in which to educate young men for the priesthood. Such an undertaking in those days was at once precarious and most difficult in every way to carry out. To make it successful, he appointed his trusted and able friend, Rev. M. Heiss its President. The years from 1853 to 1856, were spent in putting up the necessary buildings and perfecting other preparations. It was solemnly dedicated and opened on the 29th day of January, 1856. It became soon evident how wise a selection had been made in appinting Rev. M. Heiss, it President. His extensive and deep knowledge in all the branches of learning, commonly taught in such an institute, his wonderful prudence and sagacity, his kind and tender heart, which invariably won the hearts of professors and students alike, fitted him extraordinarily well for that office. In this Seminary of St. Francis of Sales, some three miles south of Milwaukee, he spent a dozen of years. Very little of interest to the public can be said of his life there. It was a time of hard and continuous work, of many a struggle against great difficulties, and even of many privations. Again, in the year 1866, the Bishops of the United States met in a National Council at Baltimore, and again Bishop Henni appointed Rev. M. Heiss his Theologian, but sent him there already before the opening of the Council, to perfect the necessary preliminaries. It was there and then, that this city of La Crosse was proposed as Episcopal Residence of a new diocese, named after it, and comprising all the territory of Wisconsin lying between the Wisconsin and Mississippi Rivers. The Bishops knew of none better qualified to be its first Bishop than Rev. M. Heiss. They accordingly sent a petition to Rome, to appoint him. On the 3d day of March, 1868, Rome notified him, that the petition had been received favorably, and on July 10, the Breve creating him Bishop of La Crosse, arrived in the Seminary. He was consecrated Bishop in the Cathedral of Milwaukee, by Bishop Henni, September 6, 1868, and came to La Crosse on the 29th day of the same month, where he was enthusiastically received by his people. Since then his life has been linked to this city, and his history most closely connected with that of our Gateway City.

On his arrival at La Crosse, he found but one frame chapel for all the Catholics of the city and environs. It used to be well known by the name of St. Mary's. He at once prepared the plans for a Cathedral, which he resolved to build on the southwest corner of Main and Sixth streets. The foundation for a church had been laid there already two years previously by the German St. Joseph's congregation. Bishop Heiss changed it somewhat, commenced work at once in the spring of 1869, and laid the corner-stone on the 31st day of May of that year. The outside was finished as far as now in 1870, and heavy debts which had to be contracted to accomplish this, retarded the putting up of other buildings already contemplated by him. Meanwhile he had induced the Sisters of St. Francis, of Jefferson, Wis., to build a convent in this city, which was begun in 1870, and occupied by the Sisters in 1871. This stately building, on Ninth street, between Market and Winnebago streets, needs no description, it is too well known to our citizens. In 1875, he built an orphanage, situated on the south side of Winnebago street, between Ninth and Tenth streets, and gave it in charge to the motherly care of the Franciscan Sisters. During the next year another was built in Sparta, Monroe Co., Wis., into which he placed the orphan girls, keeping the boys in the one at La Crosse. Having thus secured a good home for the motherless and fatherless of his diocesans, he thought of building an appropriate one for himself. Up to that time he had been living in the old parsonage at St. Mary's. To this, it is true, a few rooms had been added; nevertheless, it was not a proper residence for a Bishop; it was both too small and too poor. For his new home he selected a place at some distance from the turmoil and noise of the business place, the block between Tenth and Eleventh streets, south side of Ferry street. He began work in spring, and with his usual energy pushing it on, it was completed and ready for occupancy late in the fall. It is a convenient, large and substantial building, perfectly fitted for its purpose. A small and neat chapel is added to it, mainly for the use of the Bishop, and partly for those living around. So well did Bishop Heiss manage his financial affairs, that on the buildings mentioned above there is no debt whatever, neither has he ever taxed his people for them. Those readers who know how the Catholics in this diocese are generally circumstanced pecuniarily,

P

will, no doubt, give him great credit for this. During his stay in La Crosse, we find him also in very honorable positions elsewhere. Early in October, 1869, he left for the Vatican Council at Rome, where, though one of the youngest of Bishops, he was elected a member of the Board of Discipline (Congregatio Disciplina Ecclesiastica). In spite of his poor health, he remained at the council until it was discontinued in the summer of 1870. On the 30th day of May, 1875, he consecrated Rt. Rev. Rup. Seidenbusch, Bishop of Northern Minnesota. He was also selected to invest the Most Rev. Henni, who had been made Archbishop by the Holy Father, with the Pallium in the Cathedral of Milwaukee, on June 3, 1875. The present Bishop of Marquette, Mich., Rt. Rev. John Vertin, was consecrated by him September 14, 1879. Meanwhile, his friend Archbishop Henni had been growing old and feeble, his health failing slowly, but steadily, until he was no more able to attend alone to all his arduous duties. He therefore applied to the Pope for a coadjutor, and the one he desired most of all was Bishop Heiss, of La Crosse, his old trusted friend and co-worker. The Holy Father acceding to his wishes, appointed Bishop Heiss Archbishop of Hadrianople, i. p. i., and Coadjutor to the Most Rev. M. Henni, with the right of succeeding him (cum iure successions), on the 14th day of March, 1880. He retained, however the administration of the diocese.

In his Grace, the Most Rev. M. Heiss, the city of La Crosse has lost one of its foremost and enterprising citizens even in a worldly point of view. During the twelve years he has lived here, he put up, or caused to be put up, buildings which are not only substantial and costly, but also an ornament to the city. Estimated at the lowest figures they are worth $175,000. Of the usefulness of each one of these buildings, no one that knows the religious and social conditions of his people, will entertain the least doubt. Few men, outside his people, became even slightly acquainted with him, and none intimately, his nature being not of a social tendency. This may be almost regretted, as his character, distinguished for kindness and amiability, profound learning and sound practical judgment, made his presence always charming. His private life was touchingly frugal and highly virtuous. Those who knew him best, admired his sterling virtues and unaffected simplicity and greatness of character; they can only mourn over his loss.

La Crosse County Bible Society.-On Sunday morning July 4, 1852, at the usual hour for divine service at the court house, an address was delivered by Mr. A. Lord, agent of the American Bible Society, in advocacy of the claims of that society. At the close of the address a meeting was called for the purpose of organizing a Bible Society in the county of La Crosse. Rev. John C. Sherwin was called to the chair, and W. W. Ustick appointed Secretary of the meeting. It having been resolved in due form to organize a County Society, a Constitution was adopted, and the following officers were elected: President, George Gale; Vice President, Rev. W. H. Card; Secretary, Rev. J. C. Sherwin; Treasurer, Walter Brown; Directors, Samuel T. Smith, F. M. Rublee, B. S. Reppy; Local Agents, as follows: Dr. H. Johnson, Mrs. J. C. Sherwin, La Crosse Village; Rev. F. Walrath, Sparta and Little La Crosse settlement; Dr. A. M. Hill, Fleming Creek Valley; George Bachelder, Trempealeau; Mr. Viets, Viets and Segar settlement; Mr. Valentine, Black River settlement; Mr. S. Smith, La Crosse Prairie and Mormon Cooley.

The society being thus organized, an opportunity was given for persons to contribute funds, and $70.20 was raised. The society has continued the good work that began in the year 1852, as recorded above. It keeps in its depository a great variety of the publications of the American Bible Society, not only in English, but in German, Welsh, Norwegian, Swedish and Dutch languages. These Bibles and Testaments are sold at cost of production to all who wish to buy, and are freely given to those who cannot afford to purchase. The county has been carefully canvassed several times for the purpose of supplying all who were willing to receive copies of the Sacred Scriptures.

The Bible Depository is at the store of Mr. Geo. Howard, No. 36 Main street, La Crosse. The officers of the society for the year 1881 are as follows: President, J. P. Toms; Vice President, George McMillan; Secretary, William W. Jones; Treasurer, George Howard; Directors, W. W. Ustick, John James, J. Spier Colman, D. D. McMillan.

THE LA CROSSE BAR ASSOCIATION.

The memoirs of the early days of the La Crosse bar are not altogether devoid of interest, though there is not much either excruciatingly ridiculous or movingly pathetic in connection therewith.

Prior to 1850, lawyers and the judiciary were comparatively unknown commodities in the sum of human happiness or necessity in the settlement at that date beginning to assume prominence and importance. During the earlier years of the building-up of La Crosse, there were few remedies to enforce that the parties interested would appeal to law; the only remedy for violations of trusts or assaults upon life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness enjoyed by a settler, was the pistol, and it often happened that their arbitrament was decided by the question of who could draw the quickest. This was the obtaining rule previous to the influx of population in 1850, and became the exception thereafter, such exception growing less frequent as year succeeded year.

In 1850-51, Judge Wiram Knowlton, an able jurist and eccentric officer presided in the old court house in the public square. His terms were unfrequent, and the causes upon the calender exceedingly limited. In the latter year, Edwin Flint and Charles T. Jonsen became practitioners before the bar of a court established with the separation of La Crosse from Crawford County for judicial purposes.

During 1852, it is not believed that no accessions were made to the La Crosse bar, but in the succeeding year, the arrivals were comparatively numerous. In this year came W. H. Tucker who had practiced in Milwaukee previously, also William Denison, who was murdered in the Mormon Cooley six years subsequently, accompanied by James I. Lyndes. When these gentlemen reached La Crosse, they were unable to decide whether to remain or continue to St. Paul. They were, during the day, at the New England Block, and after a canvass of the situation, resulted in their agreeing to determine the question by the flipping of a coin. This was done, and they established themselves in La Crosse.

1853.

Carson Graham, who died at Viroqua in Vernon County within a year past, came also in

Between this period and 1860, many were added to the La Crosse bar, who have since become prominent personally, professionally, and as officers of the State and nation.

Among these were Angus Cameron, present United States Senator, who arrived here in September, 1859, in company with Alonzo Johnson, and organized the firm of Johnson & Cameron; Alexander Cameron; Hugh Cameron, at present Judge of the Probate Court, and others.

In 1858, the Hon. George Gale presided, with J. W. Losey as District Attorney; James W. Polleys, Sheriff; Leonard Lottridge, Clerk of the Court, and John A. Walker, Recorder of Deeds. The bar then included the firms of Dennison & Lyndes, Johnson & Cameron, Hull & McMullen, Tucker, Burton & Morse, Graham & Randall, Flint & Stogdill, Stevens, Hubbard & Loomis. These were supplemented by D. G. Shillock, who was City Attorney; C. R. Rogers, a cultivated gentleman and finished advocate, who came to La Crosse from the East, and remained until the breaking-out of the war. Daniel Reed Wheeler, Charles G. Hanscome, who was killed in 1866 by Indians, while en route to California, and possibly some others.

Judge Gale was an eminent lawyer, an arbitrary and inflexible officer, whose idea of penalty for contempt is illustrated by the following incident:

During the April term of court, 1859, on a cold day, the bar was gathered about the stove in the old court house, each waiting his turn to submit pleas and answers for adjudication to his honor on the bench. Among these were Chase A. Stevens and E. S. B. Vail, the latter a land speculator from New York; but a man of unquestioned pluck and quick to resent an insult. During a conversation then in progress, Vail dropped a remark which Stevens appropriated to himself, and retorted. The lie was passed, when Vail promptly knocked Stevens down, causing considerable excitement and uproar.

When this was at its height, Judge Gale was heard from, and, after a brief voluntary

commanding order, directed Sheriff Polleys to "remove the men to an open field, where they can have a free fight," resumed a consideration of the case on hearing.

The lawyers, in those days, not only practiced in La Crosse and adjacent counties in Wisconsin; but extended their field of observations in a professional sense to the counties of Olmstead, Fillmore, Houston, etc., in Minnesota.

In 1860, A. W. Bishop and B. F. Montgomery became identified with the La Crosse Bar. Maj. Johnson, of the firm of Johnson & Cameron, died, and the firm became Bishop & Johnson. In 1861, the number of practicing lawyers was reduced by those who enlisted for the war. These included A. W. Bishop, W. H. Tucker, Alexander Cameron, G. M. Woodward and others. During the winter, the Black River litigation, a causes celebre, involving the title to 120 acres of land upon which the city of Black River Falls has since been built, was compromised and settled.

About this time, Judge Flint succeeded Judge Gale, and, from this date to 1870, M. P. Wing, at present a State Senator from La Crosse; W. S. Burroughs, J. A. Kellogg, B. F. Bryant, Charles L. Hood and H. M. Safford removed hither. D. H. Johnson, now of Milwaukee, and Lieut. Gov. Bingham came in 1861, but remained a brief period. Since 1870, the number of practitioners has been increased by the arrival of T. J. Whitby, G. C. Prentice, Mills Tourtelotte and W. E. Howe settled here, and, with many of those mentioned, and those who have graduated from offices established in La Crosse, compose the present bar of the city and county. In 1868, Romanza Bunn was elected to succeed Judge Flint, and remained as Circuit Judge until appointed to the Federal Judiciary. He was followed by the Hon. A. W. Newman, of Trempealeau County, who is still presiding in the circuit composed of Clark, Jackson, Trempealeau, La Crosse and Monroe Counties.

The Bar Association was organized during the year 1866, at a meeting convened in the office of Montgomery & Wing, on Main street, corner of Second, at which Hon. Hugh Cameron presided, and M. P. Wing officiated as Chairman.

The objects of the assembling were to promote the interests of the profession, and create a fraternity of feeling among its members. A constitution was adopted, also a code of by-laws, and an election of officers resulted in the choice of Hugh Cameron, President; James I. Lyndes, Treasurer, with M. P. Wing, Secretary.

The present membership is composed of the La Crosse bar generally; the officers, Hugh Cameron, President; M. P. Wing, Secretary and Treasurer, and meetings are convened upon call.

BANKS AND BANKING.

The Batavian Bank-Is the oldest existing banking institution of the city. It was or ganized in November, 1861, now nearly twenty years ago, under the State banking law of Wisconsin, by Mr. G. Van Steenwyk, then State Bank Comptroller, who became its President, and has ever since been continued in the same office. Mr. E. E. Bentley has been an employe of the bank for upward of fifteen years, during the last twelve years as its Cashier, and having served in every capacity, has great experience in the details as well as in the general management of the business of the bank. The bank has, during all these eventful years of varying prosperity and disaster, weathered all financial storms unharmed, and invariably enjoyed a large share of the business patronage of the city and surrounding country. It justly attributes its success to careful administration, combining conservative management with as great liberality to its customers as sound business principles do admit. Its large and prosperous business is doubtless the tribute which an appreciative community pays to its fidelity to sound principles. During the past years, it has more than once stood a bulwark between the safety of the community and commercial disaster, always recognizing that it owes a higher duty to its patrons and the community than to its stockholders. Its principal owners have from the organization been its managers, giving their personal attention to its affairs. Trained for the business, with years of experience, the bank stands by their efforts to-day with unblemished record and in the enjoyment of extraordinary prosperity. It has a capital of $50,000 and a surplus of $10,000, which the

managers stand ready to increase, if at any time the business interests of the city, in their judgment, demand it. Its deposits are ranging between $400,000 and $500,000. Prospering as it does, it hopes confidently, following its honorable and straightforward course, to continue in the enjoyment of the confidence experienced during so many years, as one of the leading financial institutions of the Northwest, having been recognized as such for many years, not only in this State and country, but also in Europe, where it has extensive and valuable connections.

The La Crosse National Bank-Was established and began business January 3, 1877, with a paid-up capital of $100,000, and is regarded as one of the responsible monetary corporations in the State. The bank pays no interest on deposits, deeming this policy preferable to the declaration of much larger dividends resulting from an increase of deposits by the payment of interest thereon, as it renders the bank much stronger, and absolutely safe in case of panic. Less hazard and less profits is the motto of the directors; security to depositors their aim. The bank has now about $20,000 in surplus and undivided profits, and is doing a prosperous and increasing business. The present officers are: G. C. Hixon, President; G. R. Montague, Vice President; S. S. Burton, Cashier; G. C. Hixon, B. B. Healy, G. R. Montague, George Edwards, Charles Michel, John Pamferm and S. S. Burton, Directors-all being resident of La Crosse, not borrowers of money, and representing a capital estimated at $1,000,000.

Holley & Borreson.-The banking house of Holley & Borreson, established July, 1879, is composed of John M. Holley and Emil N. Borreson. Beside transacting a general banking business, the house effects first-class fire insurance, and sells passage tickets to and from all parts of Europe, in which latter department they have already built up one of the most flourishing and reliable agencies in the Northwest. Both members of the firm are in the prime and vigor of life, and by energy, prudence and sterling integrity, are establishing such a business and reputation as entitle them to a prominent place among the sound financial houses of the city.

RAILROADS.

The Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railroad.-The Legislature of Wisconsin, while the present flourishing State was yet a Territory, early took cognizance of the inestimable value of railroad facilities, and suggested measures which have since crystallized into corporations. They are such that for wide-spread influence, substantial resources, expensive and superior improvements and other features indispensable to the excellence of any undertaking as a condition precedent to success, cannot be surpassed by the internal improvements, completed or in process of construction, in any State in the Union. The present corporation was chartered April 2, 1852, for the construction of a road from Milwaukee to La Crosse. Timothy Burns, S. T. Smith and B. B. Healey, of La Crosse, and others, Commissioners. Direct communication between the lakes and the Mississippi was sought at an early period in the history of Western railway undertakings, but the project existed in the fertile brains of men without capital, and it was not until "after many days" that its complete fruition was realized.

During the year in which the corporation was chartered, a meeting of the stockholders was convened at La Crosse, at which the company was organized, and Byron Kilbourn elected President. Early in the ensuing spring, the work of surveying the line of road was commenced, starting at Chestnut street, in the city of Milwaukee. The road was generally regarded, both at home and abroad, as the most important venture in the State. Its direction from Milwaukee to La Crosse was esteemed by surveyors as peculiarly eligible, and as the future grand trunk line of the West, and, when its completion was reached with tracks diverging from the main road and traversing different parts of the best sections of the State, the conclusion seemed irresistible that the business would become immense. With this promise in view, little time was lost in completing preparations for work, but every influence was employed to insure the early completion of the road.

During the year 1853, the survey to Kilbourn City was completed, and, late in 1854, the grading of the road to Germantown, its junction with the Fond du Lac Railway, was finished, during which year the Milwaukee & La Crosse was consolidated with the Milwaukee, Fond du