THE MINING GAZETTE (under various names) of Houghton County, Michigan

Copyright © 1999-2001 by Dick and June Ross. This copy contributed 
for use in the USGenWeb Archives.  

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1875 January - April Issues - Some issues may be missing. 
........denotes there was more to the article and the article 
with in is a shortened version. 


PORTAGE LAKE MINING GAZETTE, Jan 7, 1875

Two young gentleman, so far - one the son of Dr. OSBORN, Calumet, and the other the son
of Mr. E. J. HULBERT, of this neighborhood - have signified their intention of entering the
race for the West Point cadetship, to be run for at Ishpeming, on the 31st of next March.

Clifton items: There was a tea meeting and entertainment at Clifton on New Year's day, and 
enough money was raised to pay for a new organ just introduced into the M.E. church.

On Wednesday evening last a sad accident happened in the Cliff mine. Mr. J.H. SCHELLEW
was so injured by rock falling on down the mill that he died on Friday morning. His funeral 
took place on Saturday, at Clifton.

CARNEY Bros. have disposed of their interest in the livery firm of CARNEY Bros. & CROOKS,
at Red Jacket, to Wm. GLEASON. Crooks & Gleason will continue the business at Red Jacket, 
supplying good stylish turnouts for pleasure or business driving. Parties from Houghton or 
Hancock by train can find teams awaiting them at the depot in Calumet by telegraphing Crooks 
and Gleason.

Capt. Wm. BATH, who for the past year and a half has had charge of the underground work at 
the Isle Royale mine, is open to engagement elsewhere. Houghton P0 240.


PORTAGE LAKE MINING GAZETTE, Jan 14, 1875

Capt. Wm. HARRIS, the new superintendent of the Allouez, is fully installed in his position          

Mr. EAGAN, the indefatigable person who is opening on a vein or lode, found by him last fall, 
west of this village, crossing the Atlantic road, richly deserves success for pluck he has 
shown in prosecuting work during the weather we have had for some weeks...

A co-operative mining enterprise is now under way at the Houghton. Eight men, late employees 
of the mine, have taken it on tribute, with a fair chance of making some money, as the 
association is made up of practical, hard-working men, who thoroughly understand their 
business.

A man named Edward WEBB left the house of Mr. RULE, on the Pewabic mine, late on Saturday 
evening last, for his home, as it was supposed. There was a fearful snow storm blowing at 
the time, and it is claimed that WEBB was under the influence of liquor. His friends missing 
him on Sunday morning, search was made without success.......On Tuesday the body of WEBB, 
which was frozen stiff, was discovered in an upright position on a piece of timber in the 
"man-engine" on the Pewabic, about forty feet from the surface. The fact that his gold watch 
and sum of money were found on his person only adds to the mystery of his death and peculiar 
locality the body was found in.

Willard BRAMEN, charged with writing a letter for the purpose of extorting money ...was
discharged when there were two for and two against granting a new trial.

Nearly ten tons of ingot copper is carried by teams from Portage Lake to L'Anse every day.
Nineteen teams are employed, returning with such freight as may offer at that end of the 
route. Three days are consumed in making the round trip, and the loads average from 2600 
to 3000 lbs., each. CROOKS & WELCH Bros. have sixteen of the nineteen freight teams in 
their service.

Among the few amusements Red Jacket possessed this stormy weather, the skating rink, erected 
by Mr. Samuel LOGAN, seems to be the most patronized. This rink is 250 feet long by 50 in 
width, and was erected at a cost of about $600      
       

PORTAGE LAKE MINING GAZETTE, Jan 21, 1875

A wood chopper named BOURDEAUX, at work very near the Albany and Boston, was killed, on 
Tuesday, by the limb of a falling tree striking him.

Legal channels of Red Jacket this week were discolored by the arrest of a man named Quinlin 
SHEA, charged with an attempt to rape the person of a young girl named Mary MURPHY.......                  the evidence brought out at the hearing was conflicting in character, and it may turn out when the case is heard in the Circuit court that the accused is not so black as he appears now.

Archy CAMPBELL, late of Red Jacket, was separated from his wife some two years ago. Mrs. 
Campbell had an unmarried sister, Miss DUGGAN, who attracted the attention of Mr. Richard 
BARKELL and who married her. When he was courting Miss DUGGAN, Mr. CAMPBELL thought Barkell 
was attracted to Mrs. CAMPBELL. After brooding over this for two years, Mr. Campbell walked 
into the blacksmith shop at the Osceola mine, walked up to Mr. Barkell......and shot him
..........             

Hancock: Francis MCGRATH, for some time bookkeeper for Peter RUPPE, was found dead in his 
room yesterday morning. He evidently had just got out of bed, and while dressing received 
his death stroke. Young MCGRATH has been complaining for some little time, but was not 
supposed to be seriously ill. He was a promising young business man and had many friends.

Married: The 21 inst., at the church of the Ascension, Ontonagon, Mich., Mr. John HOAR, Jr.
of Houghton, Mich., to Miss Ella, daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Peter MITCHELL, of the former place.

Married: Tuesday, Jan 19, at the residence of the bride's parents, Wheatland, Iowa, Mr. John 
P. FLYNN, of Calumet, Mich., to Miss Emma L. TUCKER.


PORTAGE LAKE MINING GAZETTE, Jan 28, 1875

Mr. O. B. COOK, who for years has occupied the position of secretary and treasurer of the 
Allouez mine, has resigned, and has been succeeded, we are informed, by Mr. D. L. DEMMEN, 
connected with the Franklin-Pewabic companies.

It is reported that Mr. Geo. C. SHELDEN, of Negaunee, and Mr. Jas. P. EDWARDS, of this
place, have taken ten thousand dollar's worth of the capital stock of the company organized 
to build a bridge across Portage Lake at this point.


PORTAGE LAKE DAILY MINING GAZETTE, Feb 4, 1875


Mr. DAVY, head copper dresser in the Franklin-Pewabic stamp mill, has invented a "slime
table," one of which is now in operation in those works, and is giving good satisfaction. 
The machinery costs but very little to construct.

Masonic Ball: Members of Calumet lodge 271, F. and A.M. are making preparations for giving 
a grand Masonic party at St. Patrick's Hall, Red Jacket.............tickets can be had by 
applying to Mr. Thos. D. MEADS or Mr. Thos. N. LEE, Hancock; Mr. R.M. HOAR or Mr. F.A. 
DOUGLASS, Houghton; and Mr. Wm. VAN ORDEN, Eagle River.

Mr. George F. COON, formerly of the Chicago and Northwestern railroad, has been appointed 
master mechanic of the Mineral Range road, in the place of Mr. C.H. FOX, who recently 
resigned.

Died: On Sunday morning, Jan 21, 1875, Sophia, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Frank HAUN, of 
Calumet, Mich., aged 8(?) years and 6 months.


PORTAGE LAKE MINING GAZETTE, Feb 11,1875

.......Allouez Mine: Some weeks ago Mr. A. P. THOMAS, the then superintendent of the mine 
published in these colurnns a card directed against the Eastern end of the management of the 
No one who knows Mr. Thomas up here doubts for a moment his integrity. If this gentleman is 
questioned concerning the character of Mr. O.B. COOK, the late treasurer of the mine, he will 
assure you that he is an honorable man......one of the new Eastern managers known to us - Mr. 
D.L. DEMMON - is a gentleman that is not likely to jeopard his reputation by association with 
men that would be guilty of such trickery. If there is any truth in these charges, it must be 
known to Capt. Wm. HARRIS, the superintendent at the mine, and as that gentleman is well known 
on the lake,..........would he be apt to countenance a course of  conduct that, if exposed, 
would entail his honor on all connected with the industry...........It will be a good day for 
the reputation of the copper interest of Lake Superior when the Allouez ceases to be the 
object of harsh comment and unlicensed criticism, and its managers are not bespattered from 
day to day with bad names.

Who knows him?: A young Englishman, 25 years of age, was killed last month Reese, Tuscola co. 
in this state. He had no friends there, and was a recent comer. He was known as Wm. PHILIPS, 
but from letters on his person his real name was thought to be HILLEY. He said he was a 
native of Cornwall, England, and claimed to be acquainted in the Lake Superior region. 
Should this meet the eye of friends, further information may be obtained by addressing R.K. 
ROGERS, Reese, Tuscola Co, Michigan.

The Masons of Calumet intend to make their grand ball and reception... an affair to 
remember........committee.......Mr. John DUNCAN, Dr. R. H. OSBORN, Mr. A. T. STREETER, 
Mr. Geo. W. SHEARS, Mr. Fred. R. NOURSE, Mr. P. H. PAINE.

Died: A man named John MALONY, employed at the Quincy mine, while on his way
from Torch Lake, via the shore road, last Tuesday, fell down near Ripley on the highway,
from the effects of the cold - it is supposed - and died. On Wednesday morning Mr. F. W.
ANTHONY, who was on his way to Torch Lake in a sleigh, discovered Maloney's dead
body...........        

The legislature has passed the bill creating the county of Baraga out of the eastern end of 
Houghton county, on a basis, we believe, satisfactory to all.

Died: A teamster, named John ROBERTS, was found dead, last Tuesday, on one of the wood 
roads back of the Quincy mine. The cause of his death is something of a mystery, but it 
is supposed he fell from a sleigh he was riding on and was run over.

Old Ontonagonites will recollect in the person of the Hon. Angus CAMERON - just elected 
to the United States senate from Wisconsin in place of Matt CARPENTER - a brother of Dr. 
CAMERON, who was physician at the Norwich mine, where he died a number of years ago. 
Senator CAMERON ...in Ontonagon, settling  his brother's affairs.

Isle Royale Items: On the morning of Jan 7th, three men were recharging a hole in the 
Island mine, which exploded before its time, killing John TREGENZA. Alfred CHAPMAN was 
badly burned about the face, and it is feared he will lose the sight of one eye. Thomas 
LUXMORE, one of the party, was slightly wounded. TREZENZA leaves a widow and two children
............
   

PORTAGE LAKE MINING GAZETTE, Feb 18,1875

He was an industrious miner with an impaired constitution. His complaint - asthma- 
interfered with his obtaining employment   Hearing of an opening for a laboring man 
at Copper Harbor, he started from the Copper Falls mine, last Thursday, for that point
........on that day he was found on the road to Copper Harbor in an exhausted state from 
cold and fatigue. Kind hands brought the expiring man back to Eagle Harbor, where he 
died....He was Thomas ROBERTS, aged about 25 years, unmarried, native of Cornwall, and 
was buried respectably by his former fellow working men at the Copper Falls.

Mr. James MERCER, of Ontonagon, was in the neighborhood during the past week.

Probate Order: Estate of Francis M. McGRATH, deceased.....verified petition of Thos. O. 
McGRATH, father of deceased be appointed administrator.


PORTAGE LAKE MINING GAZETTE, Feb 25, 1875


Mr. John M. BRADFORD, who started the first paper of Ontonagon, in the fall of 1854, 
called the Lake Superior Mining News, is now a resident of Georgetown, Colorado.

A meeting of the Arctic Boat Club was held at the Douglass House, last Saturday evening,
Mr. A. H. VIELE in the chair, when it was resolved to make an effort to obtain two new 
four-oared shells by the commencement of the coming season.................the required 
sum- $600 -will be soon raised.


PORTAGE LAKE MINING GAZETTE, Mar 4,1875

Representative HULBERT has introduced a bill to vacate the township of Quincy, in the 
county of Houghton, and to incorporate its territory within the township of Hancock, in 
the county of Houghton.

A young man named W. L. PETERS accidentally shot himself, last Saturday afternoon, at the 
house of Mr. FEW, at Baraga. The ball from the pistol passed through his body, just below 
the breast, on his right side. Mr. PETERS is recovering rapidly from his wound.

Last Thursday a democratic county convention was held at Millers Hall, in this place, with 
Mr. John C. RYAN, chairman, and Mr. Thos. P. CUDDIHY secretary. The following gentlemen were 
appointed as delegates to the judicial convention to be held at Ishpeming, Thursday, Mar 11,
1875: Mr. John POWER, Mr. Alex. S. HAMILTON, Mr. M. FOLEY, Mr. Thos. F. CUDDIHY, Mr. M. 
FINNEGAN, Mr. Fred. MCKENZIE, Mr. James BENDRY.   Mr. David HAAS,  Mr. Thos. BRADY, and 
the Hon. E.J. HULBERT were appointed to cast the vote of Houghton county at the State 
judicial convention. Mr. John POWER, attorney-at-law, Red Jacket, was unanimously nominated 
for county superintendent of schools.

Probate Order:....Estate of John ROBERTS, deceased....petition, duly verified, of Adolph 
RUHL, special administrator, praying that Charles HAMM be appointed regular administrator 
of said estate.


PORTAGE LAKE MINING GAZETTE, Mar 11,1875

Hancock items: At the election held in this place on Monday last, the following gentlemen 
were chosen as village officers: For president, Wm. R NOBLE; for trustees, Peter RUPPE, 
Thomas D. MEADS, John HOCKING; for clerk, Michael FINN; for treasurer, Jacob BAER; for 
marshal, John FLEMING; for assessor, Archibald J. SCOTT; for street commissioner, William 
OPITZ; for constable, John J. WEBB.


PORTAGE LAKE MINING GAZETTE, Mar. 25,1875

The Legislature has appointed the following notaries in this county: Mr. S.T. STREETER, 
Calumet; Mr. W. S. LIGHT, Torch Lake; and Mr. C.K. DODGE, Houghton.

PORTAGE LAKE MINING GAZETTE, Apr 1, 1875

Lost Saturday, on the ice, between Houghton and Hancock, a lady's fur victorine, made out 
of mink, darkish color. The finder will please return the same to Thomas JENNINGS Houghton, 
and receive a reward.

Died: At Essex, N.Y., March 2, Jane Chambers FAULDER, wife of James B. ROSS.

Last Thursday afternoon Mr. Wm. WASHBURN, of Hancock, met with a serious accident, receiving 
what it was for some time feared would prove fatal injuries. Mr. WASHBURN had just returned 
from Houghton, and was about to hang up his overcoat in the stairway, when, by a 
miscalculation or mis-step, he lost his foothold and fell headlong down stairs, striking 
on his face, bruising and mangling it badly. Notwithstanding the grave fears at first 
entertained of a fatal termination, we are happy to say that Mr. WASHBURN is now out of 
danger, and in a fair way to a speedy recovery.


PORTAGE LAKE MINING GAZETTE, Apr 8,1875

At the usual entertainment of the Atlantic Literary Society, on Friday evening last, 
Messrs. Jas. DUNSTAN, W. BMLEY, Wm. HOSKING and Miss C. BARRY gave interesting readings. 
Mr. Con D. MURPHY gave an address on the 'Benefits of Literature", and Mr. Vivian PRINCE 
gave one on 'They Say".  The singing of Messrs. SMITH and BENNETTS gave great satisfaction               

The West Point examination at Ishpeming last narrowed down to a contest between Dr. 
OSBORN's son, of Calumet, and a young gentleman named BURT from Marquette. There were 
four gentlemen on the board of examinees, two of whom were for young OSBORN and two for 
Burt. Result: no appointment.


PORTAGE LAKE MINING GAZETTE, Apr. 15, 1875

Mr. George DADDOW, from Cornwall, England, asks through the New York Herald the whereabouts 
of his brother William, who was last heard from among  the silver(?) mines of Lake Superior. 
Information can be addressed to the care of the Herald office, New York.

The election under the new village charter of Red Jacket was held last Saturday, which 
resulted in placing in office the following gentlemen: President  - Peter RUPPE, Jr; 
Recorder - J.H. KERWIN; Attorney - John POWER; Marshal - John O. PEARCE; Trustees - Martin 
FOLEY, Henry NORTHEY, George WERTIN, Michael BORGO, Joseph HERMAN, Daniel D. MURPHY; 
Treasurer - Joseph WERTIN, Jr.; Assessors - Joseph HERSCH; Richard BASTIAN.

Hancock's orthographic contest, last Friday evening, afforded great interest, and brought 
to the surface a number of good spellers. A young gentleman named WILSON, living at Quincy, 
won the prize   

Died: At Lincoln, Nebraska, Apr 1, 1875, Mr. Thomas SMITH. The deceased, for a number of 
years, was engaged in the drug business at this point. His large circle of friends on the 
lake will receive the announcement of his death with sorrow.


PORTAGE LAKE MINING GAZETTE, Apr 22,1875

A relic of pioneer days in this region was discovered some days ago east of Trap Rock 
River, in the shape of a tumbled down cedar bark covered shanty, which contained beneath 
the ruins the remnants of a table, cooking fixtures, the skeleton of a pair of snowshoes, 
a few empty bottles, and one half of a newspaper bearing the name of the New York Courier, 
dated August 20, 1813.

The many friends of Mr. Peter DEAN, who at one time resided in this district, will regret 
to learn that in an unlucky moment he allowed his name to be used as a candidate for mayor 
of Duluth, and by a still further stroke of ill fortune he was duly elected.

Next Friday evening, Mr. and Mrs. James BLANDY, of this place, celebrate the tenth 
anniversary of their marriage. The occasion is known in the calendar of married people 
as the "tin wedding."


PORTAGE LAKE MINING GAZETTE, Apr 29,1875

Mr. Prosper ROBERT, who took the contract for supplying a certain line of timber for the 
proposed new bridge across Portage Lake, at this point, informs us that he will be ready 
to deliver all the timber he agreed to on the opening of navigation.

Last Friday morning James BRYANT and Edward CARTER attempted, in the Calumet & Hecla mine, 
the dangerous experiment of firing off a hole the second time that had missed the first, 
and the result was a premature explosion, which injured both men very much about the face. 
CARTER, it is feared, will lose both his eyes, while BRYANT will probably lose one.

The Hon. Jay A. HUBBELL, M.C. from this district, has appointed Master Frank C., son of Dr. 
R. H. OSBORN, Calumet, to West Point.


File contributed for use in Houghton Co. USGenWeb Archives by Dick and June Ross. 

plh revised 2001