the sense of looking to the parent society for curators. We returned with a thick notebook leadership in working out programs, prob­ crammed with leads. We got promises of lems, and projects of common interest, were much material for our regional depositories. certainly the outstanding features of the meet­ We visited historic sites all along the route. ings. The sense of a groundswell was frankly We made four radio broadcasts, received an inspiring to all the caravaners. It seemed invitation for a series of tape recordings to augur a new era in historical work in this for later broadcasts. We took care of many State, an era of great promise and potentially details along the road. Press coverage was of great productivity. As a result of the excellent. meetings, one county society president made But most important of all was the very evi­ a trip to Madison for a long conference, and dent rise of interest in the local historical soci­ an informal group met in Milwaukee after eties. To the two veterans of the 1950 Caravan Thanksgiving to explore the possibilities of this was the most notable feature of a remark­ the new situation in some detail. ably successful trip. All around the State new Out of this latter meeting came a wide va­ societies were forming, new spirit was evi­ riety of pregnant suggestions, not only for dent in those already established. At the Eau better and more effective programming, but Claire meeting an organization committee was for a wide variety of approaches and projects appointed for a local society. At Hayward, which promise a brighter day for Clio in Wis­ the Caravan paused to help organize the Saw­ consin. Some of the specific ideas: a series of yer County Historical Society. At Ashland, "how to do it" booklets for the local society, we were invited to return to revivify the including a frontal attack on the troublesome Chequamegon Historical Society—which we problem of programming; a central speakers did two weeks later. At Sturgeon Bay an un­ list sent out from the State Society including mistakable resurgence was noted. At Wausau successful speakers before the various county we attended the second meeting of the new societies, graduate students working in Wis­ Marathon County Historical Society, were consin history at the University and at Mar­ asked for help in organizing another county. quette ; a state-wide study program in local At Black River Falls the groundwork was laid and Wisconsin history, centered in the county

87 WISCONSIN MAGAZINE OF HISTORY WINTER, 1952-53 societies, organized in study groups under trained leaders, and sparked by a monthly state-wide radio broadcast; one-year honor­ ary memberships in state and local societies to those college students from each county doing the best work in history at Wisconsin colleges; scholarships (the funds should not be too difficult to raise) for high school honor students in history who intend to pursue his­ torical studies at the college level; a state­ wide contest in Wisconsin history for high school seniors, with a final run-off in Madison, a tour of the University and the State Society, etc., for the finalists. The meeting crackled with good ideas. A report is being circulated to all county societies, with a request for dis­ cussion at least by the boards of those so­ cieties and a reaction alike to those problems approached and those not covered, to those suggestions canvassed and those missed. Donald R. McNeil We await the future with high expectations. readers have already met him in the few short If the momentum achieved during the 1952 months he has been with us. He looks for­ Caravan and at Milwaukee can be maintained ward to seeing the rest of you before long. and built upon, we are going to see major I venture the prophecy that if anyone can progress in making Wisconsin conscious of its realize the potentialities of the promised new heritage in the years just ahead. era, Don is the man. And—incidentally— those potentialities are going to be realized. Among the bright omens for our work with the local societies is the advent of our We are following with interest the re­ new field representative, Donald R. McNeil, markable program of the young Sawyer who joined us full-time the first of October. County Historical Society. Here is a his­ Mr. McNeil first came to the Society with torical society which is devoting its en­ what became known as the Medical Records tire time and effort to historical research Project. With the careful background which and writing. Under the energetic leader­ he had laid for this project, it quickly be­ ship of Anthony Wise a group of thirty men came a reality with the financial support of and women is committed to the task of work­ the State Medical Society. He has worked as­ ing the almost virgin mines of Sawyer County siduously and effectively at this project since history. They meet monthly for two hours, its inception. A partial list of his most recent discuss progress made on each of their topics acquisitions appears elsewhere in this issue to date, then turn to committees—every one a (pp. 158-59). We were happy to enlist the member—to map out the attack for the com­ rest of his time when he became available ing month. Each member has to produce. for full-time work in October. At the regional Non-working members are not accepted. The meetings he demonstrated day after day his Hayward newspaper has promised a full page effectiveness as a speaker and as what the each month for the publication of the papers writer was once called—a "scavenger." He is produced. Facing the problem that many thirty, married, hard-working, and an en­ people get so involved in outside activities thusiast for his job. For the third successive that they have no time for the historical so­ issue, we introduce through these columns an ciety, Wise avows an intention to get them important recruit to our staff. Many of our so busy with history that they will have time

88 SMOKE RINGS for nothing else. Asked how the society Twin Cities for a meeting of the Board of handles the applicant for membership who is the F. R. Bigelow Foundation, scheduled a not willing to undertake a real research and similar meeting at Minneapolis. Later meet­ writing project, he says "We just tell 'em ings for Chicago, Washington, and New York they're in the wrong room!" Unless I miss are under consideration. my guess. Sawyer County is going to be more A surprisingly small percentage of our aware of its small but devoted historical so­ members in each area abandoned holiday ciety than are many other counties with pursuits to turn out for the occasion, despite larger memberships and less dedication. circularization of U.W. alumni and other friends. While it is quite evident that the The '^forgotten men" of our Society, hearts of our expatriate friends do not bleed the expatriates we seldom if ever see, have for us as we hoped they did, we are in­ long concerned us. Nearly 500 of our mem­ clined to blame the poor attendance partly bers reside outside the borders of the State, on the Christmas season and partly on the chiefly in California, Minnesota, New York, shocking novelty and brashness of the whole Chicago, and Washington, D.C. So this win­ idea. ter we are combining business with pleasure: We're not downhearted over a disappoint­ various Society missions with the very real ing start, and hope to continue to experi­ pleasure of meeting with our members in ment with this potentially happy custom as these population centers. Mr. McNeil, bound legitimate Society business takes us out of for Colorado on business for the Committee the State in future years. on Studies in American Civilization, went on to California on Villa Louis business and, in search of funds and errant Wisconsin ma­ terials on the coast, held "regional meetings" of our members in the Los Angeles and San Francisco areas. The director, visiting the

Only One Covered Bridge Old Printing Press Preserved The Barbour County Historical Society John Moxon's Mechanical Exercises, or of West Virginia last summer observed the Doctrine of Handy-Works which the centennial of the completion of its was published by the author in London two-lane covered bridge, according to 1683, was used by the curators at Stur History News, June, 1952. Barbour bridge Village, "the largest living mu County wanted to share its showpiece seum in the northeast," when putting to with its citizens and planned a program gether an ancient wooden printing press of addresses, music, pageantry, and ex­ Sturbridge received this early press, hibits. And the crowds came! used by Isaiah Thomas, famous Ameri How many have visited Wisconsin's can printer of the eighteenth century only remaining covered bridge, near from the Society for the Preservation of Cedarburg, Ozaukee County? If neigh­ New England Antiquities, Boston. Isa boring historical societies are thinking iah Thomas' printing office which was about celebrations, why not plan a Wis­ moved from Worcester, Massachusetts, consin birthday party so no one will to old Sturbridge Village for preserva­ need to ask, "Where is that covered tion, contains this interesting piece of bridge?" If Barbour County could do equipment. it, what about our lake shore counties? From History News, July, 1952.

89 Schurz's scathing analytical letters to Lincoln (1862) are disconcerting even when one remembers that he wrote as a patriot who had opinions on the manage­ ment of the war. '^I ask you in all can­ dor," writes Schurz, "what power would there have been in newspaper-talk . . . had the Administration been able to set up against it the evidence of great suc­ cesses?" In prodding the President to increased war effort, he pleads: "Let every general who does not show him­ self strong enough to command success, be deposed at once, . . . Let us have energy without regard to anything that may stand in your way." The President A Likeness of President-Elect Lincoln, Made by Mat­ replied hardly "in kind," though his thew Brady, on the Day that Lincoln Arrived in Washington for His 1861 Inaugural Ceremony patience was tried to the breaking point.

Lincoln Scolds a General by Harlan Hoyt Horner

Carl Schurz, son of a German schoolmaster, At Bonn Schurz was greatly influenced by was born in the village of Liblar, a few miles the distinguished professor, Gottfried Kinkel, from Cologne, on March 2, 1829. He re­ and was especially interested in his course ceived his early education in the village school on the art of speech. He turned mainly to and was later sent to a school of a higher classical studies, gained admission to a con­ order in the neighboring village of Briihl. In genial group of students of similar tastes, good weather he walked back and forth each and looked forward eagerly to becoming a day, a distance of eight miles. At ten he professor of history. All was going well in was entered in the gymnasium at Cologne his first year at the university when, to em­ where he spent six years. Here he became ploy his own words, "fate broke in with the proficient in Greek and Latin, experimented force of a mighty hurricane, which swept me, in the composition of both prose and poetry, as well as many others, with irresistible power and developed an interest in history. He was out of all life-plans previously designed and obliged to leave the gymnasium before com­ cherished."^ pleting the course when his father, who had given up teaching for a venture in business, 1913). Cited hereafter as The Writings of Carl was imprisoned for debt. He was admitted Schurz. Claude M. Fuess, Carl Schurz, Reformer (New conditionally to the University of Bonn and York, 1932). Cited hereafter as Fuess. qualified for full admission in 1847 after sat­ Chester V. Easum, The Americanization of Carl isfying the requirements for graduation at the Schurz (Chicago, 1929). Cologne gymnasium by passing rigid exam­ Joseph Schafer, Carl Schurz, Militant Liberal (Madison, 1930). inations.^ Carl Schurz, Abraham Lincoln; An Essay (Bos­ ton, 1891). ^Factual reference to Schurz's life and public Dictionary of American Biography, 16:466-70. service are drawn mainly from the following sources: The Reminiscences of Carl Schurz (New York, Frederic Bancroft, ed., Speeches, Correspondence 1907). Cited hereafter as Reminiscences. and Political Papers of Carl Schurz (New York, ^Reminiscences, 1:111.

90 HORNER : LINCOLN SCOLDS A GENERAL

This "mighty hurricane" was the revolution ^i^^\i'. of 1848 in Germany in which Schurz and many of his fellow students immediately be­ came involved under the leadership of Pro­ fessor Kinkel. After participating in fruitless expeditions against the government, including the visionary scheme of seizing the arsenal at Siegburg, the revolutionists were put to rout by the Prussians. Schurz escaped to Switzer­ land, but Kinkel was taken prisoner and con­ demned to life imprisonment. He was con­ fined in a penitentiary at Spandau near Ber­ lin. Securing false passports, Schurz deter­ mined to effect the liberation of Kinkel. He made trips without detection into Germany, visited his parents at Bonn, and with the aid of friends established headquarters in Berlin. After long and careful planning and one bit­ ter failure, he succeeded in rescuing Kinkel from the penitentiary. They made their way by carriage to the coast, secured passage on a freight steamer, and reached England safely. Militant Carl Schurz This adventure at once made Schurz famous, and the thrilling story of the remarkable gin.^ In a subsequent election, ambitious to escape is woven into the folklore of Ger­ be nominated for governor, he declined a many.^ unanimous nomination for lieutenant gover­ Married in London in 1852, Schurz made nor.^ his way with his bride to America where on In 1858 during the famous senatorial cam­ September 17 they entered the harbor of New paign in Illinois, he spoke for Lincoln and York, and "with the buoyant hopefulness of definitely against Douglas. He first met Lin­ young hearts" they saluted the new world.* coln on a train en route for Quincy, Illinois, They settled temporarily in Philadelphia and on October 12, 1858, the day before the Lin­ began at once to study the English language. coln-Douglas debate at Quincy. Many years Having German friends and relatives in Wis­ later he penned a graphic description of the consin, Schurz finally established his home in man he met at that time: Watertown in this state in 1856. He was ad­ I must confess that I was somewhat mitted to the bar but never engaged in active startled by his appearance. There he stood, practice. Lecturing and writing were more overtopping by several inches all those sur­ to his taste, but his absorbing passion was rounding him. Although measuring some­ politics. He was naturally strongly antislav- thing over six feet myself, I had, standing ery and, speaking mainly in German, he cam­ quite near to him, to throw my head back­ paigned vigorously for Fremont in German ward in order to look into his eyes. That swarthy face with its strong features, its settlements in 1856. He soon was able, how­ deep furrows, and its benignant, melancholy ever, to speak as effectively in English as in eyes, is now familiar to every American by his native tongue. He was named as a dele­ numberless pictures. It may be said that gate to the Wisconsin Republican State Con­ the whole civilized world knows and loves vention in 1857 and was nominated for lieu­ it. At that time it was clean-shaven, and tenant governor before his naturalization was looked even more haggard and careworn completed. He was defeated by a small mar- than later when it was framed in whiskers. ^Ibid., 1:250-341; Fuess, 30-35. 'Fuess, 54-56. 'Ibid., 1:406. nbid., 65-66.

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On his head he wore a somewhat bat­ embarrassment or emotion, listened to the tered "stove-pipe" hat. His neck emerged, dignified little speech addressed to him by long and sinewy, from a white collar turned Mr. Ashmun, the president of the Conven­ down over a thin black necktie. His lank, tion, and then he responded with a few ap­ ungainly body was clad in a rusty black propriate, earnest, and well-shaped sen­ dress coat with sleeves that should have tences, expressing his gratitude for the con­ been longer; but his arms appeared so long fidence reposed in him, and his doubts of that the sleeves of a "store" coat could his own abilities, and his trust in a helping hardly be expected to cover them all the Providence.^ way down to the wrists. His black trousers, As soon as he got home from the conven­ too, permitted a very full view of his large tion, Schurz wrote Lincoln explaining his loy­ feet. On his left arm he carried a gray woolen shawl, which evidently served him alty to Seward and promising to "do the for an overcoat in chilly weather. His left work of a hundred men for Abraham Lin­ hand held a cotton umbrella of the bulging coln's election."^^ In due time Lincoln re­ kind, and also a black satchel that bore the plied and warmed Schurz's heart by saying marks of long and hard usage. His right "to the extent of our limited acquaintance, no he had kept free for handshaking, of which man stands nearer my heart than yourself."^^ there was no end until everybody in the Schurz was one of the most effective ad­ car seemed to be satisfied. I had seen, in vocates of Lincoln's election in the ensuing Washington and in the West, several public campaign and spoke widely in Wisconsin, Illi­ men of rough appearance; but none whose looks seemed quite so uncouth, not to say nois, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and New grotesque, as Lincoln's.'^ York. His speech in the great hall of the Cooper Institute on September 13, 1860, Schurz served as chairman of the Wiscon­ which required over three hours, he regarded sin delegation to the Wigwam Convention in as "the greatest success of his career as a Chicago in 1860. The Wisconsin delegates 'stump' speaker."-^^ He attended the inau­ stood by Seward throughout the balloting, guration of the President and "heard every but Schurz seconded the motion when the word pronounced by Abraham Lincoln's vote for Lincoln was finally made unanimous.^ He was named on the committee to notify Lin­ kindly voice."^^ At this time he saw the Presi­ coln of his nomination and later recorded this dent frequently and was always received "with account of the visit to Springfield: great cordiality."^* Schurz had reason to ex­ pect that Lincoln would offer him a post in Mr. Lincoln received us in the parlor the administration. He envisioned himself as of his modest frame house—a rather bare- looking room; in the center the customary serving in some diplomatic capacity. No word little table with a white marble top, and on had passed between them about an ap­ it the silver-plated ice-water pitcher and pointment, but Schurz's friends had not the family Bible or the photograph album; hesitated to urge that he be given a first- and some chairs and a sofa ranged along class foreign mission. On March 28, 1861, the walls. There the Republican candidate when Schurz called at the White House, Lin­ for the Presidency stood, tall and utigainly coln told him that he was nominating him as in his black suit of apparently new but ill- "Minister Plenipotentiary and Envoy Extra­ fitting clothes, his long tawny neck emerg­ ing gauntly from his turn-down collar, his ordinary to Spain."^^ The appointment was melancholy eyes sunken deep in his hag­ promptly confirmed by the Senate, and the gard face. Most of the members of the man who had come to America nine years committee had never seen him before, and before, unable to speak an English sentence, gazed at him with surprised curiosity. He an exile from his native land, was to return certainly did not present the appearance as ambassador of the United States to a of a statesman as people usually picture it great European monarchy. in their imagination. Standing up with folded hands, he quietly, without visible ^Reminiscences, 2:187-88. 'TAe Writings of Carl Schurz, 1:116-18. ''Reminiscences, 2:90-91. ^^Ibid., 118-19. '""Reminiscences, 2:206. 'Murat Halstead, Caucuses of 1860 (Columbus, ''Ibid., 220. ''Ibid. Ohio, 1860), 150. ''Fuess, 82-83.

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Back in his home in Wisconsin, preparing Schurz arrived in Madrid on July 12, 1861, for his departure for Spain, Schurz was and within six months had asked for a leave shocked at the news of the attack upon Fort of absence or if that could not be granted for Sumter. He immediately hastened to Wash­ the acceptance of his resignation. He wrote ington, sought out the President, and voiced in later years: his earnest desire to serve his adopted country It became more and more intolerable to at home rather than to go abroad on a me to think of leading a lounging existence foreign mission. Lincoln persuaded him that at the post with an activity more apparent he should not give up his assignment but did than real, while those with whom I had authorize him before his departure to carry worked for the anti-slavery cause were out his proposal to organize a regiment of painfully struggling against adverse fate, German cavalry in New York City. Schurz's many at the hourly peril of their lives.^^ fervor was aptly described by John Hay in His request for leave of absence was granted, his diary on April 26, 1861: and he landed in New York on February 2, Carl Schurz was here today. He spoke 1862. He hurried to Washington and per­ with wild enthusiasm of his desire to mingle suaded the President to accept his resignation. in this war. He has great confidence in his His wishes were soon fulfilled. On June 10, military powers, and his capability of 1862, he joined General Fremont's army at arousing the enthusiasm of the young. He Harrisonburg, Virginia, with the rank of brig­ contemplates the career of a great guerrilla adier general, and was given command of a chief with ardent longing. division rather than a brigade. More than And again on April 29: that he had been wished "good luck" by the Carl Schurz told me he was going home to President and had been requested to write to arm his clansmen for the wars. He has ob­ him whenever anything occurred to him he tained three months leave of absence from thought Lincoln ought to know.^^ This was a his diplomatic duties & permission to singular request for the commander-in-chief to raise a cavalry regiment. I doubt the pro­ make of a brigadier general, a subordinate in priety of the movement. He will make a the field to his immediate superior officers. It wonderful land pirate, bold, quick, bril­ liant and reckless. He will be hard to con­ was eloquent testimony of Lincoln's need of trol and difficult to direct. Still, we shall information from the front and of his con­ see. He is a wonderful man.^^ fidence in Schurz. On May 11, Schurz, together with his Schurz already had positive views about brother-in-law, Henry Meyer, a young mer­ both the practical and the military manage­ chant from Hamburg, had lunch with the ment of the war. He later set forth views he President at the White House. John Hay had endeavored as ambassador to impress up­ again indulged his bent at description: on the Spanish foreign office and upon his fel­ low ministers at Madrid. He said: This afternoon the Marine Band played on the South Lawn and Carl Schurz sat The truth to be brought home to the with Lincoln on the balcony. After the European mind so that it could not be ob­ President had kissed some thousand chil­ scured or lost sight of was simply this: dren and retired, Carl went into the library that the election which made Mr. Lincoln and developed a new accomplishment. He President of the United States turned upon played with great skill & feeling, sitting the question of human slavery; that the in the dusk twilight at the piano, until the Southern States seceded from the Union, President came by and took him down to not on account of any metaphysical point of tea. Schurz is a wonderful man. An orator, a States' rights, but simply because the elec­ soldier, a philosopher, an exiled patriot, a tion had gone against the slave-holding in­ skilled musician. He has every quality of terest, it having demonstrated that the slave- romance and of dramatic picturesqueness.^^ holding interest would no longer be per­ '^Tyler Dennett, Lincoln and the Civil War in the mitted to rule the Union; that the seces- Diaries and Letters of John Hay (New York, 1939), 20-21. '^Reminiscences, 2:273. ''Ibid., 23. "Ibid., 341

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sionists had set up an independent confed­ great power in this Republic, into the hands eracy, not to vindicate the constitutional of its enemy's. In all personal questions liberty of the citizen and the right of man to be hostile to the party of the Govern­ to govern himself, but to vindicate the right ment seemed to be a title to consideration. of one man to enslave another man, and, It forgot the great rule that, if you are as they themselves boastingly confessed, to true to your friends, your friends will be "found an empire upon the cornerstone of true to you, and that you make your slavery"; and that our civil war, although enemies stronger by placing them upon an conducted on our side, primarily and in equality with your friends. Is it surprising conformity with our legal position, for the that the opponents of the Administration purpose of maintaining or restoring the should have got into their hands the gov­ Union, would, if decided in favor of the ernment of the principal states, after they secessionists, result in the real establish­ have had for so long a time the principal ment of that empire founded on the "cor­ management of the war, the great business nerstone of slavery", while, if it were de­ of the national government? cided in favor of the Union, human slavery Great sacrifices and enormous efforts had would inevitably perish as a result of our been made and they had been rewarded victory. If, therefore, this having been only by small results. The people felt the made clear, any European power chose to necessity of a change. Many of your friends countenance the Southern Confederacy, it had no longer any heart for the Adminis­ could do so only with the distinct under­ tration as soon as they felt justified in be­ standing that it was taking sides with the lieving that the Administration had no heart cause of human slavery in its struggle for for them. I do not speak of personal favors further existence and dominion.^° but of the general conduct of the war. A Holding these views, noting the varied in­ change was sought in the wrong direction. terpretations of the effect of the preliminary This was the true cause of the defeat of emancipation proclamation, distressed at the your Government. You have now made a change. This eve­ failure of the congressional elections to sup­ ning the news reached us that the command port Lincoln's policy, and unhappy over the of the Army of the Potomac has passed military situation, Schurz, recalling Lincoln's into new hands. But the change of per­ invitation to write him freely from the front, sons means little if it does not imply a unburdened himself in a letter to the Presi­ change of system. Let us be commanded dent from his Virginia headquarters on No­ by generals whose heart is in the war, and vember 8, 1862: only by such. Let every general who does not show himself strong enough to com­ Headquarters 3rd Div. 11 Corps mand success, be deposed at once. Let New-Baltimore, Va. Nov. 8th, 1862 every trust of power be accompanied by a corresponding responsibility, and all may To the President of the United States be well yet. Dear Sir, There is but one way in which vou can Will you, after the great political defeat sustain your Administration, and that is we have suffered, listen a moment to the by success; and there is but one thing words of a true friend who means to serve which will command success, and that is you faithfully, and in whose judgment you energy. In whatever hands the State-gov­ once, perhaps, reposed some confidence! ernments may be,—as soon as you are vic­ The defeat of the Administration is ow­ torious, they will be obliged to support ing neither to your proclamations, nor to you; and if they were all in the hands of the financial policy of the Government, nor your friends,—if you do not give them vic­ to a desire of the people to have peace at tories, they will after a while be obliged any price. I can speak openly, for you to oppose you. Therefore let us have energy must know that I am your friend. The de­ without regard to anything that may stand feat of the Administration is the Admin­ in your way. Let not the Government be istration's own fault. endangered by tender considerations. If It admitted its professed opponents to West-Point cannot do the business, let West- its counsels. It placed the Army, now a Point go down. Who cares? It is better, that a thousand generals should fall than ^'Ibid., 277-78.

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that the Republic should be jeopardized a a long time the principal management of single moment. the war, the great business of the national To-day we are still strong enough to government." meet the difficulties that stand against us. I can not dispute about the matter of We do not know what we shall be to-mor­ opinion. On the three matters (stated as row.- facts) I shall be glad to have your evi­ Faithfully yours dence upon them when I shall meet you. C. SCHURZ^^ The plain facts, as they appear to me, are This letter got under Lincoln's skin. He these. The administration came into power, replied on November 10 and appeared to be very largely in a minority of the popular on the defensive: vote. Notwithstanding this, it distributed to its party friends as nearly all the civil Executive Mansion, patronage as any administration ever did. Washington, Nov. 10, 1862. The war came. The administration could ''l^rivate & Confidential not even start in this, without assistance Gen. Schurz. outside of its party. It was mere nonsense to suppose a minority could put down a My dear Sir: Yours of the 8th was, to­ majority in rebellion. Mr. Schurz [now day, read to me by Mrs. S[churz]. We Gen. Schurz] was about here then & I do have lost the elections; and it is natural not recollect that he then considered all that each of us will believe, and say, it has who were not republicans, were enemies of been because his peculiar views was [sic] the government, and that none of them not made sufficiently prominent. I think must be appointed to military positions. I know what it was, but I may be mistaken. He will correct me if I am mistaken. It Three main causes told the whole story. so happened that very few of our friends 1. The democrats were left in a majority had a military education or were of the by our friends going to the war. 2. The profession of arms. It would have been a democrats observed this & determined to re­ question whether the war should be con­ instate themselves in power, and 3. Our ducted on military knowledge, or on po­ newspapers, by vilifying and disparaging litical affinity, only that our own friends (I the administration, furnished them all the think Mr. Schurz included) seemed to think weapons to do it with. Certainly, the ill- that such a question was inadmissible. Ac­ success of the war had much to do with cordingly I have scarcely appointed a this. democrat to a command, who was not urged You give a different set of reasons. If by many republicans and opposed by none. you had not made the following statements, It was so as to McClellan. He was first I should not have suspected them to be brought forward by the Republican Gov­ true. "The defeat of the administration is ernor of Ohio, and claimed, and contended the administration's own fault." (Opinion.) for at the same time by the Republican "It admitted its professed opponents to its Governor of Pennsylvania. I received rec­ counsels." (Asserted as a fact.) "It placed ommendations from the republican delega­ the Army, now a great power in this Re­ tions in Congress, and I believe every one public, into the hands of its enemies." (As­ of them recommended a majority of demo­ serted as a fact.) "In all personal ques­ crats. But, after all many Republicans were tions to be hostile to the party of the Gov­ appointed; and I mean no disparagement ernment seemed to be a title to considera­ to them when I say I do not see that their tion." (Asserted as a fact.) "If to forget superiority of success has been so marked the great rule, that if you are true to your as to throw great suspicion on the good friends, your friends will be true to you, faith of those who are not Republicans. and that you make your enemies stronger Yours truly, by placing them upon an equality with your friends." "Is it surprising that the op­ A. LlNCOLN^^ ponents of the administration should have got into their hands the government of the Schurz loved debate. Lincoln's letter of principal states, after they have had for November 10 did not reach him until No-

^'Schurz to Lincoln, Nov. 8, 1862, Robert T. ''Lincoln to Schurz, Nov. 10, 1862. Gilbert A. Lincoln Collection, Library of Congress (19447). Tracy, Uncollected Letters of Abraham Lincoln Cited hereafter as R. T. Lincoln Collection. (New York, 1917), 213-16.

95 WISCONSIN MAGAZINE OF HISTORY WINTER, 1952-53 vember 17. He promptly replied on Novem­ This immense Administration-party did not ber 20: insist upon your regulating your policy Private strictly by the tenets of any of the old party platforms; they would have cheerfully sus­ Headquarters 3rd Div. 11 Corps tained you in anything and everything that Centerville Nov. 20th 62 might have served to put down the rebel­ To the President of the United States lion. I am confident, you might have is­ sued your Emancipation manifesto, you Dear Sir might have dismissed your Generals one Your favor of the 10th inst. did not reach after the other, long before you did it— me until the 17th. If there was anything in and a large majority of the people would my letter of the 8th that had the appearance have firmly stood by you. All they wanted of presumption, I ask your kind indulgence. was merciless energy and speedy success. You must forgive something to the sin­ You know it yourself, there are now many cerity of my zeal, for there is no living be­ prominent democrats supporting you, who ing on this continent, whose wishes for go far beyond the programme of the Chi­ the success of your Administration are cago platform. more ardent than mine. The consciousness Whatever proportion of Republicans may of perfect good faith gave me the boldness have entered the army—if the Administra­ to utter my honest convictions without re­ tion had succeeded in preserving its hold serve. I do not know how many friends upon the masses, your majorities would at you have faithful enough to tell you things any moment have put the majorities of which it may not be pleasant to hear; I 1860 into the shade, and no insidious assure you, they are not the worst. In risk­ party-contrivances could have prevailed ing the amenities of undisturbed private against you. But the general confidence relations they fulfill a duty which many who and enthusiasm yielded to general disap­ call themselves friends, have not the cour­ pointment, and there were but too many age to understand and to appreciate. In Republicans, who disturbed and confused this spirit I wrote to you, with full confi­ by the almost universal feeling, that there dence in the loftiness of your own way of must be a change, either voted against you thinking. If some of the opinions I ex­ or withheld their votes. I know this to be pressed were unjust, it will be an happy a fact. day for me when I shall be able conscien­ That some of our newspapers "dispar­ tiously to acknowledge my error. But what­ aged and vilified the Administration" may ever I may have said, it was but a mild and be true—although in our leading journals timid repetition of what many men say, I have seen little else than a moderate and whose utterances might perhaps have more well-measured criticism. I know of none weight with you than mine. I fear you en­ that had even impeached your good faith tertain too favorable a view of the causes or questioned your motives. If there were of our defeat in the elections. It is of the no real and great abuses, the attacks on highest importance to yourself and to the your Administration were certainly un­ people, that amidst the perplexities of your justifiable. But if there were, then, I think, situation and the enormous responsibilities the misfortune was not that the abuses were of your office, you should sift the true na­ criticised but that the responsible individ­ ture of the disaster to the very bottom. I uals were not promptly and severely held throw myself upon your patient kindness in to account. It is my opinion, and I trust replying to some of your statements. I shall hold it as long as I live, that a That a large proportion of Republicans party, in order to remain pure and efficient, have entered the army, and that thereby must be severe against its own members; the party-Yole was largely diminished can­ it can disarm the criticism of its oppon­ not be doubted. But you must recollect, ents by justly criticising and promptly cor­ that at the commencement of the war you recting itself. But however that may be. were sincerely and even enthusiastically I ask you in all candor, what power would sustained by the masses of the people, and there have been in newspaper-talk, what that the "Administration-party" was not power in the talk of demagogues based confined to the old Republican ranks. You upon newspaper-talk, had the Administra- had the people of the loyal states with you. {Continued on page 143)

96 'ioneer Unities recorded tiis tarm ar household operations as well as his of­ ficial and social activities in a long series of diaries, initiated in 1856. The writers of social history are putting to use, in­ creasingly, records found on local or regional levels. Perhaps Buttles' local jottings, relating to Town Milwaukee, will show here the value of diary entries when colorful and authentic sources are sought in the historical field.

Pioneer Buttles, Town Milwaukee Diarist^ by Lillian Krucqer

What do you know about Wisconsin's Anson elude for completeness the influence and the Waters Buttles? Have some fragmentary achievements of the unsung or little-known anecdotes, come down from father to son, men and women of early America. To ap­ been repeated in the Buttles' Milwaukee praise the transitional life of these "lesser countryside? Did your forebears help him in men" and to integrate their contributions with his husbandry? Did your grandsires com­ the personages and the history of their times pete with him in thumping town politics ? Or means unearthing and examining their diaries, did some of your Old World ancestors ac­ letters, and reminiscences—the wellsprings of cept his assistance in measuring their new pioneer history. The Buttles' recital during acres, putting into use his training as a sur­ his early years in Town Milwaukee tells the veyor? Perhaps you haven't heard of him day-by-day happenings of which he was a at all, and have concluded indifferently: "He part, which cannot be separated from the must have been one of those 'little men'." town's development to which he contributed The frontier was populated by great mightily and wholeheartedly. throngs, designated by some as "little men," In attempting an appraisal of one's herit­ men tramping the trails with ox teams, each age, a historian many years ago made this with the consuming urge to possess some­ statement: "History is chiefly made by com­ thing tangible—something his very own: "my mon men, and that he who would truly esti­ house," "my barns," "my soil," which in the mate its course must acquaint himself inti­ frontiersman's language meant "my security." mately with the lives of such, is my thesis."^ When one mulls over the forces which cre­ Similarly, more recently, another writer of ated our many-faceted heritage, one must in- history states: "We have to dig into the folk story of America if we are to bring out the ^The writer is grateful to Anson M. Buttles of pattern of American development and Ameri­ Milwaukee, who is the owner of his grandfather's can culture in all its color and richness of diaries, for permission to use these splendid records in preparing this sketch. He has also shared bio­ texture and design."^ graphical and genealogical manuscripts, and by let­ By reading many of the original sources ter and interview has supplied information that the writer could not have obtained otherwise. An ex­ one begins to realize what an influence, in the cellent collection of family pictures, owned by Mr. Buttles, was also loaned for purposes of illustra­ ^M. M. Quaife, ed. An English Settler in Pioneer tion. His cooperation is deeply appreciated. Wisconsin: the Letters of Edwin Bottomley, 1842- Since readers will encounter two "Anson Buttles," 1850 (Madison, 1918), 15. the name "Anson" has been used to refer to the pi­ ^Theodore C. Blegen, Grass Roots History (Min­ oneer, "Anson M." to the grandson. neapolis, 1947), viii.

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¥#

Cephas Buttles Aancy :> rough ran Buttles aggregate, the many thousands of pioneers old. With a grandfather of the stature the could exert. Though the now fragile pages records portray, Anson M. must have found of many frontiersmen's journals and letters in them great inspiration. were written laboriously, often in scraggly The present analysis of the Buttles diaries, script, the information is invaluable. One including the background information, cov­ might almost designate these as the "Scrip­ ers primarily the years 1850-60, though oc­ tures of the Folkways." And what joy when casional references necessarily exceed these there appears a diarist whose voluminous rec­ limits. It is written to acquaint readers some­ ord is vivid and rich, something even a what with the valuable information Buttles "mystery-worm" would devour. Such a dia­ has left. These years were filled with vigor, rist was Anson Waters Buttles. and it may be that the diarist's jottings were An interval of several years elapsed be­ meant for the perusal of future Butties'. Per­ tween Buttles' marriage and the beginning of haps, for personal reasons, he recorded the his day-to-day record-keeping through a half entries which he thought most worth-while century, 1856-1906. His earlier accounts as or which particularly impressed him. The a diarist were lost in a fire when he resided accumulation, however, is of such great va­ in the East. A man who begins his diaries riety and is such an excellent first-hand por­ in the rugged and busy days of frontier liv­ trayal of nineteenth century rural life that ing and tenaciously continues his records to historians in making a definitive study of the day of his death is evidence of a man with such sources for a regional history would be a purpose. And praise be to such a purpose fortunate if permitted to delve into this in­ accomplished, for Town Milwaukee history formation. may some day become enriched since these And now to the family and the achieve­ records are still extant. ments of Anson Waters Buttles. His parents, Pioneer Buttles wrote sincerely and often Cephas and Nancy Stoughton Buttles, arrived with forthrightness. His grandson, Anson M. in Milwaukee on October 5, 1843, with a Buttles of Milwaukee, has read these diaries half-dozen children, some of them adults. All with pleasure—some of them almost 100 vears of the children were natives of Pennsylvania;

98 KRUEGER : PIONEER BUTTLES

Anson Waters Buttles Cornelia Mullie Buttles

Anson, the oldest, was born in 1821. There went forward, the object of his affections was were in addition four brothers and an only Cornelia. It is said that up to this time Cor­ sister, Cylinda Olive, referred to by the fam­ nelia had not learned to speak English,^ ily as "Olive." The parents, who had lived neither did Anson understand the Dutch lan­ comfortably in several Eastern localities, were guage. However this exigency was met, Anson natives of New England. Somehow they lost and Cornelia were married on January 15, what they possessed and migrated from Penn­ 1850. The young bride began housekeeping sylvania—where Cephas and Nancy had been operations in the Nancy-Cephas log cabin, married—to Town Milwaukee. Here lived a and not until 1858 did the young couple wealthy relative, Joel Buttles, who had pur­ move into a cabin next door. chased land some years earlier, from whom Even as now, housing shortages existed, Cephas secured 160 acres. This farm now but Buttles says nothing of crowded condi­ has become a part of the village of River tions though the babies arrived in quick suc­ Hills, north of the Milwaukee city limits. cession. When the summer of 1857 rolled The farm home, in which Anson died, and around, Anson and Cornelia were surrounded two acres of land still belong to the Buttles by young Kate, Olive, Ida, and Cephas. In heirs; the home is presently occupied by the August of 1858 tragedy visited his sister mother of Anson M."^ Olive's home when her husband, Paul Juneau, In Town Milwaukee there lived Mr. and son of Solomon Juneau, was fatally shot. Mrs. Jacob Mullie, natives of Holland, who Cephas and Nancy welcomed their daughter had come to the Buttles' Wisconsin region in with six small children, the oldest aged ten, 1848. Their family consisted of five girls, of into the log cabin—a seventh child was born whom Cornelia is important to this sketch. posthumously. Counting grandparents, par­ Anson, now twenty-nine, began thinking of a ents, and children, there were sixteen occu- household of his own, and he was seen swing­ ^In these early diaries Anson does not refer to ing down the road Mullieward. Courting Cornelia's language difficulty although it might ex­ plain some of her activities. The information is ^Contained in a letter written by Anson M. But­ contained in a manuscript owned by Anson M. tles, Milwaukee, to the writer, Dec. 11, 1952. Buttles.

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tion of Fred [Anson's brother]." On a Sun­ day forenoon of the same January he readied the sleigh and piled eleven children into it "and another child 12 in all," and took them for a ride. In the spring he was occupied in making a wagon for his little boys, and for the following July 4 he planned a family outing: "Fixed up wagon omnibus style and took all the children, Olive, Cornelia. Pop, & I, besides 2 others, 18 in all. Went to White fish bay. . . . Had a general good time." In addition to the fun provided them by their parents, the children were privileged in having both their paternal and maternal grandparents living nearby. Being enter­ tained, caressed, and loved by grandparents and given special tidbits to say nothing of holiday visits, birthday celebrations, oyster Cephas and Nancy Buttles with Their Family (left suppers, and Sunday dinners must have be­ to right) : Anson W., Cylinda Olive Juneau. Oscar B., Cephas A., Frederick A., and Orrin M. come precious recollections to these many children in after years. They, too. were blessed beyond measure by the presence of pants in a single cabin. That same year a their grandparents, but to them it was but cabin next door became a blessed but tem­ childhood's joy of the moment. porary solution to the Anson Buttles' house­ Anson's diaries contain some complimen­ hold problem. Eventually, in October, 1876, tary entries relating to Cornelia's youthful Anson took his family to a large new house which he had built nearby, a short distance appearance and to her cooking ability. But from a spacious new one occupied by his par­ what is to be regretted is that Cornelia left ents. This ended his moving days. no records of her own. That may be ex­ Aside from the birth and death notations plained by her language difficulty; her time, of the many children on the frontier, there too, was limited, since she eventually had is little that pertains to childlife in pioneer eleven children and motherhood duties were records. Perhaps it would be well to decrease never-ending. At times she had a maid or that paucity by observing the children in someone to assist with the laundry, but, then every-day life as Anson writes frequently as now, it seems often her help either failed about them. Comments on disciplining them, to arrive or was on the point of leaving. either by the father or the mother, are lack­ What she was more sure of was the arrival ing. It seems they were well fed, and must of company. Aunts and uncles were the visit­ have lived happily, never wanting for play­ ing kind, and habitually came to spend an mates, so essential to complete childhood joy. evening and did not return home until after In addition to the care of his own flock, An­ breakfast of the following day. However, son was ever mindful of his widowed sister visiting was a great pastime in Town Mil­ and her little ones. Whenever he arranged waukee, so the womenfolks no doubt were special pleasures, it seems all of the chil­ prepared for any number of guests. dren were included, and sometimes a few Anson was a versatile man to have in the "extras"—as he sometimes called them. house, and Cornelia never lacked tasks that Here are some of Anson's notes that per­ he could perform. Her house was also tain to the entertainment of the children. At equipped to relieve the pressure of work: she Eastertime, 1857: "Were coloring eggs all boasted a new $30 sewing machine in 1859. the forenoon had some very nice ones." That was in the era when sewing was an art In January, 1862: "Took children for waltz­ and readymade apparel was not bought in ing lesson in eve to other house under instruc­ quantity. Another progressive step occurred

100 KRUEGER : PIONEER BUTTLES in 1861 when the house was lighted with to Grandpa and Grandma MuHie's while Cor­ oil; tedious candle dipping then came to an nelia attended. She would return "home" for end. Anson was impressed by the improve­ dinner and spend the remainder of the day ment since he comments: "Find it makes a there. That was a ritual with Cornelia, very handsome light." He would have ap­ "home" on Sundays; it may be that using the preciated it especially since his many offices Dutch language when conversing with her required a great deal of record keeping, not folks was one of the ties she would not per­ a candlelight occupation from choice. mit to be broken. Cornelia was not "tied to the kitchen" all After her Sunday visit she was ready to of the time. She forgot her tedious domestic attack again her week's householding prob­ affairs when she went on shopping expeditions lems. How busy she was preparing meals, to Milwaukee, visited relatives in town, some­ when the butcher knife and the potato mash­ times attended the Dutch church there, or er were the major gadgets in the log-cabin went on less exciting trips necessitated by kitchen, one can readily guess. According to frequent tooth extractions. Locally she seemed the entries relating to holiday meals, Cornelia to have the peculiar urge to attend funerals, planned adequately for her large family. though it may be that she represented her For instance. Thanksgiving dinner in 1856 husband since his many official connections is described in superlative style: "We had may have necessitated this friendly gesture. for dinner some nice roast beef and a superb chicken pie, some fine mashed potatoes, cold & warm cabbage besides fixens and we topped I \^ m it off with good mince pies." On the Christ­ mas dinner table that same year there ap­ peared "a fine roast turkey . . . and for sup­ per a fine dish of Oysters." Anson must have been overcome with weariness the following Christmas Day, for his 2 o'clock dinner entry is brief: "Nothing very extra but was a good substantial farmers Xmas dinner." The Thanksgiving Day feast in 1863, when the guests were some of Anson's brothers and their wives, consisted of three turkeys and Alison Buttles' Last Home. 1876-1906 six chickens besides numerous other tempting dishes; of course in the evening Anson en­ That she considered it her Christian duty, joyed a splendid oyster supper supplemented since she was very devout, may have been with mince pie. "We did not fast!" is the another reason for her presence. comment. Attendance at Dutch services, held within walking distance of the Buttles home, was for Supplying large quantities of food, in the Cornelia a necessity. Anson was always will­ days when "deep-freeze" efficiency was un­ ing to transport her, but much of the time known, required excellent domestic manage­ one does not see him in a pew. Perhaps he ment which Farmer Buttles and his wife prac­ helped set a precedent: transporting females ticed. Pork was produced on the farm, and to church. Of course when Cornelia attended hog butchering must have been a dreaded German services, he had a legitimate absence winter occupation. It seems that "nice small" excuse, his inability to understand the lan­ porkers were the rule, and preparing for the guage. Do not conclude that Anson was a big day began long, long before daylight. godless man; his diaries are proof that he Then it was that Anson was busy heating the and Providence were on very friendly terms, water in the big iron kettle, followed by the indicated especially in the fervent items at kifling of eight hogs, and cutting up, salting, each year's end. and storing the meat in the cellar. Upon Some of the children accompanied their another such occasion the butcher came out mother to church or sometimes were taken to assist, when six hogs were kifled, and the

101 WISCONSIN MAGAZINE OF HISTORY WINTER, 1952-53 day foflowing the meat was cut up and salted. No. 8. There were other offices too. One can Since Anson was very fond of blood sausage, well believe that when an exigency arose— some of the men prepared that while he and and there were many—the suggestion was his brother Fred chopped the meat and stuffed made, "Let's go over to Butties'!" Mediator, a tubful of sausages. Rendering the lard and prognosticator, adviser, all three in one, was making the head cheese was assigned to Cor­ Anson's stature to which his many years of nelia and Olive. It was 9 o'clock in the eve­ service in Town Milwaukee testify. ning of the third day when the job was com­ Farm work was unavoidably delayed since pleted. For this work the butcher was paid the demands of his office were often unpre­ $2.00 which Anson thought very reasonable. dictable. He presided at lawsuits—of which No doubt when Cornelia planned some of her there were not a few—he spent many days hearty meals, some of the sauerkraut pre­ and half-days surveying, he attended numer­ pared by Anson—a barrel full—was cooked ous supervisors' meetings, performed the with the "nice" pork produced on the farm. duties of census taker, prepared tax rolls, Though a great variety of home-grown performed many marriages—which included vegetables supplemented the fowl, beef, and feasting and dancing—inspected roads and pork, great quantities of food were purchased bridges, acted as election clerk, cared for the at Milwaukee. Among those listed were 35 mentally ill and the orphans. One of the pounds of cheese, 214 bushels of beans, 2 most enervating and time-consuming duties bushels of tomatoes, 2 barrels of apples, and was the preparation of the tax rolls in the "400 lbs. very fine cod fish." Cornelia's late fall. Sometimes he worked through the menus were far from monotonous for one day entire night, and often until past midnight. a fine trout, bought from a passer-by, was Meeting this deadline was the closest that served; "nice corn bread" and rhubarb pud­ Anson ever came to complaining in his early ding added variety; the new hams were tried diaries. And when after weeks of labor the one Sunday and "found very good." Anson, completion of the rolls was not in sight, he planning to serve something special, one day would ask his brother Fred for help, and to­ filled a six-quart pan with pork and beans gether they would win out. But the grind "and my wife, children & myself finished did not end since his house was crowded with nearly all." That was quantity cooking—sort tax payers on Sundays, and his weariness in­ of church-supper style—in the Buttles effi­ creased by traveling over poor roads in col­ cient menage! lecting some of the tax money himself. Though Farmer Buttles looked well after Traveling in connection with his public the domestic affairs of his family, had not his duties was difficult and of course time con­ father lent a hand, his days would have been suming. In winter he battled intense cold even more strenuous. One is impressed by and snowdrifts; then came the winter thaws the close companionship that existed be­ and spring mud when he sloshed and wal­ tween father and son, and its truth is testified lowed—"awful" he says—over the roads on to today, for Grandson Anson knows of the horseback. Much of the early farm was for­ camaraderie that existed between them. It is ested and the cutting and delivery of the wood well that the relationship existed since Anson was one of the major occupations winter after held many county and town offices through the winter and continuing into spring. Anson, years—some of them simultaneously—and sometimes accompanied by his father, hauled was also active in having others put into of­ the wood to Milwaukee over these almost im­ fice. His public service in the county spanned passable roads. Cutting eight loads of tough a fifty-six-year period without a break. On hickory wood in one afternoon, in early the county level he was the surveyor for six March, 1856, was the performance of Anson years and the county superintendent of and Cephas. That required the strength of schools for a similar period; in Town Mil­ a giant, and it is little wonder that Anson waukee he was the justice of the peace, 1849- notes the very heavy sticks and adds. "My 1906. town clerk for many decades, and over back aches bad." This wood was sold for a long period the clerk of school district (Continued middle page 149)

102 JEREMIAH CURTIN HOUSE RESTORATION

Last October the Federal government works for display in his boyhood home. transferred to the Milwaukee County Already fourteen titles in the history, Historical Society a quarter acre of ethnology, and folklore of the American land southwest of the city on which Indian, Ireland, Russia, Mongolia, and is located the Jeremiah Curtin house. Eastern Europe have been identified. Thus the way was cleared for the res­ Better known are his Memoirs edited by toration of a building, probably over the late Dr. Joseph Schafer and pub­ a hundred years old, to become a mu­ lished in 1940 by the State Historical seum of pioneer life and a memorial to Society from the original manuscript one of the nation's greatest linguists furnished by Mrs. Maude Seifert, Cur­ who spent his youth there. tin's niece. At the other extreme is a Architect George F. Spinti, who is pamphlet, its title unknown, describing preparing plans for the restoration, is the visit of the Grand Duke Alexis of delighted with the simple lines and Russia to Milwaukee in 1872, published graceful proportions of this rectangular by Curtin in London in the same year. two-story building, set amidst the beau­ Thus far no copy has been found. ties of a county parkway. Some of the Except for periods of employment by structure is in good condition—the the Federal government and as a com­ limestone and mortar walls, the cedar- mercial representative, Curtin supported shake roof provided in an earlier res­ himself and his world travels by trans­ toration project, the adzed timbers and lating over twenty titles between 1888 wide planking of the first-floor ceiling, and his death in 1906. Sixteen were by the log rafters of the roof, and the Henry Sienkiewicz of Poland, whose his­ arched interior brick facing of the fire­ torical novels Curtin called to the at­ place. Enough remains of the door and tention of his publisher. Little, Brown window frames and lintels to permit and Company. In 1896 Curtin's au­ authentic reproduction. thorized translation launched Sienkie- Yet many items remain obscure. Pho­ wicz's Quo Vadis on a career as Ameri­ tographs of the 1930's reveal a continu­ ca's all-time best-seller for a quarter of a ation of the limestone walls and the roof century; recently it has become the most line in the rear to form a lean-to, com­ expensive movie epic of history. The plete with brick kitchen chimney. Was full story of Curtin as a translator will that present at an early date? Was also be documented by the society. there a wood floor, or one of pounded To support these undertakings, in­ earth, when the Curtins lived there? cluding furnishing of the house in mid- Were there room partitions on the first nineteenth century fashion, landscaping and second floors? And what sort of and fencing the grounds, and the erec­ ladder or stairway was used? tion of a Wisconsin official marker, the The report of the Historic American Milwaukee County Historical Society Buildings Survey, old photographs and will soon launch a drive for funds. Lo­ descriptions, and the recollections of cal groups expected to be most inter­ Curtin's surviving relatives, may answer ested are the Irish, from whose native most of these questions and even de­ country Curtin's family migrated to termine more accurately than hitherto America; the Polish, to whose literature the age of the building. Curtin directed American readers; Cur­ tin's fellow alumni of Harvard Univer­ The Milwaukee Society is also inter­ sity; and residents of the surrounding esting itself in Curtin's career as diplo­ area. Work on the house may begin in mat, linguist, translator, and student of the late spring of 1953, thus permitting ethnology. It is preparing a bibliog­ its dedication by early fall. raphy of his writings and his transla­ tions from the Slavic, in the hope of FREDERICK I. OLSON assembling a complete collection of his Wisconsin State College, Milwaukee

103 Fwho today are ing democracy in faraway places,' government continues to bestow its hi est award for bravery. Biographical sketches of all Wisconsin medalists are contained in this narrative. Those who put their country first grace the na­ tion's most distinguished honor roll.

General Douglas MacArthur

Wisconsin and the Medal of Honor* by Alan L Kent

Origins simply a document which entitled the holder The possessor of the Medal of Honor holds to extra pay of $2.00 per month. The Civil the highest military award for bravery that War brought forth the necessity of honoring the United States can bestow. The necessity the deeds of Union soldiers with something for creating an award to honor brave soldiers more tangible than a sheet of paper.^ was recognized early in the nation's history Accordingly the Navy Department sought with the provision for the Purple Heart in and secured authorization for a Navy Medal 1782 for "singularly meritorious action." The of Honor in December, 1861. Six months medal fell into disuse, however, and was not later the Army was granted similar authority. revived until 1932. A "Certificate of Merit" The medals, differing in design, created by had been authorized in 1847, but it was separate acts of Congress and governed by dissimilar regulations, are usually referred to * Since space limitations must be met, it was as "Medal of Honor," as if they were one found necessary to give emphasis in this narra­ decoration. The Navy Medal was originally tive to the Wisconsin medal recipients who par­ ticipated in the major conflicts of the present cen­ made available only to seamen; officers were tury. All others who earned medals of honor were excluded. The Army aflowed officers to re­ given brief sketches in an Appendix in order to ceive it as early as 1863. Soldiers who "shall complete the list and reduce the work of future most distinguish themselves by their gal- researchers. Though the writer has carefully checked the sources available, he feels that the name of some Wisconsin medalist may have been omitted. 'The Medal of Honor of the United States Army In that case the Society would welcome additional (Department of the Army, Washington, 1948), 3-5 (hereafter cited as Army Medal) ; Joseph M. Mor­ information. As further lists become generally avail­ gan, Military Medals and Insignia of the United able, it is hoped a complete master file may one States (Glendale, Calif., 1941), 29-31; Newsweek, day be perfected—EDITORS. 25:52 (April 16, 1945).

104 KENT : MEDAL OF HONOR lantry in action and other soldier-like quali­ diers for the medal oftentimes twenty and ties" were eligible. Seamen "as shall most dis­ thirty years after the dates upon which the tinguish themselves by their gallantry in ac­ supposed act of heroism occurred. It was tion and other seamanlike qualities during the impossible to document adequately the cases, present war" could gain the medal. For Civil and many awards were made that now appear War distinction 1,200 awards were made by dubious.^ the Army; the Navy granted 327.^ An investigation in 1916-17 resulted in the striking of 911 from the list of Army Medal Abuses Rectified winners. It was specified at this time that the About 1900 both services began to take award could be made only to a fighting man stock. The Army awarded the medal almost who "in action involving actual conflict with 3,000 times between 1862 and 1917; the Navy an enemy, shall distinguish himself conspic­ granted 565 during the same period. An in­ uously by gaflantry and intrepidity at the risk vestigation showed that one man won the of his life above and beyond the caU of duty."

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Medal of Honor : Navy Medal of Honor : Army medal for chasing rustlers; an entire regi­ Beginning with World War I, the award was ment of Maine volunteers (864 soldiers) were made less frequently and its bestowal required decorated with it after they promised not definite documentation. Thus the Navy, which to return home during the Civil War. The granted 81 medals in the Spanish-American medal had been copied by several semimili- War, 56 in the China Relief Expedition, and tary organizations, impairing its dignity. The 55 to participants in the 1914 Mexican cam­ major abuse, however, grew out of the large paign at Vera Cruz, awarded only 28 in number of applications by ex-Civil War sol- World War I and 137 in World War II. The Army which had made the presentation TAe Medal of Honor, 1861-1949, the Navy (De­ 416 times in the Indian campaigns and 70 partment of the Navy, Washington, 1950), 1-12 (hereafter cited as Navy Medal) ; Congressional times in the Philippine Insurrection alone, Globe, Dec. 9, 1861, 26; Feb. 17, 1861, 841; May 19, 1862, 2182; Army Medal, 5. 'Army Medal, 12-21.

105 WISCONSIN MAGAZINE OF HISTORY WINTER, 1952-53

gave only 95 in World War I and 292 in World War 11.^ The abuses noted above need not reflect on pre-World War I medal winners from Wiscon­ sin. Their deeds were clearly heroic. It is true, nonetheless, that those who won the award after 1917 had to give every measure of devotion. Whereas, not one of the State's Civil War winners gave his life in a deed of valor, in World War II the medal was awarded posthumously more often than not. In the Korean War, the medal mortality rate stood at four to one for Wisconsin men.^ Over 50 Wisconsin soldiers, sailors, and marines have been awarded the Medal of Hon­ or. Twenty-one received it for heroism in the Civil War. Between 1865 and America's en­ try into World War I, 9 others merited the citation (see Appendix).

World War I Clayton Kirk Slack, Wisconsin born, raised Private Clayton K. Slack and a resident of the State, today is the only World War I World War I Medal of Honor winner whom . . . Slack . . . rushed them with his rifle the State can claim.^ Born February 23, and, single-handed, captured ten prisoners arid 1896, at Plover, Wisconsin, Slack spent his two heavy-type machine guns, thus saving his boyhood here and near Stevens Point, Wis­ company and neighboring organizations from consin. He was working in Madison at the heavy casualties." time he entered the Army in September, 1917, Slack, one of the most decorated soldiers and was assigned to the One Hundred Twenty- in the world after World War I, traveled for Fourth Machine Gun Battalion, Thirty-Third many years in show business. Today he op­ (Iflinois) Division. On the eighth of October, erates a resort at Hayward, Wisconsin.^ 1918, near Consenvoye, France, Private Slack courted glory. "Observing German soldiers World War W under cover fifty yards away on the left flank, In the first months of the second World 'Life, 30:67-68 (Jan. 29, 1951); Newsweek, 25: War, the United States suffered serious set­ 52 (April 16, 1945); Berton Braley, "The Age of backs. The only ray of hope appeared in the Heroes," New York Times Magazine. 24-25 (Dec. gallant defense of the Philippine Islands. 10, 1944); Navy Medal, 307; Army Medal, 469. In recent years the Congress of the United States General Douglas MacArthur, a portion of has bestowed the Medal of Honor for important whose boyhood was spent at Milwaukee and deeds not associated with combat. Admiral Richard Byrd and Charles A. Lindbergh, among others, have ''Army Medal, 263; A History of Portage County, received it in this fashion. Wisconsin (Chicago, 1919), 607-8; Illinois in the 'Life, 30:67-68 (Jan. 29, 1951). World War: An Illustrated History of the Thirty- ^Three others had loose connections with the State. Third Division (2 vols., Chicago, 1921), 1:391; A Navy Medal of Honor was awarded to Boatswain's letter, March 31, 1952, Clayton K. Slack to writer; Mate Second Class John Otto Siegel (born Mil­ interview, March 19, 1952, Clayton K. Slack. waukee, 1890). Siegel moved to New Jersey at an ^Orville E. Bloch, although a native of Wisconsin early age; the Navy credited the medal to that (born Big Falls, Feb. 10, 1915), left the State at State. Army Lieutenant Deming Bronson, a native the age of four and is not here considered a Wis­ of Rhinelander, Wisconsin, received the distinction consin winner. He won the medal in Italy in 1944. while a resident of Seattle, Washington. Similarly, Army Medal, 56, 343; letter, May 31, 1952, Orville Lieutenant Colonel Charles White Whittlesey (born E. Bloch, to writer. Eric G. Gibson, a corporal in Florence, Wisconsin, Jan. 20, 1884), commander of the Third Infantry Division, achieved the Medal the famous "Lost Battalion," left the State with his of Honor in action near Isola Bella, Italy, on Jan. parents at the age of ten for Pittsfield, Massachusetts. 28, 1944. Swedish-born, Gibson had lived in Chi-

106 KENT : MEDAL OF HONOR

bilized, trained, and led an army which has received world acclaim for its gallant defense against a tremendous superiority of enemy forces in men and arms. His utter disregard of personal danger under heavy fire and aerial bombardment, his calm judg­ ment in each crisis, inspired his troops, galvanized the spirit of resistence of the Filipino people, and confirmed the faith of the American people in their armed forces.^ At almost the same moment in different sectors of the front at Buna, New Guinea, on December 24, 1942, two Wisconsin soldiers of the Thirty-Second Infantry Division faced glory and death. One of them. Sergeant Elmer J. Burr, was born at Neenah, Wisconsin, May 11, 1908. Burr had served in the Thirty-Second for a dozen years before it was mustered into the federal service in 1940. Late in 1941 he was ^ discharged from the Army as over the age limit of twenty-eight. Pearl Harbor brought Captain Franklin Van Valkenburgh him back to his unit and after a few months World War II in Australia, he met the Japanese in combat in New Guinea. "Sergeant Burr saw an en­ whose family roots are in the State, symbol­ emy grenade strike near his company com­ ized a fighting determination to withstand mander. Instantly, and with heroic self sac­ and triumph over Japanese aggression. Ac­ rifice, he threw himself upon it, smothering cordingly, MacArthur received the Medal of the explosion with his body. Sergeant Burr Honor in March, 1942. His citation reads: thus gave his life in saving that of his Com­ For conspicuous leadership in preparing mander." He was moved back to the portable the Philippine Islands to resist conquest, hospital, but the grenade had shattered his for gallantry and intrepidity above and midsection and he died Christmas Day, beyond the call of duty in action against 1942.10 invading Japanese forces, and for the he­ The other, Kenneth Gruennert, was born at roic conduct of defensive and offensive op­ Helenville, Jefferson County, Wisconsin, on erations on the Bataan Peninsula. He mo- ^Army Medal, 271; Wisconsin State Journal, July cago, Illinois, from 1925 until his enlistment in 15, 1945; Franklin M. Reck, Beyond the Call of 1941. At the time he was awarded the medal post­ Duty (New York, 1944), 168; New York Times, humously (Sept., 1944) his parents were residing on March 26, 29, 1942; Francis T. Miller, General a farm near Rice Lake. Gibson himself never lived Douglas MacArthur (rev. ed., Philadelphia, 1951), in the State. Rice Lake Chronotype, Sept. 13, 1944; 269; Clark Lee and Richard Henschel, Douglas Mac- Madison Capital Times, Dec. 10, 1944; Army Medal, Arthur (New York, 1952), 165. See also George C. 331. Brigadier General Frederick W. Castle, Eighth Kenney, The MacArthur I Know (New York, 1951) ; Air Force, won the distinction posthumously in ac­ Gene Schoor, General Douglas MacArthur (New tion over Belgium, Dec. 24, 1944. He lived with York, 1951) ; Frank Kelley and Cornelius Ryan, his mother at Milwaukee for a short period in the MacArthur: Man of Action (Garden City, New early 1920's. General Castle's uncle, Guy Castle, York, 1950). The first selective service soldier to won the Medal of Honor in action at Vera Cruz in be decorated for valor in World War II was a Wis­ April, 1914. New York Times, Jan. 19, 1945; Mil- consin man. Although he did not receive the Medal waukee Journal, Jan. 19, 1945; Time, 45:19 (Jan. of Honor, Le Roy Anderson of Burlington was 29, 1945) ; Army Medal, 322. Lieutenant Albert Le- awarded the Distinguished Service Cross for out­ Roy David, U.S.N., led a boarding party which standing conduct on Bataan, Feb. 3,1942. Life, 12:48 captured a German submarine in June, 1944. The (March 2, 1942). Navy accredited his Medal of Honor to Missouri; ^"Reck, Beyond the Call of Duty, 73-79; Army David's legal residence at the time he achieved the Medal, 280; Menasha Record, Jan. 22, 1943; Apple- medal was Madison, Wisconsin. New York Times, ton Post-Crescent, Jan. 22, 26, 1943; letters, July May 19, 1945; Wisconsin State Journal (Madison), 14 and 27, 1952, Mrs. Lucille Burr (wife), Menasha, May 18, 1945; Navy Medal, 172. to writer.

107 WISCONSIN MAGAZINE OF HISTORY WINTER, 1952-53

is Major John L. Jerstad. His mother has given the high points: He was born in Racine on February 12, ^ 1918, graduated from Park High School in 1936, and from Northwestern University in 1940, taught school one year in La Due, a suburb of St. Louis. Enlisted in the Air Corps, July 1941, was killed August 1, 1943 in a raid over Ploesti oil fields in Rumania. He had been an eagle scout, sea scout and conducted a summer day camp for small boys and girls in Racine for three summers while attending Northwestern. Because he volunteered to lead a flight over Ploesti at a time when he had completed more i than his share of missions and was no longer connected with his air group and because he directed his badly damaged plane to its target instead of seeking to land it. Major Jerstad I was awarded the Congressional Medal of Hon­ or posthumously.^^ •^r/-r-/', / /-.Ifillf II. i'lgnuin The first medal to be won by a Wisconsin Korean W ar foot-soldier fighting in Europe went post­ humously to Truman 0. Olson, a sergeant in November 19, 1922. Gruennert won three let­ the Third Infantry. Born at Christiana. Wis­ ters in football and was captain of the Jef­ consin, October 13, 1917, Olson enlisted at ferson high school team in its championship Cambridge, Wisconsin, shipping overseas in year. He enlisted in the Wisconsin National 1943. On January 31, 1944, at Cisterna di Guard at sixteen and on December 24, 1942 Littoria, Italy, he met the supreme test. Al­ was serving with the Thirty-Second near though he was suffering from an arm wound Buna. Sergeant Gruennert, on that day, was received in a previous engagement. Sergeant second in command of a platoon whose mis­ Olson manned his gun alone, "meeting the sion involved a drive through Japanese lines full force of an all-out enemy assault by ap­ proximately 200 men supported by mortar to the beach 600 yards in front. Within sight and machine gun fire." After thirty minutes of the shore, the unit encountered two enemy of fighting, Olson was mortally wounded, but pillboxes. Ken Gruennert put the first out of refused evacuation. For an hour and a half action with a few well-placed grenades. Then, he continued to fire his machine gun, "killing although seriously wounded in the shoulder, at least 20 of the enemy, wounding many he advanced on the second. His grenades more and forcing the assaulting German ele­ forced the Japanese soldiers out into the open ments to withdraw."1^ where they proved easy targets but, before he could rejoin the platoon, enemy snipers Four months later, Lieutenant Beryl R. snuffed out his life. "His inspiring valor Newman of Baraboo, Wisconsin, won the medal near Cisterna, Italy. Attacking the cleared the way for the platoon which was the strongly fortified German Anzio-Nettuno line. first to attain the beach in this successful ef­ Lieutenant Newman advanced alone on a fort to split the enemy position."^^ group of enemy machine gun nests. After A shining example of the type of youth eliminating their effectiveness he advanced to­ whose death in battle is more than tragic ward a house which contained a dozen of

"Reck, Beyond the Call of Duty. 60-72: Army ''Army Medal, 285; Racine Journal-Times. Aug. 13, Medal, 280: Janesville Gazette. Feb. 3, 1943: Wis­ 1943; letter, March 9, 1952, Mrs. A. H. Jerstad consin Soldiers in the World War, 1939-1943 (3 (mother), Racine, to writer. vols.. State Historical Societv Library clipping '^Army Medal, 331-32; New York Times. Jan. 22, books), 3:780-81. 1945.

108 KENT : MEDAL OF HONOR the enemy. "Gaining the house, Newman kicked in the door and went inside. Although armed with rifles and machine pistols, the eleven Germans there, apparently intimidated, surrendered . . . without further resistance."^* Gerald L. Ehdl, another member of the Thirty-Second Division, won his medal near Anamo, New Guinea, on July 11, 1944. Al­ though he was born (August 20, 1915) and grew up in Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin, Endl was living in Janesville at the time of his in­ duction in 1941. The staff sergeant gave his life in the action which brought him the med­ al. In an engagement with Japanese troops. Sergeant Endl noticed that seven members of his platoon of twelve lay wounded. Refusing to retreat for fear of losing his fallen com­ rades to a vicious enemy, he resolved to ad­ vance at all costs. Advancing alone, he man­ aged to hold-off the enemy until his men could crawl forward and evacuate the wound­ ed. Endl himself brought four of them back Major Richard I. Bong to safety before a burst of automatic fire World War II snuffed out his life.^^ Charles E. Mower of Chippewa Falls, Wis­ Wisconsin's greatest air ace. Major Rich­ consin (born there November 29, 1924), a ard Ira Bong, survived the action which won member of the Twenty-Fourth Infantry Divi­ him a Medal of Honor only to be cut down sion, won a medal near Capoocah, Leyte, in August, 1945, while testing a jet fighter Philippine Islands, on November 3, 1944. at Burbank, California. Bong, a Poplar, Wis­ Sergeant Mower assumed command of his consin, lad (born September 24, 1920), re­ squad when the leader was killed by enemy ceived the award bullets fired from across a stream running for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity through a wooded gulch. Mower had started in action above and beyond the call of to bring his unit across the stream when he duty in the Southwest Pacific area from was seriously wounded. 10 October to 15 November, 1944. Though assigned to duty as gunnery instructor Half submerged, gravely wounded, but re­ and neither required nor expected to per­ fusing to accept shelter or seek aid of any form combat duty. Major Bong voluntarily kind, he continued to shout and signal to and at his urgent request engaged in re­ his squad as he directed it in the destruc­ peated combat missions, including un­ tion of two enemy machine guns and nu­ usually hazardous sorties over Balikpapan, merous riflemen. Discovering that the in­ Borneo, and in the Leyte area of the Phil­ trepid man in the stream was largely re­ ippines. sponsible for the successful action being America's "ace of aces," Bong was responsible taken against them, the remaining Japanese for shooting down forty Japanese planes.^^ concentrated the full force of their fire power upon him, and he was killed while "Army Medal, 339; New York Times, Jan. 11, still urging his men on.^^ 1945; letter, March 23, 1952, Morris Crandall, Bara­ Gallantry in action with the Ninety-Fifth boo, to writer. Infantry Division from Woippy, France, ''Army Medal, 324; letter and clippings. May 21, 1952, Mrs. Leonard Kirchoff (wife), Janesville, to through Metz to Kerprich Hemmersdorf, Ger­ writer. many, November 16-29, 1944, won the medal '^Army Medal, 326; Cyclopaedia of American Bi­ ography (New York, 1948), 34:375; Time, 46:89 "Army Medal, 327; New York Times, June 29, (Aug. 23, 1945) ; Wisconsin State Journal, July 15, Aug. 25, 1947; letter, April 3, 1952, Miss Borghild 1945; Superior Telegram, Sept. 28, 1951. Lee (Chippewa Falls Public Library), to writer.

109 WISCONSIN MAGAZINE OF HISTORY WINTER, 1952-53 for Andrew Mifler of Two Rivers, Wisconsin. an enemy mortar dud and threw it back Born August 11, 1916, at Manitowoc, Miller among the charging Japanese, killing several was inducted into the Army in June, 1942. as it burst." This success gave him an idea. Two and one half years later he gave his life He secured a box of mortar shells, extracted in one of the most daring series of escapades the safety pins and banged the bases on a in the annals of the medal: rock to arm them and "proceeded alternately On 19 Nov. Sergeant Mifler led an attack on to hurl shells and fire his piece among the a large enemy barracks. Covered by his fanatical foe, finally forcing them to with­ squad, he crawled to a barracks window, draw." Anderson remained in the Army until climbed in and captured six riflemen oc­ September 30, 1952. He now resides at Beloit, cupying the room. . . . [He] volunteered, Wisconsin.^^ with three comrades, to capture Gestapo of­ World War II produced three outstanding ficers who were preventing the surrender of naval heroes from the State; one Wisconsin German troops in another building. He ran marine gained the award. Two of the cita­ a gauntlet of machine gun fire and was lifted through a window. Inside, he found him­ tions resulted from the Japanese attack on self covered by a machine pistol, but he Pearl Harbor, December 7, 1941. persuaded the four Gestapo agents con­ Captain Franklin Van Valkenburgh, U.S.N., fronting him to surrender. . . . The follow­ was involved in one of these incidents. ing day, in Metz, he captured 12 more pris­ Van Valkenburgh was born in Minneapolis, oners and silenced an enemy machine gun. Minnesota, July 5, 1888, but grew up in Mil­ ... On 29 Nov. . . . Sergeant Mifler . . . waukee and was appointed to the Naval pressed ahead with his squad past the Academy from Wisconsin in 1905. He gradu­ company's leading element to meet . . . ated in 1909, one hundred and first in a class surprise resistance. His men stood up and advanced deliberately firing as they went. of 175 members. Van Valkenburgh was com­ Inspired by Sergeant Miller's leadership, manding officer of the U.S.S. "Arizona" at the platoon followed, and then another pla­ Pearl Harbor on the day of the surprise at­ toon arose and grimly closed with the Ger­ tack. In his reports on the naval disaster of mans. The enemy action was smothered that morning. Secretary of the Navy Frank but at the cost of Sergeant Miller's life.^^ Knox cited the captain for having displayed The last Wisconsin soldier to gain the dis­ "the outstanding individual heroism of that tinction in World War II, Sergeant Beauford day." The Knox report continues: "As he T. Anderson, was one of five men in the emerged from the conning tower, the better Ninety-Sixth, "Deadeye," Division to win the to fight his ship, his stomach was laid com­ Medal of Honor. Born at Eagle, Richland pletely open by a shrapnel burst. Refusing to be carried to safety, he continued to direct County, Wisconsin, July 6, 1922, Anderson the action. When the bridge became a blaz­ was a Soldiers Grove resident when he entered ing inferno, two officers attempted to remove service. He was awarded the Bronze Star him. But he ordered them to abandon him for meritorious service on Leyte, but his and save themselves." He gave his life."^ greatest hour occurred at Kakazu Ridge, Okinawa, on April 13, 1945. A pre-dawn at­ Commander Cassin Young, U.S.N., another tack by Japanese forces found Sergeant An­ Pearl Harbor hero, had the tragic misfortune derson surprised but undaunted. Ordering his of living through the nightmare of December men to take cover in an old tomb, he met the "Army Medal, 367; New York Times, June 14, onslaught alone, armed only with a carbine. 15, 1946; Orlando Davidson, J. Carl Willems, and "After emptying one magazine at point-blank Joseph Kahl, The Deadeyes: The Story of the 96th Infantry Division (Washington, D.C, 1947), 112, range into the screaming attackers, he seized 260-62, 270. ^'Navy Medal, 272; Life, 12:87 (March 30, 1942) ; "Army Medal, 304; "In Memoriam: Staff Sgt. 15:48 (Oct. 25, 1943); New York Times. Feb. 22, Andrew Miller," Immanuel Ev. Lutheran Church March 15, May 12, 1942; U.S. Naval Academy Rec­ (Manitowoc, Wis.). Memorial Service Bulletin, Jan. ords (letter. May 7, 1952, E. S. Duvall, registrar, 14, 194^: Manitowoc Herald Times. Dec. 13, 1944; to writer) ; Samuel E. Morison, History of United Aug. 27, 28, 30, Sept. 8, Nov. 19, Dec. 2, 1945; States Naval Operations in World War II: The letter. May 17, 1952, Mrs. Erwin Nennig (sister), Rising Sun in the Pacific, 1931-April, 1942 (Boston, Sheboygan, to writer. 1948), 108-9.

110 KENT : MEDAL OF HONOR

7, 1941, only to be killed at the battle of the Solomon Islands a year later. Young was born in Washington, D.C, March 6, 1894, but moved with his parents to Milwaukee two years later where his father operated a drug store. He was appointed to the Naval Acad­ emy in 1912 by Congressman Victor Berger, and graduated four years later one hundred sixty fourth in a class of 178. Commander Young was in command of the U.S.S. "Vest­ al" that fateful Sunday and was blown over­ board when the forward magazine of the U.S.S. "Arizona," to which the "Vestal" was moored, exploded. Dazed, but undaunted, he climbed back on board and maneuvered his damaged ship to safety. The medal was his! On November 13, 1942, Young was killed in­ stantly when a salvo from a Japanese war vessel hit the bridge of the cruiser "San Fran­ cisco" of which he was commanding officer.^^ Chief Watertender Oscar Verner Peterson, a native of Prentice, Wisconsin (born August Corporal Mitchell Red Cloud 27, 1899), had spent twenty-two years in the Korean War naval service at the time he achieved the Medal of Honor. In charge of a repair party Loading an abandoned ambulance jeep he during an attack on the U.S.S. "Neosho" by made perilous trips under heavy rifle and Japanese planes on May 7, 1942, Peterson, mortar fire and singlehandedly he loaded and evacuated 45 casualties, working tire­ though severely wounded, closed the bulkhead lessly and with utter disregard of his own stop valves on the vessel and in so doing re­ safety for three hours. He ran out to aid ceived burns which resulted in his death. two men whom he believed to be wounded "His spirit of self-sacrifice and loyalty, char­ Marines but was himself mortally wounded acteristic of a fine seaman, was in keeping by a Japanese sniper.^^ with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service."^^ Korean Campaign The only Marine in World War II to gain The Korean War has thus far added five the medal was Harold Christ Agerholm, a names to the list of Wisconsin winners. Four life-long resident of Racine, Wisconsin (born of the five gave their lives to obtain the dec­ there January 29, 1925). His mother, Mrs. oration. Rose Tetzlaff, has described her son as fol­ The first award for action in Korea went lows : to Melvin 0. Handrich, an Army infantry­ He was 19 when he lost his life in the Mari­ man from Manawa, Wisconsin. Sergeant anas Islands (Saipan) on the 7th of July, Handrich was born there on January 26, 1944. When the enemy launched a fierce 1919. During World War II he saw action counter-attack he immediately volunteered in the Aleutian campaign, in Italy, France, to assist in the evacuation of the wounded. Belgium, and Germany, winning the Purple ^'Navy Medal, 285; Life, 12:87 (March 30, 1942) ; Heart with two Oak Leaf Clusters. He was dis­ Time, 39:65-66 (May 11, 1942); 40:29 (Nov. 30, charged in September, 1945, but rejoined the 1942); Milwaukee Journal, Nov. 17, 1942; New York Times, March 15, April 19, Nov. 18, Dec. 14, Army in January, 1949. Handrich earned his 1942; U.S. Naval Academy Records (letter, May medal near Sobuk San Mountain, Korea, on 7, 1952, E. S. Duvall, registrar, to writer); Walter Karig and Welbourn Kelley, Battle Report: Pearl ^mavy Medal, 149; William P. McCahifl, ed.. Harbor to Coral Sea (New York, 1944), 47, 77. Hit the Beach! Your Marine Corps in Action (New ^""Navy Medal, 238; Life, 15:50 (Oct. 25, 1943); York, 1948), 354; letter. May 5, 1952, Mrs. Rose New York Times, Dec. 15, 1942. Tetzlaff (mother), Racine, to writer.

Ill WISCONSIN MAGAZINE OF HISTORY WINTER, 1952-53

August 25-26, 1950. Master Sergeant Ray Wisconsin's only Indian to achieve the dis­ D. Jones, an eyewitness, has given this ac­ tinction was Army Corporal Mitchell Red count of the action: Cloud, Jr., a full-blooded Winnebago. He was At approximately 6:00 A.M., August 26, a born at Hatfield, Wisconsin, July 2, 1925. Red force of enemy estimated at 150 made an Cloud attended the Indian school at Neills- attempt to overrun the company perimeter. ville and enlisted in the Marine Corps in Without regard for his personal safety, August, 1941, finding it necessary to falsify Sergeant Handrich arose to his feet on the his age to gain admission. As a marine he highest and most exposed portion of his took part in many a mission with Carlson's position. . . . During the course of action Raiders. Discharged in late 1945, he found Sergeant Handrich observed a portion of civilian life distasteful and on October 1, the company withdrawing. . . . He left his 1948, joined the Army. At Hifl 123, Chong- position and, by exerting all the energy he had left and by his leadership, reorganized hyon, Korea, November 5, 1950, Corporal them so they could continue the fight. Dur­ Red Cloud was the first to detect the approach ing this action Sergeant Handrich was seri­ of Chinese Communist forces and gave the ously wounded in the back and leg. . . . alarm as the enemy charged his position. He He refused to be evacuated or take cover, sprang up and fired point-blank at the ad­ but returned to his position to direct the vancing troops. He was finally wounded, but fire of the men he had organized. At ap­ refusing assistance. Red Cloud crawled to a proximately 7:00 A.M. the enemy succeeded nearby tree, wrapped one arm around it and in overrunning the position that Sergeant continued his deadly fire until wounded again, Handrich was defending and he was fatally this time fatally. His brave action saved his wounded.-^ unit from annihilation.^^ The only Wisconsin marine medal winner Einar H. Ingman, the sole surviving holder in Korea. Stanley R. Christianson was born of the Medal of Honor from Wisconsin in the January 24, 1925, in Mindoro, Wisconsin. Korean campaign, was born at Milwaukee, He attended school in La Crosse County and Wisconsin, October 6, 1929. His family farmed for a time before he enlisted in the moved to a farm near Kewaskum when Einar Marine Corps, October 2, 1942, aged seven­ was thirteen; they now live near Tomahawk, teen. He served at Tarawa, Saipan, Tinian, Wisconsin. Ingman left school after the eighth and Okinawa. Discharged in December, 1945, grade. He worked at a dairy and later at a Christianson reenlisted three months later. utensil manufacturing company before he en­ He won a Bronze Star Medal at the Inchon tered the Army on November 1, 1948, in landing in Korea on September 18, 1950. expectation of being taught a trade. The Eleven days later he was killed in the Medal only trade he learned was the art of fighting. of Honor incident at Hill 132, Seoul, Korea. On February 26, 1951, near Maltari, Korea, Christianson was manning one of the listen­ Ingman located an enemy machine gun po­ ing posts covering the approach to his pla­ sition which was raking his unit with deadly toon area when the enemy attacked. He gave fire. He approached it alone, threw a grenade the alert, but remained at his position, firing into the emplacement and killed the remain­ into the hostile troops. He accounted for ing crew with rifle fire. Ingman then charged seven dead before his position was overrun a second machine gun outfit, and although and he himself fatally wounded. Christian- seriously wounded by grenade fragments, he son's delaying action gave his platoon time killed the entire gun crew with his rifle be­ to man positions and repel the attack with fore his wounds rendered him unconscious. forty-one of the enemy destroyed.^^ Since March, 1951, Ingman has had to under- (Continued middle page 146) ^^Department of Defense, Office of Public Informa­ tion, Press Release No. 810-51, June 17, 1951; New ^"Department of Defense, Office of Public Informa­ York Times, June 18, 22, 1951. tion, Press Release No. 407-51, March 30, 1951; ^^Headquarters, U.S. Marine Corps, Press Release, Time, 57:35-36 (April 9, 1951); Clark County Aug. 30. 1951: "In IVIemoriam: Stanley R. Christian- Press (Neillsville, Wis.), April 5, 12, 1951; New son," Mindoro Lutheran Church Bulletin, Dec. 10, York Times, April 4, 1951; interview, April 14, 1952, 1951: letter, March 27, 1952, Mrs. Simon Christian- Mrs. Nellie Red Cloud (mother), Merrillan, Wis- son (mother), Mindoro, to writer.

112 from a study of the Union List of Newspapers, which will tell what papers are known to have been published in the area and what in­ stitutions hold the known files. Add to this list the data that can be dug out of county histories, memoirs of early settlers, and any and all local information. Next the collect­ ing group should inventory the back files ex­ isting in current publishing companies in the locality. Locating relatives of past publishers and advertising the collecting campaign in the local press will often turn up many old files. When the working list of wanted files is compiled, the collecting and organizing of these materials begins. Often a nucleus of a collection will already Go To It, Collectors of exist, and the local society should logically Newspapers! build around this. An exceflent rule would be to concentrate all efforts towards collect­ Recently have come queries from local his­ ing what is not already collected elsewhere. torical societies concerning newspaper collect­ Perhaps the only exception would be the ing activities. What should be coflected? gathering of all available memorable issues. How and where housed? How serviced? These are the copies of newspapers that were These are highly pertinent questions, espe­ saved by individuals because they wished to cially since the activation of so many new so­ preserve for themselves and posterity the ac­ cieties and the revitalization of others has counts of such events as Wisconsin Territorial begun. Day, Statehood Day, Lincoln's assassination, That a local society should engage in col­ Dewey at Manila, the 1918 Armistice. As lecting newspapers or offer to assist an agency news spreads that an active local society is which may have already undertaken the actually collecting newspapers, many isolated building up of such a collection goes without smaller files will not only come out of hiding, saying. Newspapers are one of the prime but might even be coaxed into joining the sources of local history. But collecting alone more completely organized collection. At is not enough. Collecting must be sensible, any event, these lesser holdings, quite fre­ organized, and correlated to the larger pic­ quently of important papers, long lost, can ture. The collection should not only be usable, be related to the larger collections by being but USED. identified, cataloged, and made available to Newspapers are bulky and sometimes seem to those who wish to use them. defy all efforts to house and service them when Availability to users immediately suggests collected. When and where the local society the need for proper storage, care, cataloging. does not yet boast of a library, storage and Old papers should be unfolded, cut if neces­ service of the local collection is often best sary at the edges, and cleaned of surface achieved by cooperating with the area Public grime. These should be carefufly collated, Library. There the necessary cataloging and missing issues noted, and arranged in order housekeeping of the collection can usually by title. Ingrained grime can be removed be performed in a building which is open by use of wallpaper cleaner, and the papers to the history-minded public for longer hours then should be ironed with an electric iron. than the local society's quarters. Finally, papers should always be stored flat. While a good newspaper collection could Rare and very valuable issues can be sent just happen, it more likely results only from to the laminators who for a fee will process a planned and continuing campaign. First items like newspapers so that they will last the collecting group must learn what was for centuries. Less valuable issues can be published. This information can be gleaned

113 WISCONSIN MAGAZINE OF HISTORY WINTER, 1952-53 mended by use of ordinary library mending possible to see that originals are returned tape. Scotch tape or a ceflulose type of tape in good shape to the local society. The film should never be used for mending of valuable will then be a permanent copy of the papers papers because of shrinkage differences be­ and can be reproduced again and again for tween paper and tape. Now the prepared the use of researchers everywhere. Positive newspapers are ready for cataloging. prints of the local collection can be acquired Newspaper cataloging is quite simple. Uni­ and held locally and can be read on the micro­ form sized cards are used for this: place of film reader that the Public Library may al­ publication, title of paper, the run (inclusive ready have or may soon add to its service fa­ dates of file), location of file in the collection, cilities. missing issues noted on reverse side. That's So go to it, you local collectors of news­ all there is to newspaper cataloging. But papers! The field is still wide open. Many there is more to making a collection available valuable items are hidden away in basements to users. and attics and barns. These are the very Local collections should be made known to places where local coflectors are apt to locate the State Society. Often the most sought after many rare items of historical value in ad­ runs or issues of papers will be acquired by dition to newspapers. Your State of Wis­ the local group. These are sometimes the consin has one of the best newspaper col­ very runs needed to supplement our vast col­ lections in the land. It can and will be the lection of the area press. The Society is anx­ best when local collecting talents are let loose ious to make microfilm copies of all such on the houses and business establishments of newly located items and will take every care the local stamping grounds. END

^^TTncle Harry" Dankoler Harry E. Dankoler's "Letter No. 24, pleased "Uncle Harry" tremendously. Summer, 1952," has arrived, its 18 One page of the "Letter" contains mimeographed pages crackling with an analysis of the old-age retirement news and comment. Everyone who visits problem. "Uncle Harry" believes the the Door County Museum in Sturgeon age of retirement should be raised from Bay will discover that is the place where sixty-five to seventy years because per­ "Uncle Harry" reigns from May to Sep­ sons who are in good health don't know tember as curator. what to do with themselves upon retire­ Since he will reach the venerable age ment. Better to work and not become of ninety with the arrival of spring, an expense to the community is his he now spends his winters where it theory. He's as busy as a bee! is mild, in his own new cottage in the Introducing his readers to Alva he unincorporated community of Alva, Lee tells of its early history, its churches, County, Florida. Naturally, this issue about the friends he has made, about is filled with news of Alva personages and the enjoyable stmshiny South. the long bench in front of the post office where everyone passes—a place His 600 subscribers are anxious to to rest and meet old-timers—an experi­ receive his "Letter," he writes. A re­ ence with a migrant orange picker, some cent correspondent inquired when "Uncle Harry's" next Reader's Digest Wisconsinites now living in the South, was coming out. It's a big project and and items relating to localities adjacent can't be accomplished in a wink. to Alva as well as Florida at large. While he was absent in 1951-52, Al­ "Uncle Harry's" "Letter No. 24" is derman Conrad Stram of Sturgeon Bay a colorful little publication fifled with arranged to have the Museum cleaned sage observations and bits of humor. and the floors varnished; he provided No wonder his subscribers become fidg­ fuel for the mammoth fireplace. All this ety when a number is delayed.

114 Here Is a Farm which W as Being Developed in the Forested Area of Lfiippewa i.ounty

Nineteenth Century Land Colonization in Northern Wisconsin by Arlan Helgeson

ways. However, in the nineteenth century, to which time limits this paper, colonization lis discussion relates to the years was more likely to mean simply persuading when settlers in northern Wisconsin, for people to buy land and settle in northern the most part, cleared their farms of the Wisconsin. Certain land sellers did take a stumps in the Cutover and paid for them paternal interest in their settlers and help under ordinary credit arrangements. them in a number of ways but, by and large, before 1900 the pioneer farmer in the stump Various types of speculation were in­ lands had to clear his own farm and pay for dulged in, one learns, with emphasis on it under ordinary credit arrangements. some of the large operators—not always Several kinds of enterprisers engaged in the most successful. colonizing northern Wisconsin before 1900. M There were large scale speculators and the land grant railroads, with thousands of acres to dispose of. Many lumbermen turned to The word "colonization" has meant a great colonizing their cutover lands. A host of real number of things in northern Wisconsin his­ estate dealers also attempted to bring settlers tory. It covers the many methods by which to the stump lands. This paper is intended lands have been sold to actual settlers in that to describe some of the typical colonization region. One also associates with colonization activities. Every viflage and hamlet in the afl the devices by which people have been cutover area had someone engaged in sefling lured to the cutover counties at one time or land to settlers, and the individuals or organi­ another. In the twentieth century colonization zations described on the foflowing pages are came to be associated primarily with the only examples whose contemporaries are too work of bringing settlers to ready-made farms, numerous to mention at this time. on special terms of credit, and aiding and Caleb Cushing of Massachusetts was one supervising their pioneering in a number of speculator whose investments in power sites.

115 WISCONSIN MAGAZINE OF HISTORY WINTER, 1952-53

timber, and lands led to an attempt to colonize that some misunderstanding existed between a part of northern Wisconsin. Shortly after Taube and his American associates. Settlers the Civil War, Cushing and his associates en­ arriving in July were disturbed to find that gaged in a scheme to bring Europeans to the no lands would be ready for sale until the St. Croix vafley. Their attempts began in fall of the following year. Having made some 1868 with the incorporation of the Great commitments as to their support, Taube pur­ European-American Emigration Land Com­ chased supplies for the settlers and charged pany in New York.^ Cushing became the presi­ them to the company. He also promised them dent of this organization; Henning A. Taube, employment, and the company had a small of a prominent Swedish family, assumed the riot on its hands the following spring when position of general superintendent. Capitalized it did not furnish funds for paying the immi­ at $1,000,000, the Emigration Land Company grants Taube employed. Taube persuaded announced its intention to engage in business Cushing to advance the money necessary to in Wisconsin and several other states.^ make good his promises to the Swedes, but Cushing pledged many of his St. Croix this climaxed a succession of difficulties which holdings to the new Emigration Land Com­ destroyed Taube's standing with the company.^ pany and, with his brother William, con­ Company officials had worried about tracted to purchase and hold for colonization Taube's extravagant living habits in New by the company all the unsold state agricul­ York and Europe. Moreover, rumors that he tural college lands in Polk County. In addi­ had made misrepresentations to emigrants tion the Cushings advanced the necessary now seemed to be confirmed. Settlers at capital for the company to begin operations."^ St. Croix Falls besieged Cushing with reports that Taube or his agents had sold them stock In 1869 "Count" Taube proceeded to Sweden in the company with the assurance that they where he issued a booklet detailing the plans could exchange it for land of their own of the Emigration Company. Settlers needed choosing, once they arrived in Wisconsin. At $1,000 to make an eighty-acre farm in Ameri­ the Falls they found that this was untrue and ca, Taube said, although he indicated that they spread reports of a swindle far and wide. such a sum was sufficient for buying a larger Cushing resigned his presidency, other officers farm through yearly payments.^ severed their connections with the company, When a colony of Swedes came to St. Croix and together they published a broadside in Falls in the summer of 1869, it became evident European papers divorcing themselves en­ tirely from Taube and his European associ­ ^Alice E. Smith, "Caleb Cushing's Investments in the St. Croix Valley," Wisconsin Magazine of His­ ates.^ tory, 28:14 (September, 1944). Since not all of the So ended one of the first ambitious attempts pertinent Cushing papers are available on microfilm by a speculator to colonize a part of northern in the manuscript collection of the State Historical Society of Wisconsin, Miss Smith graciously per­ Wisconsin with farmers. Cushing still had a mitted the writer to use the notes prepared in her large amount of land on his hands. He tried study of the original manuscripts in the Library of to overcome the suspicion and distrust which Congress. Except where designated as based on microfilm, the writer's citations of the Cushing the European venture had created, but this Papers stem from these notes. was difficult to do. While he was able to ^New York Daily Tribune, Dec. 2, 1868. Taube's brother Arvid was the general superintendent of ^Isaac Freeland to Caleb Cushing, Dec. 1, 1869; railroads in Sweden. Other officers of the Emigra­ James Thompson to Caleb Cushing, June 8, 1870; tion Land Company were Isaac Tallmadge, vice- J. D. Reymert to Isaac Freeland (copy), April 11, president; J. A. Bartlett, treasurer; J. D. Reymert, 1870; Cushing Papers. secretary; J. Jay Watson, manager. Trustees of ^Concerning the actions of Count Taube and the the company included the above officers and John ensuing break-up of the company see: Henning A. E. Sundstrom of New Orleans. The Great European Taube to Caleb Cushing, Nov. 11, 1869; J. D. American Emigration Land Company . . . (New Reymert to Caleb Cushing, Nov. 19, 22. 1869; York, 1868), Cushing Papers. Henning A. Taube, Victor Bergren and Albert Larson to Caleb Cush­ Upplysingar for Utvandrare til Amerika (Stockholm, ing, Jan. 13, 1870; draft of letter of Caleb Cushing 1869), 1-2. to Trustees of Great European American Emigra­ ^Copy of Memorandum between C. and W. Cush­ tion Company, resigning the office of president, ing and the Great European American Emigration March 24, 1870; S. Wilke to Caleb Cushing, April Land Company, Aug. 21, 1869, Cushing Papers. 2, 1870; Hjalmar Tilberg to Caleb Cushing, April "^Upplysingar for Utvandrare til Amerika, 25. 25, 1870; Cushing Papers.

116 HELGESON I LAND COLONIZATION IN NORTHERN WISCONSIN

farms. Perhaps foremost among them in the nineteenth century was the Wisconsin Central Railroad. From its earliest days that com­ pany worked closely with state immigration agencies in advertising low-priced lands and the advantages of building homes in the north­ ern forests.^ Potential settlers were shown displays of northern grown grains and vege­ tables at the Milwaukee offices of the road. A number of testimonials by actual settlers bolstered the company's propaganda. Thus they published such stories as "What John Welch Has Done." In 1873, this pioneer, so the story ran, purchased eighty acres of tim­ ber land and began to clear it. Having cut off the timber in the fall, he logged and burned off the tract in the spring, then planted pota­ toes. The harvest netted him 756 bushels of potatoes from the two and one-half acres he had been able to prepare. This was sufficient, Mai 1 1 Stannard Baker the company stated, to bring a profit of $270 1838-1912 over the cost of land, labor, and seed.^*^ In the eighties the Wisconsin Central pur­ dispose of nearly 3,000 acres by 1872, he sued both American and European settlers still held more than 40,000 acres purchased diligently. The road employed Kent Kennan for colonization. These lands were offered at to spend much of his time in Europe obtain­ from $3.00 to $7.00 an acre in 1875.^ ing settlers for north central Wisconsin. A Cushing's luck took a turn for the better great mass of literature was produced for after 1874, when Major J. Stannard Baker both native and foreign consumption, Kennan took over the management of his lands and writing and distributing much of it. He also proceeded with great energy to put the Cush­ distributed, and the company no doubt in­ ing interests in order. Baker started in this spired, such publications as that of a Pastor way an enterprise that would continue under W. Koch, written in 1883, praising lands his own name to the middle of the next along the railroad and urging readers in century, long after the disposal of the last ^The Wisconsin Central's earliest pamphlet. The Cushing lands.^ Wisconsin Central Railroad and Its Lands (Mil­ waukee, 1875), was derived chiefly from Increase Railroads played a great part in the at­ Lapham's Statistics Exhibiting the History, Climate tempt to make northern Wisconsin a land of and Productions of the State of Wisconsin. Pub­ lished by Order of the Legislature (Madison, 1867). 'H. D. Barron to William Cushing, Dec. 23, 1871, The influence of this, the State's first notable im­ Cushing Papers. Choice Farming Land in the St. migration publication, is also discernible in nearly Croix Valley, Polk County, Wisconsin, For Sale to all publications of the state immigration agencies Settlers, By Caleb Cushing (Madison, 1875), 10-12. throughout the seventies and eighties. Cooperation There is a copy in the Wisconsin State Historical between the Wisconsin Central and state immigration Society Library. Cushing continued to be troubled agencies was outstanding in the case of K. K. by Taube's victims as late as 1872, when two Kennan, immigration agent for the road, who was Swedish immigrants forcibly took from his agent made a special agent for the State also. See deeds to tracts they claimed Taube had sold them. Charles L. Colby to J. S. Becher, May 31, 1880; They recorded the deeds and sold them immediately. Colby to Governor William Smith, June 5, 1880: Christian Bors to Caleb Cushing, Jan. 4, 1871, Wisconsin State Executive Papers, boxes marked Cushing Papers, Microfilm, Reel 5. H. D. Barron "Immigration," in the manuscript collection of the to WilHam Cushing, Aug. 16, 27, 1872, ibid.. Reel State Historical Society Library. See also the An­ 2. The Emigration Land Company was also sued nual Report of the Board of Immigration of the for breach of contract. H. D. Barron to J. H. S*ate of Wisconsin for the Year Ending December Reymert, Sept. 30, 1872, ibid.. Reel 2. 31st, 1880, p. 6. ^Smith, "Caleb Cushing's Investments in the St. '^Lands of the Wisconsin Central Railroad Company Croix Valley," 18-19. Baker's own land business (1877), 29; The Wisconsin Central Railroad and is mentioned briefly later in this article. Its Lands (1877), 32.

117 WISCONSIN MAGAZINE OF HISTORY WINTER, 1952-53

Germany and Switzerland to join him in In succeeding years between four and six building a German Evangelical settlement in thousand acres of land were reported as sold northern Wisconsin.^^ yearly until in 1893 and 1894 sales suddenly The Wisconsin Central had agents not only leaped to nearly 20,000 acres.^^ So great was in large cities in Europe and America, but the interest among potential settlers by 1900 employed a number of local agents on a com­ that the manager of the Wisconsin Central's mission basis in northern Wisconsin. These Chicago office announced that the company agents sold to the settlers on the usual com­ had arranged to give free stereopticon lec­ pany terms of approximately $5.00 an acre, tures in Chicago, displaying more than 200 $50 down payment, and the remainder in views of farms in Taylor, Price, and Ashland three yearly payments at 7 percent interest. counties.^^ Sales of the road's lands in the The company paid such agents a 10 percent following year seemed to justify such adver­ commission. Since railroads benefited not tising. In 1900, 33,000 acres of land were only from the sale of their own lands but sold at an average price of $5.25 an acre. By from the colonization of any lands to and from that time 450 families were living along the which they might obtain the "haul," the road.^^ Noting the large influx of settlers to Wisconsin Central and other lines sought to northern Wisconsin during that year, the promote the settlement of other northern Milwaukee Sentinel gave credit mainly to the lands almost as eagerly as their own. Conse­ Wisconsin Central. The road's land depart­ quently company officials acted as "go-be­ ment, the Sentinel stated, now employed some tweens" without commission where deals 300 assistants in the work of advertising might affect the welfare of their road. They northern Wisconsin and placing settlers. In sought particularly to encourage stock grazing the northern press similar comments praised and other experiments that might lead to large the colonization work of the railroads. The scale agricultural enterprise in the stump Oshkosh Times predicted that a rival of the lands.^^ Wisconsin Central, the North Western line, Like many other railroads the Wisconsin would bring 20,000 settlers to the northern Central deducted the price of a "land seek­ part of Wisconsin and Michigan's Upper er's" fare if he purchased a tract from the Peninsula in 1901.^^ road. Moreover, he paid only half the freight If speculators and landholders like Caleb rates ordinarily charged for moving house­ Cushing and the land grant railroads came hold goods to his new home.^^ early to a belief in the agricultural possibilities By 1890 directors of the Wisconsin Central of the Cutover, no such unity of conviction Company reported that they had disposed of appeared among the individual lumbermen 250,000 acres of their 838,628 acre grant.^^ who possessed the greater portion of northern Wisconsin lands. Nevertheless, a number of "See the several boxes of Wisconsin Railroad factors turned the attention of lumbermen pamphlets in the State Historical Society Library. Two of Kennan's pamphlets were Der Staat Wis­ toward agricultural settlement. For instance, consin. Seine Hiilfsquellen und Vorziige fiir Aus- dwindling forests caused some to move to wanderer (n.p., n.d., about 1884) and Staten Wis­ consin. Dens Hjaelpekilder of Fordele For Ud- other fields of operation or search for other vandreren (Milwaukee, 1884). See also W. Koch, Wo find ich eine Heimat in der Fremde (Black '^Third Report of the Board of Directors. 1891. Creek, 1883). p. 63; Fourth Report . . . 1892, p. 23; Fifth Re­ ^"Arlan C. Helgeson, The Promotion of Agri­ port . . . 1893, p 15. cultural Settlement in Northern Wisconsin, 1880- ''J. D. Rowland, Circular Letter, Jan. 29, 1900, 1925, p. 18—unpublished Doctoral dissertation, dated Wisconsin State Executive Office Papers, Immigra­ 1951, in the Library of the University of Wisconsin, tion. '^Wisconsin Central Railroad Lands in Northern "The total was 1,500 people, 75 percent of them Wisconsin (Milwaukee, 1899) 63-64. See also the Germans. Report of the Secretary of the State advertisement of the '"Omaha" line, offering half Board of Immigration . . . 1900, p. 10. fares to land seekers, Cumberland New Wisconsin. ''Milwaukee Sentinel, April 9, 1901; Marinette Nov, 1896 (monthly). Eagle, April 29, 1899; Grantsburg Journal of Bur­ "Wisconsin Central Railroad, Second Report of nett County, April 26, 1901; Oshkosh Times, April the Board of Directors, 1890, p. 39. 13, 1901.

118 HELGESON : LAND COLONIZATION IN NORTHERN WISCONSIN

means to exploit their cutover acres. Equally Menomonie commenced to sell their lands to important was the fact that, by 1890, much settlers, gradually increasing this activity year of the choice farming land of the West had by year. The company claimed to have sold been settled. Thus the stump lands of Wis­ over 48,000 acres of stump land from 1890 consin had less competition in the movement to 1895. In 1896 settlers from Minnesota, the to gain settlers. Moreover, the nation's rapid Dakotas, and the Middle West purchased an­ growth in population made the eventual settle­ other 8,000 acres, according to a company ment of the Cutover seem all the more cer­ advertisement.^^ Similarly, in the 1890's the tain. Hence, more lumbermen tended to keep Beaver Dam Lumber Company advertised its their stump lands, with an eye to selling northern lands, and the Browns, of Rhine- them for farms. lander, donated land for a church and en­ Where lands had been cut over, their owners couraged Polish families to settle on their could adopt one of several courses: allow lands.^^ them to lie idle, let them be taken by counties Selling cutover lands and developing hard­ in lieu of taxes, sell them to speculators, or wood manufacturing industries proved to be attempt to induce settlement themselves. Each a happy combination in many parts of the year long lists of tax delinquent lands in the Cutover. The non-floating hardwoods de­ local newspapers testified to the common manded new techniques of logging and manu­ practice by which many lumbermen forfeited facture in which seasonal use of local laborers cutover lands through failure to pay assess­ and the growth of small sawmill towns played ments. However, lumbermen who planned to a prominent role. Thus colonizing farmer- continue working in a given area might elect lumberjacks became a feature of the hard­ to lessen their taxes by increasing the number wood areas: summer farming and winter of taxable landholders in that area. In most logging proceeding hand in hand. cases agricultural settlement appeared sooner Among the many lumbermen-colonizers the or later as one solution to the problems of Rietbrock Land and Lumber Company may the cutover tracts. be cited as successful in buflding a thriving The attitudes of lumbermen varied greatly agricultural community around Athens, in as to the disposal of stump lands. Some were Marathon County. The company's founder unwilling to sell, being inclined to hold their was apparently dedicated from the first to the lands for future rising prices, except in those agricultural phases of his enterprise. A Mil­ counties where taxes seemed excessively high. waukee lawyer, Frederick Reitbrock, perceived Even when they felt convinced that lands opportunities to colonize the unemployed should be sold, some lumbermen felt a certain laborers so numerous in that city during the reluctance toward entering the land business. 1870's. He investigated numerous tracts in Some timber owners frankly declared them­ northern Wisconsin before finding one where selves against settlement. One northern editor both soil and timber suited his purposes. By quoted a lumberman as saying: "So long as 1880 he had located his miU site and begun we have standing pine of any considerable the process of bringing in settlers, mainly quantities in a county, we want the settler to from Milwaukee, but in some cases directly keep out, for as soon as the farmer appears from Germany. He located them in small he wants school houses, roads, and other im­ houses on company lands. From an early provements, for which we, as large holders date a company farm occupied much of Reit- of land in his neighborhood must pay in in­ brock's attention with the result that settlers creased taxation."^^ witnessed advanced farming methods and Other lumbermen pursued a different farmed their own tracts in a somewhat pa­ course. In the 1870's Knapp and Stout of ternal atmosphere. Reitbrock devoted him- ^"Cumberland New Wisconsin, May, 1896, Jan., ''Eau Claire New North Wisconsin, 1:1, 9 (April, 1897. 1896). Helgeson, Promotion of Agricultural Set­ ^'Ibid., Jan., 1897: Marinette Eagle, Nov. 2, 1895; tlement, 23. Superior Evening Telegram, July 12, 1894.

119 WISCONSIN MAGAZINE OF HISTORY WINTER, 1952-53 self increasingly in his later years to the en­ lies, purchased 10,000 acres of land, including couragement of better farming practices Zech's sawmill, shingle mill, and genera among his own settlers as well as the advance­ store at Crivitz, for $104,000. By January ment of agriculture in his portion of the State. 1900, fifty shareholders were on the scene Such activity led to the establishment in the working in the lumber mill and the woods early 1900's of one of the earliest forerunners While most of the Poles came from Chicago of the county agent work in the nation, when the project also lured investors from Wyo the Reitbrock family and the Athens Advance­ ming, Minnesota, and Pennsylvania. The com ment Association hired a young College of pany, with offices in Chicago and Milwaukee, Agriculture graduate to come to Athens and claimed to be one of the largest colonization help the logger-settlers build better dairy companies in the United States. It was a herds and improve their farming practices. failure financially, bankrupt in little more Reitbrock also loaned fine purebred bulls to than a year.^^ settlers as an encouragement to improve their Such colonizing enterprises as those con­ herds. Yeksa Sunbeam, one of his Guernseys, ducted by Reitbrock, Zech, and others stimu­ put Athens on the map in the dairy world lated interest among real estate men, another when she brought in the world's record pro­ group interested in colonizing northern Wis­ duction of butterfat in 1905. Meanwhile the consin. Thus Theodore Rudzinski, a Milwau­ company's lumbering enterprise provided kee politician and railroad land agent, helped seasonal work for settlers, leading to a com­ to organize the Polish colony at Crivitz, and munity development that, while not without then purchased 10,000 acres of Marinette its less altruistic aspects, was perhaps as County land, announcing his intention of happy a combination of private lumbering bringing in Polish settlers from Milwaukee, industry and land settlement as occurred in Chicago, New York, and Poland itself, if the Cutover.^^ necessary. Only moderately successful in his Similar to the colonization activity at sales in 1900, he complained of too many Athens was that of Heronymous Zech, begun "new beginners in my neighborhood trying in 1895 at Crivitz, in Marinette County. Zech hard to locate people in their own way. . . . "^^ combined his exploitation of forest lands with Indeed, it did seem as if everybody and the colonization of Polish settlers from Mil­ his neighbor was buying or selling eighty- waukee and Chicago. In three years he was acre lots in northern Wisconsin at the turn credited with the sale of 20,000 acres in of the century. Secretary Taylor, of the State Marinette County. Apparently he followed a Board of Immigration, remarked that Zech's practice pursued also by Reitbrock in ac­ colonization activities had created a flurry of cepting urban real estate for his stump lands, sales in Barron County, on the other side of for according to the Marinette Eagle he had the State, where 15,000 acres were sold to acquired $100,000 worth of real estate in actual settlers.^^ A colony of glassblowers Chicago and Milwaukee.^^ This estimate came from Indiana was announced; colonies of at the close of Zech's colonizing career and Chicago motormen and Bohemians from Ne­ at the beginning of a new and interesting braska were eagerly anticipated.^^ A Burnett attempt on the part of a Chicago Polish group County speculator championed a scheme to to take over the settlement. The Polish In­ drain a large swamp for settlement and to dustrial Association, comprised of 150 fami- pay the $20,000 cost out of the proceeds of the first crop of flax to be planted on the ''D. 0. Thompson and Wilbur H. Glover, "A Pioneer Adventure in Agricultural Extension," Ag­ ^'Ibid., Nov. 25, Dec. 9, 16, 1899; Jan. 13, May ricultural History, 22:124-28 (April, 1948). Arlan C. Helgeson, Athens, Wisconsin: A Study of the 12, 1900; April 30, 1901. Economic Development of a Northern Village, Mas­ ^Hbid., Feb. 17, 1897. Theodore Rudzinski to ter's thesis, 1948, on microcard in the State His­ George W. Taylor, Dec. 7, 1900, Executive Office torical Society Library. Papers, "Immigration." ^'Marinette 'Eagle, Nov. 28, Dec. 5, 1896; Dec. 16, ''Marinette Eagle, Dec. 23, 1899. 1899. ^'Ibid., Dec. 23, 1899; April 2, June 14, 1901.

120 HELGESON : LAND COLONIZATION IN NORTHERN WISCONSIN land.^^ Such schemes did not approach the the end of the decade. If the failure of the sanguinity, however, of two Neillsville law­ Bakers to follow the conventional colonization yers who, in 1884, attempted to convert a schemes of the period seemed somewhat con­ farm into a school where "young and middle- servative, the reputation of the firm was to aged English gentlemen" could learn about grow to the point in the coming century American farming techniques and then be where it enabled them to attract a million dol­ placed on farms of their own in northern lars worth of business annually.^^ Wisconsin.^^ Easily the most exciting figure to come James "Hustler" Agen, of Superior, typifies to the fore in the nineties, and the personifi­ the more voluble group among the many real cation of big business in stump land colo­ nization, was James Leslie Gates. Too long estate promotors in the Cutover. Vermont neglected by Wisconsin biographers and his­ born, he went to Iowa following the Civil torians, this audacious speculator combined War, where he first had a drayage, then a the advocacy of free silver in the 1890's with lumber and grain business. By 1887 he was the reputation of being one of the nation's selling real estate in Superior. There he be­ twelve most heavily insured capitalists. At came associated with the local county agri­ his peak he controlled half a million acres cultural society, took an active part in immi­ of Wisconsin stump lands. In the midst of gration work, including traveling as an agent his tireless campaign to interest anyone and for the State Board of Immigration, organ­ everyone in a farm or a ranch in northern ized the first Northern Wisconsin Fair at Wisconsin, he also found time to suggest Chippewa Falls, entered politics and cham­ to J. P. Morgan that they form a billion pioned legislation for promoting the agricul­ dollar corporation to corner all the timber tural settlement of northern Wisconsin. Con­ on the West Coast.^^ sidering the promotional nature of all these Gates reflected the optimism that was felt activities it is not difficult to understand by most of the colonizers of northern Wis­ his sobriquet, "Hustler," nor is it hard to consin at the turn of the century. Sales of give credence to his claim that he had sold slightly over a miflion acres in 1899 rose to $6,000,000 worth of real estate in a decade at double that amount in 1900.^^ Surely north­ Superior.^° ern Wisconsin would become a land of farms. J. Stannard Baker, who in 1874 had taken It is difficult to appreciate the fervor and over the agency of the Cushing lands, was conviction of these colonizers of the stump of quite another school. No less firm in his lands today, as members of the State His­ faith in the land than such promoters as torical Society meet in an area dedicated Agen, he had begun to invest in lands soon to summer resorts and "Trees for Tomorrow." after coming to St. Croix Falls. He became But, had we met here fifty years ago, the the owner of thousands of acres, mainly by theme would most certainly have been "Farms purchasing tax deeds. The early nineties for Tomorrow." Indeed, when the Society found him "land poor," perhaps largely be­ held its annual convention in 1898, its mem­ cause his holdings had outgrown a business bers were no doubt in full accord with a carried on for the most part through per­ speaker who declared that in agriculture the sonal contacts and without flamboyant ad­ ". . . true and substantial basis of this vertising methods. Baker finally yielded to [northern] section of the state is coming to a son who saw the need for advertising, and be observed."^* END their business was showing profits again by ^^Tape recorded interview, Wilbur Glover with ^^Grantsburg Journal of Burnett County, May 12, Harry D. Baker, Jan. 17, 1950, in the State His­ 1899. torical Society Library. Grantsburg Journal of Bur­ ^^The Wisconsin Land, Emigration and Coloniza­ nett County, May 27, 1898. tion Company (Madison, 1884). A copy is in the ^^Helgeson, Promotion of Agricultural Settlement, State Historical Society. Library. The venture had 138-46. no success worthy of mention in local newspapers ^^Report of the Secretary of the State Board of or biographies. Immigration . . . 1900, 11. ^"Grantsburg Journal of Burnett County, March 18, ''James O'Neill, "The Future of Northern Wis­ 25, July 15, 29, Aug. 26, Dec. 2, 1898; Feb. 3, consin," Wisconsin State Historical Society, Pro­ 1899. ceedings, 1898, 202-10. .

121 pnted till ienoniinatlOtl Wtiicn wa^organ- soulhwesterii Wisconsin, It rep­ resents a real contribution to Mormon history in Wisconsin. Now Zarahenila joins old Voree in the church liistory pages of our Magazine,

Loionei jonn (jurley

The Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in Southwestern Wisconsin

by Beulah Folkedahl

Zarahemla, City of God, was the name taken The Latter Day Saints, or Mormons as from their denominational literature that the they are often called, had tried successively Blanchardvifle Latter Day Saints back in the since their founding in New York State in 1850's gave to their community. Its center, 1830 by Joseph Smith, Jr., to establish a a schoolhouse, was located on William Cline's colony in that state, Ohio, Missouri, and farm on the east side of present-day Grace- Iflinois. After the trouble at Nauvoo, Illinois, land Cemetery in Blanchardville. Wifliam when Joseph Smith, Jr. lost his life in 1844, Cline, who was a Saint, entered government many of his followers scattered to other towns land and received a patent on it June 10, in Iflinois and to Wisconsin, and thus it was 1846, which land at present is part of the that Wifliam Cline and Henry Harrison Deam F. W. Baker farm. On the south bank of came to Iowa County, Wisconsin. William Pecatonica River and the present site of Cline, born in Pennsylvania about 1800 of Blanchardvifle, Samuel Horner, also a Saint, German descent and married to Elizabeth of Pennsylvania, entered government land Wildermuth, migrated to Wisconsin about and received a patent August 31, 1848.^ He 1843. His children were baptized in the Pe­ built a dam and gristmifl and that improve­ catonica River, and he it was who gave the ment together with a few log cabins and a plot of ground to the Saints for a school- house and cemetery. general store constituted Horner's Mill. On December 13, 1849, he sold his gristmifl to Henry Harrison Deam, born in Bradford Cyrus Newkirk, who became a leader among County, Pennsylvania, of German and French the Saints. That was Blanchardvifle in its be­ ancestry, March 5, 1817, became a Latter ginnings. The religious and the economic mo­ Day Saint at about the time of his marriage tives for settlement were intermingled. Ex­ September 22, 1836. He came to Illinois, cept for passing Indians and squatters, here went on missions to Missouri, was ordained was a region untouched by Gentiles where a high priest before Smith died, was perse­ cuted by the Gentiles, and went to Wisconsin modern Israel could establish a new Zion and about 1850 to avoid Bfigham Young.^ The become prosperous. ^Joseph Smith and Heman C. Smith, History of ^Catherine Barry, Memoirs of the Old Gristmills the Church of Latter Day Saints, 1844-1872 (4 in the Pecatonica River Valley (Argyle, 1951), 5. vols., Lamoni, Iowa, 1900), 3:734.

122 FOLKEDAHL : REORGANIZED CHURCH . . . LATTER DAY SAINTS

Deam farm was on the banks of Blue Mounds Burlington, Wisconsin, in 1849, where James River, about a mile north of Blanchardville, J. Strang was the leader of the Saints com­ and included part of the present-day Korupp- munity. Welty farm. In 1850 on a mission to Indians in north­ Another of the early leaders of the Saints ern Wisconsin Zenas came through the Yel­ in southwestern Wisconsin was Zenas Hovey lowstone settlement, and stopped to visit an Gurley, Sr., who was born in Bridgewater, old friend.^ While there he was invited to New York, May 29, 1801, of Zenas Gurley preach the funeral sermon for the son of and Experience Hovey, formerly of Mansfield, David and Anna Newkirk Wildermuth, who Connecticut. The father died before Zenas had settled in 1846^ on the present-day Floyd was born, and the family was in straitened Golden farm, west of Blanchardville, where financial circumstances. Zenas' cradle was a Wildermuth grave markers may still be seen. hollowed-out log.^ Early in life he became The sermon was so well received that the a tanner and currier and later went into Wildermuths together with their children, Eli teaching. While engaged in that profession and Edwin, and two women were baptized in Leeds County, Province of Ontario, he in Yellowstone River. Thus began the Yel­ met and married Margaret "Bell" Hickey, lowstone Branch, as Latter Day Saints call September 28, 1825. There were eleven chil­ their communities, and by spring there were dren, five of whom at times lived in the twenty-four members. Blanchardville area. It was in Ontario in Zenas wrote thus of his first meeting with 1838 that he was converted to Mormonism Yellowstone area people: "I was agreeably through the preaching of one of their mis­ surprised in finding a large and respectable sionaries. At the time he was a member congregation, of courteous manners and sol­ of the Methodist church although he had emn deportment, instead of the refuse of soci­ been reared a Presbyterian. ety, as I had expected to see in this mining re­ Desiring to dwell among people of his own gion."^ In fact Zenas was so content with religious faith he loaded up his family and the people that he moved his family to a goods in a wagon and traveled to Missouri, farm in this locality and he became presi­ arriving there in time to join his fellow be­ dent of the branch. David Wildermuth was lievers in their trek to Nauvoo, Illinois. Al­ ordained an elder. most penniless, Margaret took in washing un­ But the happy situation did not continue. til Zenas resorted to tanning again. But he Rumors began to trickle in regarding certain had been ordained an elder in Ontario and principles, including polygamy, advocated by a Seventy in Missouri, and he felt the call James J. Strang, Brigham Young, and others, to preach. Since there was no money, he sold principles so disturbing to these newly con­ their cow, almost a luxury with them, left verted that in 1851, even while Gurley was the money with the family, and set out on away on a mission, they drew up a state­ his mission. The first night away from home ment signed by David Wildermuth, H. H. he spent with William Cline, a fellow believer, Deam, David Newkirk, Reuben W. Newkirk, who when he heard the story of the cow and others. This they had published in the bought the Gurley family another one.^ At Wisconsin Tribune, Mineral Point, and in a the General Conference in 1841 at Nauvoo Galena paper. In this statement the Yellow­ Zenas was appointed one of eight men to stone Branch protested against the principles travel and collect money for the erection of of James J. Strang and withdrew their fellow­ a temple. ship from him and from all other pretenders to the presidency of the church.^ They would Then came the trouble of 1844 when Joseph have Joseph Smith III as their leader. Smith, Jr., lost his life. Zenas then planned to go West with the group but lost his pos­ nUd., 296. ''Auto-Biography of Eli M. Wildermuth, manu­ sessions and stayed behind. He moved to script owned by Alma May Brookover, Beloit, who is the church historian for Wisconsin. ^Inez S. Davis, The Story of the Church (Inde­ ^J. and H. Smith, History of the Church . . . pendence, Mo., 1948), 294. 1844-1872, 3:204. 'Ibid., 295. *Davis, The Story of the Church, 297.

123 WISCONSIN MAGAZINE OF HISTORY WINTER, 1952-53

ference were Isaac and John Butterfield, Wil­ liam and David Newkirk, George and Major Godfrey, and Edwin Wildermuth. It was a momentous meeting, this confer­ ence at Zarahemla in April, 1853. A church had been organized or rather reorganized. But not completely. There was no leader. And he must be selected properly according to the teachings of their church. The Beloit Con­ ference of June, 1852, had resolved that the successor to Joseph Smith, Jr., must come from his seed.^^ But Joseph III, who lived at Nauvoo, was reluctant to respond to that suggestion. Deam and John Cunningham wondered if the church should wait for young Joseph. Gurley would practice patience. They also disagreed on baptism, Gurley maintain­ ing that baptism under Strang should be ac­ cepted. Thus developed a Deam party with separate conferences, but Gurley was victor­ >(inun'l Gurley ious and peace reestablished, although church records do not reveal Cunningham's being This was a bold step. They had cut them­ reinstated. Finally Elders Samuel H. Gurley, selves off completely from the organized Zenas' son, and Edmund C. Briggs from Zara­ church. What should be the next procedure? hemla went to Nauvoo to consult with Joseph How should they organize themselves as mem­ Smith III and to present him a document bers of the original church founded in 1830? from the church at Zarahemla dated Novem­ First, Yellowstone Branch was reorganized ber 18, 1856. The meeting was a stormy one at a meeting in David Wildermuth's home; at first, but Samuel H. Gurley's persuasive then the first general conference was held faith saved the day, and Joseph promised not October 6, 1852, in Cyrus Newkirk's flour to go to Utah and to consider the resolution mill on the Pecatonica, when temporary or­ and document from Zarahemla. On March ganization was provided;^ and finally, after 5, 1860, he wrote that he would accept the much meditation and discussion, the annual leadership, resulting from a manifestation conference was held at Zarahemla, April 6-S, which disclosed the following: "Saints re­ 1853, when the schoolhouse in which they organizing at Zarahemla and other places is met was literally full of Saints, and the Re­ the only organized portion of the church ac­ organized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter cepted by me."^^ He appeared at the annual Day Saints was founded.^^ Henry Harrison conference held at Amboy, Illinois, April 6, Deam was clerk at the conference; Jason W. 1860, where he was ordained under the hands Briggs, Beloit, was chosen representative of Elder Zenas H. Gurley, Sr. of the Quorum president after Zenas H. Gurley, Sr. declined; of Twelve and of Wifliam Marks of the High Cyrus and Reuben Newkirk, William Cline, Priests.^^ Gurley, Deam, John Cunningham, and George White were ordained to apostleship; and the Through all these years Zenas H. Gurley, Zarahemla Branch was organized with Wil­ Sr. took an active part in church affairs. He liam Cline as branch president. Others of the was on the committee to write a hymnbook. Blanchardville area who attended the con- In 1860 he and Reuben Newkirk wrote an address at Zarahemla that was published in ^The Yellowstone Branch, a manuscript received from Alma May Brookover in 1952. "J. and H. Smith, History of the Church . . . , ^''J. and H. Smith, History of the Church . . . , 1844-1872, 3:209. 1844-1872, 3:219,221; Alma May Brookover, "Cen­ ^^Davis, Story of the Church, 335. tennial of the Latter Day Saints," Wisconsin Mag­ ^^J. and H. Smith, History of the Church . . . , azine of History, 35:310 (Summer, 1952). 1844-1872, 3:250-51.

124 FOLKEDAHL : REORGANIZED CHURCH . . . LATTER DAY SAINTS

lives coming from Beloit, Janesville, Potosi, Waukesha, and Blue Mounds to attend the sessions. W. W. Blair, a prominent member of the church from Amboy, Illinois, visited at Zarahemla in 1857 and thus reported of that visit: I remember going up to Zarahemla in 1857, where I found a little band of Saints upon the bleak hills of Wisconsin. It was one of the poorest, most God-forsaken re­ gions I ever did go to, I think. I had a very dreary time getting there; a very cold time. . . . And it was like heaven on earth among that little band of Saints at Zara­ hemla.^^ The annual conference of 1859 appointed a committee "to visit the scattered saints at Zarahemla"^^ and they reported later that afl, or nearly afl, deserved to retain their membership in the Mormon church. Zara­ hemla, now the Blanchardville Branch, was one of the reported branches at the Amboy Conference, April 6, 1860, when Joseph Smith III was ordained. But the 1861 annual con­ Mrs. Samuel Gurley ference received no report from this branch, {Catherine Cline) and interest seemed to lag and lessen. Prob­ ably one reason for this state was the infil­ the March issue of True Latter Day Saints tration of Gentiles into the Mormon com­ Herald. And always he was the preacher munity. Another might be the loss of their (he was a fluent speaker) on missions into best leaders. Zenas H. Gurley, Sr. removed Wisconsin, Iflinois, Iowa, Minnesota, Mis­ to Sandwich, Illinois, in 1858, and H. H. souri, and even faraway Maine. It was while Deam died May 5, 1860, at Blanchardville, he was on such a mission at Joy Station, shortly after the Amboy Conference, which Illinois, that he was stricken with his last he had planned to attend. William Cline illness. He died August 28, 1871, and was moved to Richland County in 1860. John buried in Dickson Cemetery, Sandwich, Il­ Cunningham, who was born in Pennsylvania linois, where he had lived since 1858. and converted to the faith during Zenas H. President Joseph Smith III said of him at Gurley's mission to Blue Mounds before 1853, his death: died in Blanchardville. He was one of the first seven Apostles. His wife was a sister Perhaps no more energetic defender of of H. H. Deam. Reuben and David Newkirk, the "one faith" has lived in modern Israel than our departed brother has been. Stern both born in Ohio and baptized at Zarahemla in his integrity against evil doing, his heart in 1851, removed to Elizabeth, Illinois, in was always softened by the cry of the err­ 1873. David was dropped from the church ing and repentant, and for them he was because of his inactivity in 1865, but Reuben ready to sacrifice his all if thereby he could retained the faith until his death in 1890 in magnify the cause of his Redeemer.^* western Iowa. David C. Wildermuth moved to Through these years of organization Zara­ Henry County, Iowa, in 1853, returning to hemla was the center of religious activity for Wisconsin in 1856 and settling in Richland Mormons in southwestern Wisconsin. Until County. George White, another of the early 1859 the April and October conferences of leaders, lost his zeal and was not sustained cit each year were held at Zarahemla, representa- ^^Davis, Story of the Church, 318. ^^J. and H. Smith, History of the Church . . . , "Ibid., 3:748. 1844-1872, 3:236.

125 WISCONSIN MAGAZINE OF HISTORY WINTER, 1952-53 the 1859 conference. Thus with the loss of married Catherine Cline, and operated a gen­ members and with the leadership of the com­ eral store at Blanchardville. He moved to munity being taken over by the Gentiles, the Lamoni, Iowa, some time between 1870 and Zarahemla schoolhouse and smafl plot of 1876,2^ and died there in 1880. He was buried ground were sold to P. M. Baker, father of at Sandwich, Illinois. Zenas H., Jr., able de­ F. W.; it is said local worship services were bater and controversialist, was born in 1842. conducted at Blake's Bluff just south of town, He spent some time in Blanchardville with which the Saints cafled Mt. Zion, where bap­ Samuel, was an elder in the church, and tisms took place at a nearby spring. preached and baptized. For awhile he lived And so Zarahemla, City of God, which had in Utah and as a member of the Reorganized its beginning in 1848 with Samuel Horner's Church there served on a committee to present flour mifl, ceased to exist after 1860. The evidence to the government officials in Wash­ people were not ready to accept a modern ington for the passage of the Edmunds anti- Zion whose "religious ideals include a people polygamy bilF^ after which passage Utah was gathered and educated in righteousness, equal permitted to enter the Union. However, he in things both temporal and spiritual, like could not accept all the teachings of his own the people of Enoch, without rich or poor, group either and finally withdrew in 1886.^^ every man rendering justly according to his He occasionally visited in Blanchardville from abilities and receiving according to his his home in Lamoni, Iowa, and was a guest of needs."^" Joseph Smith III at the Amboy con­ the Blanchards in 1888 when the town cele­ ference in 1860 favored a gradual prepara­ brated the coming of the railroad. George tion for such an ideal state.^* Gurley, born in 1847, spent his early life in The Blanchardville Mormons thus had op­ Iowa County, and Edwin was born in Walwick portunity to contribute their part to the gen­ Township in 1852. John E., another son, born eral development of the community. Cyrus in 1838 in Ontario, was educated in Wis­ Newkirk and George White were millers. consin schools and at Lombard University, David and Reuben Newkirk were miners. Galesburg, Iflinois. He became a lawyer and Henry Harrison Deam was a farmer; one the same year—1862—enlisted in the army. son, Henry Elijah, was a carpenter;^^ another He played a very important part in the battle son, Isaac, was a Civil War soldier, and lies before Atlanta^^ and was a colonel in the buried in Graceland Cemetery; Catherine army^^ when he was mustered out in October, married Michael Van Norman and lived in 1865. After the war he joined the law firm the Blanchardville vicinity for some time; of Paine and Carter at Platteville, where he Frank, Henry Elijah's son, was editor of the died in 1869. He was buried at Sandwich, local newspaper and later of the paper at Illinois. The G.A.R. Post at Blanchardville Winslow. Illinois. Members of John Cun­ was named for him. ningham's family continued to live in the They came from Pennsylvania, New York, community as merchants and farmers. Wil­ Ohio, these earliest Yankee pioneers in the liam Cline was a farmer in the area. William Blanchardville area. Some came as religious Risley, who married Rebecca Jane Cline, was crusaders, others joined the Latter Day Saints a contractor. They as well as others of the after arrival in the community. They were Latter Day Saints attended the Methodist millers, miners, and farmers. They were church, which Risley helped to build. Their tradesmen, merchants, and preachers. They daughter, Emma, taught a private tuition built the first mill, and the first schoolhouse school. and church. And they gave the community It has already been stated that several of its first name, Zarahemla. END the senior Zenas H. Gurley's children lived at various times in the Blanchardville area. ^""Ibid., Jan. 17, 1876. ^'J. and H. Smith, History of the Church . . . , Samuel Henry, born in 1832 in Ontario, 1872-1890, 4:383. •^Davis, Story of the Church, 413. ^'Alma May Brookover, Beloit Branch Centen­ "^Charles Rogers, Memorials of the Scottish House nial, 1852-1952, p.4: a manuscript. of Gourlay (Edinburgh, 1888), 132-35. "Ibid.. 17. ^^Roster of Wisconsin Volunteers, W ar of the Re­ ''Blanchardville Times, July 23, 1877. bellion, 1861-65 (2 vols., Madison, 1886), 2:507.

126 L. Martin home and used the table around which plans were laid for the formation of the State of Wisconsin. Miss Deborah was librarian in the public library for many years. Although many important pieces of Green Bay historic furniture are still at large, much has been collected for the Tank Cottage and the Old Fort Howard Hospital. A great deal of credit for the furnishing of the latter goes to the late Mrs. Jessie Hurlbut Buchanan and by Bertha K. Whyte the curators of the museum who managed an antique business in the former surgeon's If you have followed The Collector's quarters next to the hospital and used the '^Furniture Parade" series, which covers proceeds to acquire significant pieces of fur­ many localities in Wisconsin, you might niture, porcelain, and the like. plan a most satisfying Wisconsin spring Next to the Fort Howard Hospital in his­ museum's tour. From Green Bay to torical importance is the Tank Cottage which Prairie du Chien and points in-between! is rich in beautiful objects imported from Holland where Mrs. Tank's mother had once been lady-in-waiting to the queen. Mrs. Tank died in 1891, and her will directed that the Furniture Parade proceeds of the sale of her house and furnish­ Old Furniture of Green Bay^ ings should go to the Society for Foreign Missions. The antique silver, jewelry, and During a trip to Green Bay in August of 1952 furniture were sent to Chicago and sold to col­ which the author undertook for the purpose lectors, but many pieces have since been of studying historic furniture there, items brought back by purchase to adorn again specially looked for were those which had Tank Cottage. A huge marquetry linen cup­ belonged to Dr. William Beaumont, Mr. and board is now in the Kellogg Public Library Mrs. Nils Otto Tank, Morgan L. Martin, and of Green Bay. Eleazer Williams. It was incidentally learned It is impossible here to give a complete with much interest that the second and most list of Green Bay's treasures, but the follow­ distinguished commandant ever stationed at ing is a selection of items of most interest Old Fort Howard, Zachary Taylor, is repre­ to the writer: sented by a six-legged, drop-leaf, cherry Fort Howard Hospital Museum:^ dining-room table, now in the former Fort Howard Hospital, a museum filled with MORGAN L. MARTIN ITEMS—mahogany unusual historic furnishings. It also con­ haircloth sofa; pair of Colonial rockers; tains another presidential item, a corner chair Hitchcock chair; game or card table; of cherry once owned by President Martin early Victorian carved mahogany arm­ Van Buren whose great-grandniece was Mrs. chair; mahogany hatrack with wheellike Arthur Courtney Nevifle. design; Deborah Beaumont Martin's washstand; before mentioned dining- There are still many persons in Green Bay room table in three parts; maple table who can remember when the daughters, Deb­ in early pine room. orah and Sophie Martin, lived in the Morgan JOHN LAWE ITEMS^—papier machc tabic 'Old Green Bay, by Deborah Beaumont Martin, a inlaid with mother-of-pearl; bow front charming book printed by the Cheltenham Press, New York, 1899, pictures the houses from which Hepplewhite chest of drawers. much of the furniture came; Louise Phelps Kel- logg's article entitled, "Old Fort Howard," in the ^No photographs are permitted to be taken at Wisconsin Magazine of History, 18:125-40 (Decem­ Fort Howard Hospital or at Tank Cottage; special ber, 1934), sketches the social background of the permission is granted in exceptional cases. military regime, as does her French Regime in Wis­ ^Polly Lawe's piano is in the Cotton House, consin and the Northwest, published in 1925. Green Bay.

127 Dr. Beaumont's Dining-Room Chair

Dr. Beaumont's Armchair

Marquetry Cabinet Tank Collection

Eleazer Williams' Museum Pieces

Mrs. Morgan L. Martin s Table WHYTE : OLD FURNITURE OF GREEN BAY

DR. WILLIAM BEAUMONT ITEMS—marble- it is the historic angle of the individual top table; game table; green painted pieces in these Green Bay museums which cabinet made by soldiers; smafl sofa in many cases adds so much to their interest. brought from St. Louis and chairs from It gives them dates and backgrounds, the Plattsburg, New York, belonging to Beau­ true bases for real studies. Many cumber­ some pieces came by way of the Erie Canal mont's wife's family; (in main bedroom) and the Great Lakes by sailing vessels to a bed; lily-pad marble-top table (lily- grace log structures; but, mirabile dictu, they pad carving is at the base of supporting have been preserved! column) ; and chest of drawers of Hon­ duras mahogany. Tank Cottage Items: LOST and FOUND Mr. Tank's bed and the charming four- In the possession of Mrs. May Beaumont poster of his first wife, Mary; walnut Brotherton is a fine coflection of Beaumont armchair with cane seat used by Madame coin silver among which are the following Tank; butler's desk containing pewter pieces: pie server, presented to Mrs. Beau­ collection; armchair with handpainted mont by General Hitchcock, dated 1855, St. linen covering; original corner cup­ Louis; asparagus server; marrow spoon; two boards of oak; marquetry spice cabinet pieces with seal at end of handle, marked and six side chairs; marquetry tilt-top L.B.I.—for Lily Beaumont Irwin—a spoon table; rocking chair made by the Stock- and a serving fork; flat silver, marked L.B.I, bridge Indians; tiger maple gate-leg and old hall-marked knives, threaded fiddle table. pattern. END

Collection of Beaumont Pieces—owned by Mrs. May Beaumont Brotherton, great-granddaughter of Dr. Beaumont, Library Building Progress 719 Cass Street, Green Bay: mahogany Soon you will read of the completion lyre-shaped game table; walnut dining- of the beautiful $5,000,000 University room table and chairs; bookcase; what­ of Wisconsin Library buflding. It wifl not; armchair, upholstered on iron be a memorable day when the books are frame; reproduction of portrait of Dr. neatly rowed on shelves after being William Beaumont and family, daughters cramped in dark corners because the Lucretia and Sarah and son Israel Greene former Library had long ago "burst at —a picture taken in 1834 now in Chi­ the seams." Not only will the staff in cago University. general enjoy the spaciousness of its new home, but the circulation depart­ Neville Museum: ment, with its up-to-the-minute system Table and two Windsor chairs of Eleazer of servicing of books in place of the Williams and his portrait. use of an antiquated "lift," will hail its new day. There will be 360 carrells, The Green Bay settlement has harbored permitting graduate students to work un­ cultured and well-to-do people ever since the disturbed in small secluded areas with eighteenth century, and that fact accounts for books near at hand; 100 small offices the collections of fine furniture to be found in will be provided where faculty members its museums today. It would take prolonged may work privately with sufficient space study to evaluate the pieces properly, but available for the required number of there are many which are of intrinsic as well books. Indications are that the new as of historic value and, curiously, the col­ building wifl be ready for complete li­ lections are uncontaminated by the Victorian brary service at the opening of the 1953 influence. Of course the Dutch articles of University school year. the Tank Cottage are the most unusual, but

129 1^4" The dexterity of Indian women as weav­ ers in days gone by, their ingenuity in producing colorful dyes, their taste in wigwam furnishings, the interpretation of their weaving patterns, all this and much more is told authoritatively by Mrs. Lookaround of Keshena.

Grandma Dutchman and Husband Charlie

Weavers of Grasses—Indian Women of the Woodlands by Phebe Jewell Nichols (Mrs. Angus F. Lookaround)

On the wall of the Angus F. Lookaround Me­ and a sort of loose cotton sacque and moc­ morial Museum and Studio here at Keshena casins. She explained about the rug, using hangs a woven grass rug made by one of the some Menominee words which my husband Indian women of the Reservation, a little old translated and over which he and she had a lady whom everyone called Grandma Dutch­ few private laughs at my expense. The rug man. I visited her often in her neat log cabin was made, she said, with the happiness band under a huge elm tree, back from the road; because she wanted me to be happy; and with across from her cabin a winding trail runs the arrowhead design so that I might always up into the big timber to the lookout or fire be protected from trouble, and the rest is tower, guardian of the forest, known as just to make it pretty "because I like you and Dutchman's tower. Grandma's big black soap I went to Indian school with your husband's and wash kettles, maple sugar vats and out­ mother." door cooking pots under a lean-to by the The background color of the rug is tawny. back door always interested me as I went into The happiness band is of red stripes in groups her house, but her rugs and other handwork of nines in alternate squares of horizontal intrigued me more. I saw her as one of the and perpendicular stripes with a narrow dot­ "old-timers," expert in Indian handicraft, yet ted horizontal band of purple at top and bot­ set down in the midst of the Menominees' big tom. Above and below this wide band is a lumbering industry of which she herself was narrow strip of many red arrowpoints facing one of the owners. She was almost an anach­ horizontally and bound top and bottom with ronism. purple. A wide tawny strip finishes each end Grandma made many rugs, but the one on of the rug. It is about six feet long and three our wall has a special meaning. I can see her feet wide, with three purple-edged happiness now as she gave it to me. She was small and and protection bands. wiry with a wrinkled merry face and bright Besides pleasant memories, the rug indi­ brown eyes and snow white hair done in a cates something of the Indian woman's clever­ knot in her neck. She wore a full calico skirt ness in the utilization of the materials in her

130 NICHOLS : WEAVERS OF GRASSES environment. The Menominees are Woodland taught. There were no laboratories nor text­ Indians, and their material culture revolves books. Tradition and memory and faithful around the things found in the groves and word-of-mouth instructions indicated the tech­ lakes and streams and meadowlands of their niques, the origins of which are lost in an­ region. Here the home was the oval-top wig­ tiquity. Vegetation was the source of most of wam ("living place") and in and around the dyes, with some minerals, certain clays, it centered all the Indian woman's weaving and wood ashes. Combinations of these were activities. experimented with to produce colors, shades, What is the rug material and how is it and hues, and longer or shorter steepage or made, and what about the colors? boiling as required. Trial and error was an The material is slender reeds found in the early teacher. marshes or along the lake shores. The reeds A few of the commonest woodland dyes were gathered in June or July. Then they are as follows: were bleached and dried and dyed and bound Butternut root produced black when used into bundles, with strips of bark called "way- with hazel bark; butternut inner bark pro­ koop" made from the inner bark of the bass- duced brown; chokecherry inner bark made wood tree, and kept in a cool damp place. red with a tinge of purple; sumac inner bark How did Grandma make her dyes? She may and stalk pulp produced yellow; bloodroot have come to use the commercial packaged root made bright red; wild plum with blood- dyes, but in her younger years she made her root made a pinker red; the whole plant, own dyes, a long, patience-testing process. called "lamb's quarters," made green; and The only school of chemistry she ever at­ rotted maple wood produced a good purple. tended was the one her women relatives Crushed blueberries, blackberries, and golden rod all brought colors like themselves, but not lasting unless the worker was ingenious enough to find just the right clay or mineral to make the color "set." Black and red mud, grinding stone dust, and iron rust water all were used as mordants to "set" the colors. You would have to know the Indian wo­ man's lore before you co-uld know which ma­ terial to use with which and, as you pondered and experimented, your respect for the native woman's "know-how" would steadily increase. Since my rug has the colors of the bleached rushes and a good dark purple and a bright red, I think Grandma used rotted maple wood, and perhaps bloodroot and wild plum, or the bloodroot alone. The rug is twelve years old, and the colors are clear and fresh. With the reeds ready, a loom had to be made. This was set up in a shelter, some cabins having a permanent place for this work. It was put on the north side where the sun did not reach and it was damp and cool. Two poles were erected about six feet apart with a cross pole four or five feet from the ground. A two-ply waykoop cord was cut the length of the rug. To this the damp rushes were attached, the ends folded over and twisted about it. This corded edge was fas­ In Foreground a Chiefs Shawl Decorated with tened to the cross pole by tying every two Handsome Applique Work; in Background a Color­ ful Hand-Woven Grass Rug, Baskets, and Doll inches or so. The rushes hanging down were

131 J^i. '-. wam. Picture the first wigwam that Grand­ .-f^ ~ ma Dutchman knew: it certainly was oval- top, probably seven or eight feet high and •^, *a fifteen feet in diameter, with a hard-tamped earthen floor, and neat fireplace in the cen­ ter under the roof smoke hole. Its framework •V, --- would have been of saplings bound together with heavy waykoop. It would be lined with the matting and covered in winter with heavy enurninct Indian Beaded Deerskin Articles sheets of elm or cedar bark and in summer with mats or sheets of birch bark which could the warp. A finer waykoop was the weft, be­ be folded up for coolness leaving only the ing strung through a bone needle, frequently matting walls. A ventilator flap of bark with made of a deer rib. No shuttle was necessary, long cords to regulate it would be fixed to the weaver holding the waykoop ball in one the smoke hole. It would have a removable hand and separating the reeds with the other door of bark or in winter of fur. Inside there and passing the weft forth and back and would be platforms along the wall curtained around, starting at the top. Sometimes two off with the reed rugs for bed cubicles. Doubt­ wefts were used, and two women could work less there were pretty rugs on the floor and together. This was good rainy day work as hanging against the matting wafls which were all material had to be kept damp, the way­ also decorated with bright ceremonial belong­ koop balls being in small water-filled bark ings while clothing and nicknacks would be buckets. Some of the best weaving was done kept under the beds. in the early morning when dew was on every­ Sweet grass baskets are real treasures for thing and mists were low and as soon as there they are seldom made now. Few know this was light enough. The bottom of the rug was "vanifla," or Seneca, grass. It is found in finished like the top. A woman with special small, almost hidden patches growing semi- house-pride would have pretty rugs used as erect and rarely more than two and one-half curtains to separate the cubicles for privacy feet high. The odor is scarcely perceptible in the wigwam, and for the floor and as wall until it is faded when a perfume like vanilla hangings over the bark or matting; she would is emitted. The baskets were made by taking have them plain or elaborate according to her strands of grass to a width of one-fourth taste and skill. Each individual had a sleep­ inch, tying a knot in one end and then coil­ ing rug. The rugs could be rolled conven­ ing the strand about a center piece of bark, iently for storing or travel, and each wigwam the coil being wrapped and secured with fine occupant had his "bedroll." waykoop. Trays were also made in this fash­ For wigwam wall and roof matting, stout ion. The baskets have fitted covers but seldom cattail reeds were used, and only those that have handles though the twisted grass is used did not go to seed were cut for this purpose for handles and decoration on bark contain­ (because Indians conserved even the cattails ers. The baskets are delightfully fragrant for the fluff which along with milkweed fluff especially when the weather is damp or a was the primitive woman's powder puff, baby sprinkling of water is dashed over them. The pillow, and cotton batting). These reeds were bark centers customarily have porcupine quill also bleached and dried and bundled but not decoration. Preparation of these quills for dyed, and were kept damp. They were at­ art work is a whole story by itself. tached to a long pole as were the rug rushes When silk ribbons were first brought in and fastened in such a way as to overlap to by the traders, the Indian women were en­ make for watertightness and warmth, being tranced with them. They began to make ex­ one of the earliest of insulators. A ragged quisite applique work by applying cut-out edge was usually left on the mats intended designs of the silk upon another piece of rib­ for wall matting so they would stand up more bon, the whole fastened upon a strip of calico easily. Twelve to fifteen mats were required or other cotton cloth. These bands were then to cover and wall a o:ood bark covered wio:- used on cloth costumes as trimming. At first

132 about one-eighth of an inch wide and were twice the length of the bag to be made. They were hung over the rod after two weft threads were carried across the top of the rod to se­ cure them into even lengths. In weaving, one weft thread passed behind and the other in front of the pieces of warp, given a full turn, then brought to the next piece where a half- twist fastened it, this being done all across the rod. Then another pair of wefts was needled in a similar way all around the warp, and the weaving continued with designs worked in, in ways that seem all but miraculous now. The top of the bag on the rod is the bottom and the resulting bag is seamless. The raw Angus F. Lookaround Memorial, Keshena edges at the bottom (which is the top) are bound so as to carry a bark drawstring. the designs were angular but later the pret­ This bag tells a story which was related to tiest ones showed leaves, vines, and flowers me by the woman who gave me the bag many gracefully arranged. The color combinations years ago. In making it the mother wished are delicate and artistic, the folded edge ap­ for a happy married life for her daughter plique indicating patient dexterity. We have and wove her wishes into her work. Along a very old chief's shawl (shown in the pic­ the sides runs a pale pattern of moccasin foot­ ture under rug and baskets) with the angular prints going single file. Then there are stripes design, and a beautiful woman's wrap with of beautiful colors. Next are two bands, each leaf, vine, and flower design in applique. The showing a pair of footprints going side by stitches are very fine and the workmanship side, and between these two bands are the exemplary. (Ribbon applique is shown in most beautiful hues of all, making a brilliant portrait unit picture.) center strip "where they are walking to­ Small daughters watched the mothers work gether," to indicate marital happiness. This and had dolls for fun. Our doll which stands is another version of the happiness band in the exhibit case is made of cornhusks and which is found on a great deal of Indian is nine inches tall. She wears a pink sateen handicraft. In this "trousseau case" the colors blouse edged with yellow, a black skirt with used are mahogany, purple, green, and red. two yellow bands, and has a red ribbon sash. It is said that an Indian woman's weaving The dress is trimmed with the littlest of col­ tells her dearest wish or her prayer. Perhaps ored beads. She wears real moccasins, has the Indian women, who made these rugs, a ring on one tiny finger, and her long black mats, baskets, and bags in the cool misty braid is topped with a feather. An Oneida dawn hours, prayed as did the Cheyenne wom­ neighbor made her. an in her Morning Song: In one of our cases we have a very old He—, Our Father— basswood fiber bag which an Indian woman He has shown his mercy on me. made for a daughter about to be married. In peace I walk the straight road. It might well have been Grandma Dutchman In the articles described, we see the Indian who was the bride, for she would have been a woman of yesterday. Her descendants rarely young girl about the time the bag was woven. work with waykoop, reeds, and grasses, but The strands of barkfiber are very fine in this they are quick to take up new techniques and and were evidently well bleached and boiled. are very deft in all kinds of handiwork. Their It was woven on a loom—if you can call it laces and cutwork embroidery, knitting, braid­ that—made of two sticks about eighteen ed rugs, and quilted bedspreads are of su­ inches long set in the ground and holding a perior quality. In tailoring, dress designing, cross rod of the same length between them. and general sewing they are experts. Grand­ The fibers were not twisted but were each ma Dutchman would be proud of them, END

133 WISCONSIN MAGAZINE OF HISTORY WINTER, 1952-53

THE WISCONSIN LEGISLATURE recognized in other states as well as Wiscon­ {Continued from page 86) sin, and in 1933 Kansas created a legislative comprehensive scope and designed to help in­ council designed to help the Legislature func­ dividual legislators on specific problems, of­ tion more effectively. Wisconsin followed suit ten affecting only one proposed bill. in 1947, and today well over one-half of the During the first century of the State's ex­ states have similar agencies. The legislative istence, interim committees were frequently council is a permanent intermin body to carry appointed to study special problems because on this research and investigation. the Legislature recognized that complicated The Wisconsin council consists of fifteen subjects could not be thoroughly investigated legislators—nine from the assembly and six in the relatively short time available during from the senate. They are appointed in the the very busy sessions. These interim com­ same manner as the standing committees of mittees often did very fine work but, by and the Legislature—in the assembly by the speak­ large, they suffered from the lack of an ad­ er and in the senate by the committee on ministrative and research staff, and there was committees. Appointments to the council are no continuity of activity nor coordination of usuafly announced on the day the Legislature effort. For example, an interim committee adjourns. The council at its first meeting would frequently go over the same ground elects officers and then meets regularly, usually which had been covered by another commit­ about once a month during the interim. The tee some years earlier. Files and records of council has authority to appoint committees these committees were often kept in a hap­ to conduct and direct studies on particular hazard manner, and the State never derived subjects. In Wisconsin these committees may full benefit from these activities. include public members who are particularly The increase in the State's population and well informed in the field of study assigned wealth and the increased mobility of its people to the committee. The council is authorized has led to more government activity. For ex­ to make surveys and studies and to compile ample, such matters as highways, welfare, and data, information, and records on any ques­ education, which today account for a large tion that may be referred to it. It may con­ share of both state and local expenditures, duct research and secure information on any were not pressing problems in the early days subject concerning the government and wel­ of our statehood. It became apparent that the fare of the State and its political subdivisions. increased complexity and difficulty of govern­ The council may make recommendations for ment problems required that the Legislature legislation or administrative action on any should have available to it an impartial fact­ subject it has considered, and from its incep­ finding body that would carefully examine tion the council has introduced bills designed important subjects between sessions. Continu­ to carry out its recommendations. ing and intensive research had by this time Proposals for study are submitted from become firmly ingrained in private industry, various sources. Foremost among these are and it was recognized that similar advances directives from the Legislature itself. Fre­ should be made in government. It was ob­ quently during a session problems will arise vious that the Legislature in a five or six which the Legislature believes require careful months' session every two years could not do and intensive study. For example, during the an effective job of long-range planning. If 1951 session the council was directed to con­ no attention is devoted to important state duct a comprehensive study of the problems problems for eighteen months, it is clear that of the aged. The committee was named and careful planning and mature consideration is proceeded to investigate many phases of the difficult during the rush of the session. There problem. Individual legislators are another was a demand by the legislators that they source of proposals submitted for research. should be better equipped with the facts con­ In addition, the council and its committees cerning significant legislation and fortified by may discover during their deliberations some the experience gained from an intensive problems which require special investigation. study of important problems. This fact was State departments on many occasions sub-

134 SACHSE : THE WISCONSIN LEGISLATURE

mit problems encountered in administration of ered necessary, the proper bills are drafted existing law. Private citizens and groups have and presented with the committee's report. also called attention to matters that warrant All of this material is submitted to the legis­ special study. lative council for review. The council may ac­ These committees conduct open hearings to cept or reject the proposals in whole or in which they invite people who are well-in­ part. If accepted, the accompanying bills are formed authorities in the field. In this way, printed in advance of the session and intro­ much valuable information is obtained. The duced on the opening day. The committee committees also request members of the re­ findings are incorporated in the council's search staff to investigate specific phases of final report to the Legislature and the gover­ the problem, to gather facts and statistics, to nor. Legislative councils in some of the states prepare maps, charts, and graphs to illustrate do not submit bills but merely present reports particular points. The committees are em­ to the Legislature. Council-sponsored legis­ powered to hold meetings throughout the lation has been very well accepted in our State, and this practice has afforded more State. In the 1949 session, 119 bifls were in­ people an opportunity to be heard. On a troduced by the council, and in the 1951 ses­ number of occasions, committees have gone sion, 109 were presented. Approximately 70 out to observe at first hand some matter that percent of these measures became law. was under consideration. The committees The council committees have been of two make progress reports to the council from types—general and specific. For example, a time to time in order to indicate the extent committee may be appointed in a general field to which they have completed their studies. such as agriculture, conservation, or educa­ The council, of course, cannot consider all tion, and all matters relating to those subjects of the hundreds of proposals that are likely are referred to those committees. On the to find their way to the legislative halls. They other hand, a committee may be appointed must be screened carefully and the problems to do a specific job such as the committee narrowed down as much as possible. Gen­ on motor vehicle accidents, which is limited erally the council will try to limit itself to to the investigation of automobile insurance matters of major importance that require coverage and highway safety. special study. Frequently it is discovered that The preceding description of the work of a subject is part of a large problem and that the committees illustrates that they are an in­ a long range study is required. Every effort tegral part of the operation of the council. must be exerted to fit the committee's pres­ Clearly, the council carries on a great deal ent activity into the larger plan. Only in this of its work through the committees. way can duplication and lost effort be avoided. We have examined the manner in which the The committees act as a clearing house for legislative council and its committees oper­ prior studies and surveys that have been made ate, and we may now turn our attention to a in other states and countries. The commit­ review of the benefits that should follow from tees and the council must never lose sight of the activity of this agency. the ultimate objective in any study. (1) The council and its committees are It is important to emphasize that a com­ able to give continuous attention to the op­ mittee working on a project throughout an eration of state government since their studies entire interim has time to carefully review and constantly involve the functioning of the vari­ deliberate on all the aspects of the subject un­ ous departments and agencies. der consideration. It is obvious that this (2) Since the minutes of all committee should result in better legislation than would and council meetings are carefully preserved, arise from the haste that is unavoidable in they are available for future reference. The a regular session. council bills are accompanied by text materials After a committee has completed its study, which explain the background and the prob­ conclusions are drawn and recommendations lems of the proposed legislation. This per­ are formulated. If new legislation is consid­ manent record should be of value in the in-

135 WISCONSIN MAGAZINE OF HISTORY WINTER, 1952-53 terpretation of the legislation at any future islator could ever find the time to do it, and time. probably no temporary interim committee (3) Council activity stimulates public in­ would be in a position to undertake matters of terest in legislation because the reports of the such magnitude. The revision of the criminal committees and the council are widely cir­ code which was started by the council late in culated. Public hearings by the committees 1949 is an illustration of this type of activity. in various parts of the State permit wide par­ During the first century of our State's ex­ ticipation by the citizen in the affairs of his istence, the criminal laws have been amended government. numerous times and many new provisions (4) Since the Legislature consists of 133 have been added. These changes were made members, it is easy to recognize the difficulty without any particular plan in mind, and the of working out a program of planned legis­ result has been a haphazard patchwork. Only lation without some agency such as the coun­ a thorough revision can codify and modern­ cil. The council emphatically is not a "little ize the criminal law. Without an agency such legislature," but rather an agency of the Leg­ as the council, equipped with adequate facil­ islature itself designed to permit the careful ities, this task would probably never have and intensive investigation of difficult prob­ been undertaken. lems, and the equally careful preparation of (6) The council should be instrumental in bills to carry out the well-reasoned conclusions expediting the legislative session. If the coun­ drawn from the impartial weighing of the cil's reports and bills are ready at the open­ facts. It serves as a device to bring about ing of the session, it is obvious that prompt better coordination of legislative activity. action on these measures will enable the Leg­ The legislator who serves on the council or islature to complete its work at an earlier one of its committees enjoys an opportunity to date. actuafly participate in the research on im­ The State may be compared to a giant cor­ portant problems of government. Committee poration. All of us are stockholders in this meetings are more intimate and informal than huge enterprise. We elect a Legislature to those conducted during the regular session, act as our board of directors to determine and the opportunity for asking questions and the policies for our state government. We getting at all sides of a problem are greatly elect a governor to act as a general manager. enhanced. The legislator has an opportunity Since the Legislature is too large a body to to look at the facts and ask the questions, conveniently meet as a single group, we have "Do we need any new legislation on this sub­ created a legislative council which may be ject?" or "What form of bill is necessary to compared to the executive committee of the carry out the conclusions we have drawn from board of directors, just as in private indus­ these facts?" try we appoint special committees of the During the regular session, special-inter­ board of directors to give particular attention est groups may give a prejudiced or dis­ to special problems. These measures have torted picture of a proposed bill. After the improved the function of state government bill is in the Legislature, it is often difficult and have made the legislative branch a more for the members to get the facts concerning it effective part of the whole enterprise. in order to ascertain whether it is really a sound and worth-while measure. Sometimes At best the Legislature has a difficult task. a highly vocal organized minority may oppose It is torn between demands for increased gov­ a bill with great vigor and the Legislature may ernment services on the one hand and rising never hear a fair presentation of the other costs and taxes on the other. Unfortunately, side. The council and its committees are in the legislator's efforts to do a good job for the a position to attack problems from both sides whole State are frequently unappreciated even and to get at the basic facts in order to ob­ though he often serves at great personal sac­ tain an impartial view. rifice. The citizens of Wisconsin will benefit (5) Some projects require such extended if they will show their appreciation for good and intensive research that no individual leg­ work done by their legislators. END

136 readers' choice

The Confident Years: 1885-1915. By VAN history literature in its own right, and of WYCK BROOKS. (E. P. Dutton & Com­ inspiring one to want to read the authors on pany, New York, 1952. Pp. 627. $6.00.) whom he lavishes his appreciation. This volume completes the notable five- On the other hand. The Confident Years volume series to which Mr. Brooks now gives has more of a critical edge than some of his the title Makers and Finders: a History of the earlier more sentimental volumes. Carrying Writer in America, 1800-1915, based on a out his promise (in his prefatory note) "to text from Whitman to the effect that writers' define the American tradition in letters," he works "shall come from their lives" as justi­ defines its "keynote" as "the revolutionary fying a biographical approach to literary faith in the goodness of men," and he writes study. If such an approach tends to minimize extended and somewhat harsh condemnations attention to craftsmanship and the structural of conservatives such as Paul Elmer More and aesthetic study of works of art as well and T. S. Eliot for failing to accept this tra­ as to the history of ideas, it has the ad­ dition. Even Mr. More's generally praised vantage of being richly concrete and dramatic, style is "seldom felicitous," and Mr. Eliot (a especially when Mr. Brooks supplements the "traitor to human hope") by "connecting his approach by paraphrasing the authors' purple religious views with his literary criticism . . . patches as in the case of his sections on spread a philosophy of literature through Lafcadio Hearn and Rolvaag. More than the academic world, especially in America, half of his chapters are organized around the basis of which was a virtual denial of regions, and there are six very readable and whatever gave literature in America its his­ sympathetic chapters on writers of the Mid­ toric importance." If in such sections Mr. dle West with appreciations of our Wisconsin Brooks has more of the temper of the ad­ writers such as John Muir, Frederick Jack­ vocate than of a calm judge of craftsmanship son Turner, Hamlin Garland especially, and and literary values, if he tends to over­ Zona Gale. The title-theme of confidence is simplify in his thesis about natural good­ substantiated by emphasis on Theodore Roose­ ness being the American tradition (forgetful velt (with much attention to Western in­ of the great number of writers who empha­ terests) and the dynamic William James. Mr. sized self-interest), let us be grateful to Mr. Brooks's sympathies are on the side of the Brooks for the many rich insights he has courageous, the constructive, and those de­ given us into the great number of authors voted to the well-being of the social order; who fit his thesis and for his vivid presenta­ he even manages to make the supposedly cyn­ tion of the lives and social conditions out of ical naturalists such as Dreiser and Heming­ which our many-sided literature grew and way seem constructive by arguing that they developed in an organic and indigenous way. condemn because American life has not yet Devotion to the "human oddities in which measured up to their high hopes. If writers America abounded" may have tended at such as John Dewey, Lester Ward, Robert times to a lushness which obscures the main Grant, Denton Snider, M. D. Conway, Bliss currents of American thought, but generally Perry, M. C. Tyler, and W. P. Trent are he is on the side of the revered Vernon Par- ignored, Mr. Brooks does treat a vast multi­ rington in a sympathetic linking of our liter­ tude of very minor writers in a colorful way. ary development with humane democracy He has the merits of dramatizing the lives and in treating our authors as spokesmen and ideas of writers, of getting himself read of their fatherland. by thousands who would be bored by the HARRY HAYDEN CLARK usual academic methods, of making literary University of Wisconsin

137 WISCONSIN MAGAZINE OF HISTORY WINTER, 1952-53

The Early Histories of St. Louis. Edited by bank, and already about one generation old. JOHN F. MCDERMOTT. (St. Louis His­ The prime site was thought to be insalubri­ torical Documents Foundation, St. Louis, ous; also, more important, it was unneces­ 1952. Pp. 171. $4.00.) sarily far from the mouth of the Missouri, for a trader's view of the matter. As the Chouteau Attractively bound and neatly printed, this "Narrative" puts it, Laclede said with enthu­ well-edited volume contains various illustra­ siasm, "that he had found a situation where tions, of which the maps of the Upper Louisi­ he was going to form a settlement, which ana country and the several plans of the city might become, hereafter, one of the finest of St. Louis (in 1796, 1804, and 1820) are cities of America—so many advantages were perhaps the most important. Valuable, too, embraced in this site, by its locality and its are the maps on the end papers, Pain-Court central position, for forming settlements" in 1767 and the vicinity of St. Louis in 1796. (p. 48). The editor has supplied a list of selected ref­ erences for the early history of St. Louis— Readers who are interested in the theory of this will be a boon for urban historians as a localization (Standorts-theorie), or the sig­ class—and he has compiled its chronology nificance of site (as developed by W. L. Mor­ for the years 1729-1821—which will be a ton in his article on that theme in the July, second boon. His critical introduction, 1951, issue of Agricultural History), will find "Auguste Chouteau and the Early Histories contemporary recognition of the actualities of St. Louis," works out the importance of behind the theories in these old narratives. A. Chouteau's "Narrative," the basic docu­ Thus Mr. McDermott has labored and edited ment for the history of the place, and the to several good purposes. sole eye-witness story of the town's estab­ University of Texas FULMER MOOD lishment. The editor reprints Chouteau's piece and, as well, five other historical ac­ The Memoirs of Herbert Hoover: Years of counts that were composed between the early Adventure, 1874-1920. (The Macmiflan decades of the nineteenth century and 1843. Company, New York, 1951. Pp. xi, 496. His introductory essay also reviews all his­ $4.00.) torical comments on the city found for the Mr. Hoover writes in his Preface: "These period before 1860, and indicates their value memoirs are not a diary." But he adds, "The and significance. first part was written at odd times during The editor has done his work well, and 1915-16," and "This portion was not origin­ historians have cause for satisfaction that ally intended for publication." Later, he adds: a model work of the kind has been turned "The second and third parts . . . were writ­ out. Perhaps it may lead to a large number ten at various times from 1920 to 1924." of such volumes, giving the early chronologies Thus we have, except for "minor quotations," and the early source narratives of Denver, a text that tells the story as Mr. Hoover saw Omaha, St. Paul, and others. The history of it before his Presidency and prior to the Milwaukee has lately been written, while that catastrophic events that have filled the past of early Kansas City is now being industri­ twenty-five years. The author was aware of ously and painstakingly worked out by Pro­ the importance of this statement, as he writes fessor James C. Malin. Prodromal works of in his Preface, "the value of such memoirs the sort that McDermott has produced would is to reflect views one held at the time." It spur on, one thinks, the writing of the his­ need hardly be added that this statement as tories of other American cities. to the composition of the Memoirs adds great­ It is a fascinating experience to read ly to their value as source documents, not through these early narratives, paying par­ only for the years covered but also as to point ticular attention to the passages on why the of view held by the author twenty-five years site that became St. Louis was chosen from before the publication of the volume. The out of all possible west-bank Upper Missis­ careful reader will note, however, that there sippi River positions, and why this chosen is inclusion of materials from books published site held its own, by reason of several site- subsequent to 1924. And he will read with advantages that revealed themselves as the keen interest Chapter 25, "Interlude Twenty years passed. The decision was made by Years After," telling of Hoover's return to Pierre Laclede in December, 1763, in favor Belgium in 1938. of St. Louis, and it went against the small For the use of the historian this is one villafre of Ste Genevieve, also on the west of the most important books of recent years.

138 READERS CHOICE

It adds to our knowledge of the Commission venture, 1874-1920," published in 1951, for Relief in Belgium, the United States Food was widely acknowledged as a contribution Administration, the Relief and Reconstruc­ to the history of the world. The present tion of Europe 1918-1920, and the Treaty volume has for several months following its Making at Paris in 1919. For the student of appearance remained on the "best seller" list American life of the years between the with­ as reported in the New York Times. drawal of troops from the South in 1877 and The author divides the presentation as fol­ the withdrawal of the United States from lows: Part One, Activities 1920-1921, includ­ Europe in 1919, this narrative of "Years of ing the direction of relief work for Com­ Adventure 1874-1920" tefls a story that does munist Russia, for which he received a scroll much to explain why individual Americans of thanks from the President of the Council in the mass saw the world as they did in 1914 of People's Commissars; Part Two, Recon­ and lived in America as they did in 1920. To many a reader Mr. Hoover's discus­ struction and Development of the United sion of Wilson will be a great surprise. States 1921-1929, reorganization of the De­ (There are more entries to Wilson in the partment of Commerce including innumerable Index than to any other item.) It has been innovations and the addition of many agencies forgotten that in the election of 1918, al­ for the public welfare; Part Three, Nomina­ though "a registered Republican," Mr. Hoov­ tion and Election to the Presidency, 1928, in er felt it his duty to support the congressmen which he discusses the broad principles upon who were loyal to Mr. Wilson's objectives, which he built his campaign and planned whether these representatives were Republi­ his administration; Part Four, Development cans or Democrats. Mr. Hoover advised of policies in control of water resources, con­ against President Wilson's plan to go to Paris servation, agriculture, with attention to bet­ as head of the American Peace Delegation. ter homes and to child welfare; Part Five, The President consulted Mr. Hoover at the Foreign Affairs, beginning with general peace Peace Conference and received abundant in­ policies in Latin America and the Pacific and formation and blunt advice and criticism. Mr. including a consideration of problems raised Hoover writes: "Mr. Wilson's expression of by the Japanese invasion of Manchuria and American ideals was the only spiritual expres­ a summary of "foreign policies." sion in the Conference." They parted coldly Mr. Hoover states that a subsequent volume (on Mr. Wilson's part), and Mr. Hoover did wifl deal with (a) The Great Depression, (b) not see him again while Wilson was in the The Presidential Campaign of 1932, and (c) Presidency. Changes in Government, and particularly so­ Readers of the Wisconsin Magazine of His­ cial and economic affairs beginning in 1933. tory may find Chapter 1, "Iowa—1874-1884," Presumably the problems and policies in and Chapter 2, "Oregon—1884-1891," of particular interest. There are photographs of American foreign relations that have occupied interest, including one of the birthplace of so much of Mr. Hoover's thought in more Herbert Hoover at West Branch, Iowa. Every­ recent years will be dealt with in a separate one whose first knowledge of the man. Hoov­ volume. This will be awaited with great in­ er, was his Chairmanship of the Commission terest, although much of the material, repre­ for Relief in Belgium, will value the photo­ sented in addresses, is already in six volumes graphs of Children's Feeding of the American of addresses published between 1933 and Relief Administration in Finland, Vienna, Po­ 1951. land, and Russia. Several times the author has included what he calls "interludes," in which he writes of EDGAR EUGENE ROBINSON fishing, of life as a cabinet officer in Wash­ Stanford University ington, and of "Living in the White House." There are pen pictures of Calvin Coolidge, The Memoirs of Herbert Hoover: The Cabinet of Charles E. Hughes, of Andrew Mellon, and and the Presidency, 1920-1933. (The a discussion of Warren Harding that con­ Macmillan Company, New York, 1952. tributes hitherto little-known information and Pp. xii, 405. $5.00.) a helpful interpretation. The illustrations bear This is Volume II in the series that Mr. out the account of these years as seen by Mr. Hoover is preparing for the American public. Hoover. The first volume covering the "Years of Ad­ {Continued on page 150)

139 WISCONSIN MAGAZINE OF HISTORY WINTER, 1952-53

QUALITY REFLECTED IN PHOTOGRAPHIC COMPETITION Photographic competitions generally The judges for the competition were create considerable interest among the Robert J. Lauer, a member of this So­ visitors to the exhibitions, as wefl as ciety, vice-president of the Photo Pic- among the competitors. The Third An­ torialists of Milwaukee and treasurer of nual Photographic Competition, "Wis­ the Pictorial Division of the Photo­ consin Today—1952" was no excep­ graphic Society of America; Robert tion to this, and sponsorship by the Gilka, editor of the Sunday pictorial State Historical Society of Wisconsin section of the Milwaukee Journal; and of this contest is now an established Harry Lichter, curator of the collections fact among amateur and professional at the Society's Museum. This jury se­ photographers of the State. Through lected fifty-eight black and white prints, this annual competition new photo­ two-color prints, and fifty-four color graphs are being added to the pictorial transparencies for exhibition. Four ex­ collections of the Society. Purchase cellent color transparencies by Mr. awards are made by the judges, and ad­ Lauer were accepted in addition to the ditional purchases are selected by the above for exhibition without considera­ staff. Copies of many of the entries are also used in the Society's Wisconsin tion for the prizes. These fifty-eight Calendar, in which is included a cata­ color slides were exhibited in two auto­ log of the exhibition. Photographs from matic projectors with recorded identifi­ the 1951 competition were so used in cations of the slides. Visitors greatly the 1953 Calendar. enjoyed their private viewing of the There were somewhat over 500 en­ slides with the audible labels. tries this year, compared with over 600 The number of color slide entries in 1951. However, the difference was was considerably larger this year, which compensated for by a much smaller probably reflects the greater interest of number of entries which failed to meet the average amateur photographer in the requirements of the competition. the simplicity of the taking of color pic­ The quality of the entries, also better tures. The black and white prints are this year, is reflected in the exhibition. more desirable for our collections be­ The following prizes were awarded: cause of their greater permanence, so Documentary: Gene 0. Picard, Mil­ we necessarily prefer them, at this time, waukee, "Three o'Clock Shadows," first to the color transparencies. However, prize; Henry Le Febvre, Green Bay, the advanced amateur must be a real "Sparkling Waters," second prize; A. L. enthusiast to spend the time necessary Wortman, Milwaukee, "Tubs-Nets," to developing and making enlarged third prize; Roy E. Cole, Beloit, "Disas­ prints from his negatives. Consequently ter," honorable mention; Carl A. Stapel, we continue to urge the advanced ama­ Madison, "Missed," honorable mention. teurs and the professional photographers Pictorial: Gabriel Evancy, Milwaukee, to interest themselves in making pic­ "Cana Island Lighthouse," first prize; torial records of life in Wisconsin so Don Swenson, La Crosse, "Wisconsin that we can preserve these records for Ribbon of Concrete," second prize; A. J. the future historian. Mueller, Appleton. "After the Storm," Each year the competition adds new third prize; Carl A. Stapel, Madison, names of photographers to our lists and "The Dance," honorable mention; Ga­ new photographs to our files. We also briel Evancy, Milwaukee, "Ellison Bay," note that a greater understanding of our honorable mention. needs has been achieved. Those who Color Transparencies: Mrs. Ernest H. have entered photographs each year are Dahl, Viroqua, "Tobacco Harvest," first searching more carefully for suitable prize; A. C. Klein, Milwaukee, "House subject matter, and a few have indi­ by the Road." second prize; Robert cated that this is not only enjoyable, Fremming, Dallas, "Tom Turkeys," but they are gaining a new appreciation third prize. of the State.

140 Meet the Daweses You say, "I had never known that the former vice-president's grandfather is buried at Mansion or that the General Dawes in the Sixth Wisconsin was of the same family." The Colonel (later General) Dawes of the Sixth Wisconsin was the father of Charles "-sQl' G. Dawes. That is how Charles Dawes's ma­ ternal grandfather (Gates) came to be buried at Mansion. And Charles Dawes's ancestor on the Dawes side is buried at Ripon on the college campus. As you were interested in the Dawes let­ ters, I might as well sit down this evening and give you a lead on the whole Dawes his­ Memorial Plaque in Puerto Rico tory back to the William Dawes who made the During a free moment this summer, when "wonderful ride" which Revere was supposed I had an opportunity to observe the fasci­ to have made, and didn't. We will call Gen. nating alloy of Spanish and American man­ Charles G. Dawes, Charlie Dawes, to keep ners in Ponce, the second city of Puerto Rico, I him distinct from his father. General Dawes. strolled into the entrance of the city hall. On At the opening of the Civil War, Charlie the right wall of the vestibule hung an ancient bronze plaque, depicting the lion of Spain Dawes's future father was located at Mansion astride a massive edifice, and reading "Casa in connection with the lumber business. He Consistorial y Carcel de Ponce." was from Marietta, Ohio, but had come to Wisconsin. He raised a company at Mansion Less expected and less old was another bronze plaque fixed to the wall on the left. which became part of the Wisconsin Sixth Its inscription was as follows: Regiment in the Iron Brigade. He rose to be Colonel of that regiment and, when Gen. Bragg Dedicated in honor of the 2nd Wisconsin Regi­ ment of Volunteer Infantry. Col. Charles A. Born, in command of the Iron Brigade was given Commanding another command. Colonel Dawes succeeded Companies him in command of the Brigade, but with the A Marshfield G Appleton rank of Colonel. Afterward he was brevetted B Oshkosh H Manitowoc Brigadier General. C Sheboygan I Marinette When the war was over this Gen. Rufus D Ripon K Beaver Dam E Fond du Lac L Ashland Dawes, Charles Dawes's father, wrote a book, F Oshkosh M Oconto privately printed, with a long and detailed Participated in the Puerto Rican Expedition dur­ history of the Sixth Regiment. This rather ing the Spanish-American War in 1898. Landed limited edition went out of print, and in later at Playa de Ponce, July 28; camped near Ponce, years his son Rufus Dawes had it reset and July 28 to August 8; took part in the combat bound in exact facsimile of the original edi­ at Coamo, August 9; camped near Coamo, August 9 to August 26; camped near Ponce, August 27 tion. It was this book that I had—my to August 31; nine companies embarked for New friend Charles G. Dawes gave it to me. This York, September 1, and three companies, Septem­ Rufus Dawes was the man who put through ber 7, 1898. and managed the "Century of Progress" in Underneath this inscription appeared the Chicago. Charles G. Dawes, his brother and names of ten American soldiers who "died in at that time ambassador to the Court of St. Puerto Rico," and the information that the James, was the financial genius of the enter­ plaque had been "erected by 2nd Wisconsin prise; and it was the only world's fair that Volunteer Infantry Association." ever paid a dividend. If I had known that Sauk City C. E. SCHORER this book would interest you, I could have

141 WISCONSIN MAGAZINE OF HISTORY WINTER, 1952-53 kept it for you. It ought to be in the Wis­ Why then the "Wonderful Ride of Paul consin historical library—if it is not. Revere" by Longfeflow. That is where social Charles G. Dawes's ancestor on the Dawes standing comes in. Revere became a prom­ side (I have forgotten who it was) is buried inent and wealthy citizen of Boston whereas under the big granite monument on the Ripon William Dawes was only a Minute Man. Then college campus, with a list of his ancestors too the name Revere sounded more poetic leading back to Revolutionary Days and end­ than Dawes. ing with William Dawes. I have a kodachrome When the 150th anniversary of the Ride was picture of it in my file and I will look it up. celebrated in Boston, the ride was reenacted To get back to my friend Gen. Charles just as it happened, and William Dawes got Gates Dawes. After he had got a start as a through. As a lineal descendant of William young lawyer in Lincoln, Nebraska, he be­ Dawes, Charles Gates Dawes was present as came interested in gas companies, and he a guest of the city. They extended him the became head of the gas plant at La Crosse. privilege of being buried in King's chapel His only son, about to graduate from col­ churchyard, in which no one had been buried lege and enter the business world, was for generations, it being right in the heart drowned in Lake Geneva, Wis. So you see of the city. I asked Dawes whether he in­ that the former vice-president and ambassador tended to take advantage of this opportunity and world-fair promoter had a lot to do with to be buried right in the heart of Boston. He Wisconsin. One time he visited Mauston, on shook his head. . . . invitation, and the citizens put on quite a cele­ Hartford CHARLES D. STEWART bration for him. Charles Gates Dawes, as above, was a lineal Junior Historians descendant of William Dawes the minute man and Historic Sites Game who made the ride from Boston to Concord, where the ammunition was stored, and gave We are sending our identifications for the the alarm, at the same time arousing the Historic Sites game. We spent much time at citizens along the way. the Public Library using books on Wisconsin He took the land route for the horseback history, the Wisconsin Magazine of History, ride. In case he might not get through, Paul Badger History and other sources. From the Revere was sent across the Charles river to Baraboo High School library we found Mrs. take the horse and head for Lexington, which Kohler's Wisconsin s Historic Sites and Wis­ William Dawes was heading for also. It was consin, A Guide to the Badger State. important for them to warn Hancock and Ad­ Many of our parents and some other ams, who were lying low in Lexington, that people, too, helped us identify places. We the British were coming. They did so, but as had great fun finding them. We were over­ for the rest of the ride Revere was captured joyed when we found the last one which was and got no farther. They tried to get Dawes No. 10. From this game we learned many too, but he, by a clever ruse and a big jump historic sites. of his horse, which caused his watch to jump We received issues of the Wisconsin Maga­ right out of his pocket and fall in the road zine of History for 1917-1952 from Mr. and (where it was later recovered), got away and Mrs. C. E. Allen of Madison, Wisconsin. We made the ride to Concord. This is not secret prize them highly. history as you possibly know—it has been CIRCUS CITY BADGERS written up more than once. West School, Baraboo

142 HORNER : LINCOLN SCOLDS A GENERAL

LINCOLN SCOLDS A GENERAL laxity endangered even the safety of Cin­ {Continued from page 96) cinnati; and since the appearance of the tion been able to set up against it the third on the battlefield of Shiloh served evidence of great successes? I feel, that suddenly to arrest the operations of our in regard to one important point I have victorious troops and to make shortly after­ not been quite clear in my letter of the wards the great Army of the West disap­ 8th. When speaking of "your friends" I pear from the scene as by enchantment, so did not mean only those who in 1860 helped as to leave the country open to the enemy. to elect you; I did not think of old, and, Has it not been publicly stated in the news­ I may say, obsolete political obligations and papers and apparently proved as a fact, affinities. But I meant all those, who, fully that from the commencement of the war understanding and appreciating the tend­ the enemy was continually supplied with information by some of the confidential ency of the great revolution in which we subordinates of as important an office as are engaged, intend to aid and sustain you Adjutant General Thomas? Is it surpris­ honestly in the execution of the tremend­ ing that the people at last should have be­ ous task which has fallen to your lot. Nor lieved in the presence of enemies at your did I, when speaking of the duty and policy own headquarters and in the unwillingness of being true to one's friends, think of the of the Government to drive them out? As distribution of favors in the shape of prof­ for me, I am far from being inclined to itable offices. But I did mean that in the impeach the loyalty and good faith of any management of the great business of this man; but the coincidence of circumstances revolution only such men should be per­ is such, that if the case were placed be­ mitted to participate, who answer to this fore a popular jury, I would find it much definition of "friends," and on whose sym­ easier to act on the prosecution than on pathies you can rely as securely as upon the defence. You say that our Republican their ability. generals did no better; I might reply that I am far from presuming to blame you between two generals of equal military in­ for having placed old democrats into high efficiency I would in this crisis give a Re­ military positions. I am also aware that publican the preference. But that is not McClellan and several other generals had the question. I ask you most seriously— been appointed on the recommendation of what Republican general has ever had a Republican Governors and members of fair chance in this war? Did not McClel­ Congress. It was quite natural that you lan, Buell, Halleck and their creatures and appointed them, when the necessities of the favorites claim, obtain and absorb every­ thing? Were not other generals obliged to situation were new and pressing and every­ go begging merely for a chance to do body was untried. But it was unfortunate something for the country, and were they that you sustained them in their power and not turned off as troublesome intruders positions with such inexhaustible longa­ while your Fitzjohn Porters flourished? nimity after they had been found failing;— No, sir, let us indulge in no delusion as failing not only in a political but also in a to the true causes of our defeat in the military sense. Was I really wrong in say­ elections. The people, so enthusiastic at ing that the principal management of the the beginning of the war, had made enor­ war had been in the hands of your op­ mous sacrifices. Hundreds of millions were ponents? Or will perhaps anybody assert, spent, thousands of lives were lost appar­ that such men as McClellan and Buell and ently for nothing. The people had sown Halleck have the least sympathy with you confidence and reaped disaster and disap­ or your views and principles?—Or that pointment. They wanted a change; and as their efficiency as military leaders has of­ an unfortunate situation like ours is apt fered a compensation for their deficiency to confuse the minds of men, they sought of sympathy, since the first has in 18 it in the wrong direction. I entreat you, do months succeeded in effecting literally not attribute to small incidents, as the en­ nothing except the consumption of our listing of Republican voters in the army and resources with the largest and best ap­ the attacks of the press, what is a great his­ pointed army this country ever saw;—since torical event. It is best that you, and you the second by his criminal tardiness and more than anybody else in this Republic,

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should see the fact in its true light and you have ever seen a battlefield. I assure appreciate its significance: The result of you, Mr. President, it is a terrible sight. the elections was a most serious and severe Truly and faithfully yours, reproof administered to the Administra­ tion. Do not refuse to listen to the voice C. SCHURZ^^ of the people. Let it not become too true what I have heard said; that of all places Schurz surely got Lincoln's attention. Back in this country it is Washington where went a sharp reply on November 24. public opinion is least heard, and of all places in Washington the White House. Executive Mansion The result of the election has compli­ Washington, Nov. 24, 1862 cated the crisis. Energy and success, by Gen. Carl Schurz which you would and ought to have com­ My dear Sir: manded public opinion, form now the I have just received and read, your prestige of your enemies. They are a great letter of the 20th. The purport of it is, that and powerful weapon. Your enemies will we lost the late elections, and the admin­ not stop where they are, and, unless things istration is failing, because the war is un­ take soon a favorable turn, our troubles successful; and that I must not flatter my­ may soon involve not only the moral power self that I am not justly to blame for it. but the physical existence of the Govern­ I certainly know that if the war fails, the ment. Only relentless determination on administration fails, and that I will be your part can turn the tide. You must re­ blamed for it, whether I deserve it or not. conquer the confidence of the people at any And I ought to be blamed, if I could do price, or your Administration is lost. better. You think I could do better; there­ One word in vindication of the writer of fore you blame me already. I think I could not do better; therefore I blame you this letter. I pray you most earnestly not for blaming me. I understand you now to to attribute the expressions of grief and be willing to accept the help of men. who anxiety coming from devoted friends like are not republicans, provided they have myself to a pettish feeling of disappoint­ "heart in it." Agreed. I want no others. ment for not "seeing their peculiar views But who is to be the judge of hearts, or of made sufficiently prominent." When a "heart in it"? If I must discard my own man's whole heart is in a cause like ours, judgment, and take yours, I must also take then, I think, he may be believed not to that of others; and by the time I should be governed by small personal pride. Be­ reject all I should be advised to reject, I sides, the spectacle of war is apt to awaken should have none left, republicans or others solemn and serious feelings in the heart -—not even yourself. For be assured, my of one who has some sympathy with his dear sir, there are men who have "heart in fellow beings. I command a few thousand of it", that think you are performing your brave and good fellows, entitled to life and part as poorly as you think I am perform­ ing mine. I certainly have been dissatis­ happiness just as well as the rest of us; fied with the slowness of Buell and Mc and when I see their familiar faces amid the Clellan; but before I relieved them I had campfires and think of it, that to-morrow great fears I should not find successors to they may be called upon to die,—to die for them, who would do better; and I am a cause which for this or that reason is sorry to add, that I have seen little since to perhaps doomed to fail, and thus to die in relieve those fears. I do not clearly see vain;—and when I hear the wailings of so the prospect of any more rapid movements. many widows and orphans, and remember I fear we shall at last find out that the the scenes of heartrending misery and des­ difficulty is in our case, rather than in olation I have already witnessed—and then particular generals. I wish to disparage think of a possibility, that all this may be no one—certainly not those who sympa­ for nothing—then, I must confess, my heart thize with ine; but I must say I need suc­ lie.eins sometimes to sink within me and to cess more than I need sympathy, and that quail under what little responsibility I have ''Schurz to Lincoln, Nov. 20, 1862, R. T. Lincoln in this business. I do not know, ^\hethcr Collection (19638).

144 HORNER : LINCOLN SCOLDS A GENERAL

I have not seen the so much greater evi­ in May and June, 1863, he answered the dence of getting success from my sympa­ studied criticisms of the Albany and the Ohio thizers, than from those who we denounced Democrats in single carefully reasoned docu­ as the contrary. It does seem to me that ments and gave no apparent consideration to in the field the two classes have been very their elaborate rejoinders. much alike, in what they have done, and in what they have failed to do. In sealing Lincoln must have felt that Schurz had the their faith with their blood. Baker, and best of the argument. Shortly after writing Lyon, and Bohlen, and Richardson, repub­ his letter of November 24, he summoned licans, did all that men could do; but did Schurz to Washington. Let Schurz take up they any more than Kearney, and Stevens, the story at this point: and Reno, and Mansfield, none of whom were Republicans and some at least of Mr. Lincoln's prompt reply took me whom, have been bitterly and repeatedly to task for my criticism in his peculiar denounced to me as secession sympathiz­ clean-cut, logical style, and there was in ers? I will not perform the ungrateful task what he had said an undertone of impa­ of comparing cases of failure. tience, of irritation, unusual with him— In answer to your question, "Has it not this time, no doubt, induced by the extra­ been publicly stated in the newspapers, and ordinary harassment to which he was sub­ apparently proved as a fact, that from the jected from all sides. . . . Two or three commencement of the war, the enemy was days after Mr. Lincoln's letter had reached continually supplied with information by me, a special messenger from him brought some of the confidential subordinates of as me another communication from him, a important an officer as Adjutant General short note in his own hand asking me to Thomas?" I must say "no" as far as my come to see him as soon as my duties would knowledge extends. And I add, that if you permit; he wished me, if possible, to call can give any tangible evidence upon the early in the morning before the usual subject, I will thank you to come to this crowd of visitors arrived. At once I ob­ city and do so. tained the necessary leave from my corps commander, and the next morning at seven Very truly your friend I reported myself at the White House. I A. LlNCOLN^^ was promptly shown into the little room up­ stairs which was at that time used for C£ib- Lincoln had great respect for Schurz's pa­ inet meetings—the room with the Jackson triotism, his loyalty, his honesty, his keen in­ portrait above the mantel-piece—and found telligence, and his forceful means of express­ Mr. Lincoln seated in an arm chair be­ fore the open-grate fire, his feet in his ing his views. Lincoln always knew when an gigantic morocco slippers. He greeted me opponent in debate, friend or foe, had the cordially as of old and bade me pull up advantage of him. He was not satisfied in a chair and sit by his side. Then he brought his own mind in this encounter with Schurz. his large hand with a slap down on my He dealt quite differently in meeting criticism knee and said with a smile: "Now tell me, in other notable cases. He disposed of Se­ young man, whether you really think that ward's famous "Some Thoughts for the Presi­ I am as poor a fellow as you have made me dent's Consideration" in April, 1861, with a out in your letter!" I must confess, this single prompt response and never again re­ reception disconcerted me. I looked into ferred to the matter. He responded promptly his face and felt something like a big lump to Senator Browning's criticism in September, in my throat. After a while I gathered 1861, of his order modifying General Fre­ up my wits and after a word of sorrow, if mont's abortive emancipation proclamation I had written anything that could have and tucked away in the files Browning's long pained him, I explained to him my impres­ sions of the situation and my reasons for and tedious rejoinder. In August, 1862, he writing to him as I had done. He listened deemed his immediate response to Greeley's with silent attention and when I stopped, "Prayer of Twenty Miflions" sufficient and said very seriously: "Well, I know that you gave no notice to Greeley's retort. And later are a warm anti-slavery man and a good friend to me. Now let me tell you all ^'Lincoln to Schurz, Nov. 24, 1862, copy in R. T. Lincoln Collection (19731). about it." Then he unfolded in his peculiar

145 WISCONSIN MAGAZINE OF HISTORY WINTER, 1952-53

way his view of the then existing state of wished that I should write to him. "Why, affairs, his hopes and his apprehensions, his certainly," he answered; "write me when­ troubles and embarrassments, making many ever the spirit moves you." We parted as quaint remarks about men and things. I better friends than ever.^^ regret that I cannot remember all. Then They did, indeed, remain friends. Schurz he described how the criticisms coming down upon him from all sides chafed him, was later made a major general and was re­ and how my letter, although containing leased from service to campaign for Lincoln's some points that were well founded and re-election in 1864. He lived to be United useful, had touched him as a terse sum­ States Senator from Missouri, Secretary of ming up of all the principal criticisms the Interior under President Hayes, and a and offered him a good chance at me for a distinguished publicist on the platform and reply. Then, slapping my knee again, he in the editorial sanctum. Throughout his long broke out in a loud laugh and exclaimed: "Didn't I give it to you hard in my letter? career, perhaps the leading foreign-born citi­ Didn't I? But it didn't hurt, did it? I zen of the United States, he believed that did not mean to, and therefore I wanted Lincoln "had been taken off at the moment you to come so quickly." He laughed again when he had risen highest in the esteem, the and seemed to enjoy the matter heartily. affection, and the confidence of his country- "Well," he added, "I guess we understand END one another now, and it's all right." When men. after a conversation of more than an ^^Reminiscence 2:393-96. hour I left him, I asked whether he still ''Ibid., 3:138.

WISCONSIN AND MEDAL OF HONOR nation. Meanwhile, four enemy soldiers had {Continued from page 112) returned to the bunker through concealed go eight grueling operations to repair the connecting trenches, and the lieutenant found damage caused to his face in the gallant it necessary to repeat his performance. Ac­ charge.^^ companied by an automatic rifleman, Sudut The most recent winner of the Medal of charged the position. When his comrade was Honor, Jerome A. Sudut, was born in the wounded, he seized his weapon and man­ town of Texas, Marathon County, August 20, aged to down three of the bunker's occupants. 1929. He enlisted in the Army in March, His ammunition exhausted, and though mor­ 1946, and served in the Asiatic area from tally wounded, he threw himself into the em­ November, 1946, until January, 1949. In placement and killed the remaining soldier August, 1950, he returned to Korea and a with his trench knife.^^ year later won a battlefield commission. Near Wisconsin's fifty Medals of Honor bear Kumhwa, Korea, on September 12, 1951, testimony to the part the State has played in Lieutenant Sudut's platoon had been halted many a war, expedition, and skirmish over by a heavy fire from a large enemy bunker. a period of ninety years. The medal brings Lieutenant Sudut charged the emplacement to its owner enormous prestige, but has little alone, armed with submachine gun, pistol, additional value. The decoration itself costs and grenades. He managed to kill three of about $3.00. It entitles its recipient to $2.00 the occupants and dispersed the rest. Al­ extra pay per month while he remains in though seriously wounded, he refused evac- service and guarantees a pension of $10 per month when he reaches age sixty-five. Its win­ ^'Department of Defense, Office of Public Informa­ ners can, under certain conditions, obtain free tion, Press Release No. 885-51, July 2, 1951: Karl Detzer, "Einar Wins His Medal," Reader's Digest, military plane transportation. Although the 59:1-4 (Dec, 1951); Time, 58:14 (July 16, 1951), 58:17 (Dec. 24, 1951); Two Rivers Reporter, July ^^Department of Defense, Office of Public Informa­ 3, 1951; Milwaukee Journal, July 9, 1951: Wiscon­ tion, Press Release No. 196-52, Feb. 23, 1952: Wau­ sin State Journal, May 4, 1952; letter, April 9, 1952, sau Daily Record-Herald, Feb. 23, 27, 1952: Wis­ Mrs. Einar T. Ingman (mother). Tomahawk, Wis., consin State Journal, Feb. 26, 1952; Capital Times, to writer. March 12, 1952.

146 KENT : MEDAL OF HONOR

rewards are not great, it remains one of the 19, 1865. Born Sept. 4, 1847, at Darlington. Died most dearly won decorations in the world.-^ at Stone Lake, Iowa, July 26, 1907. Wisconsin can be proud of these men whose 2. Coates, Jefferson. Sergeant, Company H, Sev­ enth Wisconsin Infantry. Place and date: at Gettys­ deeds of valor are a part of its military burg, Pennsylvania, July 1, 1863. Born in Grant history. County, Aug. 24, 1843. Died in Saline County, Ne­ APPENDIX^^ braska, Jan. 27, 1880. 3. Cosgriff, Richard H. Private, Company L, In addition to the men whose deeds of valor are Fourth Iowa Cavalry. Place and date: at Columbus, narrated above, records reveal that Wisconsin men Georgia, Aprfl 16, 1865. Born Dec. 15, 1844, at listed below also won the Medal of Honor. Dunkirk, New York. From 1851 until the time of Note: When a location is in Wisconsin, the state his enlistment in 1862, Cosgriff resided at Hudson. is not given in the Appendix. After the war he lived at Chippewa Falls, where he died Nov. 2, 1910. CIVIL WAR'^ 4. Croft, James E. Private, Twelfth Battery, Wis­ 1. Anderson, Peter. Private, Company B, Thirty- consin Light Artillery. Place and date: at Alla- First Wisconsin Infantry. Place and date of medal toona, Georgia, Oct. 5, 1864. Born Nov. 13, 1833, in incident: at Bentonville, North Carolina, March Yorkshire, England. Died at Janesville, May 26,1914. 5. Durham, John S. Sergeant, Conipany F, First ''Army Medal, 3; Life, 30:67-68 (Jan. 29, 1951). Wisconsin Infantry. Place and date: at Perryville. See also James M. Hooper, Medals of Honor (New Kentucky, Oct. 8, 1862. Durham was born June York, 1929); U.S. War Department Circular, "Med­ als of Honor Issued by the War Department up to 8, 1843, in Portlandsville, New York. At the out­ and including September 1, 1904" (Washington, break of the Civil War he was a resident of St. 1904). Croix Falls. He died Jan. 12, 1918, at the Na­ ^"Additional information about the winners listed tional Home for Disabled Volunteer Soldiers at in the Appendix may be found in the files of the Leavenworth, Kansas. State Historical Society. The sources consulted in­ clude the Pension Records of veterans in the Na­ 6. Ellis, Horace. Private, Company A, Seventh tional Archives, Washington, D.C, Correspondence Wisconsin Infantry. Place and date: at Weldon of Wisconsin Volunteers, 1861-1865 (10 vols., Wis­ Railroad, Virginia, Aug. 21, 1864. Born May 23, consin State Historical Library clipping books) ; 1843, in Mercer County, Pennsylvania, Ellis enlisted Roster of Wisconsin Volunteers, War of the Rebel­ at Chippewa Falls. He died there June 27, 1867. lion 1851-1865 (2 vols., Madison, 1886) ; Walter F. Beyer and 0. F. Key del, Deeds of Valour (2 vols., 7. Ellis, William. First Sergeant, Company K, Detroit, 1903), regimental and company histories, Third Wisconsin Cavalry. Place and date: at Dar­ biographical and county histories. In many cases danelles, Arkansas, Jan. 14,1865. Ellis, born Dec. 23, birth and death records of the winners were ob­ 1845, in Crosby, Lincolnshire, England, resided at tained. Letters were received from some of the Watertown at the time of his enlistment. He lived winners themselves; relatives supplied others. in the State for a time after the war, but died ^^In addition to those listed in the Appendix four May 6, 1935, at Elgin, Illinois. other Civil War veterans deserve mention. Wesley James Powers, a native of Canada, joined the 8. Hayes, John. Coxswain, United States Navy. Thirteenth Wisconsin Cavalry at Janesville in July, Place and date: aboard the U.S.S. "Kearsarge," 1863, and was discharged six months later for dis­ June 18, 1864. Born July 20, 1832, in Newfound­ ability. He then enlisted in Company G, One Hun­ land, Hayes spent the years 1869-1907 in the Mus- dred Forty-First Illinois Infantry. He won the medal coda area. He died at Blairstown, Iowa, Jan. 28, while serving with this unit. Leverett M. Kelley of Illinois was a student at Beloit College when 1911. he won the medal at Missionary Ridge, Tennessee, 9. Hilliker, Benjamin F. Musician, Eighth Wis­ in November, 1863. Orson W. Bennett, a Dubuque, consin Infantry. Place and date: at Mechanicsburg, Iowa, lad served in Company G, Twelfth Wiscon­ Mississippi, June 4, 1863. Born May 23, 1843, at sin Infantry, but was an officer in Company A, Michigan Colored Infantry, when he won the medal. Golden, Erie County, New York, Hilliker was a Moses Harris, a lieutenant in the First United Waupaca resident at the time of his enlistment. States Cavalry, won the medal at Smithfield, Vir­ He died at Los Angeles, California, Oct. 18, 1916. ginia, in 1864. Born at Andover, New Hampshire, 10. Johnson, John. Private, Company D, Sec­ Harris lived in Milwaukee for a period in the 1890's before moving to Washington. These are examples ond Wisconsin Infantry. Place and date: at Fred­ of recipients of the Medal of Honor who had some ericksburg, Virginia. Born in Norway, March 25, connection with the State, but not enough to 1842, Johnson was working on a farm near Janes­ warrant their being claimed as Wisconsin winners. ville at the time of his enlistment. He died on Wisconsin's greatest Civil War naval hero, W. B. April 3, 1907, at Washington, D.C. Cushing, would surely have achieved the medal for his part in the destruction of the Confederate ram 11. MacArthur, Arthur, Jr., First lieutenant and "Albemarle" had not legislation barred officers as re­ adjutant, Twenty-Fourth Wisconsin Infantry. Place cipients. Naval officers were not allowed to receive and date: at Missionary Ridge, Tennessee, Nov. the medal until 1915. 25, 1863. MacArthur, born at Springfield, Massa-

147 WISCONSIN MAGAZINE OF HISTORY WINTER, 1952-53 chusetts, June 2, 1845. spent his boyhood and 20. Truell, Edwin M. Private, Company E, youth in Milwaukee. He died in that city Sept. Twelfth Wisconsin Infantry. Place and date: near 5, 1912. (Only instance in Wisconsin annals where Atlanta, Georgia, July 21, 1864. Truell was born a father and son won the medal.) at Lowell, Massachusetts, Aug. 19, 1841. He grew 12. Moore, Daniel B. Corporal, Company E, up in Lyndon, Juneau County. After the Civil War Eleventh Wisconsin Infantry. Place and date: at he was register of deeds of that county and in 1869 Fort Blakely, Alabama, April 9, 1865. Moore was was clerk of the state senate. He died at Washing­ born at Mifflin, June 12, 1838. He spent his last ton, D.C, Oct. 12, 1907. years at Chicago, Illinois, where he died July 2, 21. Waller, Francis A. Corporal, Company I, 1914. Moore is buried at Mineral Point. Sixth Wisconsin Infantry. Place and date: at Gettys­ 13. Murphy, Denis J. F. Sergeant, Company F, burg, Pennsylvania, July 1, 1863. A native of Gur- Fourteenth Wisconsin Infantry. Place and date: at ney, Ohio (born Aug. 15, 1840), Waller enlisted Corinth, Mississippi, Oct. 3, 1862. Irish-born (County at De Soto. He lived at De Soto until 1883, at Cork, July 28, 1830), Denis Murphy enlisted at which time he moved to South Dakota. Waller died Green Bay. He died in that city on June 19, 1901. at Brentford, South Dakota, April 30, 1911.

14. O'Connor, Albert. Sergeant, Company A, INDIAN CAMPAIGNS Seventh Wisconsin Infantry. Place and date: at Gravelly Run, Virginia, March 31 and April 1, 1. Albee, George E. First lieutenant, Forty-First 1865. Born July 15, 1843, in Canaan, Vermont, United States Infantry. Place and date: at Brazos O'Connor was a West Point resident at the time River, Texas, Oct. 28, 1869. Born Jan. 27, 1845, of his enlistment. From 1865 until 1901 he lived at Lisbon, New Hampshire. He grew up in the at Madison. He died at Orting, Washington, April 3, Badger state, served as an officer in the Thirty- 1928. Sixth Wisconsin Infantry. After the Civil War he joined the regular Army. Baraboo was his residence 15. Patterson, John T. Principal ]\Iusician, One for a time, after which he spent many years in New Hundred Twenty-Second Ohio Regiment. Place and Haven, Connecticut. Albee died March 24, 1918, date: at Winchester, Virginia, June 14, 1863. Born at Laurel, Maryland. in Morgan County, Ohio, Feb. 3, 1838, Patterson lived in the Mauston area for fifty-five years after 2. Goldin, Theodore. Private, Company G, Sev­ the Civil War, dying in that city on March 3, 1922. enth United States Cavalry. Place and date: at Little Big Horn, Montana, June 26, 1876. Born at 16. Pond, George F. Private, Company C, Third Avon, Rock County, July 25, 1857. Died at Wau­ Wisconsin Cavalry. Place and date: at Drywood, Kansas, May 15, 1864. Born in Lake County, Il­ paca Veterans' Home, Feb. 15, 1935. linois, Oct. 5, 1844, Pond was residing in Fond du 3. Hill, Frank E. Sergeant, Company E, Fifth Lac County when he joined the colors. He con­ United States Cavalry. Place and date: at Date tinued in service as an Indian fighter after the Civil Creek, Arizona, Sept. 8, 1872. Hill, a native of War and died at Fort Scott, Kansas, on June 21, Mayfield (born ca. 1850), died at Manhattan, Ne­ 1911. vada, March 29, 1906. 17. Pond, James B. (brother of above). First 4. Robbins, Marcus M. Private, Company H, lieutenant. Company C, Third Wisconsin Cavalry. Sixth Wisconsin Cavalry. Place and date: at Sappa Place and date: Baxter Springs, Kansas, Oct. 6, Creek, Kansas, April 23, 1875. Bom July 25, 1851, 1863. Born June 11, 1838, in Allegany County, New at Elba, Dodge County. Died, June 21, 1924, at York, Pond was running a newspaper at Markesan Pittsfield, Massachusetts. at the time of his enlistment. After the Civil War he became a famous lecture manager. He died at 5. Windus, Claron A. Bugler, Company L, Sixth Jersey City, New Jersey, June 22, 1903. United States Cavalry. Place and date: at Wichita River, Texas, July 12, 1870. Born Jan. 10, 1850, at 18. Sickles, William H. Sergeant, Company B, Janesville. Died Oct. 18, 1927, at Fort Sam Houston, Seventh Wisconsin Infantry. Place and date: at Texas. Gravelly Run, Virginia, March 31, 1865. A native of Danube, New York (born October 27, 1844), PHILIPPINE INSURRECTION^' Sickles' family had settled at Fall River, Columbia 1. McGrath, Hugh J. Captain, Fourth United County, when he was still a lad. He lived at La States Cavalry. Place and date: at Calamba, Luzon, Crosse after the Civil War. Sickles died at Puyal- lup, Washington, Sept. 26, 1938. ^'In the Spanish-American War (1898), Oscar 19. To obey, Thomas. Private, Company F, Brookin, born at Byron, Wisconsin, but a resident Twenty-Fourth Wisconsin Infantry. Place and date: of Green County, Ohio, at the time of his enlist­ Franklin, Tennessee, Nov. 30, 1864. Born in New ment, won the medal for gallantry in Cuba. Sim­ York City on Jan. 1, 1835, Toohey was living at ilarly, Edward E. Lyon (born Hixton, Wisconsin) and Marcus W. Robertson (born Flintville, Wiscon­ Milwaukee when the conflict broke. He returned sin) were members of Company B, Second Oregon to that city following the Civil War, later resided Infantry, when their gallant conduct was recorded at Ripon and spent his last years at Kansas City, in the Philippine Insurrection in 1899. John B. Missouri, where he died Nov. 19, 1918. Kinne, a native of Beloit, was serving with the First

148 KRUEGER : PIONEER BUTTLES

PhiHppine Islands, July 26, 1899. Born at Fond MEXICAN CAMPAIGN (VERA CRUZ) du Lac, April 8, 1856. Died of gunshot wounds re­ 1. Castle, Guy W. S. Lieutenant, United States ceived in the battle of Noveleta, Nov. 7, 1899. Navy. Place and date: at Vera Cruz, Mexico, April 21-22, 1914. Born at Portage, Feb. 8, 1880. Died BOXER REBELLION aboard the U.S.S. "Martha Washington" on Aug. 1. Young, Frank Albert. Private, United States 10, 1919, while in the harbor at Brest, France. Marine Corps. Place and date: Peking China, June 2. DeSomer, Abraham. Chief turret captain, 20 to July 16, 1900. Born June 22, 1876 at Mil­ United States Navy. Place and date: Vera Cruz, waukee. Died April 3, 1941, at Mare Island, Cali­ Mexico, Aprfl 22, 1914. Born Dec. 29, 1884, at Mil­ fornia. waukee. Now living at Tacoma, Washington. END

North Dakota Infantry at the time he was cited in student at the University of Wisconsin at the time the same campaign. Another recipient, Frank L. An­ the medal was presented in 1906. While at Ripon ders, who won the medal at San Miguel de Mayumo, he was county surveyor of Fond du Lac County Luzon, while serving with the First North Dakota In­ and city engineer at Ripon. In 1907 he became a fantry (1899), was a resident of the State for member of the staff of engineers charged with de­ many years. Anders entered Ripon College in 1902 termining the value of Milwaukee's public utilities. and graduated with the class of 1906. He was a Anders now lives at Fargo, North Dakota.

PIONEER BUTTLES tility was Cephas Buttles' great quality, and {Continued from page 102) it must have shone bright like a sabre. Read cash and helped pay the grocery bills. He was some of the random entries of his perform­ up before daylight sometimes, loaded the ances or when assisted by Anson: he shaved cordwood, and was on his wintry way to shingles all day; made a hotbed for cabbage Milwaukee, receiving $2.50 for a load. There and 24 beds for onions; laid up new fence were times when his patience was tried rails in the forenoon; made 200 neck yokes to the breaking point when engaged in this in the rough; did some harrowing; and at work, but he seldom gave up, for in him is seventy-two he followed the plow all day. reflected the tenacity of his father. The fron­ With Anson he raised the smokehouse and tiersman knew that clearing the land was a enlarged it; went to the woods and cut and necessity even as was the income from the hauled firewood; set out 809 cabbage plants; sale of the wood. and dug twenty-seven shade trees. With the And what of Father Buttles' tenacity? boys he "took out a great quantity of stumps Never for a moment did Anson forget the and set fire to them." This is a mere sampling energy which "Pop"—as he called him—ex­ of what Pop was capable of doing. For rec­ pended in making the farmlands produce. In reation he went to the Jacob Mullie place the early 1860's Anson's brother Fred and to play a game of euchre. This apparently his father were burning brush in the sugar was a favorite pastime in the town, with bush all day, and the diary entry discloses: games scheduled in the homes of the play­ "Pop's fingers are all worn through on the ers. Cephas' jury service in Milwaukee prob­ ends." Whether it was affection or sympathy ably was not considered work by him. for hard-working Pop, or an unusual physical While Cephas carried on much of the farm condition that needed to find expression, one activity, Anson was performing his many can only guess. But where in the annals official duties, from which he derived addi­ of the frontier can one find a statement which tional income to supplement the receipts from so accurately epitomized the relentless de­ selling farm produce. At times the young mands of the pioneer day? In that era, too, couple was fortunate to have this extra source a man in his seventies was a very old man of income. Here are a few items showing by current calculation. There were many in the amounts which Anson earned: when he the bleak hinterland bowed down before officiated at a double wedding he was paid they were seventy, because they were the $4.50; two sisters, married on the same day, counterparts of Cephas Buttles. enriched him by $10; as election clerk he But men like Cephas found farm building was paid $4.00; in the spring of 1856 he a challenge and far from burdensome. Versa­ surveyed thirty-seven acres of land and was

149 WISCONSIN MAGAZINE OF HISTORY WINTER, 1952-53 paid $3.00; a twenty-acre swamp surveying His notes indicate that it took about two fee brought $3.00; for a fufl day of surveying nights "to get in order" after one of his he received from $4.00 to $5.00. social whirls. One of the ofiEces that brought him a great Should he happen to dance on Saturday deal of pleasure was that of justice of the night, Sunday would be the ideal time to con­ peace. Not only did he perform the wedding quer his weariness, since it was not a day ceremony, but there was a dinner and often of work by choice. Sunday was the day set a dance. If there was a dance, he would par­ aside for reading. He was rather methodical ticipate and, more often than not, he would in keeping a record of the books and the return at daybreak. Frequently he attended total number of pages read each year. Some of public dances, but no mention is made of the books listed were Wau-Bun, Uncle Tom's the use of liquor. Dancing was his chief Cabin, Life of Empress Josephine, Life of recreation, and for pleasant pastime—con­ Franklin, India and Its Inhabitants, A Cape suming oysters.^ The holiday season brought Cod Fisherman s Life; Life of General Sam especially large crowds to the public dances, Houston, Don Quixote, and many others. He and then it was that occasionally Cornelia was able to borrow old issues of Harper's, was present. Here again it may have been Graham's and Peterson's magazines. His Sun­ her language difficulty that kept her from day entries contain such typical notes as: participating in some of the social affairs; "Commenced reading and read until noon, it may have been her devout attitude; and then took my dinner and went to sleep again. as a dutiful mother, there were infants at Slept two hours . . . read a little." Or: "Have home who required her presence. Whatever done nothing today but read and sleep—and the reason, Fred and Anson generally at­ sleep and read. . . ." Thus the weariness ac­ tended and "stuck to it until daylight." Their quired at the dance slowly disappeared; not sister Olive accompanied them, too, but in­ only that, his reading plans dovetailed satis­ frequently. factorily. The day following a dance meant a short And now from this fragment of history work day. For instance, mention is made you have learned a little about Anson Waters that he spent several hours in the rocking Buttles, of his farm and domestic operations, chair. Didn't the children interfere with his of his official and social life during the early sleep? No, he was hard of hearing and he years of Town Milwaukee. And how are you was not disturbed by the children's romping. going to designate him? As one of those "little men"? Perhaps that is beside the point. A ^During a discussion following an address by the worthy and vigorous leader in a pioneer com­ writer several years ago, great audience interest munity, Anson Waters Buttles—not one for was manifested in the subject of oysters. The recol­ lections of the older members of the group con­ fanfare—should be counted among those who tained some excellent historical facts on the subject. are known as "the salt of the earth." END

READERS' CHOICE historian. From these pieces he creates gr^ {Continued from page 139) murals of human experience—with the hope In reminding the reader of the place of that they will illuminate the way of human autobiography in our political history, the progress." author recalls that "Four of the thirty-two Surely not only professional historians, bu^ Presidents of the United States have ventured also all readers of history are deeply indebted into the field of autobiography," and then to this citizen of the world who by deeds presents his views of his own contribution: and now by recording his view of events "Every autobiography has a major justifica­ has added so much to an understanding of tion. It presents the participation of an in­ "America in the World." dividual among forces and events which, if EDGAR EUGENE ROBINSON recorded, contribute pieces of mosaic to the Stanford University

150 READERS CHOICE

Backwoods Utopias, the Sectarian and Owen- Shakers and Rappites, for example, and later ite Phases of Communitarian Socialism "economic" socialism. But more important in America: 1663-1829. By ARTHUR E. than the author's effort at creating a socialist BESTOR, JR. (University of Pennsylvania chain of being is his identification of com­ Press, Philadelphia, 1950. Appendixes, munitarianism with the new liberalism of the charts, bibliographical essay, and index. day. The contributions of certain Owenites to Pp. xii, 288. $3.75.) the New Education as carriers of Pestalozzian Social historians would be grateful to Ar­ ideas must be recognized. No less important thur Bestor if he had but supplied them with was the alliance of communitarianism with a faithful account of the circumstances sur­ social equalitarianism, feminism and with the rounding Robert Owen's ill-fated New Har­ rise of the labor movement in America. How­ mony, Indiana, experiment in community liv­ ever, little attention is devoted to the impact ing. But, Backwoods Utopias offers much of the rationalist freethinkers, a nurturing more, as the author has artfully combined a source of Owenite communitarianism, as the high standard of resourceful research with author considered religious sectarian commu­ lively historical narrative in relating the ac­ nities a more important source of inspiration. tivities of the New Harmonists with other If, in retrospect, Owen's scheme is thor­ developing reform movements in the inter­ oughly implausible, certainly his contempo­ esting eighteen twenties. In demonstrating raries did not think so. The reception accord­ Owenism's tangency to other social move­ ed him in the winter of 1824-25 was not so ments of the last century, Bestor has opened grand as the one rendered Lafayette (who, by new avenues of research of our democratic coincidence, enjoyed his tour about the same institutions. time) but was complete enough to give pause We are given a plausible evaluation of to those who cannot understand how Owen's Owen's shifting socio-economic position (or views were thought of seriously. Owen visited philosophy, if one prefers) which makes the with a score of the young republic's leading Scottish philanthropist's plans for a new mor­ personalities, addressed two joint sessions of al world understandable. Bestor is convinced Congress, and seldom missed an opportunity that the derivation, growth, cross-fertilization, to air his hopes before a select group. The and application of Owen's system can be best arrival of Owen was a major event, and his explained in noneconomic terms. Essentially community experiment, as well as his anti- Owen was concerned with ethical and educa­ religious pronouncements, were observed with tional questions, not with the economics of great interest throughout the nation. socialism, although his contribution to pre- Excellently indexed, and provided with an marxian socialist thought is not inconsiderable invaluable Checklist of Communitarian Ex­ by the admission of the master himself. Con­ periments in America before 1860, Backwoods sider, for instance, Owen's influence on Wil­ Utopias has also a model critical bibliograph­ liam Thompson, cooperator and leading the­ ical essay which is good reading itself. Well oretician of the English Ricardian socialists. conceived as a whole, each of the book's eight While analyzing the programs of those so­ chapters is a comprehensive study; especially cial architects, who, like Owen, projected interesting were those on "Robert Owen's planned communities, Bestor has revived a New View of Society" and "The Reception of precision term: Communitarianism, a seman­ Owenism in America." In the latter, as well tic choice arrived at after careful examina­ as the discussion on the debacle at New Har­ tion of the premarxian vocabulary. Com­ mony itself, there is a model of historical munitarianism distinguishes between "revolu­ reconstruction, carefully reassembling events tion" and "gradualism," as well as its an­ only vaguely understood by previous scholars. tonym, "individualism." This term permits University of Illinois Louis H. ARKY a clean definition of the philosophy and is a starting point for probing early socialist The Firestone Story: a History of the Fire­ and liberal movements in the administration stone Tire & Rubber Company. By AL­ of John Quincy Adams, the period before the FRED LIEF. (Whittlesey House, New "sudden" appearance of Jacksonian democ­ York, 1951. Pp. 437. $4.50.) racy. To celebrate its fiftieth anniversary the One may question Bestor's contention that Firestone Tire & Rubber Company and Alfred Owenite communitarianism was a way station Lief have issued two volumes, of which the between earlier sectarian experiments, the one here under review is more business than

151 WISCONSIN MAGAZINE OF HISTORY WINTER, 1952-53 personal history. On the relationship between is supposed to resist the blandishments of author and corporation only the dust cover corporation executives or at least sublimate confides a meager hint—and that a prettified their instincts to a higher plane. Such mono­ one; on other evidence, however, including lithic censure is undeserved. Certainly publish­ a colored portrait of the founder, we can be ing houses have an important responsibility sure that this is an authorized company his­ in these matters; even the sponsoring cor­ tory. Its theme is certainly an important one. poration has some. The success of the Fire­ An exceptional business leader starts an en­ stone Tire & Rubber Company has been terprise to sell solid rubber tires for horse- built upon originality as well as mass pro­ drawn vehicles; the arrival of the automobile duction. It is a pity that a volume chronicling age, along with the competitive genius of its triumphs has failed, for reasons not wholly Harvey Firestone, lifts the concern to the made clear to us, to follow the former tra­ heights of business power and glory; in the dition. end Firestone is growing rubber in Liberia, EDWARD C. KIRKLAND manufacturing a synthetic substitute as well Bowdoin College as rayon, managing a network of retail out­ lets, and perfecting and producing a variety N or we gian-American Studies and Records, of weapons and military gadgets during World Vol. 17. Edited by THEODORE C. BLEGEN. War II. Five sons make this imperial firm (Norwegian-American Historical Associ­ still a family affair. ation, Northfield, Minnesota, 1952. Pp. To this familiar story Mr. Lief has con­ 185. $2.50.) tributed little that is new. So far as footnote This volume, like its sixteen predecessors, references reveal "the archives" of the com­ is filled with a high grade of historical ma­ pany "put at Mr. Lief's disposal" yield a terial of the West. The first article is by few letters to Edison, Ford, the Firestone Professor Einar Haugen and deals with The sons, and others; a reference or two to a Struggle over Norwegian. While the title is "diary"; and considerable quotations from not enticing, the article is an exceflent and form letters to agencies and speeches to the even dramatic presentation of a theme often expected gatherings of salesmen, employees, overlooked by historians, namely the difficulty and other rubber manufacturers. The "au­ encountered by immigrants who move into thentic" and "objective" character of the nar­ a country where a different language is rative, guaranteed by the dust cover, consists spoken. This difficulty was not serious where of freedom from willful distortion. A history the immigrant settled in a com.munity largely which by its silence or verbal deftness leaves of American origin because he would quickly the impression that one corporation made adapt himself to his surroundings. But most all the innovations, or at least all the good of the Scandinavian immigrants came to ones, in an important industry, that the labor America to become farmers and settled in poHcy of Firestone in the second decade of large compact groups on the frontier where this century was unrelated to shortages of land was cheap. In such large settlements workers during World War L and that the there was little opportunity and no necessity Employees' Conference Plan of 1933 was not to learn English in the first generation. a company union is more noncommittal than Churches were organized with a Norwegian it is informative. liturgy, and newspapers were printed in The conventionality of treatment is ap­ Norwegian. These circumstances tended propriately accompanied by stylistic cliches: greatly to assuage the bitter homesickness "firm purpose," "clear vision," "miracle of which most em-igrants were afflicted with dur­ America," "for a new and better world," to ing their first years in a new country. But cite no others. There are the expected sen­ in the second and third generation the lan­ tences without verbs and others with exclama­ guage question became a most disturbing tion marks. Are such hallmarks derived from problem which is vividly set forth by Haugen. some manual on how to write business his­ Professor Kenneth Bjork who is the leading tory or from some common source available authority on Norwegians in the Western to its authors? An experienced writer can states has a well written article on Norwegian hardly rehearse such commonplace routine Gold Seekers in the Rockies. It is a story of without his tongue in his cheek. It is the toil, frustration, and vain hopes. But out of fashion among scholars to blame the author that medley of privation and futile endeavor for an outcome as disappointing as this. He he sketches the emer2:ence of a man of heroic

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Stature—Anton M. Holter, who became one Miss Carson has taken this subject, "so of the biggest businessmen of Montana. vast, so complex, and so infinitely mysteri­ Professor Franklin D. Scott has an article ous," and has attempted to present a kind of on Soren Jaabek, Americanizer in Norway— review of its complexity and its mystery. She A Study in Cultural Exchange. This man has succeeded in producing a remarkably Jaabek was one of the minor prophets of readable little book, the artistic merit of which Norway about a century ago, a member of the far outweighs its scientific quality. The pro­ parliament for forty-six years, and editor of fessional reader will enjoy reading it, if for a small newspaper. In Norway he is remem­ no other reason than to savour the literary bered for his persistent opposition to public quality in places, but he is likely to be upset spending and his contempt for "upper class" by the rather numerous unqualified inferences snobbishness; but Professor Scott has shown and even some misconceptions. For example, that Jaabek was one of the extremely few some of the climatic inferences (p. 173 ff.) public men who admired American ideals and mix cause and effect, while even literary style opportunities. He presents abundant evidence is hardly an excuse for "waters . . . absorbing of Jaabek's encouragement of emigration to the cold" (p. 29). Other misconceptions America which he praised as a haven of could be listed, but this reviewer is inclined refuge for his under-privileged countrymen. to think that the excellence of its style out­ The many favorable articles about America weighs its scientific shortcomings. that Jaabek wrote indicate that he was an The complexities of any large subject are important factor in promoting the heavy emi­ such that it is doubtful if, with our present gration from his part of Norway. It is re­ state of knowledge meager as it may be, a freshing to see how aptly Professor Scott uses single small book can entirely please the obscure Norse source material. non-professional and professional reader There are a few other contributions in this alike. The Sea Around Us is for the non­ publication which I have not read. But men­ professional, who will find it an exhilarating tion must be made of Jacob Hodnefield's valu­ experience. He will be led from the postulated able bibliographical summary which is a part beginning of the sea, through its changes and of each number of A'^. ^4. Studies and Records its amazing population, to a summary of the and brings the reader up to date on signifi­ relation of man to the sea. Miss Carson has cant Norwegian-American publications. made it a delightful journey. Ephraim HJALMAR R. HOLAND ARTHUR H. ROBINSON University of Wisconsin

The Sea Around Us. By RACHEL L. CARSON (Oxford University Press, New York, The Treasury of Western Folklore. Edited by 1951. Bibliographies, index, maps, dia­ B. A. BoTKiN. (Crown Publishers, New grams. Pp. vii, 230. $3.50.) York [1951]. Pp. 806. $4.00.) Throughout recorded history man has been Were I not fearful of being accused of un­ fascinated, afraid of, and nurtured by the sea. critical enthusiasm, I would say that here is Its never-ending motion and changing colors a book which ought to be in every home along have awed him; its fury and destructive pow­ with the Bible and a good dictionary. How­ ers when aroused have filled him with fear; ever, in the interest of academic objectivity, while the relative ease of movement on its I shall only say that here is a book which surface and its products ranging from ought to be on the shelves of everyone in­ foods to dyes to metals have made it one terested in the past, the present, and the future of this nation. It is a book which has lit­ of man's great and useful resources. Not­ erally been written or, more precisely, has withstanding its immense significance in derived from the people and the places of his tenancy of the earth, man has been these United States. (and still is) remarkably ignorant of its From Aberdeen to Zuni, from Andy Adams nature, and even of its extent. Only in to Father Zalvideo, and from Wild Bill Hickok the past century or so has it begun to re­ to the Lone Ranger, this is the West in yarn veal more than its merely superficial secrets. and song; these are Westerners, the yarn Some idea of the magnitude of its explora­ spinners and singers of song. It is both tion may be gained from the fact that even a history of the building of the West, with a single depth for each square mile would life stories of Westerners as told by them require more than 141,000,000 soundings! and as written by the radio script writers of

153 WISCONSIN MAGAZINE OF HISTORY WINTER, 1952-53 today, and at the same time is a priceless informant, an aged member of the Oglala collection of the wit of the West. band. It is stated on the dustjacket that The Foreword by Bernard DeVoto is, in the book is "a valuable record of Sioux cul­ itself, a most significant contribution to ture and history by a man who has lived American folklore and history. Indeed, as with the Indians and known them intimately." one reads the selections which the editor has This may well be the case since an excellent collected as ''folklore," one cannot but be grasp of Dakota culture is indicated, but a impressed by the extremely fine line separat­ novel is no substitute for either an ethno­ ing the two. For example, in one tale of graphic or historical study. Oklahoma winter "some wise guy said that DAVID A. BAERREIS frogs froze up with their heads sticking out of the ice, not having time to draw them University of Wisconsin in" (p. 89). It has been only two winters ago that this reviewer saw blackbirds on a George Washington and American Independ­ lake near Oklahoma City frozen immobile be­ ence. By CURTIS P. NETTELS. (Little, cause they had been unable to get out of the Brown, and Company, Boston, 1951. Pp. spray before being encased in a solid sheet 298. $5.00.) of ice by the rapidly dropping temperature. There is an indefinable realm that merges This is more than a book for a single read­ on one side into civil politics and on the ing; it is also a book for reference. Yet it other side into military operations. George is no mere compilation of either fact or fancy. Washington as "General and Commander in It is the life story of the people, and it is Chief, of the army of the United Colonies' almost certain to leave one with the feeling moved and acted in that sphere. Professor that we have lost something from life today. Nettels, using political activities as one strand Perhaps it is the vigor, perhaps it is several and military maneuvers as another, has things, but certainly it is the self-reliance and woven an exciting narrative of Washington the ability to arise from adversity with a in the year preceding the signing of the laugh and an enthusiastic willingness to meet Declaration of Independence. the situation all over again with the expecta­ The two opening chapters of the book de­ tion that next time we'll do an even better scribe England on the eve of the American job. Like one of those hardy ones who Revolution and seem strangely misplaced. founded Oklahoma City (p. 18) and who They afford the author an opportunity to ad­ fifty years after, "frail and ailing," for per­ vance the thesis that, in effect, the decision haps the last time was being shown the city for war was made in England rather than he had helped to build. His guide turned and the colonies. However, no attempt is made said, "She sure is big and pretty, isn't she?" to connect this descriptive scene with the "Yep," the old man replied, "big and pretty, story of Washington as a Revolutionary but hot damn, wouldn't it be fun to tear it leader. down and start all over again?" The Washington that emerges from the CLARENCE S. PAINE skillful narration is at times a most familiar Oklahoma City Libraries person. The fact that the "Father of Our Country" happened to be an aggressive spec­ When the Tree Flowered: An Authentic Tale ulator in Western lands has long been public of the Old Sioux World. By JOHN G. property, and the suggestion that British NEIHARDT. (The Macmillan Company, restrictions on real estate transactions caused New York, 1951. Pp. 248. $3.50.) the future general to seek the patriot's side The story of the tribal disintegration of the has been asserted before. Dakota Indians in the latter part of the nine­ Much less familiar is the statement blazoned teenth century is sympathetically and beauti­ on the dustjacket announcing that the author fully told in this novel by an author who ". . . has marshaled the facts that prove is better known for his writings in verse. George Washington was just as much an all- The book does provide a readable account out supporter of the rebellion against the of the mode of life of the group in which many king as Sam Adams of Boston." The question details of their customs, beliefs, folklore, and is one of time. To those who see the Ameri­ fragments of their history can be found. The can Revolution as the climax of a decade narrative is presented in the first person as a of militant activity against repressive British series of tales that sketch in the life of the legislation (including such outbursts as the

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Stamp Act controversies and the Associations of volumes classifying Roosevelt's diplomacy formed in opposition to the Townshend Acts) as wholly bad. Other books rate F.D.R. Washington must still appear as somethin- wholly right. Both sides feel strongly, and of a "Johnny come lately." their emotions make their interpretations one­ Few, however, will argue with the presenta­ sided. Morley cafls Beard's American Foreign tion of General Washington as a steadfast ad­ Policy in the Making objective (important it herent to the doctrine of separation once he surely is, but hardly objective). Morley is had wrestled the problems of the time and properly critical of White House and State decided that perhaps even arms were nec­ Departm.ent errors, but praises often-mistaken essary to gain the objective. A notable con­ Congressional opposition to executive polic. tribution is the analysis of the importance of quite uncritically. Morley's historical sections the part played by both Washington and his leave much to be desired, and, concentrating second-in-command. General Charles Lee, in on personal factors, he often neglects eco­ the delicate maneuverings within individual nomic and other influences on policy-making. colonies on the question of a complete break Morley is, however, convincing on some with the Homeland. points. He is right in saying that criticism of The notes of citation are presented in the the incumbents is necessary in a democracy: fashionable, but irritating, manner in the back that citizens should be informed and should of the book and are followed by a selected share in decision-making on foreign as well bibliography. The volume is indexed. as domestic policy. These are basic points, and give this little book its value. Madison CARL W. UBBELOHDE FRED H. HARRINGTON The Foreign Policy of the United States. By University of Wisconsin FELIX MORLEY. (Alfred A. Knopf, New York, 1951. Pp. ix, 175. $2.50.) Undismayed: The Story of a Yankee Chap­ Mr. Morley feels that there is "fundament­ lain's Family in the Civil War. By ally no more mystery in the theory of foreign ELIZABETH EATON HINCKS. (Privately policy than there is in that of the multiplica­ printed by the Lakeside Press, Chicago, tion table." The basic aim of diplomacy is 1952.) security; the methods used generally involve On the basis of the correspondence between aggrandizement or alliances. Moral judg­ the Rev. Samuel W. Eaton of Lancaster, and ments are to be avoided. One should not ask his wife and sons, his daughter has spun an whether policies are good or evil, but whether intimate story of family life in Wisconsin they are legal, efficient, economical, popular. during the Civil War. The Rev. Mr. Eaton was Turning to the American record, Morley the articulate chaplain of the Seventh Wiscon­ notes with approval the isolationist views of sin Volunteers, and his comments on condi­ the Founding Fathers, and their insistence tions in the final campaigns in Virginia will that Congress have a voice in foreign policv be of interest to the Civil War historian. decisions. He also views with favor such The greatest value of this book, however, lies nineteenth century policies as the Monroe in the insight these letters give into the hard­ Doctrine and the Open Door. Although he ships of the family left behind, into the way has his doubts about Wilson, he appears they carried on with the older sons assuming feel that everything went fairly wefl until a greater share of the farm responsibilities 1933. with the help of neighbors and friends, and Then came Roosevelt—and disaster. Mor­ the indomitable mother functioning as head ley feels that F.D.R. established a personal of the family. The urge of these same older diplomacy opposed to American democratic boys to see service before the war was over traditions; wrecked the State Department; is undoubtedly typical, as is the courage and launched spending policies that have imper­ ingenuity of the mother, the helpfulness of iled the Republic; erred by supporting the the neighbors and members of the parish. Russians against Hitler; sold out China in The author has added imaginary but credible a "treacherous deal" at Yalta; and fathered dialogs and well-founded bits of contemporary a bipartisan policy "contrary to every basic community life which add to the book's read­ principle of the American form of govern­ ability. Samuel Eaton is remembered not ment, and directly responsible for all of our only as the faithful pastor of Lancaster, but major blunders in the foreign policy field." as the father of the long-time president of This book thus belongs to the growing list Beloit Coflege. C. L. L.

155 WISCONSIN MAGAZINE OF HISTORY WINTER, 1952-53

All publications noted hereafter may be cation in the series by William Kirsch of the used at the Society's Library: State Department of Agriculture. A Guide to Sheboygan County and the Fair, Buffalo County Agriculture (66 pp.) and Past and Present (22 pp.) is a volume that Sheboygan County Agriculture (62 pp.)? commemorates "100 years of county fairs." those presently published, contain the follow­ Governor Walter J. Kohler, Jr., has contrib­ ing contents: I. history and general descrip­ uted "Centennial Greetings" to the volume; a tion; II. the pattern of agriculture; III. useful folding map of the county has been crops; IV. livestock and dairying; and V. included with the end pages. Philip Sellinger, farm income and marketing. the editor, in writing of the achievement These bulletins are distributed locally evinced by the fair, says: "The spirit of through the agricultural committees and the friendly competition among free men and county agents to the leaders who especially women has ever fostered the development of need them, to school and other libraries. In­ better products through improved methods formation is supplied through these bulletins and processes." New ways for doing things in to prospective farmers or others who may the free interchange of ideas show the ed­ wish to settle in the State. These publications ucational aspect of the fair. Various contrib­ are issued in Wisconsin by the Cooperative utors compiled brief histories of the several Federal-State Crop Reporting Office of the townships, villages, and cities, in addition to State Department of Agriculture. miscellaneous accounts. Especially welcome is the section "County Baedeker," outlining Wisconsin Cattle Production and Marketing twelve separate trips to scenic and historic (48 pp.) is a bi-monthly bulletin issued by points in the county which provide relaxa­ the State Department of Agriculture. This, tion during an afternoon or over a weekend. the fourth in a series, was issued to supply Congratulations on the production of an ex­ needed information on Wisconsin's livestock cellent local history volume. industry in order to develop more efficiency in the markets; others are expected to fol­ The Town Board of the Town of Randolph, low. Various persons have cooperated in Columbia County, in 1947 selected Paul J. compiling the information; the Wisconsin Schreiber to write the Centennial History of Crop and Livestock Reporting Office, of which the Town of Randolph, 1849-1950. The au­ Walter H. Ebling is agricultural statistician, thor's 136-page volume is divided into three has contributed extensively to the series. sections: descriptive, political, and statistical. The first section which contains letters and The following church publications, marking reminiscences of the early settlers is partic­ the anniversary dates of the founding of the ularly entertaining. Printed in small type, a churches, have come to the attention of the wealth of material is packed in its pages. Society: If pictures had been included, the appearance of the contents would have been improved. Buffalo County (Lincoln Township), Seventy- Donated to the Society by the Town Board, fifth Anniversary, Zion Lutheran Church, it is a welcome addition to the local history 1877-1952 (8 pp.). section. Cochrane, Fiftieth Anniversary, Christ Luth­ eran Church, 1902-1952 (8 pp.). After the 1950 Census had been taken, the Green County (near Monticello), Seventy-fifth third set of the County Agricultural Statistics Anniversary, Church of the Reformation, Series of Wisconsin, which supplies up-to-date 1876-1951 (19 pp.). agricultural information by counties and Hancock, The Hancock Community Church, towns, began to appear. The present series [History] (52 pp.). has added a new feature, the history of agri­ culture in each Wisconsin county with the Madison, Meeting House of the First Unitar­ cooperation of the State Historical Society of ian Society. [History] (12 pp.). Wisconsin and the assistance of members of Niagara, Fifty Years of Grace, Church of local historical societies. The material which Saint Anthony [Catholic], 1902-1952 (40 was gathered by them was prepared for publi­ pp.).

156 ACCESSIONS

Museum had to be destroyed for construction pur­ poses at the Mendota State Hospital grounds. Accessions during the past quarter vary The mound had previously been partially de­ considerably and include a number of inter­ stroyed, but no records could be found of an esting specimens. Among them were various earlier excavation. Warren Wittry, staff ar- tools, implements, and equipment for the cheologist, assembled a small crew of graduate industrial and agricultural collections. Paul students and conducted the excavations. Only C. Stahnke of Milwaukee gave a tack ham­ a few specimens were found in the mound mer of the type used in leather tanneries. which showed marked evidences of pre­ R. G. Lindsay of Milwaukee donated a hand corn planter of about 1880, a type sold and vious excavations. A potsherd, two projectile distributed by the Lindsay Brothers, imple­ points, a bead, chert chips and projectile ment dealers in Milwaukee since 1868. A points, animal bones and the head of a femur wooden hand hayrake, made about 1890, was were all that remained in the mound. Al­ donated by Mrs. William D. Murphy, also though not a productive excavation, the rel­ of Milwaukee. Forrest Middleton of Madison atively negative report can now be filed. gave a wooden washing machine wringer and A number of household and costume items a rope twisting machine. Scissors and a tack were received from the estate of Minnie L. hammer were donated by Edith Bartlett of Johnson, West Salem, a neighbor of Hamlin Galesville and a carpenter's square, dating Garland, through her nephew, Paul Ekern of from 1798, and a horse-shoer's hammer were donated by the Fort Perrot D.A.R. chapter Madison. These included several wooden through Miss Bartlett. A "needle" and scrap­ utensils: three sticks and a rolling pin for er used in lead mining were obtained from making lefse, two spoons, two potato mash­ Charles Rodgers of Rewey. ers, a paddle, and a turu. Other items were a wicker basket, fifty-six cut nails, a crocheted Florence Dodd of Ashland and other mem­ white wool cap, a two-piece cotton dress of bers of the Dodd family donated a centrifuge the 1890's, two black shoulder capes, a knit of 1895 and a bandage roller which had been petticoat, and a Norwegian shawl from about used by Dr. John Dodd of Ashland. Mrs. 1800. May Church John of Neenah gave a Menom­ inee basket, a string of wampum beads, and A black capelet, two handmade aprons and a string of hand-cut garnets and trade beads, a thirty-six star flag were received from Mrs. all dating from before 1850. F. A. Dieruf of Madison. Mrs. Arthur Ben- ner, also of Madison, gave a black dress and Archeological specimens include a plaster two white dresses from 1902 as well as a replica of a bone whistle made from a deer man's fur-lined, black wool broadcloth over­ tibia. The original bone whistle was found coat, tailored in Denmark, from the same in the Oconto excavations this past summer period. A man's flowered velvet vest, ca. which were conducted by the Milwaukee Pub­ 1860, which belonged to Henry Clay Taylor, lic Museum and this Society for the Wiscon­ was donated by Robert Hall. Stella Kayser sin Archaeological Survey at the request of of Madison gave a pair of high, white kid, the Oconto County Historical Society. Rep­ button shoes, dating from 1881. licas of the whistle were made by the Mil­ waukee Public Museum because the original is Other items received were an electric toast­ in the Oconto Society's museum. This is a rare er, ca. 1920, a framed mirror and two flannel specimen because it is the first prehistoric baby petticoats, ca. 1890, from Mrs. C. F. bone whistle which has been reported as being Jaeger of Marinette. A wooden "peace pipe," found by archeologists in Wisconsin. used in University commencement ceremonials from the 1890's through the 1930's, was re­ The Society's Museum staff was also re­ turned to the Museum's custody by Porter quested to investigate part of a mound which Butts. Charles E. Brown had been responsible

157 WISCONSIN MAGAZINE OF HISTORY WINTER, 1952-53

for the preservation of this "tradition" in his given to the Society by an anonymous donor day, and had helped stage a costumed "In­ by George Banta, Jr., of Menasha, past presi­ dian" ceremonial during each commencement dent of the Society. The first printing office period for a number of years. Mrs. Wilfred in Platteville is depicted in a cut given by Harris of Madison donated a child's feeding M. K. Hobbs, a resident of that southwestern dish. The United States Military Academy Wisconsin community. donated a West Point sesquicentennial medal­ lion, and Emeritus Professor Otto L. Kowalke The Society's collection of pictures relating of Madison gave a George III medal. to World Wars I and II continues to be en­ larged by generous gifts. Mrs. Henry Power Recent accessions to the Society's photo­ {nee Lita Cooper), Palo Alto, California, who graphic collection cover a variety of subjects served as a nurse with the Thirteenth Base of historical and current interest to the people Hospital in World War I, has given seventy- of Wisconsin. Paul Ekern of Madison has four photographs from the series taken by given twelve photographs of members of the the U. S. Army Signal Corps during that con­ family of Hamlin Garland, well-known writer flict. Twenty photographs telling pictorially of books on pioneer life in the Middle West, the story of an Army-Navy Production "E" whose family home was at West Salem. An­ award to the Shefford Cheese Company of other notable family, the Woods of Wood Green Bay in 1943 during World War II County, are represented in three photographs have been donated by the Green Bay Feder­ donated by Mrs. Dean K. Brundage of Ar­ ated Trades Council. lington. Virginia. Sverre Braathen, Madison, has loaned the Important photographic additions to the Society more than a hundred negatives deal­ Society's pictorial records on agriculture have ing with the Ringling Brothers, Barnum and been made by Dr. Wilbur H. Glover, for­ Bailey Combined Circus and the Cole Brothers merly on the staff of the Society and now di­ Circus. Some of the prints to be made from rector of the Buffalo (New York) Historical these negatives will be used in a projected ex­ Society. Dr. Glover collected a great many hibit, on the circus in Wisconsin, for school pictures relating to the development of agri­ children. culture and agricultural education in Wis­ Manuscripts consin anticipating their inclusion in his book on the history of the Wisconsin Col­ To the Medical History Collection the follow­ lege of Agriculture, which was recently pub­ ing manuscripts have been given: records. lished. He has given the Society sixty-two of 1879-1930, of the Ninth Councilor District the photographs from this collection. George Medical Society, including minutes, constitu­ M. Frisbie of De Pere has contributed two tion, and scattered correspondence, presented hand-colored aerial photographs of farms near by that Society through courtesy of Dr. J. M. Fond du Lac. taken by himself. Freeman of Wausau; minutes, 1934-46, of the Eau Claire-Dunn-Pepin County Medical The extensive progress which has been Society, presented by that Society through made in the restoration by the Kohler Founda­ Dr. H. E. Sorensen of Eau Claire; a volume tion of the Wade House and adjoining build­ containing minutes, 1893-94, of the Merrill ings in Greenbush can be seen in two photo­ Physicians Protective Association and min­ graphs given to the Society by Mrs. Herbert utes, 1903-38, of the Lincoln County Medical V. Kohler. One is of the Butternut House Society, presented by Dr. W. H. Bayer of and the other of Sylvanus Wade's blacksmith Merrifl; a ledger, 1850-51, kept by Dr. Levi shop. From the estate of Catherine Corscot. M. Gregory at Plover, presented by Mary T. Madison, the Society has received forty-three Gregory of Stevens Point; an account book. pictorial postcards which give general views 1864-69, probably kept by Dr. Wifliam P. of a number of Wisconsin communities in Sweetland at Lake Mills, presented by Albert the first decade of the present century. The Kracht of Aztalan; a ledger, 1864-71, kept site of the village of Florence is shown in a by Doctors William H. and Philip Fox prac­ photograph of the Chicago and North West­ ticing in and around Oregon in Dane Countv. ern Railway under construction in 1880 presented by Mrs. Katherine Fox of Oregon:

158 ACCESSIONS

records, 1871-1932, of Doctors Henry L. and Other manuscript accessions include: neg­ Edgar C. Barnes, including ledgers and day ative photostats and typewritten transcripts books, and a small group of letters, presented of a letter of Joseph Martin, dated Sepember by Dr. Edgar C. Barnes of Ripon; a ledger, 28, 1763, and a diploma of 1800 from Wash- 1891-92, kept by Doctors Casper V. and Lor- ingon Academy (later Washington and Lee an W. Beebe, presented by Dr. Loran W. University), presented by Mrs. Harry M. Beebe of Superior; two ledgers, 1899-1901, Drake of Denver, Colorado; negative photo­ 1906-14, kept by Dr. Wifliam H. Folsom in stats of two reports, 1822-23, made by lohn Markesan, presented by Dr. Folsom, now in McLoughlin describing the Rainy Lake and Fond du Lac; two account books, 1901-04, Lake of the Woods area along the present kept by Dr. C. W. Lockhart in Mellen, pre­ border between Minnesota and Canada; nega­ sented by Dr. Lockhart; a typewritten volume tive photostats of the baptismal records, of biographical sketches of doctors in Winne­ 1835-67, made at the La Pointe Indian Mis­ bago County compiled by Mrs. J. E. Schlein, sion by Bishop Frederic Baraga; a letter press presented by Mrs. Schlein through Mrs. R. copybook, dated September 10-December 7, S. Fisher of Allenton; correspondence, 1909- 1855, kept by R. W. Fowler, general super­ 13, between Frank A. Hutchins and Dr. H. E. visor of the Milwaukee and Watertown Rail­ Dearholt of Milwaukee concerning the Wis­ road; a volume of records, 1858-61, of the consin Anti-Tuberculosis Association, pre­ Citizens' Guard at Fox Lake, and a notebook sented by the Board of Directors of the As­ containing poems, letters, and articles pub­ sociation; papers, 1896-1927, of Dr. Edward lished in the student newspapers at Wiscon­ Evans of La Crosse, including correspondence, sin Female College at Fox Lake, presented speeches, and editorials, presented by Dr. by Lindsay Hoben of Milwaukee; a type­ James A. Evans of Boston, Massachusetts; written copy of the constitution and minutes. two volumes kept by Dr. Charles V. Porter, 1839-43, of the Female Reform Society of including lecture notes taken at the University Prairie Village, and typed copies of Civil of Michigan Medical School about 1874, ac­ War diaries of Edward N. Walden and of counts during his practice in Newton, Wis­ Solomon Canright, both members of the 28th consin, and Lansing, Iowa, from 1879 to 1886, Regiment of Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry, and a diary for 1916, transferred from the made from originals in the Waukesha County University of Wisconsin Medical Library; a Historical Society and presented by Mrs. Ed­ diary containing entries for 1856-58 and gar Tallmadge; three orders and one letter, March, 1881, and a journal of his cases, 1864-67, addressed to Dr. Henry M. Lifly. 1849-58, both kept by Dr. H. B. Wiflard, Civil War surgeon, presented by Stella Lilly presented by Mrs. Harold Carpenter of Fort Marsh of Beloit; a hospital ticket, dated Jan­ uary 21, 1897, and sold at a lumber camp Atkinson; a typewritten paper entitled "The to entitle the purchaser to medical and surgi­ Rowley Family of Doctors," an account of cal treatment at St. Joseph's Hospital in Chip­ Newman G., Antinous A., and Antinous G. pewa Falls or at one of thirteen other associ­ Rowley, father, son, and grandson, who prac­ ated hospitals in Illinois, Missouri, and Wis­ ticed in Middleton, presented by Jessica Row­ consin, presented by Hon. Arthur Padrutt of ley of Middleton; a brief typed history of the Chippewa Falls; a nursery bifl of 1853, listing Milwaukee Academy of Medicine from 1886 trees, vines, and berrybushes ordered by to 1939, presented by the Academy; type­ Henry Turvifl of Madison from Rochester, written reminiscences of Mrs. Ethel Stetson New York, transferred from the University Gibbany about her parents. Doctors Mary H. of Wisconsin Library; a letter, dated August and Robert H. Stetson, who practiced in Lima 31, 1856, from C. W. and Sarah Thompson Center, presented by the Rock County His­ of Kewaskum to relatives in New Hampshire torical Society; a typed biographical sketch to describe the clearing of their land and of Dr. Lent B. Bradley, pioneer dentist in the buildins: of their Wisconsin farm; four northern Illinois and southern Wisconsin, pre­ papers on the Granger Movement, including sented by Mrs. Katherine Bradley Perrigo of a biographical sketch of George R. Schaefer Beloit; and a group of speeches delivered and a speech by him, presented by Robert W. by Dr. Clarkson Mifler in the State Legislature McCluggage of Madison; a letter, dated July of 1860 and in medical gatherings in the 26, 1869, written by Lucien Hanks describing 1850's and '60's, presented by Miss Myra a trip he took as guest of the Union Pacific Simpson of Lake Geneva. Railroad during which he met Brigham

159 WISCONSIN MAGAZINE OF HISTORY WINTER. 1952-53

Young and Admiral David Farragut, and a Mrs. John Corscot of Madison; eight vol­ letter, dated October 5, 1910, from Frederick umes recording the activities of the Getaways, Jackson Turner to Joseph Jastrow, both pre­ a Madison social club, 1928-48, presented sented by Mrs. L. M. Hanks of Madison; a by the estate of Clarence B. Lester of Madi­ volume containing records of the Old Settlers' son; notes concerning the build-up of United Club of Madison, 1902-09, a report on the States troops and supplies in the United King­ 1923 session of the Women's Legislative dom preparatory to the invasion of France Council made to the Madison branch of the in 1944, presented by John H. Gilbert of University of Wisconsin Alumni Association Badger; and a letter, dated August 15, 1951, by Mrs. John Corscot, and one letter each from Wifliam H. Eighty concerning his as­ from John C. Spooner, Henry L. Doherty, sociations with Frank A. Hutchins, presented and Robert M. LaFollette, Sr., presented by by Alan E. Kent of Madison.

Adams Family Association

The Adams Family Association was or­ the Adams Family Association. Dues ganized at Big Laurel, Virginia, on are as follows: annual members, $5.00; October 25, 1952, for the purpose of five-year members, $15; ten-year, $20; taking over and carrying on the research life, $100. Members are entitled to the which James Taylor Adams has been use of all of the Association's books, doing for the past twenty-seven years. files, and unclassified and loose papers The Adams Family Library, founded in 1925, will be operated by the Associa­ and records, and so on. For further tion. Anyone bearing the name of Ad­ information write to James Taylor Ad­ ams or who is related to the family ams, Big Laurel, Virginia, who is the by blood or marriage is eligible to join president of the Association.

Printing of New Bible

The American press has recorded in recovering it. In that sense this Bible more than adequate manner the advent is actuafly the oldest." of the Standard Revised Version of the The Revised Standard Version was Holy Bible in late September. Dr. Luth­ published on September 30, preceded by er A. Weigle, dean emeritus of the Yale more than 1,000,000 orders, the largest University Divinity School, headed the first edition printing in book publishing committee which first began to explore history. the idea of a revised version of the The event, a milestone in American Bible in 1929. After several years of religious history, was marked by 3,200 study the committee believed there was Protestant rallies held almost simulta­ a definite need for revision, which was then begun in 1937; its sponsorship was neously in the United States, Canada, undertaken by the National Council of and Hawaii; these were initiated by a the Churches of Christ in the U.S.A. huge observance in Washington, D.C. Fifteen years were devoted by the on September 29. There have been scholars in studying the earliest Greek many revisions of the Bible since the and Hebrew manuscripts available and King James version, released in 1611, in discussing their findings with one but none has had the great interde­ another. Dr. Weigle said: "We haven't nominational backing enjoyed by the been changing the Bible. We have been recent project.

160 Announcing ... an Important New Book on Wisconsin and American History BROADAX and BAYONEnT THE ROLE OF THE UNITED STATES ARMY IN THE DEVELOPMENT

OF THE NORTHWEST, 1815-1860 • By Francis P. Prucha

Priced at Four Dollars

The United States army was the bufFer between the red men of the West

and the relentlessly advancing pioneer. It created a healthy respect for

American authority and drove shafts of power deep into the Indian country.

The strictly military aspects of its task have been dealt with elsewhere,

but other functions performed by the troops have been almost ignored in

telling the story of westward expansion.

This book describes the army's non-military contributions to the develop­

ment of the Northwest. Against the background of the frontier wilderness,

the progressive extension of the military frontier, and the composition of

the peacetime army, it brings into focus the civilizing role of the army in

the upper Mississippi Valley.

On the basis of an extensive study of military archives and numerous

accounts of eye-witnesses, the author has made a fresh and stimulating

evaluation of the frontier army and a new and significant contribution

to an understanding of our national development during the half century

preceding the Civil War. Order from The State Historical Society of

Wisconsin, 816 State Street, Madison 6, Wisconsin. THE PURPOSE OF THIS SOCIETY SHALL BE To promote a wider appreciation of the Amer­ ican heritage with particular emphasis on the collection, advancement, and dissemination of knowledge of the history of Wisconsin and of the Middle West.