“Business Firms of Old Newport”

Account Written by Dr. Ambrose Jones of Delton and Read Before the Sauk County Historical Society
April 1, 1909  

At the meeting of the Sauk County Historical society in February a list of the business firms that once were at Newport was read by Mrs. L. H. Palmer.  The list had been prepared by Dr. Ambrose Jones of Delton with some additions by others.  The list is not complete and in case other residents of Newport know of additional names we hope they will be sent to this paper.  The articles is as follows:   

Dr. Ambrose Jones settled in Newport in the spring of 1851 and found there John Marshall, Edward Norris, Joseph Kendrick, Bill Sted, Pat O’Hare, John Carbine, Henry Darrow, Col. Christie and later located there Dr. Jenkins, Abner Longley, B. King, Thomas Connor, Baron Von Steinwick, L.D. Markham, Abraham Vanderpool, Jacob Weber, Norman Stewart, Frank Stewart, Freeman Longley and some others.  

As to the business firms which once did business there the following may be said:  

The Stage House of Steele hotel was kept by William Steele and afterwards by Ed. Burhans.  

Charles Clark was the proprietor of the Clark hotel.  He was also a merchant tailor.  

There were at one time 13 stores of which Marshall & Nickerson owned six.  The Chandler Clark block consisted of two stores below with the hotel above.  Starr, Smith & Lewis had a hardware.  King & Longley groceries; Jacob Weber jewelry; Horace Bonface clothing; Sylvan Smith, tin shop; Freeman Longley and Edward Eaton general stores; Dr. Cross had a drug store as also did J.H. Barstow.  There were also in business Freeman Longley, Henry Darrow, Frank Stewart and Pettibone, now of Portage.  Marshall & Norris had a saw mill at the mouth of Dell Creek.  

Kingsbury had a steam mill about half a mile north of the mouth of Dell Creek.  

Morrison had a shoe shop, Thomas Connor conducted a merchant tailor shop with Rodwell as assistant.  

L.D. Markham was the blacksmith.  The physicians were Dr. A. Jones, Dr. George W. Jenkins, Dr. Cross and Dr. Ashley.  

Dr. Jones was also the photographer.  

Temple was the postmaster.  

John N. Smitz had the saddle and harness shop, J.P. Shults the wagon shop, Morrison the shoe shop and Joseph Kendrick operated the ferry. 

The brewery was located in a quiet place on the side of the hill not far from the Steele hotel.  A windlass brought the barrels up from below.  

J.W. Wood, formerly of Baraboo and now a resident of Sumner Washington was a lumber dealer.  

A private school was taught in a store by Mary Stewart (Mrs. Seth McGilvra of Ladysmith.)  A school house was also built at Dawn and among the teachers were Abner Longley and William Gillespie.  There were two rooms above and two below.  

There was one church, Presbyterian.  Services by other denominations were also held.  A former resident of the place says that one minister was Rev. Mueller, a fine fellow with a big Sunday school class but he wound up at a place where few men go.  

The mail was brought from Portage to Newport by stage.  

East of the river were Johnathan Bowman and others.  George Washington Bailey also resided there and made snare drums.  There was a hotel and store.  

The steamer Enterprise made regular trips between Galena and Newport for two or three years.  This was about 1851.

WHEN OLD NEWPORT WAS NOT A DEAD TOWN

Hon. G. G. Swain of Winona, Minn., Tells of the Joys and Sorrows of the Village that is No More.

Written for the Sauk County Historical Society and Read Monday Evening, February 15, 1909

When I came to Newport in 1855, I judge there were from ten hundred to twelve hundred inhabitants. It had then been settled about two years. The lodestone that had drawn people there was the prospect of a dam being built across the Wisconsin river by the Wisconsin River Hydraulic company, and the crossing at that point of the Milwaukee and  LaCrosse railway. The Company was mostly composed of Milwaukee capitalists, Byron Kilbourn being the most prominent. John B. Vleit was aother and he was also Chief Engeer of the railway, and in that capacity controlled the location of the railway.

The inhabitants were mostly eastern people, and lived very harmoniously together. They lived on both sides of the river, but a large majority were on the west side. The two sides were connected by a ferry which was owned and operated by Mr. Christie, a borther of Mr. Christie, late of Baraboo. Sam Spaulding was the ferryman, and was ready to be called upon at any time night or day. The village was platted for a city with 10,000 inhabitants and extended nearly to the village of Delton two miles away. There were a number of stores and mechanical trades of all kinds. Mr. John Marshall, who was quite a promoter, had two or three stores. He afterwards built a large double store with a hall overhead, and put all his goods into it. He was so taken up with his business that he had no time for ordinary affairs of domestic life.

His father was quite an old man, and lived some ways up the river. Mr. Marshall wished to buy a large stock of goods in an eastern city upon credit, and a respresentative of the eastern men was there to look over the value of his securities. He was showing him some lots and enlarging upon their vaulue.

"This lot of $400.00, will soon be worth $1,000.00"

A nephew coming from his father's place pulled him by the coattail and said: "Mr. Marshall, your father is dead."

"Never mind, never mind. This lot I will put in at $800,00."

The nephew follwed him for one house before he could get any satisfaction from him. The principal phyusician was Dr. Geo. W. Jenkins, who lives retired at Kilbourn City. His practice extended for 15 miles away--and his white horse, Fanny, was looked for anxiously by many more in every direction. His counsel is still sought by other physicians.

The principla lawyer was Johnathan Bowman who represented the district in the State Legislature for a number of terms. Mr. G. VonSteinwick was a consul from the Netherlands, and also represented capitalists from that country. He was elected state bank comptroller. Upon retirement from that office, he moved to LaCrosse and organized the Batavian Bank. There were other men who became prominent elsewhere, but my memory is at fault with regard to them.

Flour as Church Dues

The churches generally held meetings at first over some store. The first minister I remember was Mr. Hutchins, who preached over King & Longley's store. He afterwards preached in Baraboo. I saw  a daughter of his a short time ago, who told me that she had just received a letter from her mother beautifullly written, the mother being 96 years old. She told me of an incident of her father's faith. There were six children, and they lived upon a sand ridge north-west of Newport, and lived upon what he could get from preaching and raising water-melons. One day during a blizzard so severe they thought it impossible for any one to venture out, the wife said they were out of bread and no flour. He said "The Lord will provide," but she could only see the six children and the raging storm, but he kept calm. Before night a neighbor called and said that he had been to the mill the day before with his wheat, and he wished to do something on his church dues, and left a sack of flour."

 Rev. Stuart Mitchell was a Presbyterian and was pastor for some time in Newport and Kilbourn. He was a very arbitrary man, a strict Calvinist, would not allow a donation party. By his command the congregation stood during prayers and sat while they sang. I do not remember the year, but I think it was 1857 that the Rev. Mr. Cooley came with his wife. He was a congregational minister but his wife was a graduate of the Mary Lyon Seminary,and they came there to establish a Mary Lyon Seminary, patterned after the origianl one. A school building was built and competent teachers were secured, Mrs. Cooley at the head. It was very successful for a time. Many of the young ladies attending became prominent women afterwards, but after some time, the church became dissatisfied with Mr. Cooley and so infomred him.He was indignant and split the pulpit, they left and the Seminary vanished.

In 1856, the inhabitants began to be anxious for the compnay to commence work on the river. They gave the excuse that they could not agree with Mr. Kingsbury, who had a saw-mill on the west side  at the point where the dam would be located. He wanted too many concessions.

GLIMPSE OF OLD NEWPORT AS IT IS TODAY

Paper written by Mrs. J. E. English and Read Before the Sauk County Historical Society   April 24, 1909

We have heard tonight the history of old Newport, a busy city which has passed away. Of all the many homes but one remains a neat white dwelling whose door yard and old fashioned garden are enclosed by a white picket fence. This last relic of the ruined city is situated a short distance this side of the picturesque bridge which spans Dell creek shortly before it empties into the Wisconsin river.

The house was built by an Englishman by the name of Scott, who was attracted there, he told me, by the excellent educational advantages for his children and by the high wages paid for skilled labor. He was a carpenter and there was a great demand for his work. He invested all of his capital in the city lots and his home, and when values declsned he was left stranded with his refined family. He lived to a good old age in the home of his lost fotunes and died there about three years ago. His widow and daughter sold the home and city lots for $600 and moved to  Kilbourn.

They often make a pilgrimage to the old spot endeared to them by memories of high hopes outlived and crushed by years of bitter disappoointment.

The famous old hotel which stood so long a desolate landmark of former life and business was finally torn down last year and the lumber carried away for construction other buildings.

Newport began its new lease of life in 1886 when Mr. Kerfoot, a weatlhy Chicago man, bought a large tract of land, comprising about two hundred acres, along a river beyond the bridge. In the midst of this solitary grandeur he built a large and handsome residence and laid out extensive and beautiful grounds. He named this lovely summer home "Dawn." Near the main entrance is a lodge in the English style, where the caretaker and servants live. Wouldbe purchasers of building places were always refused by Mr. Kerfoot, who treasured his solitude. He recently died, and I understand his children are willing to sell. A few years later Mr. Reuben McFarland bought a stirp of land along  the bank of the Wisconsin this side of the bridge, and erected a small summer cottage where his family and many of his friends enjoy summer outings.

In 1902 the English brothers, Herbert Stanley and Chas. Lee secured a lot of him and put up the Green Cottage. In 1907 Messrs Stanley and Lee sold their interest to the English brothers and bought a lot west of them where they put up another cotttage. Next summer Mr. Knight intends to build west of Mr. McFarland's location. Thus Newport is being resurrected. I use the word advisedly for the sojourners there are in a veritable earthly paradise.

The beauty of the scenery is soul-satisfying. There is boating, bathing, fishing and many interesting places to explore near at hand, such as the beautifuland extensive Congress Hall which is similar to Witch's Gulch; the famous and mysterious Robber's Den a large and well concealed chamber hewn out of the solid rock; the many curious boat caves; Old Bald Head, to climb which, repays one well by the glorious view obtained up and down the Dells; Lover's Lane, where strollers can refresh themselves with any amount of wintergreen and huckleberris. In fact the rambler in any direction finds ever new and fresh delights. The flora is varied and interesting for those who care to botanize, the ferns, mosses and fungi being exceptionally fine. While those intersted in archeology are in the midst of a rich field for investigation; Indian mounds abound. Right in our dooryard there are several and a short distance away are the three beautiful mounds of birds in flight.

Just across the river is a large boarding house and many rooming cottages connected with it are scattered along the cliffs. It is called Pine Glen farm. It is full of guests throught the season,and hundreds were turned away last year for lack of room.

From the Riverside colony it takes about half an hour to reach Kilbourn with the launch, where the shoppping is done. Milk, butter, eggs, chickens and vegetables can be procured of our neighbor in the neat, white house.

No doubt in time the banks of the river will be lined with cottages all through the Dells, and perhaps our Newport will be even more popular thant he eastern resort of that name.

Many a small party of young people have been entertained for a fortnight at the Green cottage, and they tell me often that they never spent such a  happy holiday.

As the close of one of these outings I wrote the following verses as a souvenir of the occasion, and as they are merely dsecriptive of some of the pleasure that may be enjoyed, I will venture to read them.

WILL MAKE TRIP TO OLD NEWPORT

                                                                                             March 11, 1909

                                                         SAUK COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY WILL GO TO FAMOUS VILLAGE SITE IN AUGUST

It has been decided that the third pilgrimage of the Sauk County Historical society be made to Old Newport on the Wisconsin river and that the date be Friday, August 27, 1909. All who once resided at the famous village are invited to be present on that day so that it will be in the nature of a homecoming for them. The date is fixed early so that those residing at a distance may arrange to be present.

On the way to Newport from Baraboo a stop will be made at the grave of Chief Yellow Thunder on the land owned by George Harrison to place a tablet or other suitable mark at the Indian's last resting place. City Engineer H. E. French, E. S. Johnston and Clerk of Court J. H. Hill compose a committee from the Historical society to carry out this feature of the program.

The following from the Twentieth Century club will assist in the marking of the grave of Yellow Thunder. Mrs. Emma Mertzke, Miss Cora Astle and Mrs. Clara T. Runge.

The executive committee of the historical soecity, Mrs. J. E. English and Rev. I. A. Goddard will arrange the program for Newport. It is planned to have a picnic dinner, some addresses, side trips to Congress Hall, the Lower Dells and the million dollar dam.

Those who remain for the evening will enjoy a campfire with reminiscenses. The pilgrimage is at the time of the harvest moon so that those who return at night may do so by the orb's bright light. Further particulars will be given later.

BUSINESS FIRMS OF OLD NEWPORT

Account written by Dr. Ambrose Jones of Delton and Read Before the Sauk County Historical Society    April 1, 1909

At the meeting of the Sauk County Historical society in February a list of the business firms that once were at Newport was read by Mrs. L.H. Palmer. The list had been prepared by Dr. Ambrose Jones of Delton with some additions by others. The list is not complete and in case other residents of Newport know of additional names we hope they will be sent to this paper. The articles is as follows:

Dr. Ambrose Jones settled in Newport in the spring of 1851 and found there John Marshall, Edward Norris, Joseph Kendrick, Bill Sted, Pat O'Hare, John Carbine, Henrry Darrow, Col. Christie and later located there Dr. Jenkins, Abner Longley, R. King, Thomas Conner, Baron Von Steinwick, L. D. Markham, Abraham Vanderpool, Jacob Weber, Norman Stewart, Frank Stewart, Feeman Longley and some others.

As to the business firms which once did business there the following may be said:

The Stage House of Steele hotel was kept by William Steele and afterwards by Ed. Burhans.

Charles Clark was the proprietor of the Clark hotel. He was also a merchant teller.

There were at one time 18 stores of which Mrshall & Nickerson owned six. The Chandler Clark block consisted of two stores below with the hotel above. Starr, Smith & Lewis had a hardware.  King & Longley groceries; Jacob Weber jewelry; Horace Bonface clothing; Sylvan Smith, tin shop; Freeman Longley and Edward Eaton general stores; Dr. Cross had a drug store as also did J.H. Barstow. There were also in business Freeman Longley, Henry Darrow, Frank Stewart and Pettibone, now of Portage.  Marshall & Norris had a saw mill at the mouth of Dell Creek.

Kingsbury had a steam mill about half a mile north of the mouth of Dell Creek.

Morrison had a shoe shop, Thomas Connor conducted a merchant tailor shop with Rodwell as assistant.

L. D. Markham was the blacksmith. The physicians were  Dr. A. Jones, Dr. George W. Jenkins, Dr. Cross and Dr. Ashley.

Dr. Jones was also the photographer.

Temple was the postmater.

John N. Smith had the saddle and harness shop, J. P. Shulte the wagon shop, Morrison the shoe shop and Joseph Kendrick operated the ferry.

The brewery was located in a quiet place on the side of the hill not far from the Steele hotel.  A windlass brought the barrels up from bwlow.

 J. W. Wood, formerly of Baraboo and now a resident of Sumner, Washington, as a lumber dealer.

 A private school was taught in a store by Mary Stewart (Mrs. Seth McGilvra of Ladysmith.) A school house was also built at Dawn and among the teachers were Abner Longley and William Gillespie. There were two rooms above and two below.

There was one church, Presbyterian. Services by other denominations were also held. A former resident of the place says that one minister was Rev. Mueller, a fine fellow with a big Sunday school class but he wound up at a place where few men go.

The mail was brought from Portage to Newport by stage.

East of the river were Johnathan Bowman and others. George Washington Bailey also resided there and made snare drums. There was a hotel and store.

The steamer Enterprise made regular trips between Galena and Newport for two or three years. This was about 1851.