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Miscellaneous set
Dr.
F. J. Parkhurst Called by Death
Born and Reared in Watertown
Widely Known Physician and Business Man and Founder of Sanitarium
Watertown Gazette, 09 16 1915
Dr. F. J. Parkhurst died at his home in Danvers, Illinois,
Saturday at 3 a.m. September 9, 1915, after an illness of several months. During the last two weeks his condition had
so improved that his friends were greatly encouraged. On Friday afternoon he was at his office, but
became very ill early Saturday morning and died in a short time.
Fred J. Parkhurst was born in Watertown, Wisconsin, February 13,
1855, and was one of a family of six children.
After attending both the public school and the Lutheran College of Watertown he graduated
from the Northwestern Medical College, Chicago, in the class of 1880. After serving an internship at Mercy hospital
he located at Danvers, Illinois, where, for a time he was associated
professionally with his uncle, Dr. Harvey Parkhurst, one of the pioneer
physicians of McLean county.
In 1881 he was married to Miss Mary A. Abbott of Danvers, who
survives him. Three children were born
to this union, one dying in infancy, and one daughter Francis, who died at the
age of seventeen, Sept 29, 1904, and Arthur A. Parkhurst, a son, now editor of The Boulder Morning News, of Boulder,
Colorado. He is also survived by a
brother, Hiram H. Parkhurst, of Lincoln, Neb., and one sister, Mrs. Lois
Baldwin of Oak Park, Illinois.
Dr. Parkhurst was of Revolutionary ancestry. His great grandfather, Elisha Parkhurst, was
a surgeon in the Revolutionary War and died in service. His paternal grandmother was a direct
descendant of Samuel Huntington, one of the signers of the Declaration of
Independence. For many years Dr.
Parkhurst had an extensive practice which later he renounced in order to give
his entire attention to the study and treatment of inebriates for whom he had
established a sanitarium in Danvers, Ills.
This institution grew to large proportions and thousands of men have been
under his care.
In Dr. Parkhurst’s death Danvers loses one of its most generous
hearted and public spirited men. He was
greatly interested in the cause of temperance and circulated the first petition
that made Davers local option territory.
He was a member and director of the First Presbyterian church and has
for many years been a director in the First National Bank of that city. Dr. Parkhurst was a member of the American
Medical Association, the Illinois and McLean County societies, serving as president
of the latter at one time. His remains
were interred at Danvers.
The news of Dr. Parkhurst’s death was received in Watertown with
sincere sorrow by all his old friends, who held him in very high esteem. He was one of the very best of men and his boyhood
days in Watertown is remembered with a great deal of pleasure by such of his
schoolmates as now reside here. After
leaving school for several years he was employed by F. P. Brook & Co., our
worthy citizen George Hawkins being a member of the firm, and by the late J. W.
Mentink, as delivery boy, in which employment he saved enough money to enter
Rush Medical College.
New Shoe Store
Watertown Gazette, 02 20 1913
March 1st Ernst V. Leschinger and Harry S. Wheeler will open a new shoe store at
420 [East assumed] Main Street. It will
be known as the Royal Blue Shoe Store and will have the exclusive agency for
the Royal Blue Selz shoes. Mr.
Leschinger has been a salesman the past seven years in the Gile-Strauss-Sette
store, and is one of Watertown's most popular young men. Mr. Wheeler is a musician of note in
Watertown and vicinity and is popular with a large acquaintance. They will carry a large line of everything in
the shoe business.
Watertown Gazette, 09 30 1915
Michael Manning of Clyman, coroner of Dodge county, was
in the city on official business on Wednesday.
The office of coroner of Dodge county has been a very important one
since Mike was elected to the office. He
is right “on the job” and sees to it that “no guilty one escapes”. We want more men like Mike in office.
—Watertown Gazette.
You are right, Bro. Moore, Mr. Manning is discharging
the duties of his office as all faithful officers should. Prior to Mr. Manning’s election, the office
of coroner of the county was looked upon by many as little more than an office
without a salary or duty — just a bit of “red tape.” As a matter of fact, the office of coroner,
while it carries no salary, is one of the most important offices in the county
and state. All sudden deaths are
not the result of accident by any means.
Some of them may be suicides and some may be murders. Many a convict who is now behind the bars was
landed there by discoveries made at coroners’ inquests . . .
Watertown
Tailors
Watertown Gazette, 09 23 1915
A decided improvement has been made in the front of the store of
the Watertown Tailors, proprietors of the $16.50 store [?]. George Hawkins, the owner of the building,
has had a new and modern front erected, the iron work having been done by Otto Biefeld & Co. and the
carpenter work by Richard Rowlands. The
new front already presents a very attractive display of fall and winter
goods. Paddy Ryan, the manager, has
arranged for a fall opening for next Saturday.
The Watertown Saxophone Orchestra has been engaged to furnish the music
for the occasion and souvenirs will be presented to all visitors to the store
during the day.
Watertown Democrat, 01 01 1863
Mr. Lawrence J. Fribert, one of the early residents of this city, died
at his home last Saturday night, the 27th of December, 1862, after severe
illness, in the 54th year of his age.
Mr. Fribert was a native of Denmark. He came here about twenty years ago. During a considerable portion of that period
he was engaged in mercantile pursuits but for some time past he has been a
practicing lawyer at Juneau, forming one of the firm of Billinghurst, Lewis
& Fribert – his family remaining here, with the exception of a short
interval. Returning to his home some
four weeks since quite unwell, he continued to fail in strength until death
finally closed the scene. He was a
gentleman highly respected for his intelligence and virtues and kindly esteemed
by all who knew him. Uniformly cheerful,
with a playful remark always ready, his fine social qualities drew around him
many warm friends. Upright and blameless
in all the varied relations of life, his loss is most sincerely and deeply
regretted by those who had the best opportunities to learn and appreciate his
real worth.
Hours
of Labor
Watertown Democrat, 10 19 1865
Bodily and mental labor are too unequally distributed in our
country. Some men occupy the whole time
in menial labor. In the practice of law,
in preaching, in teaching, lecturing, or retired study, they pass on from day
to day, never laboring with their hands or exerting their muscular powers, so
far as even to produce a moderate perspiration.
This is bad for that class of men.
Perfect health cannot be had in general without bodily labor. This appears to us to be an inevitable law of
our nature. Man was made to labor, not
only to take pleasant exercise, but actually to labor, to weary his frame by
regular daily exertion. Such exertion is
an absolute condition of good health.
On the other hand, the greater part of mankind are obliged to work
too hard. Mental cultivation is
essential to a sound state of the human constitution.
Perpetual labor, without mental improvement, is the condition
rather of the brute than of a human being.
But such is the necessity of the case, as society is now constituted,
that hard labor twelve hours of the day is required from the greater part as
the condition of their very existence.
This state of things is wrong.
Labor and study ought to be more nearly equalized. The laborer ought to be able to support
himself with such a degree of labor as would leave him a few hours every day
for the improvement of his mind.
The proper development of all the faculties is best for the
professional man and all other classes.
But the tendency of the times is to improve and exercise none of our
powers, except to accumulate a vast amount of wealth.
House
Breaking
Watertown Democrat, 10 12 1865
Two or three nights since one of our citizens caught a prowling
thief in the act of lifting one of his windows and trying to enter his
dwelling. This would indicate that a
gang of these robbers are hanging around the city, watching their chances to
plunder.
The right way to treat them is to be prepared for their visits, and
we know nothing better to entertain them with than a little lead. That is the kind of reception such fellows
deserve, and if it should prove to be cold, all the better, for the cure will
be certain.
Watertown Democrat, 10 19 1865
In this city the demand for comfortable and commodious
dwelling houses is much greater than the supply. Those who wish to rent find it next to
impossible to obtain a house of any description. We do not believe a vacant tenement can be found within the city limits. The only way to meet this want is to supply
more. Those who have suitable lots and
the means to build would have plenty of occupants for any number of convenient
houses they may put up. This state of
things shows that our city is steadily growing in numbers and there is every
indication that this will be the case for some time to come. The elements of property exist here. Our splendid water power is not half employed
and the fertile country around is being more extensively and carefully cultivated. In order to keep people here there must be
houses to live in and this want ought to keep pace with the demand.
Watertown Democrat, 10 19 1865
Notice. Having
sold out my lumber yard and retired from business and wishing to immediately
adjust all claims both for and against me, I have left my books and accounts at
the Wisconsin National Bank of Watertown where all indebted are requested to
call and settle between this and the 1st of November next, as after that date
all demands will be promptly placed in the hands of a Justice of the Peace for
collection.
J. C. Rhodes, Watertown, Oct. 11th, 1865
The
Wild Men
Watertown Democrat, 10 19 1865
There are now to be seen at Cole’s Hall in this city
two wild men from the island of Borneo, who are objects of great interest worth
visiting.
As an exchange paper remarks, “They are something more
than mere curiosity and suggest strange thoughts to the mind of the
beholder. The characteristics of the
human race and those of the animal seem to be almost equally blended, while it
would be difficult to tell which predominates.”
Watertown
Gazette,
01 15 1914
During
the year 1913 Herman Bahr, local associate manager for the Guardian Life
Insurance Co., wrote $110,000 insurance.
In recognition of his splendid record he was given by the company a
nicely engraved silver loving cup.
Dr.
F. C. Haney
Watertown
Gazette,
01 15 1914
Dr.
F. C. Haney attended a meeting of the state board of medical examiners at
Madison this week.
Watertown
Gazette,
01 22 1914
At
the annual meeting of the stockholders of the Union cheese factory, town of
Emmet, the following officers were elected:
President
— John P. Roffeis.
Secretary
— Ernest Klecker.
Treasurer
— John Kreuziger.
Directors
— John P. Roffeis, Ernest Klecker, John Kreuziger, Gus Tonn, William Schroeder.
Watertown
Gazette,
01 22 1914
Lee
B. Skinner of Dunedin, Florida, has placed an order for 10,000 feet of orange
brushes with the Standard Brush Co. of this city.
Watertown Gazette, 09 23 1915
For Sale Real Estate: The
Edward Davies homestead on Second Street.
The 1 1/2 story frame dwelling house on Dodge Street, between 1st and 2nd
streets, and the two story brick building on 1st Street, all in the 1st
ward. For further information call on
C. R. Blumenfeld, Lawyer.
Watertown
Democrat,
04 21 1864
Mr. William G. Crawford is
about to move from this city to Madison.
For some years he was an extensive merchant tailor here, but more lately
he has been at the head of the manufacturing department of B. Swan’s clothing
store. He is a skillful and experienced
cutter, knows how to make “just the fit,” and is not only an excellent business
man but an estimable citizen. We wish
him success.
Oil
Painting
Watertown Democrat, 09 28 1865
Messrs. Johnson & Buttles are now in this city for the purpose of
giving lessons in a new art of painting on glass, called “American Oil
Painting.” They have shown us some
specimens of their skill, which are certainly finely executed with rare beauty
and finish. They profess to teach the
whole process in one hour so thoroughly that the learner can go on and practice
it successfully without difficulty afterwards.
By this art, photographs, engravings or lithographs can be transferred
to glass and painted in oil, with all tints and shades of color. They will be found at the Lindon House, where
they are prepared to teach any who wish to learn.
Watertown Democrat, 02 26 1863
Intelligence was received here last week that Mr.
Stephen Stimpson, formerly of this city, died on the 3rd of January, 1863, at
Bannock, on the head waters of the Missouri River, in Dakotah Territory, some
800 miles from the city of Denver.
Mr. Stimpson was long a resident of this city, having
come here in 1844. For many years he was
actively engaged in different business pursuits and was once the owner of considerable
property, but the financial revulsions of 1857 affected him unfavorably, as it
did many others, and he became somewhat embarrassed by his losses. In 1859, when the Pike’s Peak gold
discoveries excited the whole country with wild expectations of untold wealth
to be easily acquired in that region, in company with Dr. G. Shamberg, he went
to the far west to try his fortune in that new field of chance and luck, which
was then attracting so many thousands to its rugged borders from almost every
state. In the midst of his efforts to
regain a competence we receive the sad news that he has suddenly been called
from his labors by the stroke of death, leaving his numerous friends nothing
but the mournful privilege of recalling once more and finally the name and
memory of one who had many generous impulses, agreeable social qualities and
some manly traits of character.
Watertown Democrat, 03 12 1863
Dr. Ira R. Rood died at his residence in the village of
Waterloo of inflammation of the lungs in the 50th year of his age.
Dr. Rood made his permanent residence at Waterloo
about sixteen years ago. He was then in
the midst of the years of early manhood – the country was new and thinly
settled – but among the scattered population he found there he commenced the
practice of his profession and he was a true and honorable disciple of the
healing art.
He also interested himself in all enterprises
calculated to promote the growth and improvement of the pleasant village he had
made his home and was one of the most prominent and influential men of that
place . . . .
Maple
Sugar
Watertown Democrat, 03 12 1863
Last week new maple sugar was offered for sale on our
streets and brought from 15 to 20 cents a pound. We are informed that those who have maple
orchards are preparing to manufacture extensively this spring. If the season should be favorable there will
doubtless be large quantities made in this vicinity. Where the means exist, every farmer ought to
go into the business and produce all the maple sugar he can. The price of other sugars is now so high that
maple sugar will bring more than ever before and make it a paying investment.
Watertown Democrat, 10 23 1862
Last Thursday evening, the 16th, between four and five
o’clock, Michael Gamble, under the influence of excitement caused by liquor,
shot his wife. As near as we can learn,
the circumstances attending this crime are about as follows:
Mr. Gamble had been to this city on some business and
returned home in a state of partial intoxication. He called for his supper and while at the
table angry words passed between him and his wife and dishes flew at each other
– he commencing it. She in return, he
states, threw a tea cup back at him, hit him near the left eye, and ran into
another room, shut the door and held it.
He made an attempt to force open the door but could
not. Seeing a gun, which was loaded,
standing in the room, he seized it and some of his neighbors say deliberately
put in another charge and fired. The
contents passed through the door into the body of his wife. He then reloaded the gun but could not find
the caps after searching for them.
She fell and expired in the course of fifteen
minutes. He was soon afterwards arrested,
brought before Justice Ducasse for examination and committed to jail to await
his trial at the next term of the Circuit Court.
There are various reports afloat which tend to
aggravate the barbarity of this act, but which we will not report, as the
prisoner is to be tried and we would not knowingly say anything that might
prejudice the case of a man who has already a sufficiently heavy load of guilt
to answer for before the bar of our courts.
He appears to be about fifty years of age, has one child
some twelve years old, and is the owner of a farm on the line of the old plank
road, about three miles east of this city.
He was an industrious man, but given to the indulgence of an appetite
for whiskey, which has led to the commission of the act that in all probability
will bring down on him the severest penalty known to our laws.
New
Grocery and Provision Store
Watertown Democrat, 11 27 1862
[Advertisement]
New Grocery and Provision Store – The undersigned takes this method of
tendering his thanks to his numerous customers for their liberal patronage and
to inform them that he is still at his old stand, with a good supply of family
groceries, such as are used in war times, which will be sold at the lowest
living rates. Markets are rather fluctuating
now-a-days, but having good facilities for keeping well posted, the aim will be
to sell at market prices.
Cash paid for dairy butter.
Main Street, two doors west of the Bank of Watertown –
Amos Baum.
Watertown Democrat, 11 27 1862
[Advertisement]
Notice to Farmers – The undersigned has been appointed agent for the
sale of Braley & Pitt’s Buffalo Threshing Machines and Horse Powers. Also Hall’s Stump Machine. This machine is a good saving of labor to the
farmers, being worked by two men only.
Also improved grain drills for sowing all kinds of grain. Also all kinds of grain scales, of which no
farmer should be without. Also the
Champion Fan Mill and all kinds of agricultural machines and implements.
George Peebles, Agent, Watertown.
The
Price of Drinks
Watertown Democrat, 12 04 1862
The Boston liquor sellers have raised the price of
drinks to thirteen cents each, or two for a quarter.
By drinking twice the customer saves.
By not drinking at all he can save the whole expense,
keep the wretched poison out of his system, be sober and respected, and remain
perfectly indifferent whether the price of the vile alcoholic adulterations now
sold goes up or down.
Watertown Daily Times, 10 03 1964
The Humble Oil Co. last night
notified city officials that it is filing a petition to have a piece of
property at 734 West Main Street rezoned from light industrial to heavy
industrial in order to permit expansion plans the company has in mind to be
carried out. The company, which now
operates in West Main Street as well as South Third Street, plans to close down
its bulk operations in the South Third Street facilities, keeping only its service
station in operation there, while concentrating its bulk operation at its West
Main Street location. In order to do
this the change in the zoning designation will be necessary.
Watertown Daily Times, 08 13 1965
The fact that Watertown is among several cities in the running in an effort
to secure a new industrial concern — the St. Regis Paper Company — was brought
out into the open at last night’s committee meeting of the common council. Mayor Robert P. White, in reply to a question
from Council President George Shephard, said the city has made overtures to
secure the industry and that a brochure had been filed yesterday, the deadline
for presenting such data. Mr. Shephard
said it was a move worth taking since he understood the company would provide
jobs for some 600 persons.
Watertown Daily Times, 06 21 1964
The Glen Mfg. Co. plant in Watertown will close on
Friday on what was reported today to be a temporary basis. However, it was not stated when plant
operations will resume. At peak operations
the plant employs 65 women. On June 3 it
was announced out of Milwaukee, by Jack Winter, president of Jack Winter, Inc.,
and Stanley Glen, president of Glen Mfg. Co., both of Milwaukee, that an
agreement had been made under which members of the Glen family would exchange
their holdings of common stock in the Glen Mfg. Co. for five per cent
convertible preferred stock of $100 per value per share to be authorized and
issued by Jack Winter, Inc.
A
Runaway
Watertown Democrat, 11 09 1865
Last Saturday a Whitewater team became frightened
while standing on West Avenue, dashed across Main Street bridge, paid the
Robinson House a visit, knocked down the lamp post in front, tore out one of
the supporting pillars of the portico, rushed along the sidewalk and scattered
the dry goods boxes in front of Pearson’s store and stopped. It was about as furious a runaway as we have
ever seen. The damage done must have amounted to
nearly fifty dollars.
Indian
Summer
Watertown Democrat, 11 16 1865
The beautiful Indian summer weather continues. Nights of frosty clearness are succeeded by
days of delicious dreamy warmth and brightness.
The wind is southerly and during the day soft as summer. The air is full of the haze peculiar to the
season and all conspire to make the days as delightful as possible.
Snow
Storm
Watertown Democrat, 11 02 1865
Last Friday night, October 27th, we were visited with
a storm. For some days previous the
weather had been cold and rainy. The
trees still retained most of their foliage, and so great was the amount of snow
that fell and covered them that the limbs were borne down, and in many
instances broken off. In this way
considerable injury has been done to fruit and shade trees. On the ground the snow was almost four inches
thick. The roads are in a horrible
condition and will be hardly passable until improved by dry weather.
Horse
Thieves Around
Watertown Democrat, 03 19 1863
In the town of Lake Mills, on the night of the 13th, a
span of bay horses about six years old with a set of silver-plated harness were
stolen from the barn of Mr. John Michiels.
A liberal reward has been offered by the owner for the recovery of the
team and the apprehension of the thief.
There must be an organized gang of horse thieves in this vicinity. No pains should be spared to detect and bring
the rascals to justice. The many fine
horses that abound here is a great temptation to this class of depredators.
Horses are probably first taken by one party and so
rapidly run off to distant places by another that it is almost impossible to
recover them.
The
37th Congress
Watertown Democrat, 03 05 1863
The Congress of the United States, which came into
existence before actual hostilities between the States of this Union broke out
– before the first gun had been fired at Fort Sumter – closed its career last
Tuesday night.
We cannot say that it caused the war, but we know it
has not ended it, with all the vast powers of the Government on its side . . .
Two years of stirring and eventful history have passed – many desperate and
bloody engagements have taken place – and yet the great and final battles for
the Constitution have yet to be fought and won, if the Union of our
Revolutionary fathers is to be saved as it was handed down to us.
Some good acts have been passed but the proceedings of
the 37th Congress will be distinguished as much by what was not accomplished
that ought and might have been, as by what has been done.
A troubled and stormy future seems to be before us,
but if out of our contention and strife, justice and right prevail and peace,
order and unity eventually arise, we may yet belong to a
nation great, powerful and happy – the glory of this continent.
The
Territories
Watertown Democrat, 03 05 1863
An act providing for organizing a temporary government
for the Territory of Arizona has passed Congress and is now a law. This Territory is said to contain 120,000
square miles and its mineral wealth is represented as much greater than that of
any other except Nevada. Its silver
mines are considered among the richest in the world. Gold is found in many parts and copper
abounds everywhere.
Bills have also been reported to enable Colorado,
Nevada and Nebraska to form constitutions and be admitted into the Union as States.
Winter
Drawing to a Close
Watertown Democrat, 02 12 1863
The winter is drawing to a close but as yet there has
been no sleighing, comparatively few severely cold days and much of the time
the weather has been quite mild and pleasant.
Notwithstanding this, business has been active, a heavy amount of wheat
and pork has been brought in and sold, and money has never been plentier, or
rather that which passes as such, for of gold and silver we have none. Even real estate, so long unsalable, has
found buyers and there are indications that arrangements are being made for
considerable building when the proper season arrives for such enterprises. In the midst of war, we still continue to
make improvements and prosper, and if peace should return and give stability to
public affairs, we might reasonably look forward to as good of times as we have
yet seen.
Winter
Wheat
Watertown Democrat, 03 05 1863
We have made quite extensive inquiries relative to the
condition of winter wheat and from what we learn we are justified in making the
statement that the crop now looks remarkably well and promising. A more than usual number of acres have been
sown by the farmers in this vicinity and on the whole the winter has been very
favorable for the grain in the ground. The soil has either been very wet or covered
with snow, so that there has been but little freezing, thawing and wind to
destroy the roots of the young wheat.
Last autumn was an excellent season for plowing and it was so generally
improved that a large breadth of land is now ready to receive the spring seed.
The
Old Year
Watertown Democrat, 01 01 1863
The
old year will depart in sunshine, if we may trust in the appearance of
the cloudless skies that now overspread us. This is mid-winter, but there is
not the least snow on the ground and the weather is pleasant and mild for this
season of the year. There have been an
extraordinary number of warm days during the present month and rarely has
December dealt so gently with us in this climate.
Watertown Democrat, 02 19 1863
Common Council Proceedings: Ald. Brown
reported to allow the bill of John Young for night watch, $4.
Watertown Democrat, 02 19 1863
At the Lake Mills Lodge No. 46 of Free and Accepted
Masons the following preamble and resolution relative to the death of a worthy
brother were adopted:
Whereas, by the dispensation of an All-Wise Power, we
are called upon to mourn the loss of a worthy and beloved brother, John Atwood,
who departed this life at his residence, in the village of Lake Mills, after a
short illness, Feb. 2nd, 1863, in the eighty-seventh year of his age, thereby
depriving the Fraternity of a true and faithful brother, who, for more than
fifty years, had been ardently devoted to the interest of the order.
As a Mason he honored all men, loved the brotherhood
and feared God – as a friend his heart was in his hand and when he died the
poor and needy lost an earthly friend only to gain another to plead their cause
in heaven; as a Christian he was devoted, humble and penitent and our prayer is
that our days may be as well spent, that we may discharge our duty to God,
neighbor and ourselves with equal fidelity.
Watertown Democrat, 02 12 1863
The subscriber has concluded to offer his dwelling
house and forty acres of land connected with it for sale. The house is built of brick nearly new, 47x30
feet, two stories high with kitchen and pantry, 16x24 feet. The land is all of the best quality and all
under good cultivation and embraces five acres of the best meadow in the
state. Six acres of orchard with apples,
pears, plums and cherries in bearing.
There are also twenty bearing grape vines, raspberries, strawberries,
gooseberries, currants, asparagus beds, etc.
A more healthy location cannot be found either East or West. It is only a pleasant walk from business and
overlooks the city of Watertown.
If not disposed of together within a few weeks I will
sell 25 or 30 acres of the land and retain the balance of the buildings. J. A. Hall, Watertown.
Watertown Democrat, 02 12 1863
On the passing of John S. Rockwell, Feb. 3, 1863,
Oconomowoc –
. . . About 1838 he removed to Oconomowoc and made
that pleasant village his chosen and final home . . . When he arrived there
fifteen years ago there was only one solitary log cabin between his new abode
and Milwaukee. Reaching his destination
he pitched his tent and spent his first night under a tree that stood on the
ground where he afterwards reared his comfortable and elegant house. He found but few settlers, thinly scattered
about here and there, at long distances from each other, and those mostly in
poor circumstances, with small means at their disposal – in truth, scarcely
enough to make a beginning. The wide and
fair region around was almost untouched by the hand of cultivation. All was ready for the farmer, the mechanic, the
trader, the laborer, but they had yet to take possession. His presence was soon felt everywhere. He started a store, put up mills, opened
roads, erected dwellings, laid the foundations of school houses and temples of
worship, took a lively part in all projects for the growth and improvement of
the place, and before long was the leading man of the town and vicinity. In him the early pioneers – the rugged and
hardy “’36ers,” as they are sometimes called – found a warm and steady friend,
ever ready to help them in the hour of need . . .
1865
State Fair
Watertown Democrat, 09 28 1865
The state fair is now being held at Janesville. The display is said to be the best ever
made. It is well worth a visit. Railroads carry for half price, which should
induce all to go who can find the time.
E.
W. Sprague
Watertown Democrat, 09 28 1865
E. W. Sprague has just received at his drug store the
largest and best assortment of all kinds, styles, sizes and descriptions of
willow baskets ever brought to this city.
Many of them are fine specimens of ingenuity, skill and beautiful workmanship. The ladies will find there an extensive
variety from which to select and please their fancy.
Watertown Democrat, 09 28 1865
MERCHANT TAILOR –Mr. Augustus Schiffler, a skillful
and first rate merchant tailor, is located one block north of Main Street,
between Third and Fourth streets. He
always keeps on hand an extensive assortment of the best and most fashionable
goods and makes all kinds of garments as cheap, and fits them as exactly, as
anybody. He is a fine workman and always
gives satisfaction.
Winter
Wheat
Watertown Democrat, 10 05 1865
The winter wheat, sown this fall has come up
vigorously and gotten a good start. The
fields have a bright green appearance, which clearly distinguishes them from
the surrounding meadows.
Frost
Watertown Democrat, 10 05 1865
There was a very slight frost on the morning of
October 2nd, the first of the season. It
was not severe enough to do much damage.
There is scarcely anything not already ripe enough to be beyond the
reach of injury.
Broke
Jail
Watertown Democrat, 01 29 1863
On the 20th William West and Evan Davis broke jail in
the village of Jefferson and made their escape.
Davis was retaken by Sheriff Giles last Friday and now is safely lodged
in his old quarters. West, the most
dangerous rogue of the two, is still at large and is described as follows: He is about 5 feet, 9 inches high, dark hair,
grey eyes, Roman nose, strongly built, is about 20 years of age and English by
birth. Sheriff Trucks has offered a
reward of fifty dollars for his apprehension.
These prisoners affected their escape by means of a
brace and bit furnished by someone outside, with which they cut through the
plank and then knocked a hole through the wall by pushing away the brick. Both had an iron ball fastened to the ankle,
but they cut the chain with a file and made off. Alarm was immediately given and no efforts
spared to arrest West, the professional burglar, who is still at liberty.
Something
Useful, Cheap, and Desirable
Watertown Democrat, 02 26 1863
Mr. I. D. Seeley, now in this city, is the agent for
15 counties in this state of what is known as a patent strip door protector,
which is very simple and practical in its operation. It is intended to prevent rain and air from
blowing in from the outside to the inside of a room under a door and this
object it accomplishes perfectly, without the least trouble or inconvenience,
after once adjusted. It consists of two
strips of sheet iron, with a kind of clasp, which catches when the door is
shut, and binds so closely together that it is impossible for water or wind to
force its way through, and so far as the bottom of the door is concerned, all
is air tight, and results in a great saving of fuel. It is really a very desirable improvement and
those who have tried it are so pleased with it that they would not be without
it. It never gets out of repair and once
put in it remains as long as the house lasts.
We strongly commend this simple but valuable invention to all who desire
to protect their rooms from all exposure to the violence of the elements,
whether in the shape of rain or wind. In
a very short time it saves far more than it costs, and is so contrived that it
always works with the utmost accuracy and never fails.
Christmas,
1862
Watertown Democrat, 12 25 1862
He who said “It is more blessed to give than to
receive” knew the depths of the human heart and its capacities for joy and
sorrow. Better than the gratification of
the insane thirst for gold, the hunger for acquisition – more grateful than the
raking together of possessions for self – more blessed than gathering and
hoarding, is the luxury of giving.
Nobler in kind and higher in degree is beneficence than avarice and
self-seeking.
It is not the thousands in the bank vault that confer
happiness, but the dimes thoughtfully given to the poor and needy.
Stocking are the
delight of children on Christmas morning and – until the charm is dissolved by
which Santa Claus fills them with so many good things – a great mystery.
River
Iced Over
Watertown Democrat, 12 04 1862
Last Tuesday morning the river was covered with ice and a thin layer of
snow was spread over the ground. It is very
seldom that the river has remained open as late in the season as it is
now. During the entire autumn the
weather was remarkably warm and mild, and even yet we have not experienced a
very severe touch of winter.
Skating
Watertown Democrat, 12 11 1862
The boys and girls – young folks and old – have had a
fine skating time during the past few days.
The ice on the river has been in excellent condition for the full
enjoyment of this healthy exercise – being smooth and strong, without any danger, except from
the hard bumps the green ones occasionally get from a sudden fall. Parties of ladies and gentlemen have also
improved the beautiful moonlight evenings we are now having to indulge in this
recreation. It is a vigorous and
exhilarating amusement and when the weather is favorable, if more generally
indulged, would be highly beneficial in many respects.
Real
Estate
Watertown Democrat, 12 25 1862
Last week Thomas Dervin purchased the brick block
belonging to A. Hunt, on the west side of the river, for $2,000. It is a good business point and has already
been taken possession of by the new owner.
L. R. Cady sold to Fischer & Rohr a 30 foot lot on
the north side of Main Street for $75 per foot, amounting to $2,250.
Peter Seaborg sold to Henry Bieber a lot 10 feet in
front, adjoining the above, for the same price.
Smabie’s
Great Show
Watertown Democrat, 09 11 1862
Contains the following specimens: African Lion and Lioness, Senegal Leopards,
Asiatic Lion and Lioness, Santa Fe Bison, Amazonian Black Tiger, Cinnamon Bear,
Striped Hyena, Wild Cat, Brazilian Tiger, American Cougars, Zebra, Bengal
Panther, Grey Wolf, Grizzly Bear, Spotted Hyena, Australian Kangaroo, Apes,
Baboons, Lamas, Alpacas, Black Bears, Monkeys, Siberian Coons, Ant Eaters,
Opossums, Macaws, Parrots, Cockatoos, Gold and Silver Pheasants, Emus . . . .
The Gymnastic Elephants, Romeo and Juliet !
The whole forming the model and moral show of 1862.
They will exhibit in Horicon on Sept. 20th.
Petitioner
Requests Refund
Watertown Democrat, 12 11 1862
The petitioner represented that on the 14th of August
last he paid into the City Treasury the sum of fifteen dollars for a license to
sell spirituous liquors. That sometime
afterward, and before his bond was approved, or the license issued, he applied
to the City Clerk to have the bond returned to him, as he had discovered that
he would be obliged to pay to the United States a license of twenty dollars and
his business could not pay for taking out both licenses, and for that reason he
did not wish to take out either. The
petitioner asks that a fair proportion of said license money be refunded to
him.
Where money is regularly and fairly paid into the city
treasury and not under mistake, it cannot be drawn out except for some purpose
specified by law. The Common Council has
no right to make donations from the city treasury, their powers are limited by
the city charter and they can do only what that authorizes them to do. . . .
T. Prentiss, for Commissioner
Watertown Gazette, 10 28 1915
On Wednesday evening of last week, while Emil Kressin of Clyman
was attending the show at Turner opera house, his automobile was stolen from in
front of the theatre and the thief on Friday was brought to this city from
Oconomowoc, where he was arrested by the police of that city while purchasing
gasoline for the machine. At Hartland he
sold an extra tire and with the money obtained returned to Oconomowoc to
purchase gasoline for the machine, the supply being almost
exhausted. He gave his name as Peter
Schmidt and he is well known here, having been stopping in the city and passing
as a newspaper man for about three weeks before he stole the machine. He was taken before Justice Schmutzler, who
bound him over to the next term of the circuit court.
Watertown Woman Will Try For
Film Actress.
Watertown Gazette, 11 11 1915
Miss Estella Claussen, 400 Clyman Street, has entered the “Beauty
and Brains” contest being conducted by the Photoplay
Magazine in conjunction with the World Film Corporation. The proposition is to send eleven young women
to the studios at Fort Lee, New Jersey, across the river from New York City,
where they will be given a thorough tryout as film actresses. All of their expenses will be paid on this
trip and if they show any talent they will be given contracts for a period of
not less than one year at the regular salaries paid to stars. No effort will be spared to make film star of
these young women. Miss Lilian Russell
and William A. Brady are among the judges of the contest. Their experience and reputation alone assures
contestants of every possible consideration based solely upon ability.
Watertown Daily Times, 09 29 1990
Watertown loses one of its most beloved businessmen Monday. State Farm Insurance Agent Bob Lessner will
embark on an early retirement next week to get out of the office and onto the
golf course. Lessner’s retirement comes
after 31 years as an insurance agent with State Farm, 216 N. Fourth St. Prior to his tenure with State Farm, Lessner
was a project engineer with Henszey Company, formerly of Watertown. Lessner, a Watertown native, said he plans to
stay here after he’s retired.
Jefferson
County Agricultural Society
Jefferson
County Fair
Watertown Democrat, 09 18 1862
The people should not let their attention be too much taken up by
the excitement of war and the conflicts of contending armies. There are other interests which demand the
care of such as remain home and follow peaceful pursuits. The annual fair of the Jefferson County
Agricultural Society commences on Wednesday the 24th at Lake Mills and it is
desirable that it should be well attended and made useful by a large display of
the usual variety of the stock, grain, fruit, flowers, implements and
handy-work.
These exhibitions serve valuable purposes when conducted, as they
can and should be. Let all go and see
what progress and improvements the “lords of the soil” are making, even amidst
the conflicts of civil revolution.
Jefferson
County Fair
Held
in Watertown
Watertown
Democrat, 08 24 1865
We publish this week the premium list of the present year, as
prepared by the officers of the Agricultural Society of Jefferson County. The next Annual Fair will be held in this
city on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, the 4th, 5th and 6th of October, 1865.
Without the active and cheerful cooperation of the farmers and
mechanics of this county, no amount of zeal or effort on the part of the
officers of the society will avail to make these yearly displays of products
and implements either interesting or useful.
The officers can only afford an opportunity for bringing together and
exhibiting the results of industry and labor — the cultivators of the soil and
the manufacturers of machinery must furnish the articles of show, or nothing
can save enterprises of this character from a failure. If all work together for the accomplishment
of an end mutually beneficial, this occasion may be made the source of
improvement and instruction to all. We
are confident the present officers of the society will leave nothing undone to
secure the entire success of the fair.
We urge every farmer and mechanic to give their aid and
assistance, for most everything depends on their favor and influence. Let them promptly bring forward the best they
have for exhibition — the best stock, grain, fruit, vegetables and labor-saving
machinery of every description, and make a display that for extent, variety and
quality will be unsurpassed and worthy of inspection and study. The grounds should be covered with the finest
specimens of livestock contained in Jefferson county, and crowded with all
manner and kinds of implements now employed by farmers.
The hall should be decorated and filled not only with the flowers
and the handy work of the ladies, but with the products of the dairy, the hive,
and everything else that will contribute to the value of such collection.
Of course, the ladies will lake a pride and pleasure in giving
this enterprise the benefits of their taste and skill. They have as important a part to take as any
other class, and as usual, their duty will be as fully and perfectly discharged
as that of others engaged in promoting the success of this exhibition . . .
Watertown Republican, 01 30 1900
Taxpayers of the city who desire to have street sprinkling done
the coming season, and whose premises are now not included in the sprinkling
district, should notify Alderman H. C. Mayer, chairman of the committee on
streets and bridges, or any of his fellow-members, before the next meeting of
the common council, Tuesday, February 6.
It is necessary to have these applications in as early as possible, so
that the several districts can be arranged as specified before the contract is
let. According to the system now in
vogue, the cost of sprinkling is based on the assessed valuation of the
property benefited and inserted in the tax role. The season for sprinkling begins
April 15.
Watertown Gazette, 10 21 1915
Editor Watertown Gazette.
I am sending you a marked copy of my paper containing an obituary
of my uncle, Edward Torpy, who formerly resided near Watertown. The account will be of considerable local
interest to your readers. He was a great
booster for Watertown and vicinity and advertised your city in perhaps a more
effective manner than any other single agency, so well and popularly known was
he in this community.
He was one of your first subscribers, his family taking The Gazette while they lived on the
“Plank Road” outside of Watertown, near Milford. He knew you well and I have often heard him
speak of you and how he would go to the Milford post office every week to get The Gazette.
He was the son of William Torpy and Maria (Goff) Torpy, his
wife. Both parents are interred in the
Catholic cemetery in Watertown.
My ears will always ring with his stories of Watertown, the “Plank
Road,” Milford, Hubbleton, and other points of interest in your community. He has a cousin still living in your city,
Mrs. Mary A. Burke.
Should you wish any further information, feel free to write
me. May I ask that you send me a copy of
the issue containing mention of my uncle.
I am the local editor of the Waseca
Journal-Radical.
Respectfully,
Jay White
Infant's
Body Found in River
The body of an infant was taken from the river in the rear of the
Specht property on First Street last Monday and conveyed to the morgue. A coroner’s jury was summoned and adjourned
till tomorrow in Justice Rohr’s court.
The body had the appearance of being about a month old and an
effort will be made to ascertain whether the child was alive or not when thrown
in the river.
Lack
of a Quorum
Watertown Republican, 01 23 1900
The regular meeting of the common council last Tuesday evening was
postponed on account of lack of a quorum. Failure of aldermen to attend
meetings seems to be quite frequent with this council. Some think that the remedy for the evil lies
in the institution of small salaries to aldermen, but we doubt that that would
help much. Besides, it is not very
probable that a measure providing for such could be enacted. It would be a radical step, and there are
perhaps not many mayors of small cities who would care to sanction such with
official approval.
City
Ordinances and City Charter
Watertown Republican, 01 23 1900
At an adjourned meeting of the common council last evening Mayor
Grube presented a communication in which he recommended that a resolution be
passed requiring the city attorney to compile all the existing city ordinances
in proper form and to revise the city charter, prepatory to having the same
printed and bound into one volume. He
also recommended that the fire limits ordinance be amended so as to include all
that district extending from Tenth to Church streets and including two blocks
north and south of Main and West Main streets.
A resolution was subsequently passed in accordance with the first named
recommendation, the cost of printing and binding to be paid out of the city
general fund, while the city attorney is to receive no extra compensation above
his salary for the work of compiling and revising. Another communication from the mayor
recommended that the council enact a measure compelling the railroad companies
to place guard gates at all principal crossings in the city.
Washington
Market
Watertown Democrat, 10 26 1865
Lieut. William Wilson, after serving in the Western
Army three years, has returned to his home in this city and resumed his former business. He
may now be found at the Washington Market on the west side of the river, ready
to wait on his old customers and friends and please them with anything they may
want in the way of fresh meat. He has an
excellent market and always keeps it supplied with the best qualities of all
kinds of fresh meat.
Watertown City
Directory, 1866-67
Watertown Democrat, 10 26 1865
Great excitement at the Auction Store. It is surprising to see the amount of choice
silver plated ware, fine silver lever watches, fancy articles and rich Turkey
Morocco albums sold by Hodge, day and evening.
Auction every evening.
Runaways
Watertown Democrat, 11 23 1865
There were only four runaways on Main Street last week
which we witnessed, though others may have happened which we did not see. In one instance a lad came near being
killed. In another a wagon standing on
the street was ran into and smashed up generally. In another still, a fine shade tree standing
on the corner of the Exchange Hotel was broken
down and perhaps destroyed.
These incidents are getting to be every day
amusements. If they result from
carelessness, as in some cases they do, those guilty of such negligence ought
to be made to pay for all the damage occasioned by their inexcusable
indifference to their own and the safety of others.
_____________ more on runaways _____________
Watertown Democrat, 12 14 1865
We have had a decided improvement in the way of
runaways since our last issue.
Heretofore we have been visited with one at a time, but our last
entertainment in this line was on Saturday last and consisted of a combination
of three.
A span of horses, with wagon attached, came out of
Second Street at a furious rate, making things fly generally, and crossing Main
Street bridge, collided with a new and valuable carriage belonging to Mr. Chase
of Farmington.
The vehicle was smashed, demolished, while Mr. and
Mrs. Chase, together with the little Chases, were spilled out and scattered
about, to their horror, and consternation of the assembled crowd.
No time was lost, however, for while the original
runaway took, like the star of empire, its way westward, the nags belonging to
Mr. Chase concluded to join the chase and went off towards the eastern horizon,
scattering the remnants of the aforesaid vehicle to the four winds.
Meanwhile, a pair of steers, not to be outdone by any
ordinary feats in the shape of horse flesh, cocked their tails, joined in the
festivities of the occasion, and the affair became a stampede.
The scene was exciting, we may say exhilarating,
though nothing new or novel to this town, except from the combinations. Lager beer was for the time at a discount and
Main Street cleared in a twinkling, as the property of Mr. Chase passed through
on its eastern tour, in a chaste and elegant manner.
Watertown Democrat, 11 09 1865
Messrs. Carl & Hugo Jussen have just started a new
tobacco store in Dennis’ Block on the west side of the river. They intend to manufacture and keep
constantly on hand a heavy stock of the finest varieties of cigars and furnish
them to customers on the most favorable terms.
They have excellent facilities for doing this and we have no doubt they
will soon succeed in building up a large and profitable business.
Watertown Democrat, 11 16 1865
[Advertisement]
$30,000 worth of goods just arrived at I. E. Pearson’s Cheap Cash Store,
in corner store in John W. Cole’s Block, all of which has been purchased within
the last 30 days direct from the largest importing houses in New York City,
Boston and the Auction Rooms.
Having had over thirty years’ experience in the dry
goods trade and having better facilities for purchasing goods that any house
west of Chicago, I feel confident in saying to the public that I can offer them
inducements in good styles and quality and prices that cannot be found in this
city in figured dress goods, French merinos, alpacas, poplins, bombazines, wool
shawls, cloaks, shoes, carpets, white goods, oil cloths and ready-made
clothing.
Isaac E. Pearson,
G. P. Jones, Agent.
Watertown Republican, 11 09 1898
When returning from a call in the country
between 1 and 2 o'clock Tuesday morning, Dr. J. Sleicher was held up near the
Howard farm by three masked men, who at the point of revolvers, asked for
money. The doctor offered them his medicine
case as his only possession, but they refused it and departed without further
words.
An
Essay on Boys
Watertown Republican, 11 09 1898
At a recent school board examination for girls one of the tasks
was an essay on boys, and this was one of the compositions, just as it was
handed in by a girl of 12:
The boy is not an animal, yet they can be heard to a considerable
distance. When a boy hollers he opens
his big mouth like frogs, but girls hold their tongue till they are spoken to
and then they answer respectable and tell just how it was. A boy thinks himself clever because he can
wade where it is deep, but God made the dry land for every living thing, and
rested on the seventh day. When the boy
grows up he is called a husband, and then he stops wading and stays out nights,
but the grew-up [grown-up] girl is a widow and keeps house.
Watertown Republican, 12 07 1898
Max Giese, who works the Cody farm in the Fifth ward, was
assisting in operating a feed cutter on the Hartwig farm Friday afternoon, when
his left hand was drawn into the machine and crushed so that a portion of it
had to be amputated. Drs. Werner and
Moulding performed the operation. When
the accident occurred the machine was just about to stop running, otherwise the
unfortunate man might have lost his whole arm.
Watertown Democrat, 11 09 1865
Wanted. 50 men
wanted immediately to chop wood on Mud Lake.
Apply to the subscriber, the Yard Master of the Milwaukee and St. Paul
Railroad at Watertown.
J. S. Pierce
Burdocks
Watertown Democrat, 07 31 1879
We are requested to call the attention of Marshal Henze to the
heavy crop of burdocks in the 1st ward.
The plant is running to seed. Nip
the evil in the bud.
BURDOCK: A large herbaceous Old World plant of the daisy
family. The hook-bearing flowers become
woody burrs after fertilization and cling to animals' coats for seed dispersal.
Watertown Democrat, 11 30 1865
Personal. A correspondent
of the Jefferson Banner, who signs
himself “Bob” – whom we take to be Robert Tompkins – makes the following
allusions to the representatives of our city, now in “Oil-dom:”
“I. E. Leonard and S. P. Day of Watertown and A. F. Mattice
and “Till” Basford of Waterloo are at Pit Hole, speculating in oil lands and
oil interests, and as far as I know, doing a large business. Dr. Shamburg of Watertown is also at Pit
Hole. Col. Hill of Portage has an
interest in the well recently struck on the Morey farm, which is considered one
of the best in Pit Hole. Lieut. Wood of
Watertown has charge of a construction party on the Buffalo and Cross Cut
Railroad above Corry.”
Watertown Gazette, 08 10 1900
Last Thursday evening at night one of the most severe electrical
storms that ever visited this section took place. In the afternoon the house of Mrs. Carr on
Jones Street and the home of Carl Sprenger on First Street, was struck by
lightning. No one was injured, and the
damage was slight.
In the town of Farmington the granaries of H. Ehrke and Robert
Lucknow were struck by lightning, fire setting in and totally destroying them
with contents. In the town of Concord a
number of barns were destroyed in the same manner.
One
of the Hottest Weeks
Watertown Gazette, 08 10 1900
This has been one of the hottest weeks in the history of our
city—beginning Sunday last the heat has continued all week, the thermometer
indicating as high as 96 degrees in the shade nearly every day.
Watertown Gazette, 08 17 1900
Sidney Eberle and Clifton Parks, of Watertown, swam across the
lake on Tuesday evening, starting at Howe’s boat livery and ending in the
rushes near the “castle,” the widest point from east to west. — Lake Mills Leader
Watertown Gazette, 08 10 1900
Chas. Weichert, the 11-year-old son of Gottfried Weichert and
wife, 111 Bailey Street, was run over by the C.M.
& St. P. passenger train which arrived here from the east at 6:32
o’clock last Saturday evening, and received injuries from which he died the
following morning. He was in company
with several other boys at the depot when the train pulled in, and as it
started from the depot again his companions jumped on, and young Weichert, in
trying to do likewise, fell under the train, having one of his legs badly
crushed and the other slightly injured.
He was conveyed to his home and one of his limbs amputated. His injuries resulted in death next morning.
Tuesday morning his funeral was held from the Immanuel church.
This is the second serious railway accident that has occurred here
this year by young boys jumping on trains, and it is high time that some way
should be devised to keep young boys off of the right of way of the railways
entering our city and away from the depots unless accompanied by someone able
to look after them.
Watertown Gazette, 08 17 1900
Last Friday evening while Emil Kaddatz, of Emmet, was bathing in
Rock River, he cut his foot by stepping on some sharp article on the bed of the
river. On arriving at his home, he lost
so much blood that Dr. Hermann was sent for.
The doctor arrived just in time so save his life, for he lost so much
blood that he no doubt would have died in a short time had the doctor not been
on hand to stop the flow of blood.
History of Watertown,
Wisconsin