Yale University Library 39002002905306 M MSMt mm$£b> mmm® .jgs^FSr n i Joirj2F"ulfo-j*ATT Oub^^n^^^_ THE American Sketch Book: A COLLECTION OF HISTORICAL INCIDENTS DESCRIPTIONS OF CORRESPONDING LOCALITIES. Compiled and Edited by Bella French. -VOTjTJJsOJEi III. KCAJSTDSOMESI/X- ILX.TJSTBA.TEr>. GREEN BAY, WIS. THE AMERICAN SKETCH BOOK COMPANY, PUBLISHERS. 1876. i *7.*«f Copyright Seemed by Mrs. BELLA. FKEIfCH, A. D. 1876. HOSKINSON tt- FOLLETT, Printers, QltEISX DAY, WISCONSIN. TO THE PEOPLE WHO HAVE AIDED AND ENCOURAGED THIS WORK AND TO THE MEMBERS OP THE PRESS WHO HAVE BEEN UNREMITTING IN THEIR ENDEAVORS TO PLACE THE MATTER IN A PROPER LIGHT BEFORE THE PUBLIC, BUT FOR WHOSE KINDLY INTEREST THIS VOLUME WOULD NOT HAVE HAD AN EXISTENCE, THIS LAST EFFORT OF MINE IS RESPECTFULLY DEDICATED. BELLA FRENCH. PREFACE In placing this volume before the pubhc, the writer desires to say that itis the work of many months. All published statements, bearing upon the subject, have been compared and carefully weighed. Documents, musty with age, have been conned, and old settlers interviewed. For the later history of Brown County, she is principally indebted to thirty years' files of the "Green Bay Advocate," which have been placed at her disposal for perusal by the gentlemanly proprietors. The engravings of this work have been made expressly for it, from photographs taken for that purpose, at a cost of several hundred dollars. The engraver, Thomas Robinson, a first-class Boston artist, came West a few years since on account of his health and settled at St. Paul, where he now resides. The aim of the author has been to give a truthful histoiy of the past, and an impartial representation of the present. If any person to whom a place in this work is justly due, has not been represented here, it is because she has not been afforded the proper information. t In view of the many contradictory statements that are apt to be made by even eye-witnesses of any transaction, it is impossible to produce a history that all will unite in pronouncing correct. It can not even be hoped that such will be the case with the present volume. The writer can only assure the public, that she has labored assiduously toward such an end, and trusts that her work will in general meet with their approbation. De Langlade The Pioneer Settler^of Wisconsi N. ICHILIMACKINAC, the lake-girt isle, Where first the morning sun is wont to smile Before it drops its rays upon the lower earth; On which they linger last at close of day, As though a benediction they would say, Is where our loved Wisconsin's pioneer had birth.1 His father had a noble lineage Of many ancestorsfboth proud and sage, Who were at rest beneath the smiling skies of France — A younger son, whose fortune was his name, Come hither, hoping that by wealth and fame, He might the honor of that noble house enhance. The mother was an untaught forest child — A creature, who was daring, proud and wild, With lineage as noble as her husband's own; For here within the land of her nativity, Related to Nis-so-wa-quet was she, Who had an undisputed title to a throne. Young Charles De Langlade in his boyhood provetl A brilliant leader where so e'er he moved. He learned to scale the rocks and glide upon the waves. His trusty bow and arrow brought down game So speedily, that the young hero's name Became a talisman of triumph to the braves.- 12 The American Sketch (Book. Fbr On a day when stern defeat had met Full twice the force of King Nis-so-wa-quet, A chieftain's spirit sought him in a dream. "Take with you, King," said he, " De Langlade's boy, His face shall lead to victory and joy. Try once again. You're nearer triumph than you seem." Uprose the king, next morn, and inarched to war, Bearing the child although from danger far; Yet full of faith he made the third and last attack On the resisting village, and so well That almost instantly it yielded — fell;. And full of honors proud the Ottawas came back. Back to Michilimacinac, which rung With gayest notes of triumph ever sung, While Charles De Langlade," crowned the hero of the day, Had the assurance that in every fight His youthful voice should counsel them aright, His tiny feet should lead them in the better way. Thence forth upon the war-p ath marched the lad. And many victories the chieftains had, For Fate looked smiling down where the young hero went. Even his father's daring countrymen Believed in him so much, that always, when He bore them company, they moved to war content. And so the years sped by, and manhood came, Adding new lustre to De Langlade's name; When that sweet, lake-girt island home to him grew small. As he bethought him of a broader land, Where he could look around, on every hand, As far as eye could reach, and say he owned it all. For, in his wanderings he oft had seen A bay encircled by a frame of green; — A swift clear river mingled with the waves of foam; Beyond, a broad expanse of wood and glade, Where .beaver, mink and deer roamed unafraid, There he would found a colony and make a home. History of (Brown County. 13 Till now no one had harbored such a thought. The "fathers," it is true, the savage mind had taught, And traders here had plied their money-making schemes; But none had journeyed hither who had not The hope that future time would cast his lot, At least his grave, upon the land of childhood's dreams. A hundred years since white men's feet had trod For the first time upon the virgin sod,3 Yet fair Ouisconsin's* founder yet must thither roam, And by unwearying years of patient toil Must clear the lands and cultivate the soil, And pioneer a mighty people to their home. But after all the island of his birth Was dear to him, though it had lesser worth — Yes, dearer far than was the land beyond the bay. Upon those rocks had rested first his sight; His feet pressed first the beach, wave-washed and white; There first his infant lips were taught to sing and pray. The friends who clustered round him in his youth, And all that loved him still were there forsooth; Even the maiden who had warmed his youthful heart, Whom, clinging to her friends and forest life, He could not take with him and make his wife, From all of these with few exceptions he must part. His parents and their other children, too, Would follow in the path he was to hew, And at La Baye des Puants* live and leave their graves. The hour for their departure now was nigh. Friends gathered on the shore to say good bye, And their canoes were tossing on the restless waves. Farewell ! Michilimackinac, farewell ! Loved is each rock-bound cliff and shady dell ! Upon the high arched precipice, vine-wreathed And crowned with evergreens, De Langlade knelt. Emotions both of joy and woe he felt While to his native isle, a low farewell he breathed. 14 The American Sketch (Book. The grape-vines twined their tendrils o'er his head. Below, the wild sweet-briar fragrance shed Upon the balmy air; and shimmering down, All broken into spangles by the trees, That waved their foliage in the summer breeze, The sunbeams came and rested on his brow — a crown. Then on the waves where that same sunlight fell Through crystal waters, lighting every shell,6 Which at the bottom lay, and gilding every fish, The party Went that bonny summer day; • And as the isle in distance sank away, A bright dissolving view, they breathed a silent wish — That they might make, upon La Baye's fair shore, A name and fame to last forever more — A wish that had fulfillment in the after time; For on those rice-grown plains, a city rose, In wealth and numbers matching some of those Of the far-distant French imperial clime. Green Bay! as it in after years was known, Because of banks by trees and shrubs o'ergrown, Which o'er transparent waters hung their leaves of green, Reflected by those waters till the bay Became distinguishable miles away, A picturesque as well as most enticing scene ! Green Bay, a city of the coming years, A land of promise to the pioneers, Was ever after that De Langlade's dwelling place.7 He tilled the soil and largely, dealt in trade, And many were the brilliant schemes he laid, That might distinguish yet his noble house and race. He built his home upon the river side, Where he could watch the changing of the tide," Which ebbed and flowed as regularly is the sea; Where he could fish, mayhap, and trap his game, Or with his stores could barter for the same ; And live a life of work, yet one from bondage free. History of (Brown County. 15 Surrounded by the savage bands, he yet • Was ever free from fear and vain regret; For, knowing ofhis prowess and his bravery, The Sauks and Foxes did not dare attack One who would hurl such speedy vengeance back; And for this cause, a friend was each Menominee. And yet the warlike Foxes tribute asked ¦ From each and all who by their village passed, Which was some thirty-seven miles above the bay, Upon the river which now bears their name. The traders paid it with a flush, of shame, Until Morand resolved to do the fraud away. His trading house was farther to the south, Not far from the Ouisconsin River's mouth. By lakes, and bay, and rivers, with the hardest toil, His goods were carried from on eastern place; Therefore he would no more' submit with grace, And so resolved to drive the Foxes from the soil. He took De Langlade and a trusty crew, Those who the labyrinths of forests knew; All going out in bark canoes — a goodly fleet, They turned their faces to the river's head. O'er each canoe", a covering was spread, Like tradesmen's goods preserved from rain and heat. Dividing near the place, the gallant band, In part proceeded to attack on land; While, in the boats, the other forces hidden lay, Save twov in each, that rowed straight to the shore, As if to pay their dues, as heretofore, Then pass, as tradesmen always did, upon their way. Well planned was the surprise. They took the place, And gave the fast retreating Foxes chase (Instead of tribute), till the latter made a stand, With rallied forces, and a battle fought; Which for the Foxes only came to naught. They were defeated and lost many of their band. 16 The American Sketch (Book. As " Hill of Death" from thence the spot was known, Because of bodies which in heaps were thrown, And left to moulder in the autumn sun and air. * . The Indians made retreat from Butte des Moris, And built on the Ouisconsin River's shore. Morand considered it unsafe to leave them there. Two hundred miles through cold, and drifted snow, The traders marched, and, laying many low, Made prisoners of those who were as yet alive. But pity swelled the captors' bosoms then — They gave the Foxes freedom once again, And bade them o'er the Mes-si-sip-i thrive. The French and Indian war next gave a chance To test the scion of the house of France. Commissioned by the Government, he sought the field, Commandant of a force, which he had led From forest homes, his heart content to shed Its bright life-tide, before he would the country yield. To Fort Du Quesne, he and his soldiers went, And, urging an attack, from thence was sent To where the Braddock army were in camp at rest, All little thinking that a stern defeat Would very soon their mighty forces meet, And many fall, an Indian arrow in each breast. Toward the Fort Du Quesne, twelve hundred strong, Had Braddock's well drilled forces moved along, So sure of victory, that seven miles away, All unconcerned, they stopped to rest and dine; And while as yet they lingered o'er their wine, They found how fatal to their hopes was their delay. Now rang the Indian war-whoop through the air That told the French and Indian troops were there — That shrill war-whoop that struck the stoutest hearts with awe; Beaujeu, commander, his French forces led; The Indians had De Langlade at their head; And neither knew or followed British battle law. History of (Brown .County. 17 Fast flew the arrows; bullets fell like hail; And hearts that were not known to shrink or quail, Grew cold and silent with Beaujeu's surprised attack. He fell amid the battle's heated toil; But, loaded with rich stores of British spoil, De Langlade led the most triumphant army back — Back through the sweetness of a summer time, In beauty bursting on that northern clime; When, like a paradise, the forests were in bloom; When crystal brooklets murmured all day long, In keeping with the birds' unceasing song, And all the air was redolent with rich perfume! But to admire De Langlade could not pause. He was demanded by his country's cause Again to take the field. Thence forth, in thickest strife, Through Canada, he led his dauntless braves; And though while there so many found their graves, He seemed to have a Providence-protected life. The story of his prowess crossed the sea, And so much pleased the king of France, that he An ensign's full commission" to De Langlade sent. This gave the soldier new and added zeal, Such as ambitious bosoms love to feel, And which a brilliant luster to his daring lent. Privations often to De Langlade fell; And of his. weary marches, who can tell? Sdmetimes his meals were made of roots, or rattlesnakes; And oft, with stormy skies above his head, Worn out and hungry, he would seek his bed In some unhealthy swamp upon the crispy brakes. Still on he marched, and bravely met the foe — Laid many of the valliant leaders low. With that blind worship for his far-off father-land, Which Frenchmen have, he felt not want or pain, But, living in the triumphs he might gain, He nerved to reckless deeds his savage band. 18 The American Sketch (Boole. Crown Point, also Ticonderoga stood, Both monuments to- his brawe hardihood. But, later on the fatal plains of Abraham, He met the British forces and defeated fled, With many wounded and a thousand dead — The victims of a fearless British leader's sham. Quebec thus Ml; with it the Province too. Since thus it was, what could De Langlade do But lead his now despondent army home once more ? He loved the cause of his own father-land, And felt more deeply than his savage band, Who only loss of gain and plunder could deplore. But, while he had within Quebec sojourned, , A lesson far more pleasant he had learned — The one of love. A maiden with such soft-brown eyes- Had looked upon his life and warmed his heart, Becoming of that life a very partT Before he dreamed it, as he found to his surprise. Just in his prime was Charles De Langlade then. Like a commanding spirit, among men, He moved and worked, though not in statue large or tall. His eyes were bright and piercing as the eagle's own. And black as midnight when upon her throne; While grace and swiftness marked his motions one and all. The fair '"Lalotte was charmed ; yet could but grieve Her childhood's happy home and friends to leave, And others seek among the children of the west, Of whose wild lives she had so often read That feelings only of misfaith and dread, As of a most blood-thirsty clan, had filled her breast. Yet, womanlike, to be her hero's wife, She would imperil, as she thought, her life, Consenting at La Baye to east her future lot; And with her coming hitherward, must date The first of women settlers in the State, In whose patrician veins some Indian blood flowed not. History of (Brown County. The British were in rule, and British law, Extended to Michilimackinac;11 And, from that fortress, the commandant sent abroad An order that the French- should all report To him, by an appearance at the fort; Which surely was for purposes that all might laud; Since 'twas to gain the people's best good will, And teach them that they could be happy still. De Langlade and his consort sought the captain's side; And, when again they started on their way, They went with lighter hearts back to La Baye — The home where unmolested they miglit then reside. The rule was irksome; still submit he must, For he, aswell as brave, was true and just; And when Chief Pontiac the daring plan had laid Michilimackinac to massacre, His truth and pity were at once astir, And thitherward the journey of the lake he made, To warn the officer commanding there, Who of his words took little need or care. Again De Langlade's warning carhe; and still again. Some friendly Indians had disclosed the scheme Once more within the land to rule supreme, By storming forts and killing all the Englishmen. " De Langlade," thus the bold commander spoke, " I weary of this oft-repeated joke. Of twaddle of old women, I have had enough. Against the British there is no design. The Indians are our friends, I do opine. So trouble me no more with such unpleasant stuff." Soon passed away the time that was between That and the birthday of the British Queen. That day, outside the fort, at ball the Indians played, Commemorating thus the great event. Oft o'er the picketing the ball was sent, And backward tossed by soldiers who watched unafraid. 20 The American Sketch (Book. At length, the officer gave out command To open wide the gates, and let the band Have opportunity themselves to get the ball. Ah! sad mistake ! The Indians forward sprang With arms concealed. Then loud the war-whoop rangv And thick and fast the Englishmen began to falL Michilimackinac, why on thy hills Must thus the crimson life-tide run: in rills ? That kind commandant thus be pinioned to the stake,. The wood made ready, and the torches wait To end the gallant captain's earthly fate? ¦ But who comes yonder, gliding o'er the glassy lake? Who but De Langlade and a trusty crew, Well armed although in numbers few, Who speedily were landed on the island's shore ? Straight to the officer, De Langlade went, Nor noticing the Indians1 discontent, But quickly cutting loose the bonds the captives wore, He said, "My friends, are you displeased with this? If so, then I will answer what may seem amiss. The captain's life is mine. Henceforth you deal with me!" And there he stood, so brave and handsome too, That every bosom admiration knew, While most of all swelled his, who was so late made free. No words were answered back. v No arm was raised. The Indian captors view him almost dazed With wonder at his daring. His decisive tone Had in it that they dared not disobey. They saw their captives being led away, And yet they gave no sign except an inward groan. De Langlade added: " Captain Eth'rington, If you had heeded, as you should have done, The 'twaddle of old women,' warning you in vain, You would not go to Montreal alone, Leaving the staunch old fortress overthrown And nearly all your soldiers numbered with the slain." History of (Brown County. 21 With right good will, he shook the captain's hand ; Then chose an escort from his trusty band, And well supplied with stores sent Eth'rington away. Then for a time, at least, no British law Ruled o'er the isle Michilimackinac, Although it was resumed at some not distant day. But Pontiac, adhering to his plan, Upon Detroit a siege at once began; Though in that war De Langlade would not take a share, Since deeming it both useless and unjust. Defeat soon came as well he knew it must; And Peace again smiled on the hills and valleys fair. As years sped by, increasing stores of gain, De Langlade liked the more the British reign, And yielded most implicitly to all their laws ; And, when the colonies a war declared, The British neither work nor trouble spared To win the influential hero to their cause. No wonder he, a native of the west, So far removed from eastern interest, Should fail to give the colonies his sympathy. He surely did not realize that thejr, With almost hopeless toil, would pave the way Toward a mighty nation's future liberty. We sorrow that Wisconsin's pioneer, By better foresight, did not help to rear The everlasting monument to Freedom's name, To the inquiring world a guiding light, And thereupon in shining glory write The matchless story of his deeds and fame. But so it was. True to the British sway, With rallied troops, he quickly made his way To join the forces, stationed on Canadian ground. And through the many, long, eventful years, Of triumphs and defeats, of hopes and fears, Was never recreant to truth and duty found. 22 Tiz e American Sketch (Book. Though in that war no records gave his name Within an everlasting wreath of fame, Since those of the defeated do not thus descend, He was rewarded by the Government Of Britain, by a pension yearly sent, And by a gift of lands when war was at an end. Nor did the new-fledged nation quite forget How influential was De Langlade yet — Not more in times of war than he would be in peace. The forest sons, through battles, he had led; And now that peace again its. luster shed, It was not fitting that his work and rule should cease. He took command of Indian affairs, Sharing with them their pleasures and their cares And working always for their best and highest good.. Slowly did trade and commerce take the place Of battle triumph and exciting chase, And of the weary marches through the pathless wood. The years sped on. Around him at La Baye" The colony grew larger, day hy day. His daughter's children often clustered at his knee, To listen to the story of his life, Which had been so eventful — full of strife. And of privation, yet from all dishonor free. He lived again the battles of the past, Yet was regretful to the very last, That he had not participated in one more, And thus for him an even hundred13 made. (Engagements they had been of every grade From forays up to conflicts red with human gore.) He was by rich and poor alike revered; Loved by the good and by the evil feared. And as a mark of honor, every first of May, (Canadian custom) was a flag-pole raised, And many of his deeds rehearsed and praised — All with salutes of musketry throughout the day. History cf (Brown County. 23 So peacefully his moments glided on, That there were signs of the approaching dawn, Before he really knew that night had yet appeared. But faith in his religion gave him strength To meet the mighty conqueror, at length, As fearlessly his hundredth battle-field he neared. The knell of eighteen hundred had been rung; The requiem of a dying century sung; The world was ushering the bright successor in, When Charles De Langlade looked his last on earth," And in another sphere than this had birth," Where it is hoped there is no strife or battle-din. They laid the casket where the leafy trees Bowed their proud heads in answer to the breeze; And flowers wreathed their brilliant colors o'er the place. To-day a city's eager people tread Where lay the sacred ashes of the dead, And e'en the spot, thus honored, few can tell or trace. Long years have fled toward the misty past; Since then our land has known the war-storm's blast; Two generations since have lived, and loved, and died; Great cities stand where then the forest child Entrapped his game in thickets, dense and wild, And homeward bore the trophies of the chase with pride. Since then the native children, one by one, Have slowly moved toward the setting sun. While sighing for the homes and haunts they once held dear, They read their doom in every cloud and star, In spring's soft wooing and in winter's war — A remnant only left to-day of what they were. All things are changed. The waters fall and rise Beneath the gaze of many thousand eyes; The green encircled bay is white with dancing sails, While landward, far and near, the ceaseless strife Of wholesome labor and of busy life In their beloved ancient homes and haunts prevails. 24 The American Sketch (Book. Great mansions proudly rise on either shore, Where only wigwams were in days of yore. Only the flowers, blooming in each nook and dell — The sweet wild flowers of the olden time; Only the wild birds' ever merry chime, Are left the same, of all they knew and loved so well. The relics of the past are in decay; Another people own the lands to-day; And every where the word "Progression" is engraved; But still a name, most dear to memory, De Langlade's is and ever more will be — A noble name by History's bright annals saved. Explanatory Notes. 1. Born at Mackinaw in 1724. 2. He was ten years old at the time. 3. Nicolet had visited the bay in 1639. i. So Wisconsin was formally spelled. 5. Bay of the Winnehagocs — Green Bay. 6. The water at Mackinaw is remarkable for its transparency. 7. He settled at Green Bay in 1745. 8. The ebb and flow of the tide in Fox River have been noticed since the advent of the earliest pioneers. 9. The following is a copy of De Langlade's Commission from Louis XV. The original is still in existence. DE PAS LE ROY. Sa Majeste ayant fait choix du Sr. Langlade pour servir en qualite de Lieutenant reforme a la suite des troupes entretennes en Canada. Ellemonde au Gouverneur son Lieutenant f eneral de la Nouvelle France de le recevoir et de la faire reconnoitre ct la ditte qualite de lieutenant reforme detous ceuxet ainsy qu'il apartiendra. Fait a Versailles le pr. fevrier 1760. LOUIS. iV-S.f '-Enregistreau Bureau de cohtrolle du la marine de la Kouvelie France fait a Montreal le seize Juin rail Sept cent soixante. DEVILLERE. 1 ". Charlotte BoUrraesa of Montreal. 11. Mackinaw^pronounced in the olden times Mishilimackinaw. 12. Green Bay. 13. He had been in ninety-nine engagements. 14. He died in January, 1800. History of Brown County, WISCONSIN. CHAPTER I. THE MISSION AT DE PERE. ^HE country bordering Green Bay was first visited by a f"« white man in the person of Jean Nicolet, interpreter and Scommissary of New France, or Canada, by which govern^ ment he was sent in 1639* to conclude a peace with the Indians farther West. He came to the land of the "men of the sea" (Winnebagoes) and entered into friendly relations with them. Then he explored Green Bay and the Fox River, crossing the Portage and descending the Wisconsin River. About one hundred years previous to this, Ferdinand De Soto had explored the Mississippi from its mouth nearly to the confluence of the Mis souri; and his descriptions of the river had given the opinions that it took its rise far away to the north from some lake or sea. Sure it is that Nicolet knew of its existence, since he affirmed that three days1 sail down the Wisconsin would have taken him to the sea, having mistaken the Indian appellation of "great water" as meaning some thing larger than a river. Thus it is that Nicolet seems to have been the first to reach the waters of the upper Mississippi, and that as early as 1639. Without pushing his explorations farther, he returned to Quebec, from whence he went, in 1642, to Three Rivers to rescue a captive from some Algonquins. On the way, a storm came up and his frail boat was capsized. He was unable to swim and consequently lost his life. *In view' of the contradictory statements of historians, the writer desires to inform her readers that the information contained in this chapter is derived from records made by tte Fathers themselves— viz : Nicolet, Allouez, Marquette and Hennipiu. 26 The American Sketch (Book. Excited by the reports of Nicolet, the Jesuit missionaries decided to explore the country and reach the Pacific Ocean, planting the standard ofthe cross as they went along; but the Iroquois war broke out and obliged them to abandon all hopes of reaching the far west for a time. Still anxious to establish a belief in the Catholic faith upon the shores of the great lakes, they, in 1660, founded a mission at Chequamegon (Che-go-ime-gon). It was situated at the southwestern extremity of Lake Superior, near the Bayfield of to-day and at the place now known as La Point. This mission was in the charge of Father Claud ius Allouez, who baptised into his faith a large number ofthe natives. But the Indians of La Point, after a time, migrated to other parts of the country, a large portion of those under the charge of Father Allouez, choosing the Green Bay region for an abiding place; which turned the priest's attention this way. Father James Marquette, in 1667, was sent to establish a mission at Sault St. Mary's. Here he was joined a year later by Father Dablon and by their united exertions a church was built at that place. The next year, Father Claudius Allouez, following his converts, made a visit to Green Bay region and founded a mission at what is now De Pere. He said his first mass on the day of St. Francis Xavier, December 3rd, 1668, and called the mission by that name. The suc ceeding spring, he explored the Fox and Wisconsin rivers, the latter of which, he wrote, "leads to the Messi-sipi," showing that he, too, had a knowledge of the "great water." Father Allouez reported the Indians of the Bay as numbering about six hundred at the time of his arrival. They were largely engaged in agricultural pursuits and seemed intelligent and happy. The reports, which Nicolet and others had circulated concerning the advantages to be derived by a fur trade with the Indians, in and bordering New France, led speculators to the wild and trackless country, and many, even ofthe French nobility, left home to invest their fortunes in the new world. According to Marquette's own state ment, the governor of the province, knowing the importance of a passage westward to the sea, selected M. Jolliet to find such a passage and Father Marquette to bear him company. It had long been the desire of Marquette to explore the Mississippi, and his joy at the per mission was unbounded. They left Mackinaw in two frail canoes and arrived at Green Bay in June, 1673. Passing through the Fox and History of (Brown County. 27 Wisconsin rivers, they reached the great Mississippi on the 17th of the same month. To Marquette, history has given the honor of having discovered the Mississippi. He died in 1675, near the river bearing his name. Father Allouez had associated with him at his mission at Rapide des Peres, Father Andre. The latter's chapel and home was destroyed by fire some time during the year 1674. But they continued their labors with unabated zeal, living in their canoes, toiling in sunshine and storm, in the winter chill and the summer heat. In 1676, Father Allouez was appointed to fill the place among the Illinois Indians left vacant by Marquette's death, and Father Albanel took the post at Green Bay. Here, he with the assistance of Nicholas Perrot, a trader, erected a church to take the place of that which had been destroyed. This was not far from where the stone grist mill in De Pere now is. In 1679, La Salle, Henry De Tonty and Father Hennipin made a tour of the lakes and stopped off at the St. Francis Xavier Mission. Their vessel, the "Griffin," was probably the first to plow the waters of Green Bay and Fox River. They loaded it with furs and sent it on a return trip by the-crew; but it was lost in a storm before reaching its destination. The explorers continued their journey in canoes. Hennipin and De Tonty returned to the Bay in 1680, and the same year; the latter established a military post at this point. Later, Lieu tenant Duluth took charge of the post. Soon after his advent, the English began to contend with the French for the possession of the Northwest; the Indians took sides in the action and the missionaries were obliged to suspend their labors. The devotion of the latter to the interest of their faith was most perfect. Their unselfish labors have left for them an imperishable record upon the annals of time; and the self-sacrificing spirit manifested by them is a bright example to those who have come after them. Up to 1830, or later, the old foundation of the edifice occupied by the "Fathers" was still visible. Old settlers say that rosaries, crosses, etc., were found there-about at even a later date. Before the founda tion was leveled and covered over, others had come to continue the history begun by the "Fathers" at De Pere. That there must have been French traders here at a very early day is evident from the fact that Father Hennipin who passed through the 28 Tne American Sketch (Book. country in 1680 says: "We arrived safely at the extremity of the Bay of the Fetid where we found Frenchmen trading, coutrary to orders, with the Indians." The Indians, whom the Fathers found in this section of the country, were the Sacks or Sacs, the Foxes, the Menominees, Winnebagoes and the Mascoutens. The Winnebagoes were on the shores of Green Ba.y. They had come from the salt water marshes in the far west, and were probably a branch of the Sioux. From them, Green Bay was at that time called the Bay of the Fetid, or Baye des Puants* Later it was known as La Baye. Having settled on ground already occupied, they paid annual tribute to the Menominees. The following copied from the Journal of Marquette will give the reader some idea of Green Bay and of the Indians that inhabited the country over two hundred years ago. The remarks in parenthesis are inserted by the writer of this history. With all these precautions, we made our paddles play merrily over a part of Lake Huron, and that of the Illinois (Lake Michigan) into the Bay of the Fetid. (Green Bay.) The first nation we met were the Wild Oats (Menominees.) I entered the river to visit them, as we have preached the gospel to these tribes for some years past so that there were many good Christians among them. The wild oats from which they take their name, as they are found in their country, are a kind of grass, which grows spontaneously in Uttle rivers with slimy bottoms and in marshy places. They are very like the wild oats which grow among our wheat. (These, wild oats are known to the English as wild rice.) * * * I informed the people of the Wild Oats, of my design of going to discover dist Ait nations to instruct them in the ways of our holy rehgion. They were very much surprised and did their best to dissuade me. They told me that I would meet nations that never spared strangers, but tomahawked them without provocation: that the war had broken out among various nations on our route, exposing us to another evident danger; that the Great, River is dangerous, unless the difficult parts are known, and full of frightful monsters that swallowed up men and canoes together; that there is a demon there that can be heard from afar and stops the passage of all who dare "approach; lastly that the heat is so excessive in those countries that it would certainly cause our death. But Father Marquette did not heed their warnings. After explan- ing this, he goes on to say: 1 left them and, embarking in our canoes, we soon reached the extremity of the Bay of the Fetid where our Fathers labor successfully in the conversion of these *The French, always translated Indian names into their own language. This was done in order not to excite the suspicion of the Indians by mentioning their names, so as to be understood, when speaking of them. History of (Brown County. 29 tribes and have baptised more than two thousand souls smce they have been there. The bay bears a name that has not so bad a meaning in Indian language, as they call it Salt Bay rather than Fetid Bay, although among them it is almost the same, and this is the name also given to the sea. This induced us to make exact researches to discover whether there were not in those parts some salt springs, but we could not find any. We accordingly concluded that the name was given on account of the quantities of slime and mud there, constantly exhaling noisome vapors which cause the loudest and longest peals of thunder that I ever heard. The Bay is about thirty leagues long and eight wide at the mouth. It narrows gradually to the extremity, where it is easy to remark the tide, which has its regular flow and ebb almost tike that of the sea. * * * * We left this bay to enter a river emptying into it. It is very beautiful at its mouth and flows gently. It is full of bustards, duck, teal and other birds, attracted by the wild oats of which they are very fond. But when you have advanced a httle up the river, it becomes very difficult, both on account of the currents and of the sharp rocks which cut the canoes and the feet of those who are obliged to drag them, especially when the water is low. For all this, we passed the rapids safely, and as we approached the Maskoutens, or Fire nation, I had the curiosity to drink the mineral waters not far from this town. 30 The American Sketch (Book. CHAPTER II. THE OLD FRENCH EORT AND THE COLONY AT GREEN BAY. On May 8th, 1689, Perrot, commissioned by the Government of Canada, took formal possession of Green Bay and the bordering country in the name of the king of France, and established a port on the west side of the Fox River near its mouth. From that time up to the opening of the eighteenth century, history makes little mention of transpiring events. About the year 1700, the Indians became hostile and cut off the communications of the Green Bay post from the other posts, both east and west. This led to a war of the French with the Indians, which though it lasted several years was productive of good results in opening up the country to the whites. Father Charlevoux and Captain De Montigny were appointed in 1721 to take charge of the post. On their arrival they found that Father John Baptiste Chardon had a chapel at Baye des Puants about a mile and a half from the mouth of the river. (In 1802, a silver remonstrance Was dug out of the earth, near the site of the chapel, bearing the name Nicholas Perrot and the date 1686. It is in the possession of the church at Green Bay.) The former and other missionaries now recommenced religious labors among the Indians. but a war with the Foxes finally put a stop to their operations. Several expeditions against the Indians were made in the eighteenth centuiy, by the French Government to punish the acts of barbarity, perpetrated by the natives upon Frenchmen. They were as follows: De Louvigny's, in 1716; De Lingery's, 1728; andDe Villier's, in 1730. In 1746, Capt. Morand, a native of France and a trader, conducted an expedition against the Foxes, who at that time were located on the Fox River, some thirty-seven miles from the bay; and after two or three battles, succeeded in driving them from the soil. (Charles De Langlade was in the latter expedition.) Augustine De Langlade and his son Charles, in 1745, emigrated from Mackinaw and settled on the east side of the Fox River, a little above History of (Brown County. 31 and opposite the French fort. Along with them, or soon after, came Augustine De Langlade's son-in-law, M. Souligny and wife, M, Carron, an Indian trader, and two or three others. Augustine De Langlade opened a store and began to trade with the Indians. Most of the latter were friendly, but one band frequently threatened to break open the store and help themselves. Charles De Langlade, who seems to have been possessed with a spirit of daring, always answered their threats by saying pleasantly: "Well, my friends, if you have come to fight, we will cross to the prairie on the other side of the river, and have a little fun." But they never took up with the offer. About the year 1746, Lammiot, a French blacksmith located at Green Bay, and was murdered, soon after his arrival, by an Indian. A quarrel between him and an Indian occurred concerning an ax. Lammiot grabbed the Indian by the neck with a pair of hot tongs and the Indian knocked him senseless by a blow of the ax. Lammiot was taken up for dead, but was finally restored to consciousness. He was in a fair way to recover, when a friend of the Indian, whom he had burned, askea to see him, and, on being permitted to approach his bed, stabbed him to the heart with a knife. When asked why he did so, the Indian replied that he wanted to put the blacksmith out of his misery. The murderer escaped without being punished. Capt. De Velie, who had been commanding the fort, was not long- after this relieved by the arrival of a new officer who brought instruc tions that De Velie should demand that the Fox Indians living with the Sauks should be given up. The request was complied with except in one instance : A Sauk woman, who had adopted a Fox boy, refused to surrender him; where upon De Velie became enraged and shot three of the Sauk chiefs. He was stopped in this uncalled-for slaugh ter by a Sauk boy, twelve years old, who shot him dead. The settlers were enraged at the murder of De Velie, provoked though it had been, and upon the arrival of re-enforcements at the garrison, an attack was made upon the Sauk village and a battle ensued. Several on both sides were slain. But the Sauks retreated before the steady fire of the French, and fleeing to the Wisconsin River, located at Sauk Prairie. The successor of De Velie was probably Capt. De Vorchieres, whom we find commanding at the fort in 1747. In 1756, upon the breaking out of the French and Indian war, Captain Dumas was in command. He concluded a peace with the Illinois Indians in behalf of the traders 32 The American Sketch (Book. of the posts. This year, Charles De Langlade raised a strong army of western Indians, whom he was commissioned to command, and set out to defend Fort Du Quesne. The next year, he served under General Montcalm in the capture of Fort William Henry. In 1758, a party of hostile Indians made an attack on the fort at Green Bay, killing eleven Frenchmen and plundering the store-house. But the commandant escaped. Mean while the contest between the French and English progressed' culminating in 1759 by the defeat of the former and the passing of Canada into the hands of the latter. De Langlade was ordered by the French Government, September 3rd, 1760, to conduct the Canadians under his command to Mackinaw and the Indians to their several vil lages; and in October, 1761, the British took possesion of Green Bay. The fort which was fast falling to decay was repaired and called Fort Edward Augustus. It was placed under the command of Lieutenant James Gorrell. Two years later, during the Pontiac war, it was aban doned, because deemed insufficient to withstand the attacks threatened by the Indians. It was re-occupied by the British under Capt. Howard in 1764. While at Montreal, as an officer of the French army, Charles De Langlade formed an attachment for Miss Charlotte Bourassa, the daughter of a wealthy physician, of a noble family, whom he married- The fruit of this union was two daughters, Lalotte who died young and Domitelle who was born in 1763. While the latter was an infant, Pierre Grignon lived with her parents, and was at that time a lad of eighteen, so very bashful that he could not be induced to kiss the baby, though her mother urged it repeatedly. "You may as well kiss her now, Pierre," Mrs. Langlade would say, "because you shall never have any other wife." And so it proved, for little Domitelle married Pieriv Grignon, when she was only thirteen years old. In September, 1766, Captain Jonathan Carver passed through Green Bay enroute for the Falls of St. Anthony. The fort at that time was known to the French as Baye des Puants or La Baye- Carver describes it as surrounded by a stockade, much decayed; and it was deserted, or nearly so, only a few families residing within the walls. Opposite, on the east side of the river, were some French settlers who cultivated the land, and who seemed in comfortable circumstances. History of '(Brown County. 33 Lieut. Gov. St. Clair, of Canada, in 1780, purchased a large part of the Northwest, including the Green Bay region, of the Indians; and in 1787, the great Northwest Territory was established embracing what is now Indiana, Illinois, Michigan, Wisconsin and all of the country west of the Mississippi and north of the Missouri rivers. Upon the breaking out of the Revolutionary War, the French at the Bay took sides with the enemy, and Charles De Langlade joined the British army. During the occupation of the fort by the English, the people had grown to like the conquerors next to their own nation and were willing to fight in the British ranks. Beside this, their unprotected situation made it necessary for them to ally .themselves to the ruling party. The settlement at this time numbered but fifty-six persons all told, children and employes included, and comprised but seven families, viz: the De Langlade's; the Grignon's; the Brunet's; the Roy's, two brothers, Amable and Joseph; and the La Dukes. Beside, there was a single man by the name of Marchard who kept a store. Pierre Grignon went to Montreal in 1778, and brought to the Bay ten mechanics and artisans whom he employed in their different branches. At that time, a company of traders operated at Green Bay under the firm name of McBeath, Grant & Co., who in 1787 .sold out to Pierre Grignon. James Porlier settled in Green Bay in 1791, as a clerk to Pierre Grignon, Sr., and a teacher for the children. Later he went into company with Amable Rochebleve in the fur trade. He was after ward a Justice of the Peace and Captain of the Militia of Green Bay under the British Government. In 1819, he was appointed Ensign of the Militia by Gov. Cass. In 1820, he was commissioned Chief Justice of Brown County, and, in 1822, Judge of Probate. To fit himself for his judicial position, he translated the Revised Laws of -Michigan Ter ritory from English into French. Up to 1836, he held positions of trust and won the entire confidence of all who knew him for his honest dealings. Some years before his death, one half of his body became paralyzed. He died in 1839, aged seventy-four years. His descendants reside at the Bay. In the early times, the Indians made slaves of the captive Pawnees, Osages and Missouries, and, as they often sold or gave away those 34 Tne American Sketch (Book. captives, all of the French owned native slaves. Augustine Grignon mentions the fact of there having been two African slaves at the settlement. The Indian slaves liked the French, and made the latter good servants. But the Indian masters treated their slaves with great severity, beating and often killing them-for the most trivial offenses. Of the African slaves, Brunet owned one, a boy, whom he used to beat so cruelly that Mr. Campbell, an Indian agent, on hearing the facts, took the negro away from him. The post at Green Bay with the surrounding country was relin quished to the United States, by the British, July lst, 1796. In 1800, Indiana Territory was organized, including what is now Wisconsin. At the close of the war, Charles De Langlade was appointed Indian Agent at Green Bay by the United States Government, and continued to act as such as long as he lived. He died in January, 1800, and was buried by the side of his father who had departed this life in 1771. His exploits are more fully noted in other pages of this work, and to them the reader is referred. It will not be out of place here, however, to speak more fully concerning the De Langlade and Grignon families, since they were the pioneer settlers of Wisconsin. Augustine De Lang lade was born at Orleans, in 1695, and belonged to the family of the Count of Paris. In early life, he served in the French Marine, as is shown by a copy of his commission which is still in existence. While yet a very young man, he resolved to seek his fortune in New France, where he engaged in the Indian trade. About 1720, he located at Mackinaw where he married. His wife was related to King Nis-so-wa-quet of the Ottawa nation, on her mother's side, and her father was a rich trader of Saganaw Bay. By this union, there were five children, Agate, Charles, and two sons and a daughter whose names are not remembered. The younger daughter became the wife of Mr. De Verville and mother of one son, Gautier De Verville, who married Miss Chevallier, of Mackinaw. By the latter marriage there were two daughters, the elder of whom married Captain Henry Monroe Fisher, and the younger, Michael Brisbois — both prominent and useful men. Mrs. Henry S. Baird and Mrs. Gen. Dousman are daughters of Captain Fisher. Charles De Langlade and Gautier De Verville were both commissioned as captains during the Revolutionary War, by the English, but no American expeditions being made against the Northwest, were not called into active service. History of (Brown County. 35 Pierre Grignon was the grandson of a Governor Grignon of Bretagne, France, and of a daughter of Madam De Sevigne, whose name is somewhat familiar to the literary world. By his marriage with Miss De Langlade, he became the father of nine children: Pierre Antoine, Charles, Augustine, Louis, Baptist, Domitelle, Marguirite, Hypolite and Amable. He died in 1797, two days previous to the birth of his youngest child. His wife survived him many years, and is remem bered as a most exemplary woman and the friend of the people. While without chances for public religious worship, her house was a sanctuary, where rich and poor often congregated for services. She was married to her second husband, John B. Langevin, in 1806. Pierre Grignon had educated two or more of his children at Montreal and was intending to finish the education of the others there, but death frustrated his plans. His sons, Pierre Antoine and Louis, settled at Green Bay and their descendents reside here. Among the early settlers was John B. Jacobs, who came about the year 1800. He was an Englishman of high birth and had, in joint ownership with his brother, large possessions of land in Lower Canada, a castle and a retinue of servants. The brother disposed of the greater part of the property in a way that deprived John of its benefits. The latter then came to this section of the country and engaged in the i'ur trade. While here, he married Miss Marinette Chevallier, and by this marriage became the father of four children, only two of whom are now living — John B. Jacobs, of Green Bay, and Mrs. Elizabeth Mc Leod, of Menominee, Mich. In 1826, he returned to Canada in hopes to regain his possessions, but failed to do so. He died there in 1850. His son, John B. Jacobs, is an influential citizen of Green Bay — a man of more than average intelligence and highly respected by the entire community. The year following Charles. De Langlade's death, his sister, Madam Roy (formerly Madam Souligny) also died, and her husband survived her by about one year. Madam Roy planted the first apple tree raised in the country. It was a large bearing tree at the time of her death. The first Justice of the Peace of Green Bay, was Charles Reaume. He solemized a few marriages, but the greater portion of the people dispensed with his services. His commission, it is said, was only for five years, but he continued to act as magistrate until 1818. His 36 The American Sketch (Book. decisions were always governed by caprice or interest; and he was not held in very high esteem by the people. Speaking of him, Mrs- Kinzie in her work says: "There was an old Frenchman at 'the Bay1 named Reaume, excessively ignorant and grasping, although tolerably good natured. This man was appointed Justice of the Peace. Two men once appeared before him, one as plaintiff, the other as defendant. The Justice listened to the complaint of the one, and the defense of the other, then rising with dignity he pronounced his decision: 'You are both wrong. You, Boisvert,' to the plaintiff, 'you bring me a load of hay; and you, Crely,' to the defendant, 'you bring me a load of wood. Now the matter is settled.' " A case, witnessed and told by the late John Dousman, still farther illustrates the character of Judge Reaume. Joseph Houll was the complainant and the case was clearly in his favor; and it was so decided. Dousman to try the Judge, said to him. "Now that the case is decided, I will say that I am surprised at your decision. You ought in justice to have decided in favor of the defendant." The Judge immediately called Houll back. "How did you understand the decis ion?" he asked. "I won," replied Houll. "Yes, you won to pay costs," said the Judge, showing how easily he could be changed in his opinion. Houll is still living (in 1876) at West De Pere, and is one hundred and five years old. The first mills in this part of the country were three miles east of De Pere. They were erected in 1809, by Jacob Franks, who first built a saw mill and afterwards a grist mill. Previous to this, however, Pierre Grignon, Jr., had put up a horse-mill which had been a failure; and not long after the erection of Frank's mills, he built a second mill near where the Adams street bridge now is, which also proved a failure on account of the scarcity of water, at that point, and the smallness of the stones. Jacob Franks came to Green Bay, in 1795, as a clerk for a Mackinaw trading house firm, who had a store at this place. Two years later,' he went into business for himself taking into his employ a nephew, John Lawe. The house, after a career of several years, became the property of the later, afterwards Judge Lawe. John Lawe was a native of England. He was a shrewd successful man, and carried on a smart business at Green Bay as long as he lived. He was soon after the organization of Brown County, appointed Assistant From I hotograph la' en exp-e^ly for this work, in July, 1876, hy T. D. Bowring of De Pere. View of GreenlJay, Iroro Elmore & Kelly's Elevator, looking North-East. EmflRi i il ii-* i < g^jSiitSllECS ii n ""toft. IIIISEIPSGI! ... .._..._. .-.-.-¦ ..^^i-.^.i^te "' T--~:"..- ¦',.--¦ ";:'-^. :!,'.' ' ^v=: -, >- ' ' ¦"¦*--— = -t^_- ___r^- _ ¦¦^^^: — - - r~-—-—^~~^i^^7z™.-^ii*.^!v?^*i±?>-?'- e*r i ~T~m^ffl~^^^== •¦-¦ ^- --^T^. — ;- . .. , -_ •_- •¦ .-¦ . - . - ¦- ""i -.=...:r^- — — - — - JIZ 1_^^^^=51 fregatm From Photograph "talsen^'pressly for this work, in July, 187B, by T. D. Bowring of Do Pere. "View of G-reen. Bay, from Elmore & Kelly's Elevator, looking South-lCast. History of (Brown County. 41 Judge of the county. He died, Feb. 11, 1846. His wife was of English and Indian extraction and was the mother of a large family of children, who settled in the vicinity of Green Bay. Previous to her marriage with Judge Lawe, she had been the wife of Louis Grignon, according to the custom of the times and had parted from him. This led to the tradition which declares Lawe and Grignon to have exchanged wives. After the death of Augustine Langlade, Augustine and Pierra Grignon, Jr., continued the trading house business of the former, for many years. Upon the breaking out of the war of 1812, some of the French and a large number of the Indians, allied themselves to the British cause. Col. Dickson with a party of Sioux, arrived early in the year and was Joined by Tomah and about one hundred Menominees. Oshkosh and some other chiefs were along. This party moved to Mackinaw, and took possession of that fort. Later, an expedition was planned against Prairie du Chien, and the charge of it confided to Lieut. Col. William Mc Kay. Mc Kay came with his forces to Green Bay, and tarried awhile to gather more recruits. A company of Militia was raised, of which Pierre Grignon was commissioned as captain. This commis sion, which the writer has seen, bears the date of June 27, 1814, and is signed by Lieut. Col. Robert Mc Douall, then stationed at Michili- macinac. As the history of the expedition is not materially connected with that of Brown County, it is not given here. On February 12th, of the next year, (1815) Pierre Grignon was recommissioned as Captain of the Militia at Greeu Bay, and also Justice of the Peace, by the same Lieut. Col. Mc Douall. (Mr. P. B. Grignon, whp has the come missions in his possession, has hitherto refused to show them to any one, feeling that the fact of having allied himself with the English might reflect unpleasantly on his father's memory. But it ought not to be so considered, since the colony at Green Bay, having been under three governments, in the space of one generation's lifetime, and also being far removed from the interest of the East, could not have been expected to feel the patriotism for the newly fledged nation of others not similarly situated.) Louis Grignon was also commissioned by Rob't Mc Douall, as a lieutenant in the Militia, as early as 1812. In 1825, he was appointed 6 42 Tne American Sketch (Book. Justice of the Peace, by Lewis Cass, and served until the time of his death which occurred in 1839. For over a century, fur trading had been the principal business of the people, when, in 1783, the famous Northwest Company was formed, which, for many years, held sway over a large region of the county. Their head quarters were at Montreal, and they had agents all over the Northwest. Later, some British merchants started the Mackinaw Company, and their field of operations was south of their rivals. The Green Bay Company was in existence in 1800. This company consisted of Pierre A. Grignon, Judge Porlier and Augustine Grignon. In 1802, Louis Grignon became a partner of the firm. John Jacob Astor, in 1809 organized the American Fur Company, himself constituting the company. He afterward bought in with other companies, and finally bought them all out, establishing his head quarters at Mackinaw. In 1815, through his influence, Congress passed an act, prohibiting foreigners from trading in the Indian country; and about the same time, through the same influence, the Secretary of War designated certain points for trade; and licenses were confined to those localities, so that the adventurer was permitted to trade only at places already occupied by that powerful company. One of those trading points was at Green Bay.. About that time, the American Fur Company built a large block ware-house at Green Bay for the storage of furs. The Green Bay Company had, before their surrender to the Ameri can Fur Company, become involved in debt to the latter, and on account of the enormous prices that they were obliged to pay for goods, were unable to liquidate it; consequently a large tract of the Langlade land was seized by the American Fur Company for the balance due. Mrs. Ursula M. Grignon, grand daughter of Domitelle De Langlade, has contributed the following concerning her ancestors, and the early days : — *Grand mother Langevin (widow Grignon) and her mother, Madame De Lang- Lade, lived together in their old age. These benevolent old ladies were mothers to all of the inhabitants. The voyageurs were always kindly entertained by them, for there were no taverns in those days. Hospitality was their proverb and they were looked upon by the natives as queens. Madame Langevin was an invalid and con- *This article was not intended for publication, but it is a part of some notes furnished to assist m compiling this work. History of (Brown County. 43 fined to her bed for over thirty years preceding her death, but during that time she was alway foremost in all good works. She boarded my uncles and their families and always kept an open table for all that chose to visit them. During Advent, it was the custom of the people to meet once a week at some house to sing hymns and praise the Lord. ' The first meeting was always held at her house, and after services, a sumptuous supper was served. On Christmas, every body v:sited her, at which time, her tables were loaded with the best provisions that the land afforded. On that day, my father and his children always made her a call to pay their respects