Copyright USGenNet Inc., 2017 All Rights Reserved USGenNet Data Repository Please read USGenNet Copyright Statement on this page: Transcribed and submitted by Linda Talbott for the USGenNet Data Repository http://www.us-data.org/ =========================================================================== Formatted by USGenNet Data Repository Chief Archivist, Linda Talbott All of the above information must remain when copied or downloaded. =========================================================================== History of Northern Wisconsin pub. The Western Historical Company A. T. Andreas, Proprietor - 1881 [430] C. W. DIKEMAN, shingle-mill and store, Sec. 20, P. O. Kewaunee. Is a native of Ashtabula Co., Ohio. At the age of about sixteen years, he removed to Cleveland, Ohio, where he remained four years. He then spent about four years in the Saginaw Valley. In 1856, came to Kewaunee, and was employed as clerk for D. Stanson & Co., about seven years. He, with H. D. LATIMER, bought a tract of 1,700 acres of land, and at once built this mill, which he has operated since. Soon afterward he bought Mr. Latimer's interest. He built a saw-mill, which was completed in 1880, soon after destroyed by fire; cost about $6,000. The following is taken from a trade journal: "A glance occasionally at a map, gives but a feeble idea of the many changes that are being made each season in various parts. of the West, for where only a few years since, was nothing but a wilderness, can now be seen the busy saw-mills, dwelling houses and stores. Such was the description of a piece of land a few years ago, five miles from the village of Kewaunee, when Mr. C. W. DIKEMAN purchased it, yet being endowed with more than usual pluck, he immediately commenced to improve this wild spot, and, by placing his shoulder to the wheel, has been able to build up a village of his own, which now consists of twenty or thirty buildings, including a steam saw-mill, store and dwelling houses for twelve or fifteen families, all of whom look to him for employment. MR. DIKEMAN counts his acres by the thousands, owning in this section some 4,200 in all; the most of which is heavily timbered, and from it he obtains the millions of feet of logs that are required to supply his mill, which has a capacity of 60,000 shingles each day. The stock of logs on hand at this time is about four millions, that being the amount which he requires during the Summer season, to supply the de- mand of his mill alone. There is also a store owned by MR. DIKEMAN, in which is carried a general stock of goods, com- prising all that is required both by himself and his family, as well as his help. The population of this village is about eighty persons, of whom some thirty or forty are employed about the mill, store, etc. The rest are the families of employes. This thriving young village is five miles from Kewaunee, which is on the lake shore, 110 miles north of Milwaukee, and is reached by boats of the Goodrich Transportation Company, three times each week, during the Summer, or via the Milwaukee, Lake Shore & Western Railroad daily. It is the county seat of the county, which bears the same name. All the productions of this and other mills in this section of country are shipped from this point by the cargo to Milwaukee and Chicago. MR. DIKEMAN has been in this section for about eighteen years, yet has only been located where he now resides about nine years. His resi- dence was built by himself, and is supplied with many conven- iences not usually enjoyed by persons living so far from a large city. It is surrounded by grounds, all nicely laid out, with bridges, graveled walks, etc., while a conservatory sup- plies him with choice flowers at all seasons of the year. The land in this county is noted for its wheat raising qualities, as high as seventy bushels to the acre having been produced, and even after the material of lumber has been all used, then the country will just be entering on its career of importance, as wheat raised in the Northwest takes the precedence of all others in the market. Thus briefly we have shown what energy and integrity, even in one man, has accomplished, though miles from the railroads, or lines of travel. We look forward to this enterprise of MR. DIKEMAN, and predict for the settlement in its future, a thriving and important city, reached direct by lines of railroads, while the name, C. W. DIKEMAN, will not be forgotten, and we hope the village will bear his name." ==========================================================================