The Kenosha telegraph. [volume] (Kenosha, Wis.) 1860-1888, 1886-03-19
THE GREAT WHEAT WAR IN
KENUSHA IN 1850.

THE GREAT WHEAT WAR IN
KENUSHA IN 1850.
With no intention of reviving an IN
pleasant chapter in the history of
Kenosha, a brief account of the wheat
war $50 called which occurred in
April, 1850, may not be without inter-
est to some readers. Nearly thirty-six
years have elapsed since that event.
and it is reasonable to conclude that
whatever of ill-feeling on the part of
the country towns towards the city
may then, or subsequently, have exist
ed, has long ere this passed away.
Truth to history, however, requires it
to be said that the wheat riot was one
of the most unfortunate affairs to the
business interests of Kenosha which
happened from the first settlement of
the town. Although there was less
than half dozen persons to whom
blame could reasonably attach, yet, as
is often the case, the many were held
responsible for the wrongs of the few.
The cause which led to the turbulent
proceedings was the following: The
large warehouse at the foot of Market
street on the lake shore was used
chiefly for the storage of wheat be-
longing to farmers in the country. A
bridge pier belonging to a warehouse
which was used for conveying wheat
on board vessels was attached to the
warehouse. The wheat deposited by
different owners was not kept separate,
but put together in common, each one
being given a receipt for the number of
bushels stored. 1t was alledged the
managers of the warehouse sold wheat
for shipment or other purposes be-
longing to farmers without accounting
to them for the proceeds.
For the proper understanding of the
situation, it may be remarked that the
city government of Kenosha was first
organized on Friday, April 5, 1850.
Early on the following morning the
Mayor was notified that the warehouse
in which the farmers wheat was stored
was broken open and that large force
of men were engaged in carrying out
wheat ard putting it into wagons. On
proceeding to Market square, a group
of men was found excitedly discussing
the situation at the warehouse. Some
of the number were apparently fright
ened, as it had been given out that if
any one approached the warehouse
for the purpose of interfering with
what was being done he would be treat
ed with violence. The excited people
were evidently divided in sentiment,
some sympathizing with the disorderly
proceedings; others demanding their
immediate suppression: The Mayor
and City Marshal were counseled TO
employ number of stalwart men, arm
them with clubs, and eject the intrud-
ers from the warehouse. This advice
was deemed imprudent and not taken.
Counsel was sought of one Of the most
able and long experienced legal gentle
men in the city as to what powers the
city authorities could exercise in tn
present emergency? He advised that
none be attempted under city govern
M ent, inasmuch as no city ordinances
had yet been adopted defining the du.
ties of officers under the powers grant
ed in the charter. The Mayor and
Marshal concluded to proceed to the
warehouse without any weapons, not
withstanding the threatened danger.
They entered the building, perhaps
with a little hesitancy, and met with
no angry demonstration. From fifteen
to twenty men, with coats off, were
hard at work, some filling bags with
wheat, others shouldering the bags and
carrying them to the wagons outside.
The men were requested to desist
operations for a few minutes, to which
they assented. They were told the
sympathies of the best citizens were on
the side of the farmers; that whatever
the city authorities could do to help
them to obtain their rights would be
done. and earnestly requesting them
suspend removing the wheat. Other
friendly interchange of words follow
ed, and almost Unexpectedly the men
threw down their bags and were in
duced to leave the building; the doors
were fastened and boards nailed over
the windows on the outside.
In the meantime the excitement on
the streets during the day was intense;
the city council was convened in the
afternoon to consult the situation. but
felt itself powerless; the city had a
charter but no ordinances; any ordi-
nances they might pass would be of no
legal force until a given time after
passage.
On the following morning-Sunday,
April Ia message came that there
was riotous disturbance at the ware
house; on proceeding to that building
it was found matters had taken new
turn. A wheat buyer from Cleveland,
Ohio, had arrived in a propeller from
Milwaukee, with writ of replevin is
sued by the u. S. Court to take 10000
bushels of wheat from the warehouse,
which he alledged belonged to him; he
also had brought with him from Mil
waukee the u. S. Marshal to execute
tha writ Rafwnon two. and khros.