Wausau, Wisconsin, 1881

This is the shire town and is situated on the Wisconsin River, in Government Township 29, Range 7 east. It was first settled in 1845, and its chief business has been the manufacture of lumber. It is the outfitting point for lumbermen on the river, and the amount of trade for its size, is equal to any city in the country. As a manufacturing point, it is not excelled in its advantages; the river has at this point an available fall of twenty-two feet, only a fraction of which is utilized. The available horse-power of the river, in this town, at its low stage, is between 20,000 and 30,000. And the unoccupied power is always for sale with eligible sites at low figures. The city is on an elevation, rising gradually from the river, which is well sunk between its banks and at this point has several islands, with rocky foundations and well elevated above the highest river level. The city is mostly on the right bank of the river, but the larger islands are occupied, and also, the west side of the river, is quite rapidly building up.

The city is regularly laid out, very nearly coincident with the cardinal points of the compass. There are fire limits, outside of which only wooden buildings can be erected, parallel with the river, the streets are named Second, Third, etc.

Third street with the cross streets are now the principal business points, and there are many fine brick blocks.

Wausau is forty miles north of Stevens Point, Shawano is sixty miles east of Wausau; Merrill twenty miles north; Neillsville, sixty miles west. It has fourteen saw-mills, eight within the city proper and the other six near. The daily capacity of these mills in 10,000; the river boom capacity is 100,000,000 or more. It has door sash and blind factories, foundries, machine shops, and other manufacturing shops that will be allude to in detail. It has brick blocks, Railroads, fine schools, good churches, plenty of business, no idlers, and no prevailing diseases.

Wausau was first platted in 1852; it having been seen at that early day, to use a military expression, that it was a strategic point to capture business and trade, although it was not finally incorporated until 1862.

Wausau existed under a town organization, until April 8, 1861, when in accordance with the corporate act, a village of organization was effected. F. A. Hoffman was President of the Board of Trustees. The other members were Charles A. Single, Jacob Paff, John Irwin, John C. Clarke, Th. Single, Clerk. The first meeting provided a village seal. F. A. Farnham was appointed Surveyor; Henry H. Lawrence, Street Commissioner; C. A. Dingle, D. B. Wylie, Fired Wardens. Tavern licenses at $50. 1862 – B. Ringle, President of the Board of Trustees, Th. Single, Clerk. 1863 – B. Ringle, President; Mr. H. Barnum, Clerk. 1864 – R. P. Mauson, President, William Wilson, Clerk. 1865 – Aug. Kickbusch, President; William Wilson, Clerk. 1866 – Aug. Kickbusch, President, R. P. Mauson, Clerk. 1867 – Jacob Paff, President; J. W. Chubbuck. Clerk. 1868 – Jacob Paff, President, J. W. Chubbuck, Clerk. 1869 – Jacob Paff, President, J. W. Chubbuck, Clerk. 1870 – C. Woeflinger, President, J. W. Chubbuck, Clerk. 1871 – C. Woeflinger, President, J. W. Chubbuck, Clerk.

Organization

Wausau was incorporated as a city March 18, 1872. It was named by Hon. W. D. McIndoe, and signifies “far away.” On April 9, 1872, the city government was organized. August Kickbusch, Mayor; John Schneider, C. A. Single, August Leemke, R. P. Mauson and Fred, New, Aldermen; John Patzer, Clerk.

Since that time the following men have been Mayors of the city: Jacob Paff, August Kickbusch, C. Hoeflinger, B. Ringle, J. C. Clarke, D. E. Plumer and J. E. Leahy, who is the present Mayor, and had held the place since 1879.

The following men have been City Clerks: John Patzer, Henry Miller and J. W. Miller, the present Clerk, who has held position since 1878.

Fire Department – There is a volunteer fire company, which responds at an alarm of fire. The apparatus of the department consists of a steam fire engine, built by Ahrens, of Cincinnati, hose carriage, hooks and ladders, etc., with a first-class hand engine. The engine house is well appointed, with horses trained to the gong. Chief engineer, F. W. Kickbusch; engineer of the steamer, Mike Coughlin, who has an assistant and firemen.

Police Department – The police are very efficient in keeping order, with remarkably few arrests, as they have the correct idea that a policeman’s usefulness should be gauged by the fewness of the arrests, and not by a reverse standard. The Mayor, ex officio, is Chief of Police. Dave Burnett is the present Marshal. The others on the force, who are uniformed, are: Thomas Dunn, Henry O’Brien, Louis Harvey, Fred. Tank.

It is gratifying to be able to state, that since the first organization of the city government its affairs have been honestly and economically administered. The present officers are: J. E. Leahy, Mayor; J. W. Miller, Clerk; George Wesheim, Treasurer; Phillip Ringle, Assessor; Dave C. Burnett, Marshal; M. M. Charles, Justice; Coon Seim, Street Commissioner; Justice of the Peace, J. J. Jones; Charles W. Nuther, Surveyor; City Attorney, C. H. Miller.

The Rebellion – During the war the history of Wausau and Marathon County is not unlike that of all the other counties in Northern Wisconsin. The drum and fife were not unfamiliar sounds in the pineries. The impassioned eloquence of the backwoods orators had its due effect. The enlistments were equal to the demands. Of course, at that time Wausau was young; there were no railroads, and the river, with it numerous falls and rapids, was of little value as a thoroughfare. The men who enlisted went to Stevens Point, or to their former homes, to go to the front with their friends. The reputation of the soldiers from the pineries was first-class. Among the most prominent of those who joined the Union army, and lived to return may be mentioned the following: L. B. Folsom, V. Ringle, Robert Johnson, J. W. Lawrence, W. W. DeVoe, M. H. Barum, Rev. Theodore Green, H. L. Wheeler, Levi Fleming, J. E. Leahy, J. W. Jones, C. A. Single, Th. Youlser, George Reeder, W. C. Silverthorn, M. M. Charles, W. P. Filbrick, C. Hoeflinger, I. A. Kellogg, S. S. Armstrong, C. P. Hazeltine, D. L. Quaw, Dr. W. W. Searls. W. D. McIndoe was the provost-marshal here.

Historical Events

April 22, 1857, the first newspaper in the county was issued, under the name of the Central Wisconsin, by J. W. Chubbuck and John Foster.

About this time a division of the Sons of Temperance was organized. It was numbered 140. William H. Kennedy, W. P.; L. W. Slosson, W.A.; and William Wilson, R.S.

In May, 1857, there was quite a freshlet in the river.

In 1857, Mr. B. F. Cooper owned most of the waterpower at the Falls in the city. The firm was Cooper & Smith.

During the winter of 1857-8, a debating club was in operation in the village. They had little trouble in deciding questions that afterward took the county four years to settle.

In the Summer of 1858, a road to New London was completed.

The first fleet of lumber left Wausau in the Spring of 1857, on the 22^nd of March. But it was not until the 29^th of April, 1858, that the first fleet got away.

Early in the history of Wausau and other river towns, the drowning of men while running lumber on the river, was not uncommon. Wausau, having some of the most dangerous places and the longest run, suffered quite severely in this regard.

April 21, 1866, there was an unusual rise in the river; bridges were swept away, logs, lumber, shingles, etc., went out, entailing a large loss.

On the 11^th of May, 1866, there was a serious fire, which destroyed the steam mill of Daniels & Corey, lumber, shingles. Mr. Corey’s barn and other property was destroyed. Aug. Andrews, James Kitchen, John Schneider, Herman Millard and others were losers.

In the early Summer of 1866, important improvements were made in the running part of the rapids and dam.

During the Summer of 1866, there was a ripple of excitement over the alleged discovery of petroleum in the county.

The list of voters in 1866, embraced about 200 names.

The court-house was constructed in the Summer and Fall of 1867, at a contract price of $7,500.

The agricultural show ground was cleared off in the Fall of 1867.

In the Fall of 1867, the Big Bull Falls were blown up at various points to facilitate rafting.

A brass band was organized in 1867.

On the 17^th of June, 1869, there was a destructive fire, the loss was at least $18,000.

July 4, 1869, the people had a celebration of the day, with the usual splendor. Dr. W. H. Searls was the orator of the occasion.

July 18, 1869, there was a severe freshert, the river rose a foot an hour for eight hours. The Pine River went up nine feet. The losses in Wausau footed up $10,000; divided among J. C. Clarke, W. D. McIndoe, A. C. Norway, Alex. Stewart, R. E. Parcher, Gid. Young and several others.

A fire engine arrived July 22, 1869. It was named Wausau No. 1.

August 27, 1869, a post of the G.A.R. was organized, with the following officers and members; M. H. Barnam, W. W. DeVoe, M. M. Charles, Robert Johnson, Alphonse Poor, O. M. Priest, Steve Durkee, Charles Miller, L. B. Folsom, King Young, T. W. Clark.

October 8, 1869, J. C. Clarke’s saw-mill was burned. Loss $12,000.

The Rib Mills, west of Wausau, were burned in July, 1871 with a loss of $10,000. Benjamin Single was the owner.

July 25, 1871, the lumber yard of J. C. Clarke caught fire, threatening serious loss; but the fire company, by great exertion, stopped it with little loss.

October 21, 1871, at a special election, to determine whether the county would assist the railroad, was decided in the affirmative.

During the Winter of 1871, Wausau being outside of the line of travel of dramatic companies, a dramatic company was formed, and it is presumed that no candidate for histrionic honors ever called more vehemently for a horse, with the offer of his kingdom, than did the redoubtable Richard III of that ambitious club.

There was the same Winter a Pine-knot Literary Club, the name signifying the substitution for the midnight oil of greater antiquity.

The construction of a bridge across the shough at Clark’s Island was contracted for with D. W. C. Mitchell for $2,990, in 1872.

The improvement of the falls in the Winter of 1873, with D. W. C. Mitchell as engineer, and B. F. Cooper as contractor, was entered upon.

A hook and ladder company was organized in 1873, on the 18^th of April. J. C. Clarke was foreman; William Wilson, second foreman; R. E. Parcher, treasurer; William Collins, secretary.

In September, 1873, a new bridge across the Wisconsin River was completed by John Brown.

In 1873, the following lumbermen were in business in Wausau: J. A. Stewart, Joseph Single, Benjamin Single, Cohn & Curran, Kickbusch & Bro., Lawrence & Peters, B. G. Plumer, Ed Zastrow, J. Leahy, J. C. Clarke, John Callon, Robert Parcher, H. Daniels, McIndoe & Co., Rufus Mason, Kelley Bros., M. Stafford, Herman Miller and James McCrossen.

The whole number of buildings erected in 1873 in the city was 108.

The amount of logs in the boom in 1875 was estimated at 30,000,000.

July 6, 1875, there was a fire. The losers were H. Washauer, August Kickbusch and S. Messeneir to the amount of $6,000.

The log crop for 1878 was 54,000,000 feet.

In the Winter of 1878, Mason & Co.’s mill on the Marathon City road, eight miles from the city, was built. It has a 65-horse power engine.

The Forrest House was burned on the 2d of August, 1878. The loss was $15,000; insurance $5,000. It was owned by C. A. Single.

The Wisconsin River Log-driving Company was organized on the 4^th of October, 1878, with a capital of $50,000. T. B. Scott, president; C. P. Hazeltine, treasurer; W. J. Scriver, secretary.

There was a fire early in February, 1879, involving in losses, C. H. Mosher, G. W. Casterline, J. C. Gebhart, J. A. Cowan and Ch. Wessner.

June 12, 1880, the river rose thirteen feet above low-water mark. Railroad communication was cut off for several weeks, and business for days was at a standstill. Much damage was done to the mills, bridges, lumber, etc.

Valuation of the city in 1880: real estate, $646,417; personal, $354,453.

August 10, 1880, the whole community was thrown into an intense state of excitement by the shooting of Dr. E. L. Hogle, a dentist from Stevens Point, who had just located here to practice his profession, by Dr. J. C. Bennett, who had been for some time in business as a dentist here. Dr. Hogle was instantly killed because he was a rival as Bennett alleged. He was subsequently tried for murder, adjudged guilty and sent to Waupun State Prison for life.

A fire in September, 1880, consumed $4,000 worth of lumber for the Wausau Lumber Company.

Sept. 26, 1880, the Central Wisconsin newspaper was printed for the first time on a power press, the first machine of the kind in town.

The Milwaukee Lake Shore and Western Railroad was completed to Wausau on the 8^th of November, 1880.

Improvements in Wausau, in 1880, amounted to $111,580.

In the year 1880, Clark, Johnson & Co. came from Michigan and put a complete outfit of Stearn’s machinery into their mill on the island.

The lumber cut for 1880 in the county: Lumber, 49,000,000; shingles, 28,720,000; lath, 5,900,000; pickets, 480,000.

Feb. 3, 1881, Mr. Bardeen’s restaurant was burned from the explosion of a kerosene lamp.

On the 12^th of January, 1881, Wausau had a rousing visit from the mayor and other citizens of Oshkosh. Mayor Dale addressed the citizens of Wausau and Gen. Kellogg responded. The hospitalities of the city were freely extended. The single men of the party were consigned to the hotels, while men with their wives and the ladies were entertained by the citizens in their own homes. It was an enjoyable time.

In October, 1881, the visit was repaid with interest by the people of Wausau, who came down upon their Oshkosh friends in cohorts that led them to think the pineries were deserted.

Early in September of 1881, the Wisconsin River, in consequence of protracted and unusual rains, rose to an unusual height, but not enough to endanger property. Below at Stevens Point, on account of the rise in the branches coming in below Wausau, it rose relatively higher than here. The great freshet occurred on Thursday and Friday, Sept. 29 and 30. The river was already up at ordinary high water mark, when three and one-half inches of rain fell in a few hours, and the river rose rapidly during Thursday night, and men and teams were put to work on the guard lock, weighting it down with rocks and filling in on the east end at 3 o’clock, A.M., a fire alarm was sounded, and at daylight 500 men with teams were at work. The water crept up to the highest water mark of June, 1880. The upper boom gave way, and 60,000,000 feet of logs came struggling, crushing, jamming, tumbling down upon the jamb piers by the lower divide. They proved equal to the emergency, and stood the awful pressure of logs piled twenty feet high from the solid bed of the river. By noon the water was at its highest, being fifteen inches above the highest point ever known, and fourteen feet six inches above low water mark. The water rushed over the west end of the guard lock and cut away the track of the Lake Shore road. The railroad bridge foundations were washed out, but were kept from floating away by cables.

Herchenback’s old mill was undermined and went down, his house was submerged and the stone dam carried away clean. The boom at Clark, Johnson & Co.’s mill gave way, carrying out 725,000 feet of logs belonging to Leahe & Beabe. The losses only in a general way can be recounted. The Railroad Co., $5,000; Frank Hushenback, $4,000; Clark, Johnson & Co., $12,000; Ely Wright, in goods, $2,500. Other losses by their buildings toppling over, lumber washed away, etc., were B. G. Plumer, J. & A. Stewart & Co., P. B. McKeller, G. Werlich of Big Rib, B. Single on Little Rib and John Callan on Trapp River. The trains up the river were delayed two weeks by washouts and for a week below on the St. Paul road. One man was drowned at Rib Falls. It was a mighty flood. The roar of the rushing waters could be heard for miles. At the Falls, it was a spectacle seldom witnessed. The foam-crested waves, rolling and tumbling, hither and thither, a mighty contending force, surging on, tossing and hurling giant timbers, an angry resistless torrent.

The Land Office, formerly at Stevens Point, was removed to Wausau, in August 1872. The land district, with headquarters here, embraces all that part of the State lying north of the line between Townships 14 and 15, north of the base line; west of the line between Ranges 11 and 12 east of the principal meridian, and east of the line between Ranges 1 and 2 east. The officers of the Land Office are S. H. Alban, Register, and D. L. Quaw, Receiver. These gentlemen have long held their positions, and are thoroughly acquainted with the whole land business, and impart their information in a most cheerful and accommodating spirit, and any land buyer must be, indeed, bewildered, if he can not there have all the perplexing intricacies of the subject made plain. Within a year or two a very gratifying amount of land has been entered by actual settlers, especially in the Spring Brook settlement. After the panic of 1873, the sales were light until recently. There are still many thousand acres of land in the district, subject to entry, embracing lumber and farming lands.

K. S. Markstrum presides over the internal revenue department, dispensing licenses and stamps to the anxious contributors to the interest on the public debt.

R. H. Johnson is Postmaster, and last year built a fine office on Third street, in front of the court-house, which is remarkably well adapted to its purpose. The Central Wisconsin office is in the second story. W. L. Beers is the Assistant Postmaster. The business of the year 1880 was as follows: Stamps sold, $2,830.37; money orders issued, $14,234.91; money orders paid, $14,787.94; number of letters registered, 600. Six hundred letters a day, as an average, passed through the office, besides the papers and circulars.

Educational – The schools of the city are controlled by a Board of Education and a City Superintendent, chosen by the City Council. The principal school-house was erected in 1874, at a prime cost of $11,000. It contains seven departments, fitted up with modern improvements, and has a seating capacity of 550. It is in a central position, and will at no distant day, be used exclusively as a high school. The primary schools occupy two smaller buildings, well adapted to the purpose. The First Ward School-house is on the west side, and is a model, built of brick in 1879. As the city increases it is contemplated to build other ward buildings. The following named persons constitute the present Board of Education: R. P. Mauson, President; B. W. James, Secretary; J. E. Leahy, William Wilson, John Ringle, John Patzer, R. P. Mauson, Herman Miller, C. D. Abbey, Principal and Superintendent of Schools.

The teachers for 1881 are:

High School – Principal, C. D. Abbey; Assistant, Fanny Le Gros; Anna M. Inez, first grade; Clara Brown, second grade; Angie B. Crocker, first intermediate; Lelia V. Armstrong, second intermediate.

First Ward – Mrs. Maggie Highes, Lavina E. McCrossen, Ida E. Briery.

Second and Third Wards – Mrs. M. J. Armstrong, Lute Judson, Alzina Mercer, May B. Remington.

Fourth Ward – Amelia Hase, Nellie Single.

Fifth Ward – Nellie L. Wilson, Emma R. Briggs.

The schools were reorganized in 1881, with the High School Principal as Superintendent, and a graded system perfected. The courses of study embraces twelve years – three years primary, three years intermediate, two years grammar, and four years for the high school, which fits the pupil for the State University, or for a business life. The high school building has six rooms, well furnished, and five departments. It is located on the corner of Jefferson and Sixth streets. Number of scholars in 1880, 1,130; attendance, 868. In 1881, 14,086; attendance in 1881, 1,000.

Churches – In the early history of Wausau, there were but two English-speaking churches, and these were very poorly supported. The six days’ labor which pioneer life involved was compensated for by a general dishabille, it being too much like work to prepare even for church, and the day was more of a general holiday than a New England Sunday.

The Methodists were the first in the field, and built a church which was soon burned; but the particulars can be gathered in the special record at each church.

The first minister in Wausau was Rev. X. Cleary, a Congregational colporteur. The next was Rev. Y. Lane. In 1854, the Rev. Z. Turner organized the Presbyterian Church, making it monthly visits from Stevens Point. There was four members, and the few Methodists here united with them; but not having a constant service, it soon fell to pieces.

A Methodist Presiding Elder, Rev. W. Yocum, soon after organized a church of that denomination, the Presbyterians uniting with them with the understanding that they would withdraw when a Presbyterian minister should come.

The next year, the Rev. A. Bartow, of Baraboo, re-organized the Presbyterian Church, and Rev. S. Halsey was pastor for five years. The society obtained a room over a saloon on First street, where Mr. Fernald’s store now is. Afterward the place of meeting was moved to a house on Forest street. The church was then received into the Fox River Presbytery. Soon after this, there being no minister, the church well nigh expired. Mrs. Poor was the only resident member, and with Mrs. Gouldsberry, of Mosinee, constituted the whole membership. During the following year, Rev. W. Stevens officiated, followed by Mr. Payne, a student. The following season an enthusiastic clergyman put in an appearance; but the frigidity of the Winter and the unappreciative character of the people soon cooled his ardent temperament, and he noiselessly withdrew.

The Rev. Angus McKinnon next undertook the cultivation of this reluctant field. He applied to the Methodist Episcopal Church for the use of their place of worship, at some stated times when not in use; but the presiding elder, who happened to be more of a sectarian than a Christian, said, “No, we don’t want the Presbyterians here. Stamp them out, root and branch.” This excited the sympathy of the German Church, which invited them to their building. Rev. J. Farwell followed, and ministered for six months. This brings the history of the Presbyterian Church up to December, 1875, a period of twenty-one years. Up to this time, the total number of members taken into the Church was twenty-four. At this time, through the recommendation of Rev. B. C. Riley, the syndical missionary, who represented that Wausau was the wickedest place in the State, the Rev. J. Winthrop Hageman, from the East, came, and as he says, found his friend’s statements not exaggerated. When his work commenced, meetings were held in the court-house. Five years afterward, a fine brick church was dedicated, having been built in 1877, with a membership of 157, against nine communicants when his ministrations commenced. Previous to Mr. Hageman’s time, $4,000 had been expended by the home missions to support this church, and there was serious talk of discontinuing the mission. It is now third in size among the churches of the presbytery. In October, 1881, Mr. Hageman left to take general charge of the forty churches in the presbytery.

Following the usual rule, the Methodists early started services in the frontier town of Wausau. In 1854, the Rev. M. Greenleaf, of Stevens Point, had started meetings here in the school-house. In 1855, the mission at Mosinee was organized, with occasional preaching by Rev. C. Baldock. In 1856-7, Rev. M. D. Warner had a class organization, Judge Kennedy assisting; Rev. M. H. Barnum, on a call from the people, preached here about this time for a year. In the year 1858, at the Conference in Beloit, May 12, Bishop Morris made Wausau a regular appointment, sending Rev. R. S. Hayward as the first regularly stationed pastor.

Two lots were secured, on the corner of Second and Grant streets, and Mr. C. Philbrick and the minister struck the first blows scoring timber for the church. As reported to Conference in 1859, the church and parsonage was completed. In 1859, Rev. C. D. Cooke was here; 1860, Rev. W. J. Olmstead was assigned to the post, and had a successful year. For the year beginning in the Fall of 1861, Rev. C. Baldock had Wausau and Mosinee. In 1862, Rev. Mr. Olmstead was returned, remaining until 1865, when Rev. E. Bassett came. In 1866, Rev. William Willard was here, when the parsonage was burned, with his goods. He remained two years. In 1868, Rev. T. J. Gaskell, who also preached at Jenny, was on the circuit. In 1869, while Mr. Gaskell was still here, the church was burned; and before the embers were extinguished, Dr. W. H. Searles was on the street with a subscription paper to rebuild. In 1870, Rev. E. T. Briggs was the minister. In 1871, Rev. H. B. Crandall. 1872, Rev. Thomas Walker, who did good work for three years, having the lots graded, fenced, etc. Following him were Revs. G. Fallows, Jesse Coles, J. T. Chynoweth, W. W. Stevens and Benjamin F. Sanford, the present pastor, now on second year. The church has fifty-two active members. A fine Sunday-school, of which Dr. Searles was a long time superintendent; H. S. Alban is the present superintendent. The present edifice was dedicated March 10, 1872. Rev. George C. Haddock and Rev. J. C. Wilson were present, and took part in the exercises.

The Evangelical St. Paul German society has a good church, erected in 1863. There had been preaching here in this faith by an itinerant preacher. The first regular pastor was Rev. Mr. Mohldenke, followed by Rev. Mr. C. Stoeffler, Rev. A. Loup, Rev. P. A. Albert, Rev. F. Kern. The present pastor is Rev. F. G. Reinicke, who took charge in March, 1872, and is still the pastor in charge.

Mr. Reinicke opened a school on coming here, with thirty scholars; he now has ninety. Besides Wausau, he is a general missionary, holding occasional service in the towns of Maine, Berlin, Texas, town Wausau and other places.

The Universalist church was built in 1869, before there had been a Universalist sermon preached within 100 miles of the place, as it is stated. It was designed and constructed by a ship carpenter, and had sufficient timber to withstand very serious assaults from the elements, and the proportions of the structure would be admirable if one third of it were submerged. It is in contemplation to rate it several feet lower than it is now, to improve its top-heavy appearance. The first regular minister was Rev. E. Sultz, who did not succeed in securing the confidence of the community to an alarming extent, although he was an able man in some respects. The Rev. J. S. Fall was the next pastor. He was an active and energetic man, with positive opinions which antagonized the prevailing theological belief, and his doctrines were not presented with that persuasiveness that did not repel those who had conflicting ideas. Mr. Fall was a man of blameless character, and he had the full confidence of the Church, and of those who knew him best. Since he left, a few years ago, there has been no service in that church, notwithstanding some of the first people in Wausau are adherents to that form of belief.

It may be mentioned as a singular fact, that, in Northern Wisconsin, there are very few of the so-called “liberal churches.”

The St. John’s Episcopal Church was organized September 13, 1857. Thomas Youles, senior warden; John C. Clarke, junior warden; Vestrymen – W. Beer, Jr., W. Clemson, Burton Willard, J. W. Tyler, P. N. Calkins; Thomas Single, Benjamin Single, William Kennedy; J. W. Tyler, secretary. Before this, however, Rev. Thomas Green, who was at Stevens Point, came up here at the request of Charles Single, who had conferred with Gen. Ellis on the subject, and held service for several days in succession. This was in March, 1854, and the stage was six days on the road. On Mr. Green’s return, he had service in Mosinee, in the log-house of Mr. William Blair. The lot upon which the church was built was deeded to Bishop Kemper in 1857. The next year, a frame was erected, and it stood in an incomplete state until 1863, when, in a violent gale, it was blown down. After remaining a time at Stevens Point, Mr. Green came here, remaining until 1873, when he was succeeded by Rev. Phillip McKim. Since that time, the pastors have been Rev. Joshua Davenport, Rev. W. C. Armstrong and Rev. William Wright, the present rector. The church now has sixty members. The Sunday-school twenty-five scholars. The re-building of the church was commenced in 1867, and pushed to completion soon after.

The Lutheran Church also has a school largely attended by German children, and in the Fourth Ward there is a large private school building with a select German school. Besides these, are several other select schools taught by teachers of experience and ability.

Catholic Church, St. Mary’s – The first mass said in Wausau was at the house of W. D. McIndoe, on Main street, in 1849, by Rev. Father Dale.

Rev. Father Itchmann afterward officiated at the residences of Mr. Stafford and Hugh McIndoe’s, and at different halls. Rev. Father Pollock and several others. Rev. Father Richards, as his first charge, came here in 1875, and still remains. The church building was begun in 1868, and finished in 1875, and dedicated. It is in a flourishing condition.

Marathon County Bible Society, organized February 17, 1867; Thomas Hinton, president; G. A. Lawrence, vice-president; Jacob Paff, treasurer; Justin W. West, secretary.

Newspapers – The city is well supplied with newspapers, the oldest being the Central Wisconsin, which was established in 1857; the first number appearing April 22, with J. W. Chabbuck & Co., as publishers. The number for September 30^th and October 7^th, was issued in one sheet, on dark green paper, no other being obtainable so far from market. The paper was discontinued for some time, but was finally resuscitated by R. H. Johnson, who still publishes it as a Republican paper.

The Wisconsin Pilot, was started as a Democratic paper, in 1865, by V. Ringle, who is still at the helm, with a German paper, the Wochlenblatt, and a well-appointed job office.

The Torch of Liberty, a “National Greenback” paper, was established by Mark H. Barnum, August 9, 1877. He also published for a time the Waachter, a German paper of like persuasion, which is now published in the Central office, as a Republican sheet. These papers are weekly, and will compare favorably with any papers in the pineries of Wisconsin.

Fraternal Orders – The various fraternal societies now flourishing in the country are well represented here. Among the most prominent may be mentioned Forest Lodge, A. F. & A. M., No. 130; H. Alban, W.M.; H. L. Wheeler, secretary.

Wausau Chapter, No. 51; S. H. Alban, M.E.H.P.; W. J. Scriver, secretary.

Wausau Lodge No. 115, Independent Order of Odd Fellows; J. W. Miller, N.G.; L. Marchette, secretary. Moved into their new hall, April 26, 1877.

Wausau Temple of Honor, No. 80.

Knights of Honor, No. 871.

Home Lodge, No. 20, Ancient Order of United Workingmen, instituted February 14, 1878; Pat Delaney, M.W.; Ch. Heppner, secretary.

The Catholic Total Abstinence and Benevolent Society.

The Sons of Hermann, and other orders, all seem to be in a flourishing condition, with a large membership and fine lodge rooms, handsomely furnished and carpeted.

The Germans have a Turn Society, with a large membership, and rooms fitted up with the implements and paraphernalia of a regular gymnastic club.

The Ladies’ Literary Society is a flourishing association, which has good rooms on Third street, opposite the court-house. Weekly meetings are held, and there is a library, the use of which is, singularly enough, confined to the use of the members. This society as acted as a bureau, to procure lecturers, and the city is indebted to it for having the opportunity to hear some of the prominent celebrities of this prominent field of literary labor.

The several church denominations have ladies’ societies to promote those interests, denominated Aid societies, Mite Societies, Sewing Circles, etc.

Driving Park Association – In the Fall of 1881, a society, with the above name, was organized among the most prominent citizens of the city. There is a race track, where meetings are held to develop the trotting stock of the county.

The Germania Guards, a regular company in the Wisconsin National Guards. The armory is at Concert Hall. The men are regularly drilled and properly equipped, and on occasion turn out with full ranks. Attempts are being made to organize a new company.

Catholic – St. Mary’s Congregation. In 1851, when there were in Wausau but twenty-five families and 100 people, the first Catholic priest to visit the place was Rev. S. Dale, who held services in the house of Hon. W. D. McIndoe. In 1852-3, Rev. Mr. Itchmann, of Madison, visited Wausau and said mass. In 1857, Rev. James Stehle, of Stevens Point, held service in C. A. Single’s hall every two months. His brother, N. Stehle, followed him, until the Summer of 1860, when Rev. John Polock came. He officiated in B. Ringle’s hall. By united efforts, a lot was about this time obtained, and a deed secured on the 20^th of July, 1861, for $80.

In September, 1861, Rt. Rev. Bishop Henni visited Wausau, on his way to Marathon City, to bless their new church.

Rev. L. Lux was the next priest, then Rev. M. Schmeback; he had monthly services in the engine house. Rev. Ch. Hengin next officiated. In July, 1867, the cornerstone of the church was laid with proper ceremony. In 1869, the Rev. John Zawistowski was sent as the first resident priest. In 1870, he left, and Wausau was again a mission of Stevens Point. That year, Rev. L. Cornelius was occasionally here, and in March, 1871, the church was so far completed that mass was said in it. Rev. L. Spitzelberger was the next man. The foundation of the priest’s house was laid in 1874, and there were forty Catholic families here then. Rev. W. Gunderbach became the resident priest in August, 1874. During 1875, Rev. M. July officiated four times. March 22, 1875, the Rev. Theodore J. Richards was sent here as his first charge, and he still remains, respected by the town, and beloved by his people. He had finished and improved the church and parsonage, paid off the debt, grounds have been added, and the congregation put in a flourishing condition. Number of Catholic families now eighty, or about 400 members. The Sunday school has twenty scholars. The present trustees are John Byrne, John Joe Sherman and August Ganthier; R. A. Johnson, treasurer.

Wausau Cemetery Association have grounds south of the city.

The Catholic Association also have a burial place near the same spot.

Railroads – The Wisconsin Valley Railroad was the first to reach Wausau, although the Wisconsin Central had already cut across the southwest corner of the county, and skirted it on the west from north to south. The Wisconsin Valley road reached Wausau on the 31^st of October, 1874, and regular trains began running on the 9^th of November. The local celebration on that occasion is noticed elsewhere. This road has since fallen into the hands of the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Company, and now extends from their main line at Tomah, in Monroe County, to Merrill, the capital of Lincoln County. The Milwaukee, Lake Shore & Western Railroad Company is the second road to connect Wausau and Marathon County with the lower part of the State. It was formed by the consolidation of several roads, and runs into the Chicago & Northwestern depot at Milwaukee. It reached Wausau in the Fall of 1880, and does a very large lumber business, which only seems to be limited by the amount of rolling stock. In the Spring of 1881, “The Great Northern Timber Belt Railway” was incorporated with a capital of $2,000,000. The proposition being to build a road from Green Bay through Brown, Oconto, Shawano, Langdale, Marathon, Taylor, Chippewa, Lincoln, Price, Barron, Polk, Burnett and Douglas to the St. Croix River. Incorporators – W. C. Silverthorn, R. E. Parcher, H. Naher, D. L. Plumer, T. B. McCourt and F. A. Healy. This road will bisect the richest part of Wisconsin. On the 31^st of October, 1874, the Wisconsin Valley Railroad reached Wausau. The occasion was duly celebrated by a regular gala day, on Wednesday, November 11. The train, with the railroad officials, and a large number of invited guests, was met at the depot by a procession, headed by the cornet band, the fire department, and the best the city could display. Mrs. Winkley got up the dinner, Mr. L. Paradis presided at the tables. The dinner was at Forest Hall and Music Hall, both. Hon. W. C. Silverthorn welcomed the guests; responded to by F. O. Wyatt, superintendent of the road. That Wausau did credit to itself on that occasion, may be inferred by the following list of names of the committee of ladies having the matter in charge: Mrs. James McCrossen, Mrs. George McCrossen, Mrs. Parcher, Mrs. French, Mrs. Schofield, Mrs. James, Mrs. Peters, Mrs. Mormon, Mrs. Parenteau, Mrs. McKimm, Mrs. Armstrong, Mrs. Thayer, Mrs. Gotche, Mrs. Sullivan, Miss Kate Schofield, Miss Lina Williams, Miss Mary J. Thompson, Miss Josie Thayer, Miss Nellie McCrossen, Miss Josie Bradford, Miss Hattie Meriam, Miss Ida Brightman, Miss Nellie Blair, Miss May Connolly, Miss May Poor.

American Express – This company is fortunate in its office agent here, A. C. Clark, who is uniformly pleasant and accommodating. The business of the company is constantly increasing.

Stage Lines – Up to 1874, the river and stages were the sole dependency for transportation, and a daily line to “Jenny” was one of the institutions until the completion of the road to that town, now transformed into Merrill. Now there are two weekly lines, one to Marathon City, west; the other east to Spring Brook.

Hotels – The city has quite a number of hotels, some of them quite large and well appointed. Up to the Fall of 1881, however, it not unfrequently happened that all the rooms were filled, boarding-houses and all, and considerable skirmishing was required by a belated party to secure even a “cot” or a “shakedown.”

The Bellis House is a large, first-class hotel, built by Bellis & Mosher, in 1881, who are the managers. Dan Giles is chief clerk; Mrs. Jane Bellis, housekeeper. There are forty rooms with large dining room, sample room, and all the adjuncts to a well appointed hotel. It is of brick, and is on Third street, opposite Court-house square.

The Adams House is a large brick building on the corner of Fourth and Jackson streets. John Adams is the manager. It has large and pleasant rooms, and good accommodations.

The Winkley House is the oldest and was the largest in the city. C. Winkley is proprietor, with Mrs. Winkley as matron. It is pleasantly situated on Jackson street, and is noted for its good cheer and a free bus. Mr. Winkley began the hotel business here in 1858.

The Marathon House, located on the corner of Main and Washington streets, owned by Mrs. W. D. McIndoe, is a good-sized and well furnished house. G. W. Kallock took the house in 1877, and by careful management it does a good business. Mrs. Kallock is an amiable landlady, and gives good fare and pleasant accommodations.

The Riverside House, formerly the Hunt House, is on the corner of Jackson and Main streets. It is managed by William H. Deakin, with his mother as housekeeper. The house has been recently enlarged and improved, and is in all respects a comfortable place to stop.

The Railroad House – This is on Washington street, near the depot. W. J. Empey is proprietor and has been there since 1876. He is a pleasant and accommodating landlord.

John Sloan keeps a boarding-house on Jackson street; Caspar Seim, on Forest street; P. A. Winneburg, near the depot; C. Updahl, Jefferson street; M. E. Philbrick, next door to Bellis House; Mrs. Noiseux, on Jackson street, and several other boarding-houses, all doing good business.

The Medical Profession, in numbers, ability and skill, is not behind other northwestern cities. As to numbers, there is a doctor to each 650 people, which, with the characteristic healthfulness, must make hard times for those in the rear of the procession. The following M.D.’s are in active practice: Mrs. Elsie H. Clark, A. T. Koch, S. G. Higgins, W. H. Searles, T. Smith, I. W. De Voe, D. B. Wylie, Wm. Wylie. Dr. Searles is about to remove to Salt Lake City.

There are two dentists to supply the place of the two so summarily disposed of last year – J. C. Bennett shooting his rival, E. L. Hogle, and getting himself into Waupun for life. The present practitioners are E. E. Lawrence and C. J. Bradley.

The Marathon Bar is represented by twenty-one lawyers, all of them but three residing in Wausau. They are an able body of men. Here are their names: C. V. Bardeen, M. H. Barnham, E. L. Bump, Neal Brown, M. M. Charles. C. F. Crosby, C. F. Eldrend, District Attorney; H. H. Grace, H. B. Huntington, M. Hurley, B. W. James,  J. A. Kellogg. E. B. Lord, Louis Marchetti, Municipal Judge; T. C. Ryan, W. C. Silverthorn, all of Wausau; Charles Grow and R. B. Salter of Colby; and G. I. Follett of Spencer.

There are four public halls: Music Hall, Jacob Koulter, proprietor; Forest Hall, C. A. Single, proprietor; Bernard’s Hall and Ruder’s Hall. Music Hall is the largest, has a stage, scenery, etc.

Banking – The first regular bank in Wausau was the Bank of the Interior, which went into operation on the 1^st of July, 1858. Linus R. Cady, L. A. Richards and W. H. Clark were interested in its operations. It was finally merged in the Marathon County Bank, with J. A. Farnum as president, and A. Jeffry as vice president.

The Marathon County Bank was started in January, 1875, with a capital of $25,000. Since that time, it has done a large banking business. The banking house is on the corner of Third and Jefferson streets, and the vault is protected by a chronometer lock. Total resources, 1881, $146,613.71. Officers: C. P. Haseltine, president; C. W. Harger, cashier. The other stockholders are Daniel Jones, A. Lolliday, Julia E. Harger and Helen H. Gallup.

Silverthorn & Plumer, bankers, began operations in 1866. They do a large land business, paying taxes, etc. Their disbursements in the Spring are $250,000 a month. Total resources, $159,130.

Wausau Board of Trade has been in operation several years. A seat at its board is valuable, but not quite up into the thousands, as like institutions in New York now figure. What it may be in 1981, no one can even conjecture. The present officers are: J. M. Smith, president; W. C. Silverthorn, vice-president; D. L. Plumer, treasurer; T. C. Ryan, secretary; John Single, N. A. Anderson, Alex Stewart, R. P. Pratt, Aug. Kickbusch and William Knox, directors.

--Business Interests

Responsible land and real estate agents are most valuable to those seeking investments in a new country particularly, as well as to non-residents. The following list of dealers in real estate will be of service: Silverthorn & Plumer, Allen & McEwen (who are also surveyors), B. W. James, Henry Miller, J. R. Bruneau, John Ringle and Charles V. Bardeen. Thompson & Smith are the agents for the Wisconsin Valley Railroad lands, which are held at $3 per acre and upward.

The Wausau Boom Company is perhaps the most important institution connected with the lumber interest, as its prosperity depends very largely upon the success of its management. It was incorporated in 1874, and the cost of the construction of the booms, which extend six miles up the river, has been over $30,000. The storing capacity is 30,000,000 and nearly 100,000,000 feet of logs are handled yearly. Twenty-five men are regularly employed, and in the Spring, during the busy season, 150 men are at work there. The officers of the company are: R. E. Parcher, president; J. M. Smith, treasurer; and H. L. Wheeler, secretary.

The Wisconsin River Log Driving Company, organized October 4, 1878. Capital, $50,000. T. B. Scott, president; C. P. Hazeltine, treasurer; W. J. Scriver, secretary.

The Wisconsin Boom Company, organized October 8, 1872, L. S. Cohn, president; N. T. Kelley, treasurer; H. Beck, secretary. Capacity, four to five million feet.

John C. Clark has a well appointed lumber mill; can cut 100,000 feet in twelve hours. Employs from seventy-five to 115 men. The establishment includes an extensive planing mill. Mr. Clark owns his own pine lands. The mill has a double rotary, for slabbing, and sawing cants for shingle mill, a single rotary, a gang edger, a trimmer, a lath and picket mill, a shingle mill, a planer and molding machine, a siding machine, a slab grinder. There is a force pump with 300 feet of hose, besides other machinery required in such a mill. There are three large water wheels, run from a head of twelve feet. These mills are the oldest in the city, but are now filled with modern machinery. The mills are on an island of nine acres, with plenty of room. The C., M. & St. P. Co. has a side track to the mill.

Wausau Lumber Company, incorporated May 17, 1879. R. E. Parcher, president; D. L. Plumer, treasurer; V. A. Anderson, secretary; N. L. Alderson, George Silverthorn and Alonzo Stephens were the other directors. Capital. $20,000. Present officers: James M. Crossen, president; William A. Knox, secretary; D. L. Plumer, treasurer. Manufacture lumber, lath, pickets and shingles. Capacity of the mill, Spring to Fall, 12,000,000 feet. The power is derived from a 100-horse power steam engine. The mill has all kinds of first class machinery, rotary gang edger, trimmer, shingle, lath and picket machinery. They also have a planing mill near the railroad track. John Langdon is the lessee of the mill, and is operating it. Seventy men are employed.

J. & A. Stewart & Co.’s mill is located at the foot of Forest street on the east bank of the river. The power is furnished by four large water wheels of the most approved form. The mill runs two double rotaries with a capacity of 75,000 feet every twelve hours.

It also has a gang edger, trimmer, shingle, lath and picket machines, and everything is kept in first-class order. Adjoining the saw mill is the planing mill, where lumber is put in any desirable shape for the market. Employment in the several departments is given to 160 men. The following represents a season’s cut: Lumber, 16,000,000 feet; shingles, 8,000,000; lath, 1,000,000; pickets, 300,000. The firm is composed of John and Alex. Stewart and Walter Alexander, substantial, active and energetic men.

Merheim & Kickbusch’s mill is located on Scott street, near the railroad track. It contains the latest improved machinery for the manufacture of doors, sash and blinds, floorings, siding, moldings and shingles. Large stocks of these articles are constantly carried and the sales are mostly for home construction. About twenty men are employed, and $18,000 or $20,000 worth of work is annually executed.

B. G. Plumer’s mill is situated on Plumer’s Island, between Clark’s and Stewart’s mills. It contains a double rotary, gang edger, trimmer, shingle machines, lath and picket mill, planer, siding and molding machines. The daily capacity of the mill is 30,000 feet of lumber and 50,000 shingles. The piling ground is convenient. The night and day run keeps sixty men on the alert. Mr. Plumer came into possession of the mill in 1863 and has run it ever since, having personal supervision of the entire business.

H. Daniel’s mill is devoted exclusively to the production of shingles. It is on the west side of the river above the dam and is propelled by steam. The machinery is of the very best. Mr. Daniels started the business in 1865 and has kept right at it ever since. He makes 7,000,000 or more shingles a year, which as he cuts all the logs into shingles without assorting them for other purposes, have a very high reputation. When in full running trim, thirty men are employed.

Curtis Bros. & Co., of Clinton, Iowa, have a branch in Wausau, manufacturing doors, sash and blinds. It is a mammoth concern. S. E. Anderson, Supt. The representative of the firm here is J. E. Carpenter. Mill, 80x100, three stories; engine room, 40x40; wing, 20x20; sales-room, 80x80.

Clark, Johnson & Co. – This is a first-class mill in all respects, employing fifty-five men, turning out lumber in an unremitting stream.

The Marathon Lumber Co. finished their mill in June, 1881. It is 40x120 feet; wing, 30x30 feet; engine room. 33x40 feet. The firm is C. F. Dunbar and D. and F. McDonald; everything is first-class.

Herchenbach’s flouring mill is on the north end of Clark’s Island, and has a remarkably efficient water power. The mill was purchased by the present proprietor in 1878, and was thoroughly overhauled and repaired and put in excellent running order with modern machinery, and the productions meet with instant sale for local use. The flood of September, 1881, washed through the basement of this mill and did other damage.

Wausau Iron Works – The building for this extensive company was erected by Ely Wright, in 1873, and he became the proprietor and operator until 1877, when it was sold to D. J. Murray, the present proprietor. The location is on Third street, near the railroad. It is fully furnished with the latest designs in machinery, such as lathes, planers, boring machines, bolt machines, etc.; with devices and tools to prepare patterns. It is also supplied with an iron and a brass foundry. The blacksmith shop is well appointed with tools for heavy work. The establishment is fully prepared with skilled labor, and the requisite tools for building steam engines and mill machinery, and doing all kinds of casting in iron or brass. Rather a specialty is made of trimmers for saw mills. Quite a large amount has been done for the railroad. The annual amount of business is over $50,000. Eighteen men are employed. Mr. Murray is his own superintendent, with George Clayton as book-keeper.

J. A. Frenzel’s Iron Works is located in the southeastern part of the city; is remarkably well equipped with steam power and the requisite appliances for successful business. As a specialty, the shop turns out plows of an excellent pattern, straw-cutters, and like implements. Besides this, repairing is largely attended to. The business of the concern foots up $10,000 a year.

Porter Bros., of Red Wing, Minn., established a tannery here, with seventy-two vats, in the Summer of 1884. The firm is J. A. & J. F. Porter.

C. Althen & Co. is one of the oldest firms in the city; dealers in general merchandise and farm produce. Amount of business, $25,000 annually.

R. Bauman established the hardware business here in 1867; now carries a stock of $10,000, and sells $15,000, a year. He has a fine store.

M. Duffy started business in 1868; carries a neat stock of groceries on Jackson street.

The year after the railroad reached Wausau, in 1875, Mr. Homier came here and opened up a mammoth stock of dry goods, hardware and groceries. The stock aggregates $20,000 in value, and the sales foot up nearly, or quite, $50,000 each year. Farming implements and a tin-shop are part of the establishment.

In 1873, the firm of Nathan & Benjamin Heinemann began business here, at first doing a light business in clothing. They now deal in general merchandise, sewing machines, pianos and organs.

A. Dengel & Co., formerly Dengel & Sherman. Mr. Dengel commenced business here in 1875. His son-in-law is now associated with him. They are in Paff’s Block, on Third street, and deal in general merchandise, carrying a $12,000 stock, and disposing of $25,000 worth a year.

John C. Gebhardt deals in general merchandise, having started in 1875, in a small way, but now sells $40,000 worth of goods a year.

Aug. Kickbusch began business here in 1860, and now has a huge establishment, consisting of dry goods and grocery store and two warehouses. The stock is worth $20,000 and sales to the extent annually of $75,000 are made.

John Kiefer, groceries and general merchandise, of a select variety, for retail trade.

F. W. Kickbusch, in 1879, put up a fine, large store on the corner of Main and Scott streets, and put in an immense stock of dry goods, groceries, flour, feed, and crockery. He has one of the best stores in the city.

A. W. Krueger deals in groceries on Jefferson street; keeps a good stock.

H. P. Maynard, dealer in groceries, crockery, glassware, and farm produce. His store is on Scott street. His sales are $20,000 a year.

Mueller & Quandt, corner of Third and Washington streets, deal exclusively in boots, shoes and rubbers. The sales foot up $20,000 annually.

John Oelhafen deals in general merchandise, on Forest street, with a well stocked store and large sales.

Parcher, Mason & Fernald. This is one of the heaviest firms in the city. They carry a heavy stock of general merchandise and do a very large business, particularly in supplying logging camps. G. E. Fernald has general supervision of the business, which is located on Main street.

J. McCrossen & Co., dealers in general merchandise. James McCrossen, the senior member of the firm, established the business in 1868, which has grown to large proportions, amounting to $125,000 a year. They supply a large amount of logging camps, and have a wide reputation for square dealing.

Anton Schuetz, corner Fourth and Jackson. Dry goods, groceries, crockery, notions, etc.

M. E. Philbrick & Co., fruit house, confectionery, fancy groceries, with restaurant and lodgings.

James Montgomery, hardware and cutlery, direct from the manufactories.

J. P. Briggs deals in books and stationery, fancy goods, albums, toilet articles, paintings, engravings, frames, etc.

B. Bick & Co.’s ladies’ bazaar, Main street, near the post-office.

John Ringle deals in general merchandise to the extent of $20,000 a year.

John Schneider, all kinds of heavy and shelf hardware, tinware and farming implements. His store is near the railroad track.

Charles Wiskow, manufacturer and dealer in boots and shoes, corner Second and Washington streets.

C. Althenn, clothing, hats, caps, dry goods, groceries and general merchandise.

D. F. Dunbar, a fine location on Third street, with a large stock of goods, attracts a large business. He came to Wausau in 1874.

Will Davenport came here in 1877, with a stock of goods owned by C. Claflin, of Stevens Point. He afterward bought out the concern, and now has a fine place and a good business on Third street.

L. J. Rhodes is on the corner of Third and Washington streets; an experienced man, doing a good business.

A. Engle, a practical mechanic, does repairing of clocks, watches, etc., at his place on South Line road.

The drug business is represented by A. C. Clark, corner of Third and Washington streets; H. O. Beneneng, the Main-street drug store; Dr. H. A. Frost, Forest City drug store, who also deals in dry goods and ladies’ furnishing goods; F. H. Morman, on Third street, and Wenich Bros., Main and Washington streets.

Rudolph Felling, a merchant tailor, on Jackson street; began in 1877; now does a good business.

D. A. McCullough, on the corner of Third and Jackson streets, is an old business man in his line, carries a good line, and does a good business.

Charles Woessner, on Washington street; established in 1861; now does over $20,000 a year. He has ready-made clothing and furnishing goods.

Frank Mathie commenced the brewing business in 1871, and now makes about $12,000 worth annually.

George Ruder manufactures 1,500 barrels of beer each year.

The livery stables are owned by James Edee, proprietor of the Jackson-street stable, and W. H. Osborn, Washington street, started in 1877.

N. B. Orr, Grant street, keeps a good stock of furniture.

Fred. Neu has a fine stock of furniture of his own and other manufacture.

K. S. Markstrum, painter; established in 1874; has a stock of paints, oils and glass, and is a practical workman.

Berg & Nelson, house, sign, fancy and ornamental work. Mr. Nelson is a good landscape painter as well.

A. Dern, Frank Wartman, John Merklein and Whiting Brothers attend to the butchering business.

Shoemaking, which requires special skill to meet the lumberman’s wants, is well cared for here. H. W. Bockman, H. Munt, P. Mayer, Anton Mehl,  P. Ruth, Henry Seim and C. Wiskow are the most prominent among the Crispins of Wausau.

The principal sons of Vulcan are Andrews & Bolin, F. Bothnes, Gruetzmacher & Brandt, Julius Quade, Radant & Schwantes, Otto Schocknow, Robert Thompson.

Ernst Felling and D. B. Wyle do a good business as harnessmakers.

E. Lee Goff, corner of Third and Jackson streets, and M. D. Phelps, on Third street, make sun pictures to order.

Mrs. Addie De Voe has a large dressmaking and millinery establishment on Third street.

Mrs. J. P. Partridge also carries on this business on the same street.

C. Oswold, baker, corner Washington and Fourth streets.

Gustav Kischel, on Scott street, also has confectionery, fruits and nuts.

Wagon makers – F. Jamart, on Second street. Aug. Lemke has been in the business since 1861. H. Voelz commenced wagon-making in 1879.

Jacob Paff, tanner. His shop is filled with machinery and appliances in first-class style.

John Immhoff, gunsmith. Shop on Washington street.

Kreuger Bros. and Charles Steckmest have good stocks of tobacco-user’s materials, and manufacture largely of cigars.

Barbers – H. Dern, J. Haskins, J. Dern, and others.

News-dealer – C. W. Chubbuck.

Pictures and frames – M. M. Partridge.

Feed Store – L. W. Thayer, Third street.

Abstract of Titles – A. W. Schmidt.

Contractor and Bridge-builder – D. W. C. Mitchell.

Wood-turning – Lippel Bros., West Side.

Architects – J. A. Jones, J. Mercer, F. W. J. Becker, A. Leslie, O. Lamphier, W. LaSalle, A. M. Millard and J. Miller.

H. L. Wheeler is one of the oldest insurance agents in town. He represents ten or more of the leading fire companies in different parts of the country, and the Washington Life, of New York. Mr. Wheeler is also lumber inspector of the tenth district, and secretary of the Boom Company.

J. A. Kellogg formerly had an extensive insurance agency, which was transferred to E. C. Zimmerman. He represents the Aetna, of Hartford, and eight or more other companies.

Real Estate Dealer – A. Warren, Jr.

Saw Works – James Adams.

From the account here given of the various business firms, a good idea may be obtained of Wausau as it existed in 1881, and it is hoped that a comparison with its condition in 1981 will not be an unpleasant retrospect.

The Wausau Cornet Band and the Forest City Band furnish music for the city. These bands are well up in musical proficiency.

Transcribed from pages 544-555 "History of Northern Wisconsin", by History Buffs.

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