"Wisconsin" (1871) excerpted from "The Great Republic - A descriptive, Statistical and Historical View of the States and Territories of the American Union." Transcription by Kelly Mullins, kellyj@snowcrest.net. This file may be freely copied by individuals and non-profit organizations for their private use. Any other use, including publication, storage in a retrieval system, or transmission by electronic, mechanical, or other means requires the written approval of the file's author. This file is part of the WIGENWEB Archives. If you arrived here inside a frame or from a link from somewhere else, our front door is at: http://www.usgwarchives.net/wi/wifiles.htm THE GREAT REPUBLIC A DESCRIPTIVE, STATISTICAL AND HISTORICAL VIEW OF THE STATES AND TERRITORIES OF THE AMERICAN UNION By James D. McCabe, Jr. Author of "Great Fortunes", "Planting the Wilderness", "Paris by Sunlight and Gaslight", "History of the War Between Germany and France", etc. etc. Profusely Illustrated With Over Two Hundred Engravings on Wood and Steel Page 918 WISCONSIN. Area, ......................... 53,924 Square Miles. Population in 1860, .......... 775,881 Population in 1870, ........ 1,055,133 THE State of Wisconsin is situated between 42º 30' and 46º 55' N. latitude, and between 87º and 92º 50' W. longitude. It is bounded on the north by Michigan, Lake Superior and Minnesota; on the east by Lake Michigan; on the south by Illinois; and on the west by Iowa and Minnesota. Its extreme length, from north to south, is about 285 miles, and its greatest breadth, from east to west, about 255 miles. TOPOGRAPHY. The surface of the State is generally an elevated rolling prairie. The highest point is in the northwest, while a slight ridge divides the waters flowing into Lake Superior from those flowing into the Mississippi. Another ridge crosses the south central part of the State. A third ridge crosses the southeast corner, and separates the rivers flowing into Green Bay from those emptying into Lake Michigan. The rivers which flow into Lake Superior descend abruptly to it, and are broken by numerous falls and rapids, which afford fine mill sites. Lake Superior washes the northern shore of the State, and Lake Michigan the western. Green Bay enters the State from Lake Michigan, in the extreme northeast. It is about 100 miles long, and from 15 to 35 miles wide. It lies between this State and the northern peninsula of Michigan. It has an average depth of 500 feet, and abounds in picturesque scenery. It possesses an active trade, and is navigated by steamers to Green Bay City, its head. The Fox River unites the Bay with Lake Winnebago, Page 919 about 25 miles south of Green Bay City. This lake is about 28 miles long, and about 10 miles wide. It is navigable for steamers, as is also the Fox River. The scenery is very beautiful. Fond du Lac, at the southern end of the Lake, is the principal town. From Oshkosh, on the western side of the Lake, a ship canal has been constructed to Portage City, which affords uninterrupted communication between the Mississippi River and Lake Michigan. The Mississippi River washes the southwestern shore of the State as far as Prescot, where it bends to the northwest, and passes into Minnesota. It receives the waters of the St. Croix, the Chippewa, the Black, the Bad Axe, and the Wisconsin rivers. The St. Croix River rises south of the western end of Lake Superior, and flows southwest to the Minnesota line, when it turns to the south, separates Wisconsin from Minnesota, and empties into the Mississippi about 40 miles southeast of St. Paul. It is about 200 miles long. Near its mouth it expands into a lake 36 miles long, and 4 miles wide, known as St. Croix Lake. It is about 100 yards wide at its mouth. It is repeatedly broken by falls. The Chippewa is about 200 miles long, and the Black about 150. The Wisconsin River rises in the extreme northern part of the State, and flows south to Portage City, where it is joined by the waters of a number of small lakes, extending northeast into Lake Winnebago. This chain forms the Grand Portage, by means of which water communication is maintained between the Mississippi and the lakes. From Portage City it flows southwest into the Mississippi, near Prairie du Chien. It is about 500 miles long, and is navigable for steamers for about 200 miles. The Menomonee forms a part of the northeast boundary, and flows into Green Bay. It falls 1049 feet during its course, and is an excellent mill stream. A number of small lakes are scattered through the State. MINERALS. "The mineral resources of the State are varied and valuable. The lead region of Illinois and Iowa extends over an area of 2140 square miles in Wisconsin, which compares with the other portions in the abundance and richness of the ores. In 1863, there were 848,625 pounds of lead received at Milwaukee. The completion of the Southern Wisconsin Railroad will raise the aggregate to 2,500,000 pounds. It is mingled with copper and zinc ores. The iron region of Lake Superior presents within the limits of this State abundant deposits of great richness. Magnetic iron, plumbago, and the non- Page 920 COPPER MINE [ILLUSTRATION] metallic earths abound. Copper deposits have also been developed, but as yet have only been worked to a limited extent. Beautiful marbles, susceptible of elaborate working, exist. The mineral productions are rapidly opening a very inviting field for capital and industry, promising an immense addition to the resources of this energetic young State." * CLIMATE. The winters are long and severe, but the temperature is somewhat mitigated by the lake breezes. The summers are warm, but pleasant. The State is healthy as a general rule, and is less liable than other new places to the diseases incident to new settlements, owing to the openness of the country. SOIL AND PRODUCTIONS. The soil, as a general rule, is fertile, and is productive, even in the mineral regions of the north. The best lands are on the prairies, where the soil consists of a dark brown vegetable mould, from one to * Report of the General Land Office. Page 921 two feet in depth, very mellow, and entirely destitute of stones or gravel. "Wisconsin possesses abundant timber resources, and an immense lumbering, business is carried on in many of the northern and western counties, the pineries of Marathon, Chippewa, Clark, Wood, St. Croix, and other counties, furnishing many millions of feet of logs and lumber annually. Our Clark correspondent claims that 100,000,000 feet of pine timber is cut each year in that county alone; while in Monroe 30,000,000 feet is annually cut into lumber by about twenty mills. Hard wood timber also abounds in all parts of the State, and there are few counties without sufficient wood for local uses. The lumbering business is a source of great profit to those engaged in it, and in Brown county parties boast of cutting enough white pine logs from eighty acres to net $1200 to $1500." * Wheat, corn, oats, potatoes, and hay, are the staple crops of this State, the first named being the most important. In 1870, there were in Wisconsin 5,795,538 acres of improved land. In the same year the returns were as follows: Bushels of wheat, ................................. 25,323,647 " rye, .................................... 1,356,736 " Indian corn, ........................... 14,875,968 " oats, .................................. 19,878,794 " barley, ................................. 1,627,569 " potatoes, ............................... 6,642,845 Pounds of wool, ................................... 4,086,638 " butter, ................................ 22,257,117 " cheese, ................................. 1,494,145 " hops, ................................... 4,783,222 Tons of hay, ....................................... 1,280,432 Number of horses, ................................... 149,989 " asses and mules ............................. 1,998 " cattle, ................................... 480,319 " sheep, .................................... 790,458 " swine, .................................... 865,998 " mulch cows, ............................... 250,312 Value of domestic animals, about, ................ $28,000,000 Estimated value of all farm productions, ......... $77,507,261 Total assessed value of real and personal estate, $326,765,238 COMMERCE AND MANUFACTURES. Possessing water communication with the St. Lawrence and the Mississippi, Wisconsin has a growing commerce. Her exports of grain * Agricultural Report, April, 1868. Page 922 and lumber are very large. In 1863, the foreign exports were valued at $3,323,637, and the imports at $24,479. A large part of the products of the State passes through Chicago. Manufactures are yet in their infancy. In 1870, there were in the State 7136 establishments, employing 39,055 operatives, and producing goods to the amount of $85,624,966. INTERNAL IMPROVEMENTS. The State contained, in 1868, 1045 miles of completed railroads, constructed at a cost of $40,182,000. The principal towns of the State are connected with each other, and with all parts of the Union. The main lines lead either to Chicago, Illinois, or to St. Louis, Missouri. Besides these roads, there is the Portage Canal, already mentioned, connecting the Wisconsin with Lake Winnebago, which was constructed by the State. EDUCATION. There are seven colleges in the State, the principal of which is the State University, at Madison. It embraces a College of Letters, a College of Arts, a Preparatory Department, and a Female Department. It is well endowed. There is a Normal School at Platteville, and one at Whitewater, and measures are on foot to establish others at Stoughton, Oshkosh, and Sheboygan. Teachers' Institutes are held at stated times in various parts of the State. The educational system is under the general supervision of a Superintendent of Public Instruction, elected by the people of the State for two years. Each county and each city has a separate Superintendent, who manages its affairs, as in the other Western States. There is a permanent school fund, amounting to $2,205,487.' In 1870, the amount expended for the schools was $2,094,160. The number of public schools was 5000, attended by 264,525 pupils. In the same year there were about 400 private schools in the State, attended by about 30,000 pupils. In 1870, there were 2857 libraries in Wisconsin, containing 880,508 volumes. In the same year, the number of newspapers and periodicals published in the State was 173, nearly all political. They had an aggregate annual circulation of nearly 11,000,000 copies. Page 923 PUBLIC INSTITUTIONS. The State Prison is located at Waupun, and is one of the best in the country. In October, 1870, it contained 217 convicts. In May, 1870, the workshops were destroyed; loss, $70,000. The hospital for the Insane, at Madison, is an excellent institution, and is in a prosperous condition. In October, 1870, it contained 532 inmates. The Institute for the Education of the Deaf and Dumb is at Delavan, and the Institution for the Education of the Blind, at Janesville. The former contains about 122, and the latter 64 pupils. They are excellent institutions, and besides furnishing their pupils with the rudiments of a plain education, teach them some simple, but useful employment. The State Reform School, at Waukesha, is in excellent condition, and is conducted on the family system. In 1870, it contained 239 boys and girls. The Soldiers' Orphan's Home School, at Madison, is in a prosperous condition, and is crowded to its utmost capacity. In 1870, it contained 331 pupils. RELIGIOUS DENOMINATIONS. In 1870, there were 1396 churches in Wisconsin. The value of church property was $4,749,983. FINANCES. In 1870, the total debt of the State amounted to $2,252,057. The receipts of the Treasury for the fiscal year, ending September 30th, 1870, were $886,696, and the expenditures $906,329. In 1868, there were 34 National banks, with a capital of $2,960,000 doing business in the State. GOVERNMENT. In this State, all citizens of the United States, without regard to color, all foreigners who have legally declared their intention to become citizens, Indians who have been declared citizens by Congress, and civilized persons of Indian descent who do not belong to any tribe, are entitled to vote at the elections. The Government is vested in a Governor, Lieutenant-Governor, Secretary of State, State Treasurer, and Attorney-General, and a Legis- Page 924 lature, consisting of a Senate (of 33 members) and House of Representatives (of 100 members), all chosen by the people. The State officers and Senators are elected for two years, and Representatives for one year. The general election is held in November. The judicial power is vested in a Supreme Court (consisting of a Chief Justice and two Associates, elected by the people for six years), Circuit Courts, County Courts with probate powers, and in Justices of the Peace. All judges are elected by the people. The seat of Government is established at Madison. The State is divided into 58 counties. HISTORY. The country west of Lake Michigan was first explored by the French, in 1659. Its name is derived from its principal river, which was called by the Chippewas, who dwelt along its head waters, Wees-kon-san, which signifies "gathering of the waters." In 1661, the Jesuits in Canada began to establish missions along the south side of Lake Superior; and in 1668, after the peace between the French and the Six Nations, a number of new missions were established, and the country fully explored. Father Marquette and his companions passed from the head of Green Bay to an Indian village on the upper part of Fox River. Father Allouez had visited this village, but no Frenchman had ever gone beyond it. "Being guided by the friendly Indians, Marquette and his companions came to the Wisconsin River, about three leagues distant, whose waters flowed westward. They floated down the river till the 17th of June, 1673, when they reached the Mississippi, the great 'Father of Waters,' which they entered with 'a joy that could not be expressed,' and raising their sails to new skies, and to unknown breezes, floated down this mighty river, between broad plains, garlanded with majestic forests and chequered with illimitable prairies and island groves. They descended about 180 miles, when Marquette and Joliet landed, and followed an Indian trail about six miles, to a village. They were met by four old men, bearing the pipe of peace and 'brilliant with many colored plumes.' An aged chief received them at his cabin, and, with uplifted hands, exclaimed: 'How beautiful is the sun, Frenchmen, when thou comest to visit us! --our whole village awaits thee-- in peace thou shalt enter all our dwellings.' Previous to their departure, an Indian chief selected a peace pipe from among his warriors, embellished with gorgeous plumage, which he hung around the neck Page 925 of Marquette, 'the mysterious arbiter of peace and war--the sacred calumet--the white man's protection among savages.' On reaching their boats, the little group proceeded onward. 'I did not,' says Marquette,' fear death; I should have esteemed it the greatest happiness to have died for the glory of God.' They passed the mouth of the Missouri, and the humble missionary resolved in his mind, one day, to ascend its mighty current, and ascertain its source; and descending from thence toward the west, publish the gospel to a people of whom he had never heard. Passing onward, they floated by the Ohio, then, and for a brief time after, called the Wabash, and continued their explorations as far south as the mouth of the Arkansas, where they were escorted to the Indian village of Arkansea. Being snow satisfied that the Mississippi entered the Gulf of Mexico, west of Florida, and east of California; and having spoken to the Indians of God and the mysteries of the Catholic faith, Marquette and Joliet prepared to ascend the stream. They returned by the route of the Illinois River to Green Bay, where they arrived in August. Marquette remained to preach the gospel to the Miamis, near Chicago. Joliet, in person, conveyed the glad tidings of their discoveries to Quebec. They were received with enthusiastic delight. The bells were rung during, the whole (lay, and all the clergy and dignitaries of the place went in procession, to the cathedral, where Te Deum was suing and high mass celebrated." The country continued to be occupied by French traders and missionaries, until the treaty of 1763, by which it was surrendered to Great Britain. The territory was governed by the laws of Canada until after the Revolution. Great Britain parted with it reluctantly, and did not withdraw her garrison from the post at Green Bay, until 1796. It was then made a part of the Northwest Territory of the United States. In 1809, it was included in the Territory of Illinois, and continued to form a part of it until 1818, when, Illinois became a State of the Union. Then Wisconsin was joined to Michigan for purposes of government. The principal events of the Black Hawk war occurred within the limits of the present State of Wisconsin, and the country was thus wrought so conspicuously before the public, that its merits excited a decided enthusiasm amongst the people. After the peace, many emigrants located themselves in the southern part. In 1836, Michigan was erected into a State, and Wisconsin was organized as a separate Territory. In 1841, a heavy emigration set Page 926 in, and continued during 1842 and 1843. In the last year, the number of persons who settled in the Territory is estimated at over 60,000. The population increased rapidly, and on the 29th of May, 1848, Wisconsin was admitted into the Union as a State. During the rebellion this State contributed 96,118 men to the service of the United States. CITIES AND TOWNS. Besides the capital, the principal cities and towns of the State are: Milwaukee, Green Bay, Watertown, Prarie du Chien, Racine, Kenosha, Janesville, Beloit, La Crosse, and Fond du Lac. MADISON, The capital of the State, is situated in Dane county, on an isthmus between Lakes Mendota and Monona, 80 miles west of Milwaukee, and 132 miles northwest of Chicago. Latitude 43º 5' T., longitude 89º 20' W. The city lies in the midst of the "Four Lake Region," so called from a chain of beautiful lakes which extend over a distance of 16 miles, and discharge their surplus waters into Yahara or Catfish River, a tributary of Rock River. Mendota, or Fourth Lake, the uppermost and largest, is 9 miles long, 6 miles wide, and from 50 to 70 feet deep in some places, and is fed chiefly by springs. It has beautiful white gravelly shores, and pure cold water. Monona, or Third Lake, is 521 miles long, and two miles wide; and lakes Waubesa and Kegonsa are each about 3 miles in length, by 2 miles in width. The isthmus is about three-quarters of a mile in width. The city stands in the centre of a broad valley surrounded by heights from which it can be seen for several miles. "Madison perhaps combines and overlooks more charming and diversified scenery, to please the eye of fancy, and promote health and pleasure, than any other town in the West; and in these respects it surpasses every other State capital in the Union. Its bright lakes, fresh groves, rippling rivulets, shady dales, and flowery meadow lawns are commingled in greater profusion and disposed in more picturesque order than we have ever elsewhere beheld." The city is handsomely built, with broad, well-shaded, and paved streets dropping, down to the shores of its pretty lakes. It contains many handsome public buildings, commercial edifices, and private dwellings. The Capitol is the principal edifice. It stands in the centre of the city, in the midst of a beautiful park of 14 acres, and is 70 feet Page 927 MADISON. [ILLUSTRATION] above the level of the lakes. It is built of native limestone, and is an imposing structure. Its original cost was $500,000. The Court House is a tasteful building. The public schools of the city are among the best in the State, and are in a flourishing condition. They consist of a high school, and a grammar school for each ward. Besides these are several private schools. The State University stands on the outskirts of the city, in a grove of 40 acres, and on an eminence overlooking the lakes. It has an annual income of over $30,000. It possesses a fine library. The Historical Society is a flourishing institution, with a good library and collection of relics, etc. The libraries of the city, including that of the State, number over 30,000 volumes. The State Lunatic Asylum is located here. The city contains about 14 churches, and 6 newspaper offices. It is lighted with gas and supplied with pure water. It is governed by a Mayor and Council. In 1870, the population was 9176. Madison is supplied with excellent water-power, and is to a limited extent engaged in manufactures. It is a place of considerable trade, and since the completion of the railways connecting it with the other parts of the State, has grown in every respect with marked rapidity. It is much frequented by pleasure seekers as a place of summer resort, and is regarded as one of the healthiest cities in the Union. Page 928 In 1836, Madison was selected as the seat of the State Government. At this time but a solitary log cabin marked the site. For several years its growth was slow, but the completion of the railways from the southward gave it an impetus which set it fairly on the way to its present prosperity. MIILWAUKEE, The metropolis of the State, is situated in tile county of the same name, on the western shore of Lake Michigan, at the mouth of the Milwaukee River, 75 miles east of Madison, and 90 miles north of Chicago. "The river approaches from the north in a direction nearly parallel with the lake shore, and is joined about half a mile from its mouth by the Menomonee River, which comes from the west. The largest boats of the lakes can ascend the river two miles from its mouth, as also the Menomonee for some distance above its confluence with the Milwaukee. About $100,000 have been expended for the improvement of the harbor in addition to the appropriation by Congress for that purpose, so that now the city has one of the best harbors upon the whole chain of lakes." The city lies on both sides of the river, and is built partly upon the river flats and partly upon the bluffs which overlook the lake. These latter are from 20 to 100 feet high, and are nearly perpendicular. The city is regularly laid out, with wide, straight, well-paved streets. It is one of the best built cities in the west, and is noted for its peculiar appearance. A large portion of its buildings are of brick made in the vicinity. These bricks are of a light straw color and are very hard and smooth. They give to the city a light and pleasing appearance which has earned it the name of the "Cream City" of the lakes. Tile " Milwaukee brick " is now very popular in all parts of the country, and large quantities of it are shipped annually, even as far east as New York and Boston. Many of the residences are elegant and tasteful, and the business portions contain some splendid warehouses. The principal public buildings are the Custom House and Court House. The former is a file structure of Athens stone. There are about 13 public schools, a female college, and several private schools in the city. Also about 43 or 44 churches, 5 daily and 7 weekly newspapers, and 3 hotels and a public library. The Benevolent and Charitable institutions include 3 orphan asylums, 2 hospitals, and several associations for the relief of the poor and afflicted. Page 929 RIVER VIEW IN MILWAUKEE. [ILLUSTRATION] The city is lighted with gas, and is supplied with water. Street railways connect the distant points. There are also an efficient police force, a fire alarm telegraph, and a steam fire department. The city government consists of a M5ayor and Council. In 1870, the population was 71,499. Nearly one-half of the inhabitants are Germans or of German parentage, and the city is in many respects as much German as American in its characteristics. The annual product of lager beer is nearly 3,000,000 gallons. Six railways connect Milwaukee with all parts of the country, and steamers ply between it and the other lake ports. It is the shipping point and outlet of one of the richest grain producing countries in the world, and is the greatest primary wheat market in the world. In 1862, its receipts of wheat, and flour reduced to wheat, amounted to 18,000,000 bushels. In 1865, 13,250,000 bushels were exported. It is provided with ample storage accommodations for grain, and its elevators are among the curiosities of the place. That of the Milwaukee and St. Paul Railway will hold 1,500,000 bushels. There is direct communication with Detroit during the whole year, steamers plying, regularly between Milwaukee and Grand Haven in connection with the Milwaukee and Detroit Railway. Great quantities of lumber are annually exported. Page 930 The Milwaukee River has been dammed, and affords fine waterpower, which is used by the rapidly growing manufactories of the city. Flour, iron, and iron ware, machinery, and beer, are the principal products. One of the largest rolling mills in the West is located here. Milwaukee derives its name from an Indian word Me-ne-aw-kee, said to signify rich or beautiful land. In 1785, a trading post was established here by Alexander Laframboise, from Mackinaw, but the town was not settled until 1835. At first its growth was not only slow, but was hampered by the obstacles so common to western land speculations in those days. From about the year 1841, however, the improvement of Milwaukee has been rapid. In 1846, it was incorporated as a city. In 1840, the population was 1751; in 1850, 20,035; in 1860, 45,254; in 1870, 71,499. RACINE, The second city of the State, is situated in the county of the same name, on the western shore of Lake Michigan, at the mouth of Root River, 75 miles east-southeast of Madison, 25 miles south-by-east of Milwaukee, and 62 miles north of Chicago. The city is built on level ground, elevated about 40 feet above the surface of the lake, and is regularly laid out in rectangular blocks with wide streets. It is an attractive and well-built city, and contains several fine public buildings. Many of the private residences are handsome. The public schools, 6 in number, are among the best in the State, and there are also several private schools. Racine College, conducted by the Protestant Episcopal Church, is a flourishing institution. The city contains about 16 churches, and 4 newspaper offices. It is lighted with gas and supplied with water. The city government consists of a Mayor and Council. In 1870, the population was 9880. Racine possesses one of the best harbors on Lake Michigan, which is here 70 miles wide. Vessels drawing over 12 feet of water can enter. The lake trade is large and is increasing. Vast quantities of grain and lumber are shipped by way of the lake. There is railway communication with the principal towns of the State and with Chicago. The Racine and Mississippi Railway connects the city with the Mississippi River at Savanna, Illinois. The city is to a limited extent engaged in manufactures, and this branch of its industry is growing with rapidity. Steam engines, boilers, agricultural implements, flour, and leather, are produced in Page 931 considerable quantities. In spite of its formidable rivals, Chicago and Milwaukee, Racine is increasing in size and wealth at a most encouraging rate. It was first settled in 1835, and, in 1848, was incorporated as a city. FOND DU LAC, In Fond du Lac county, is the third city of the State. It is situated at the southern end of Winnebago Lake, the largest of the inland lakes of the State. It is 90 miles northeast of Madison, and 72 miles north-northwest of Milwaukee. The city is pleasantly situated on ground which gradually rises as it recedes from the lake, and the streets and yards of the dwellings are so well supplied with shade trees and shrubbery that the place seems to lie in a bower of green foliage. It is regularly laid out, and is well built. "The site," says a visitor, "is part prairie and part woodland, a river dividing it. Twelve years ago it had but one chimney, and the pockets of most of its earlier settlers were as deficient in means as the houses of this most necessary appurtenance; now it has a population of thousands, churches of various kinds, some fine stores, and one especially fine block, containing a hall which is said to be the handsomest in the West, and capable of accommodating 3000 people. The hall has a centre dome of stained glass, and the effect is very pleasing. From the top of the building an incomparable view is to be had of the city, lake, prairie, river, and woods. The foreign element here is German, and an intelligent class of people, obedient to law, and comprehending the opportunities a free country offers to them and their children. The people look healthy and happy, and there is an appearance of comfort and thrift about them and their dwellings. There are no showy houses, but neat, well-arranged buildings, with yards, in which stand the forest trees found there, and enlivened by flowers and shrubs. The settlers have shown a taste and respect for the forest trees, leaving them unmolested, and clumps of oaks and hickories in the cultivated fields are pleasant to look upon, and their shade must delight the cattle in summer. The beauty of this country is indescribable, the whole having the appearance of a well-cared-for park." The city contains about 12 churches, 3 public schools, and 1 daily and 3 weekly newspaper offices. It is lighted with gas, and is supplied with an abundance of pure water by means of artesian wells, which are so numerous here that almost every dwelling has one. Page 932 These wells vary in depth, from 90 to 130 feet. It is governed by a Mayor and Council. The population in 1870 was 12,764. Lake Winnebago, on which the city is situated, is a beautiful sheet of water, 30 miles long and 10 miles wide, and is the channel of an extensive trade, being one of the chain of navigable waters which connect Lake Michigan with the Mississippi by means of the Wisconsin River. It empties it waters into Green Bay, through the Fox River, which has been rendered navigable for steamers. A canal has been cut from the Fox River to the Wisconsin, and steamers pass from Green Bay into the latter river. A very large trade ill lumber and grain is thus brought to Fond du Lac. There are about 6 grain elevators in the city, and about 16 or 17 saw-mills. Railways connect the city with the principal points in the West. There are a number of factories of agricultural implements, soap, and flour here, besides a large shop for the construction of railway cars. Fond du Lac was originally a French trading-post, but the settlement of the city was not begun until about 1835. Since then it has grown with great rapidity. OSHKOSH, In Winnebago county, is the fourth city of the State. It is pleasantly situated on both sides of the Fox River, at its entrance into Lake Winnebago. It is built on ground gradually sloping towards the lake and river, thus securing excellent drainage for the whole city. Immediately above the town the Fox River broadens out into the Lake Butte des Mortes. Oshkosh is regularly laid out, and is built principally of wood. The County Court House and Jail, a handsome edifice, is the principal building. There are about 12 churches, several public and private schools, and 3 newspapers in the city. It is lighted with gas, and is governed by a Mayor and Council. In 1870, the population was 12,663. The city is largely engaged in the manufacture of lumber, there being about 17 saw-mills, cutting about 50,000,000 feet of lumber annually, besides laths and pickets. There are also 6 shingle mills, which cut 6,500,000 shingles per annum, and several planing mills, and sash and door, and fence factories. The city also contains several foundries, machine shops, agricultural machine shops, flouring mills, tanneries, and breweries. A considerable quantity of grain is sent here for shipment. A ship-yard is located here for the construction Page 933 of barges and steamers for the Mississippi trade. Several boats built here were plying on that river and its tributaries previous to the war. Steamers from Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, have discharged cargo here. Railways connect the city with the principal towns of the State. Just above Oshkosh lie the vast timber regions of Wisconsin, which are reached by ascending the Wolf River, which is navigable for small steamers for 100 miles from the city. Owing to the proximity of so much water, the heats of the summer is much moderated at Oshkosh, and the place has become one of the most popular summer resorts in the State. MISCELLANY. THE OLDEST MAN IN THE WORLD. Joseph Crele died in Caledonia, a little town in Wisconsin, on the 27th of January, 1866. He was probably the oldest man in the world, being, at the time of his death, 141 years of age. He was born of French parents, in 1725, at a French trading-post, which has since grown into the present city of Detroit. The baptismal register of the Catholic Church in that city settles this fact positively. He lived in Wisconsin for about 100 years. He was at one time a French soldier, and bore arms at Braddock's defeat. He married in New Orleans in 1754, when nearly 30. A few years after his marriage, he settled at Prairie du Chien, while Wisconsin was still a province of France. Before the Revolutionary war, he was employed to carry letters between Prairie du Chien and Green Bay. A few years ago, he was called as a witness in the Circuit Court of Wisconsin, to give testimony relating to events that had transpired 80 years before. For some years before his death, the old gentleman resided with a daughter by his third wife at Caledonia. He was 69 when this child was born. Until 1864, Mr. Crele was as hearty and active as most men of 70. He could walk several miles without fatigue, and frequently chopped wood for the family use. He cast his first vote for Washington, and after that never failed to vote at every election. He had no bad habits, except that he was a constant smoker. In person, he was rather above the medium height, spare in flesh, but showing evidences of having been in his prime-100 years ago-a man of powerful physical organization. During the last few years of his life, le experienced a haunting sense of loneliness, and would frequently exclaim with sadness that lie feared Death had forgotten him.