Title: History of the upper peninsula of Michigan : containing a full account of its early settlement, its growth, development, and resources, an extended description of its iron and copper mines : also, accurate sketches of its counties, cities, towns, and villages ... biographical sketches, portraits of prominent men and early settlers.
Collection: Michigan County Histories Pages 501 - 507

NOTE: At the time this book was published, Florence County is physically a portion of Menominee, though politically a county of the neighboring State. The history of this new county is introduced in this volume, first, because of its being so closely connected with the southwestern county of the Upper Peninsula, and, secondly, for the reason that its recent organization was not perfected in time to insure it a place in the volume devoted to Wisconsin.
 

FLORENCE COUNTY, WIS.
ORGANIC HISTORY

This county was created by an act of the Legislature approved March 18, 1882, by subdividing a portion of the counties of Marinette and Oconto, to which the territory now included within its present limits was originally attached. It forms a part of the Tenth Judicial Circuit and the First Senatorial District. It has two organized townships, Florence and Commonwealth, and no incorporated villages. The county seat is located in the township of Florence. The county officers are: A. M. Pinto, Clerk; Edward E. Keyes, Treasurer; Omer Huff, Sheriff; James T. Atkinson, County Judge; C. E. McIntosh, District Attorney; George R. Tuttle, Clerk Circuit Court; C. E. Patterson, Register of Deeds.

The Supervisors for Florence are named as follows Alexander Kempt, J. H. Parks, J. V. Northam; for Commonwealth, G. R. Tuttle, John Marquhart.

HISTORICAL SKETCH

The rapidity with which the northern part of this county has settled and developed is truly wonderful. Two years have hardly passed since this region was a wilderness, containing a vast quantity of natural resources, but comparatively an unknown land. Men with energy, capital and persevering industry have flocked into it until it is now dotted-over with the clearings and houses of permanent settlers, and contains two thriving towns with an estimated population of fully 5,000. Of this number, Florence contains one-half, Commonwealth, one quarter, and the balance is distributed within a radius of three miles, made up of farmers, lumbermen and miners.

Its resources consist of vast quantities of hardwood and pine timber bordering the Menominee River, several large iron mines, now fully developed, and numerous others remaining to be. In the immediate vicinity are located a large number of lumbermen's camps, employing about two thousand men. This trade is in a measure tributary to the business of the county, and will remain so for some time.

MINES

Florence Mine —The location of the Florence Mine is on the north half of the southeast quarter and the northeast quarter of Section 20, Town 40 north, Range 18 east. The fee is the joint ownership of the Menominee Mining Company and H. D. Fisher. The former owns three-fourths of the property and holds the remaining one-fourth under a lease from Mr. Fisher, who receives a royalty of 10 cents per ton on all the ore mined. The company owns in the same relative connection with Mr. Fisher other valuable properties adjoining the mining location, including the site of the town of Florence.

This deposit of ore was discovered by Mr. Fisher in company with Nelson Halsey in the month of October, 1873, while on an exploring tour over the range, and the land was entered at the land office in Menasha during the same month by H. D. Fisher and Abel Keyes. Mr. Fisher conducted further explorations until his means were exhausted, and succeeded in bringing it to the favorable notice of outside parties in 1878. During this year, the Menominee Mining Company sent their mining engineer, Dr. N. P. Hulst, to examine the property, who made such a favorable report that the above mentioned transfer was made; the company taking the original option in the fall of 1878. At this time the mine was known as the Eagle, a name accorded it by its discoverer in honor of Spread Eagle Lake.

The company commenced active mining operations during the season of 1878, and changed its name to Florence, in honor of the Christian name of Mrs. Dr. N. P. Hulst.

The trend of the ore belt is from southeast to northwest and the dip slightly to the north.

The work of stripping was actively commenced in the winter of 1879-80, but the railroad was not completed to the mine until October, 1880, in the second week of which month the first shipments were made, the output during the remainder of the season footing up to 14,143 tons.

Work was commenced on the north side of the hill, the highest point at which the ore was uncovered being 100 feet' above drainage. At first the ore was stripped on the highest point of the deposit, taking up a stope from the hanging-wall side, being depressed at that point to such an extent as to render the approach to the upper part of the ore bed an easy task. After the ore had been mined' out at this point down to the level of the cut, work was continued by sinking into the-ore and taking up stopes in the opposite direction. The mine is now being wrought on the underground plan in lifts of eighty feet, leaving a roof of twenty feet for the support of the walls, which gives stopes sixty feet in height, work now being done on the second level. The total length now open on the upper level is 494 feet, and the greatest width between walls is ninety feet, with an average over the whole distance of sixty-six feet. Shafts No. 1 and 2 are down to the second level, while 113 feet from the west end of No. 3 Shaft has been sunk to the ore deposit. No. 4 Shaft is 650 feet northwest of No. 3, and is down to the ore ledge. There is a vast amount of ore in sight, and the quality has developed sufficient to bring it up to the standard of first-class ore in every respect, save as to phosphorus. Some small " horses of rock " occur in the workings, but the ore body is in the main uniformly clean, and but little selection is necessary. The mine is a very large one, and for some time past the work of changing the plan of mining from open pit to underground mining and sinking and putting in skip-roads has retarded the output of ore. This change fully effected, the annual product will necessarily increase. The estimated output for 1882 is 150,000 tons. The mine gives employment to 350 men, of which number fifty are employed on the surface.

It is under the management of Alexander Kempt, Superintendent, with Capt. Buddle in charge of the underground work.

Since the first shipment was made, less than two years ago, the output has been as follows: 1880, 14,143 gross tons; 1881, 100,501 gross tons; total, 114,644 gross tons.

The Lake Mary Mining Company was organized in August, 1882. The incorporators are Geo. M. Wakefield, Gordon H. Gile and James Tobin. The property on which they are now operating is situated on the northwest quarter of Section 5, Town 42, Range 31. The ore is a rich, soft hematite, and as far as ascertained is very extensive. The vein carries a uniform width at present of thirty feet. The wall is slate and the foot wall is micaceous schist. The length of the deposit has been determined for over 1,000 feet. The formation comes very near the surface, and two open shafts have been sunk in the ore for a distance of over forty feet. The ore is improving as depth is attained, and it also seems to be freer from foreign substances toward the east end of the mine. The property is held under lease. On the west half of the southeast quarter of Section 16, Town 42, Range 32, the same parties are now operating on property which they own in fee simple. They have found a very rich vein of brown hematite, which is at present only six feet wide, but as the depth increases seems to be expanding, and as they are only about thirty feet from the surface it is entirely presumable that in common with veins of a similar character it will widen out to respectable dimensions. The length at present is conjectural, but it is thought to be extensive. A recent analysis of the ore shows 62 per cent of metallic iron, with minimum traces of sulphur and phosphorus.

TOWN OF FLORENCE

Among the growing cities of the Menominee Iron Range is the town of Florence, which is located near the Menominee River and its tributaries. It is beautifully situated on the banks of a picturesque lake on a comparatively level piece of ground, originally covered with a dense growth of small timber. This lake was formerly called Loon Lake, but since the settlement of the town the name has been changed to Keyes Lake.

Its settlement and development were the natural outgrowth springing from the discovery of the great Florence Mine.

This mine, which has since developed into one of the most promising and valuable on the Menominee Range, was accidentally discovered by H. D. Fisher in October, 1873. He, in company with Nelson Halsey, both carrying heavy packs through the trails of the almost unbroken wilderness, left the old Indian trail near Spread Eagle Lake, and after passing through a cedar swamp came to the high hill situated in the location of the Florence Mine. Weary from his long tramp, Mr. Fisher sat down on the brow of the hill to rest and refresh himself. After lighting his pipe, he took his exploring pick, and while thus seated and meditating on the grandeur of the surrounding scenery, absent-mindedly struck it into the ground beside him. Upon removing it he was surprised to find the mark of hematite ore upon it, and it is recorded that his astonishment caused him to drop his pipe. He proceeded to explore the ground, and after stripping a spot hardly two feet square good ore was found.

His party spent the remainder of the afternoon in locating the "find" and the next morning Mr. Fisher started for the land office at Menasha to effect a purchase. He christened it the Eagle Mine, in honor of Spread Eagle Lake.

The land was entered during the same month by H. D. Fisher and Abel Keyes. Mr. Fisher conducted the explorations as far as his limited means would permit, and succeeded in developing the mine sufficiently to attract the attention of outside parties. In June, 1878, the Menominee Mining Company sent their mining engineer, Dr. N. P. Hulst, who reported so favorably upon the property that the company took an option, and during the fall of that year purchased a three-quarter interest, and leased the remaining fourth of Mr. Fisher, in February, 1879. About this time, they commenced active mining operations, and shortly after the name of the mine was changed to Florence, in honor of the Christian name of Dr. Hulst's wife.

On the 12th of March, 1880, the Menominee Mining Company recorded a plat of the town, which covers the south half of Section 21, in Town 40, Range 18, and on the 16th day of the same month the company's agent, H. D. Fisher, Esq., settled on the site and commenced to sell lots. The sales for the first day amounted to over fifty, and ere three weeks had passed away every lot was sold on both sides of the main street, a distance of one-half mile. About this time, the Nasick Lumber Company erected and completed a saw-mill close to the town site, on the lake, and notwithstanding the mill was run to its utmost capacity, it was still insufficient to supply the demand as fast as was required. Buildings of all kinds sprang up as if by magic, parties in many instances only clearing off sufficient space on which to erect their stores and dwellings. For a few months it seemed as if the famous lamp of Aladdin had been slightly touched, and for a strict observer to note the progress of the time it was necessary to make a tour of the paths and streets every day. It is thought by the writer that the honor of commencing the first building belongs to Peter Sheridan, of Fort Howard, Wis., although the construction of several buildings was begun at the same time. Before this period, Mr. Fisher had erected a building on the bank of the lake, which was subsequently known as Jack Armstrong's Spread Eagle Hotel. Messrs. S. A. McGraw & Co. were the pioneer merchants, and had a temporary building erected some months before the first building-up of the town. The Menominee River Railroad was first completed to Quinnesec, which was the terminus for some time. Between this place and Florence wound one of the most atrocious roads to be found, and until the road was extended to Florence the traveling public experienced dire difficulty in reaching the latter town, particularly during the spring and early summer. Freights were, in consequence, enormous, and as a good team could haul only 800 pounds at a load, the tariff was placed at $1 per hundred weight. These disadvantages were gradually overcome, and did not check the development of the town, seeming to stimulate rather than discourage. Meanwhile the railroad company was pushing the track westward, and it was extended to Florence in the fall of 1880, the first train reaching here September 12. This gave the town a new impetus, and its growth from this time on was simply marvelous.

The post office was established May 12, 1880, with H. D. Fisher as Postmaster. At the close of 1880, the population of the town was estimated to be 800. It has now reached 2,000.

Florence is unsurpassed in advantages as a point for the manufacture of iron and steel. Close to it are two of the largest iron mines in the region and within twenty miles are a dozen more comprising all qualities and grades of ore. Dense forests of hardwood timber surround it in every direction. If an unlimited water-power is needed, it can be had on the Brule River, distant one and a half miles. One railroad is completed —the Chicago & North-Western-with a well-appointed lake port for shipment at Escanaba and another-the Wisconsin & Michigan-is projected. One blast furnace is in successful operation, and the building of a second is contemplated.

In 1880, the settlement of Florence formed a part of Marinette County. According to the census enumeration of that year, the population of the settlement was 267

Florence Furnace Company - The Florence furnace was built during the summer of 1881, and went into blast in October, making the first iron October 15, 1881.

The stock is an iron shell, with one foot ten inch boshes, forty feet in height. The machinery consists of one Wyman blowing engine, with forty-eight inch cylinder and twenty-four inch stroke, one eighteen-inch Wells pump and one Worthington pump, which supplies water for the stack.

The boiler is fed by a Wells pump. The machinery is operated by a 9x16 inch engine and the hoist by power transmitted over pulleys.

Charcoal is used, and the supply is furnished by thirty kilns, ten of which are located at Florence, and the balance at outside points. From twenty-one to twenty three tons of iron ore are made daily; range ores are used exclusively.

President of the company, C. Sprong; Superintendent, H. W. Jackson.

The first newspaper, the Florence Mining News, was established by James F. Atkinson, and issued its first number June 1, 1881. This journal holds a position in the front ranks of journalism, and through its medium the development of the town and surrounding country is largely due.

Fire Department - The fire department was organized in May, 1882, after the projection and laying of the present system of water works. A network of pipes with hydrants is distributed through the town and a constant pressure of water is maintained by a large Knowles' steam pump, operated by steam obtained from the boilers of the Florence Furnace Company. These works are valued at $7,000, and are most efficiently adapted for their particular labor, affording the best protection against fire. The fire company consists of thirty volunteer members, officered as follows: Daniel Sprong, Chief ot Department; W. W. Noyes, Foreman; H. A. Wood, First Assistant; J. A. W. Maloy, Second Assistant; F. R. Whittlesey, Secretary; A. K. Godshall, Treasurer.

The Catholic Church of Florence was founded through the efforts of Father John N. Brady in March, 1880, when the first services were held in the town. The site of the present church building was presented to the society by the Menominee Mining Company. The church was formally organized by Father George W. Brady in September, 1881, and the following November the church building was commenced, and the funds for construction were raised by Father G. W. Brady, who visited the lumbermen's camps and the mining camps of the range, gathering a little here and there, and also received liberal support from the non Catholic population. Father Brady attended the mission until April, 1882, and since this date it has been supplied by different Pastors. The church property is valued at $3, 500, and the present membership of the society reaches 600.

Presbyterian Church - The organization of this church took place in November, 1880, through the efforts of Rev. John H. Pollock, who became the first Pastor, but remained at Florence for a short time only. The church secured its second pastor in December, 1881, in the person of Rev. H. P. Cory, who is still in charge. The church building was erected during the winter of 1880-81, and was ready for occupancy May 1, 1881. It is valued at $3,500; present membership, thirty-five.

The Swedish Lutheran Evangelical Church of Florence was organized with seventy-five members in March, 1882, by Rev. C. Olander. The church building was erected during the summer of 1882. It is supplied by visiting clergymen.

TOWN OF COMMONWEALTH

The town which bears this name was laid out in March, 1880, by the Commonwealth Mining Company, on the northeast quarter Section 28, Town 40, Range 18, in the wilderness, as it were. But previous to this, Capt. James Tobin, Superintendent of the mine, had his residence a short distance from the present town site. Close by the pioneer merchants C. H. Sloan & Co. had a temporary store in the vicinity. John Tobin had opened a farm on which he resided. The unprecedented size of the deposit of ore and the fine hardwood timbered land in the vicinity soon became widely spoken of, and the company decided to lay out a town site, which was accordingly done at the time mentioned above. It is located in a fine tract of hardwood forest, north and below the great Commonwealth Mine. The proprietors have been at great expense in clearing out and grading the streets. The ground is undulating, with a gradual slope in the direction of Fisher Lake.

The town is the natural outgrowth of the mining interests located here. The land on which the great hematite deposit is located was entered in the land office in 1863 by the late H. B. Tuttle, of Cleveland, Ohio. Previous to this, Col. Whittlesey, one of the United States Surveyors, while running the lines of the original survey, thought he discovered traces of iron, and as the ground was covered with a fine growth of hardwood timber, he induced Mr. Tuttle with others to purchase a large tract of land in Sections 32, 33 and 34, in Town 40, Range 18, as he thought that if a marketable quality of iron was discovered on the tract the hardwood would be valuable for a charcoal furnace. In 1876, Horace A. Tuttle, a son of the former, engaged H. D. Fisher to explore the ground, which he did with a small force. He made the first discovery of the present bed the same year, on northwest quarter of the southwest quarter of Section 34.

The site of the town is most favorably located; numerous cozy and substantial dwellings sprinkle the hillside, and all branches of business are well represented,

It is so near Florence that the time may arrive in the not far distant future when both places may be blended in one fair-sized city.

Crystal Falls is a bright little town hardly one year old, and possessed of a population of about nine hundred inhabitants.

It was laid out as a town by the Crystal Falls Iron Company during the summer of 1882 at the terminus of the Crystal Falls Branch of the Chicago & North-Western Railway.

The site of the village is on a sufficient elevation to afford a natural drainage and give it a prominent and desirable appearance. It is in the heart of the mining region familiarly called the Crystal Falls District, adjacent to a number of the more extensive mining properties recently developed.

All branches of business are successfully represented, and at this writing the town is growing rapidly in population, a large influx of people flocking to the new town, whose coming is urged by the favorable outlook for future prosperity that the newly discovered mines promise to bestow.

The Conmonwealth Mine is the property of the Commonwealth Iron Company, the workings of which are on the southwest quarter of Section 34, Town 40 north, Range 18 east, though the company owns a compact estate of 3,000 acres in the immediate vicinity. The officers of the company are: President, Alex Nimick, Pittsburgh; Vice President, W. U. Masters, Cleveland; Secretary and Treasurer, W. H. Harvey, Cleveland; General Manager, H. A. Tuttle, Cleveland; Superintendent, William E. Dickinson; Sales Agents, Tuttle, Masters & Co., Cleveland.

Iron ore was first discovered on the land now owned by the company by Col. Charles Whittlesey, of Cleveland, Ohio, in 1859, from whose minutes they were entered by H. B. Tuttle, Esq., in 1867. In 1875, Prof. Charles E. Wright, while engaged in making a geological survey, found some loose ore under the upturned roots of a fallen tree on Section 34, which fact he mentioned to H. D. Fisher, Esq., who in the following year sunk some test pits near the locality indicated, and found the solid ledge. When Mr. Fisher reported his discovery, very few people were willing to credit his statement as to the apparent great extent of the deposit, but the work that has since been done on the property proves that he did not in the least exaggerate the simple truth, either in regard to the extent or quality of the ore. For some time after the value of the property had been demonstrated beyond all question through the exploration pits and trenches dug by Mr. Fisher, no further work was done, at least not until after the speedy extension of the Menominee River Railway west of the river became a reasonable certainty. Active mine work was not commenced till the spring of 1880, the first shipment from the mine being made about the middle of the October following, the total output up to the close of navigation being 9,643 tons.

The trend of the ore belt is east and west, with a slight dip to the south. The present workings are on the summit of a high ridge, along the north base of which, at no great distance, is the branch railroad track. A tramway connects the mine with this branch track, there being the usual high trestle work and accompanying docks and pockets for loading the ore directly into the railway cars, and for stocking the winter's product. The ore is of the red specular variety, though not so hard as those of the Marquette Range, and averages about 65 per cent of metallic iron; it is, however, too high in phosphorus for Bessemer steel. It is noticeable, too, that the ore grows harder as greater depth is attained.

The workings now consist of four open pits, the main one of which, the Taylor, was the only one wrought during last year. Some important improvements have also been made during the past year; new buildings have been erected and new machinery put in, so that everything now gives evidence of the mine's becoming one of the more important on the range. It gives employment to 400 men, and the average monthly product for the season was about ten thousand.

The shipments of the past are as follows: 1880, 9,643 gross tons; 1881, 97,410 gross tons; total, 107,053 gross tons.

H. A. Tuttle, of Cleveland, Ohio, retains the position of General Manager, and Capt. W. E. Dickinson is Superintendent.