George Elwood Lutsey

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From: "Standard History of Waupaca County, Wisconsin" Edited by John M. Ware 1917

GEORGE ELWOOD LUTSEY. A great deal of the real history of the City of New London could be told as incidental to the personal career, of George Elwood Lutsey, known far and wide not only in Waupaca County, but over the state as the genial and successful founder and landlord of the Elwood Hotel.

In order to get the proper bearings of the Lutsey family in connection with New London, it is necessary to go back almost seventy years to the fall of 1848, about the time Wisconsin entered the Union as a state. A sawmill had been established on the banks of the river and the first cuttings of timber were being made. Two or three log houses stood in the vicinity of the mill. There arrived about that time George and Anna Maria (Dutter) Lutsey, both of whom were natives of Pennsylvania, had been married in their native state, had lived in Ohio for a time, and at the date mentioned had identified themselves with the new community of New London. For several years New London had a population almost entirely of men, laborers in the sawmill, George Lutsey being one of these workmen at the mill. There were few women in the town, and few families.

An event in history was the birth on June 25, 1851, of the first white child. The name given to this newcomer was George Elwood Lutsey, Who at the time was regarded as an important addition to the meager population of the village, and in later years has justified his early prominence by his loyal public spirit and his activities in business and civic affairs.

In 1853 George Lutsey established the first hotel of New London. Thus from the very early times, for over sixty years, the name Lutsey has been almost continuously identified with the hotel business of that city. George Lutsey, together with Messrs. Holcomb. and Edwards were the first three men to take up land claims within the city limits. The Lutsey Hotel was built on one of these lots or claims. George Lutsey did not long remain a citizen or hotel proprietor, since death came to him in 1857. After that his widow continued the business for several years, and she lived to a good old age, passing away when eighty-eight years old. There were three children: Henrietta, George Elwood and Sarah Maria.

A word should also be said concerning the early ancestry of George E. Lutsey. He represents a very old American family. His greatgrandfather was John Lutsey, who was a native of Germany, and was one of the mercenary soldiers who were hired by Great Britain to fight against the revolutionary colonists in America. As every American schoolboy knows, a large body of these Hessian troops were quartered at Trenton on the Delaware River and most of them were taken prisoner when General Washington and his gallant followers crossed the river on the stormy Christmas eve and made a surprise attack on the British at Trenton. John Lutsey was one of those taken prisoner, and as he was fighting for Great Britain merely as a hired soldier, after he learned from the Americans that the colonists were fighting for freedom, he found no difficulty in turning against England and after his parole he enlisted and served out his time in the American army until independence was established. Following the war he took up a 400-acre tract of land near Wilkesbarre, Pennsylvania, married and lived there in comfort and prosperity until his death. Mr. Lutsey's grandfather was Josiah Lutsey, who spent all his life in Pennsylvania. Another Josiah Lutsey was uncle of George E., and was also an early settler in New London. He arrived in 1856, was in business as a merchant for some years, and died at New London many years ago.

For a few years of his early childhood George Lutsey attended the public schools of New London. He was six years of age when his father died, and the family circumstances were such that he had to become a wage earner as soon as possible. Thus when only ten years of age he was earning his living as a cabin boy on some of the river boats and he was continuously in the river traffic from 1866 until 1879. He became master or captain of a river boat during that time.

On April 4, 1879, Mr. Lutsey established himself in the hotel business at his father's old stand, and operated that house until 1883. In that year he bought the New London Hotel, on the site now occupied by the Elwood House. On November 28, 1887, when the thermometer stood at ten degrees below, this hotel was burned. After the fire Mr. Lutsey returned to his former location and was in the hotel business there until another fire occurred, and this also was in severe winter weather when the thermometer was below zero. That fire occurred January 17, 1892.

After this disaster Mr. Lutsey built the hotel of which he is now proprietor anal took his own middle name as its title. He has forty guest rooms, but of more importance than the building itself is the service rendered under the efficient management of the proprietor. Hundreds of traveling men gladly testify to the fact that this is the best $2 a day house in Wisconsin. Having practically grown up in the hotel business and having followed it for upwards of forty years, Mr. Lutsey knows what the traveling public wants and has the skill and ability to fill the demand.

In the meantime he has become active in connection with other business affairs at New London. In 1904 he and J. C. Hickey built the Grand Opera House and about a year ago Mr. Lutsey bought out his partner and now owns the entire block. He has always been active in spending his money and in supporting everything for the betterment of the city. For one term he served as mayor of New London, anal was also a member of the city council several years.

On December 18, 1898, Mr. Lutsey married Miss Sophia Elizabeth Belonger. They attend the Congregational Church, and fraternally he belongs to the Knights of Pythias, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and was formerly a member of the Modern Woodmen of America.

YE BROWN BOOK

Souvenir of WAUPACA COUNTY - 1924

Compiled By Orrin A. Rice

Weyauwega, Wisconsin 1925

CITY OF NEW LONDON

The City of New London is located on Sections 1, 12, and 13, of the Town of Mukwa, and also on a contiguous portion of Outagamie County. Like many Western towns, its growth from an insignificant hamlet to an important city has been truly phenomenal; and we can not think that New London has seen its bet days. Its natural and acquired advantages, its capital, its push, all will combine to save it from the fate of so many mushroom prodigies of the West.

In 1853 Ira Millerd started the first store within the present limits of New London. In 1856 the first post office was established, with William McMillen as postmaster.

In the year 1848 the Lutsey family left Shalersville, Portage County, Ohio, which was about forty miles from Cleveland, and came to the clearings which is now known as New London.

They located on the North side of the river. They built them a shack of hand sawed slabs stood on end and the cracks between these slabs were plastered with a mixture of clay, ashes and salt.

The bottoms of these slabs were sunk into the ground to a depth of about four inches, and the tops were pinned to a frame work which also supported the roof which was made of raved out being about sixteen inches wide and four feet long. These roofs leaked at times, but to these settlers this was of small consequence.

The Lutsey home was about 12 feet by 18 feet. Furniture consisted of the bed in the corner, deal table at one side and the cook stove, the only means of heating and cooking, located nearly in the center of the room. This house was well banked with earth in the winter and when summer came this banking was turned down and honeysuckles and morning glories were planted.

The Lutsey family then built a log house about a mile from Water Street and cleared some land. In this log home Elwood Lutsey was born June 25th, 1851, being the first white child born in New London.

From this home Lutseys moved to Maple Creek on a clearing, and from there back to New London in 1856. They built the Angier House which stood on the corner opposite the present Elwood Hotel.

Mr. Lutsey, Sr., died in 1857, Mrs. Lutsey continuing the management for a couple of years, then renting for a while, Elwood Lutsey taking possession April 4th, 1879. This hotel burned January 17, 1892.

Elwood Lutsey operated this Hotel until 1883, then buying the New London House, operating this Hotel until November 28, 1887, when this Hotel burned. He then moved back to the Angier Hotel, staying there until 1892, when the hotel burned. He then built the present hotel, starting April 1st, 1892, and operating same at the present time.

Numerous bands of Indians were located on the banks of the Wolf river, making their living by fishing, trapping, hunting, gathering wild rice, picking berries and trading these with the settlers for pork and Crown whiskey, the latter being brought in overland and costing about a dollar a gallon.

There was an Indian burying ground across the street from the Central House on Division street. A great many Indian relics were buried in this mound, such as beads, brass wristlets, arrow heads, breast plates, bows and arrows, etc. In these mounds only those of one tribe would be allowed to be buried.

Today New London is a city of 4667 population and is rapidly growing.

Appleton Post Crescent, March 14, 1927

New London’s First White Child Still Spry Dancer

Special to Post-Crescent

New London – Among the home talent engaged to entertain the audience attending the St. Patrick’s day celebration which is being arranged by the women of the second group of the Catholic Women’s club is George Elwood Lutsey, 76. Aside from the honors he justly claims in being the oldest terpsichorean in the city, Mr. Lutsey also is proud of being the first white child to be born in the city of New London. Mr. Lutsey, who has throughout his entire life been a graceful dancer, and is now unusually adept in the intricate steps of Scotch and Irish folk dances, will entertain with Irish jigs.

Mr. Lutsey’s last public appearance was made during the program given by the New London Community hospital at the midwinter festival. AT that time he danced one of the best known of old dances, accompanied by an orchestra, before a large audience.

The early history of the Lutsey family is particularly interesting, as it is able to trace its ancestry to early colonial days. Mr. Lutsey’s great-grat grandfather was John Lutsey of Germany, who served the English during the Revolutionary war. Hessian troops invaded the valley of the Deleware river, and on the stormy Christmas eve, so often described by historians, were surprised by the troops commanded by General Washington. Mr. Lutsey states that his ancestor was taken prisoner, and during the subsequent period learned the real cause of the combats between the colonists and the British. Admiring the fundamental principals of the Americans he enlisted, when released from prison, and fought with the Americans until peace was declared.

     Mr. Lutsey was six years of age when his father died. At the age of ten he became a cabin boy on one of the river boats playing on the Wolf river. He became master of a boat later. Engaging in the hotel business in the late seventies he has seen the many changes which have come about during the past years. The little hotel on the river front, has twice been replaced, after being burned to the ground, each time by a larger, more modern structure. The present Elwood hotel is well known throughout the state to the travelling men. Mr. Lutsey’s health is excellent, considering his age. The active management of the hotel is in charge of Mr. and Mrs. Lutsey.

From the Oshkosh Northwestern, Tuesday, May 2, 1933:

Funeral is held for George Elwood Lutsey
    New London - Funeral services were to be held this afternoon at 2 o’clock from the Cline-Learman funeral home for George Elwood Lutsey, 82, who died at the Elwood hotel Sunday. Rev. A.W. Sneesby of the Congregational church conducted the services. Burial was in Floral Hill Cemetery.
    Mr. Lutsey was the first white child born in this city, June 25, 1851, the son of George Lutsey and Anna Marie Dutter Lutsey. His parents came from Pennsylvania to this city, then a settlement of a few families and a sawmill. In 1853 George Lutsey established the first hotel and the very early times to the present date the name of Lutsey has been continuously identified with the hotel business in this city.
    After the death of George Lutsey the widow continued the business which was taken over by the son. When he was 6 years old his father died and at the age of 10 years he became a wage earner starting as a cabin boy on some of the river boats. Later he took over the hotel business in the New London hotel which burned in 1887. He moved to another location, which building also burned, then the present Elwood hotel was built in 1892 of which he was proprietor to the time of his death. In 1904 he and J.C. Hukey (?) built the Grand Opera house.
    He served as an alderman for several years and as mayor of this city from 1904 to 1906. He was a member of the Knights of Pythias, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Modern Woodman. He was married to Mrs. Sophia Elizabeth Belonger, Dec. 18, 1898. The survivors are the widow, a daughter, Mrs. Thomas McAdams, of Aurora, Ill.; a granddaughter, and two sisters, Mrs. Sarah Haskell of Seymour and Mrs. Henrietta Smalley of this city.



	From: "Standard History of Waupaca County, Wisconsin" Edited by John M. Ware 1917 GEORGE ELWOOD LUTSEY. A great deal of the real history of the City of New London could be told as incidental to the personal career, of George Elwood Lutsey, known far and wide not only in Waupaca County, but over the state as the genial and successful founder and landlord of the Elwood Hotel. In order to get the proper bearings of the Lutsey family in connection with New London, it is necessary to go back almost seventy years to the fall of 1848, about the time Wisconsin entered the Union as a state. A sawmill had been established on the banks of the river and the first cuttings of timber were being made. Two or three log houses stood in the vicinity of the mill. There arrived about that time George and Anna Maria (Dutter) Lutsey, both of whom were natives of Pennsylvania, had been married in their native state, had lived in Ohio for a time, and at the date mentioned had identified themselves with the new community of New London. For several years New London had a population almost entirely of men, laborers in the sawmill, George Lutsey being one of these workmen at the mill. There were few women in the town, and few families. An event in history was the birth on June 25, 1851, of the first white child. The name given to this newcomer was George Elwood Lutsey, Who at the time was regarded as an important addition to the meager population of the village, and in later years has justified his early prominence by his loyal public spirit and his activities in business and civic affairs. In 1853 George Lutsey established the first hotel of New London. Thus from the very early times, for over sixty years, the name Lutsey has been almost continuously identified with the hotel business of that city. George Lutsey, together with Messrs. Holcomb. and Edwards were the first three men to take up land claims within the city limits. The Lutsey Hotel was built on one of these lots or claims. George Lutsey did not long remain a citizen or hotel proprietor, since death came to him in 1857. After that his widow continued the business for several years, and she lived to a good old age, passing away when eighty-eight years old. There were three children: Henrietta, George Elwood and Sarah Maria. A word should also be said concerning the early ancestry of George E. Lutsey. He represents a very old American family. His greatgrandfather was John Lutsey, who was a native of Germany, and was one of the mercenary soldiers who were hired by Great Britain to fight against the revolutionary colonists in America. As every American schoolboy knows, a large body of these Hessian troops were quartered at Trenton on the Delaware River and most of them were taken prisoner when General Washington and his gallant followers crossed the river on the stormy Christmas eve and made a surprise attack on the British at Trenton. John Lutsey was one of those taken prisoner, and as he was fighting for Great Britain merely as a hired soldier, after he learned from the Americans that the colonists were fighting for freedom, he found no difficulty in turning against England and after his parole he enlisted and served out his time in the American army until independence was established. Following the war he took up a 400-acre tract of land near Wilkesbarre, Pennsylvania, married and lived there in comfort and prosperity until his death. Mr. Lutsey's grandfather was Josiah Lutsey, who spent all his life in Pennsylvania. Another Josiah Lutsey was uncle of George E., and was also an early settler in New London. He arrived in 1856, was in business as a merchant for some years, and died at New London many years ago. For a few years of his early childhood George Lutsey attended the public schools of New London. He was six years of age when his father died, and the family circumstances were such that he had to become a wage earner as soon as possible. Thus when only ten years of age he was earning his living as a cabin boy on some of the river boats and he was continuously in the river traffic from 1866 until 1879. He became master or captain of a river boat during that time. On April 4, 1879, Mr. Lutsey established himself in the hotel business at his father's old stand, and operated that house until 1883. In that year he bought the New London Hotel, on the site now occupied by the Elwood House. On November 28, 1887, when the thermometer stood at ten degrees below, this hotel was burned. After the fire Mr. Lutsey returned to his former location and was in the hotel business there until another fire occurred, and this also was in severe winter weather when the thermometer was below zero. That fire occurred January 17, 1892. After this disaster Mr. Lutsey built the hotel of which he is now proprietor anal took his own middle name as its title. He has forty guest rooms, but of more importance than the building itself is the service rendered under the efficient management of the proprietor. Hundreds of traveling men gladly testify to the fact that this is the best $2 a day house in Wisconsin. Having practically grown up in the hotel business and having followed it for upwards of forty years, Mr. Lutsey knows what the traveling public wants and has the skill and ability to fill the demand. In the meantime he has become active in connection with other business affairs at New London. In 1904 he and J. C. Hickey built the Grand Opera House and about a year ago Mr. Lutsey bought out his partner and now owns the entire block. He has always been active in spending his money and in supporting everything for the betterment of the city. For one term he served as mayor of New London, anal was also a member of the city council several years. On December 18, 1898, Mr. Lutsey married Miss Sophia Elizabeth Belonger. They attend the Congregational Church, and fraternally he belongs to the Knights of Pythias, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and was formerly a member of the Modern Woodmen of America.

	YE BROWN BOOK Souvenir of WAUPACA COUNTY - 1924 Compiled By Orrin A. Rice Weyauwega, Wisconsin 1925 CITY OF NEW LONDON The City of New London is located on Sections 1, 12, and 13, of the Town of Mukwa, and also on a contiguous portion of Outagamie County. Like many Western towns, its growth from an insignificant hamlet to an important city has been truly phenomenal; and we can not think that New London has seen its bet days. Its natural and acquired advantages, its capital, its push, all will combine to save it from the fate of so many mushroom prodigies of the West. In 1853 Ira Millerd started the first store within the present limits of New London. In 1856 the first post office was established, with William McMillen as postmaster. In the year 1848 the Lutsey family left Shalersville, Portage County, Ohio, which was about forty miles from Cleveland, and came to the clearings which is now known as New London. They located on the North side of the river. They built them a shack of hand sawed slabs stood on end and the cracks between these slabs were plastered with a mixture of clay, ashes and salt. The bottoms of these slabs were sunk into the ground to a depth of about four inches, and the tops were pinned to a frame work which also supported the roof which was made of raved out being about sixteen inches wide and four feet long. These roofs leaked at times, but to these settlers this was of small consequence. The Lutsey home was about 12 feet by 18 feet. Furniture consisted of the bed in the corner, deal table at one side and the cook stove, the only means of heating and cooking, located nearly in the center of the room. This house was well banked with earth in the winter and when summer came this banking was turned down and honeysuckles and morning glories were planted. The Lutsey family then built a log house about a mile from Water Street and cleared some land. In this log home Elwood Lutsey was born June 25th, 1851, being the first white child born in New London. From this home Lutseys moved to Maple Creek on a clearing, and from there back to New London in 1856. They built the Angier House which stood on the corner opposite the present Elwood Hotel. Mr. Lutsey, Sr., died in 1857, Mrs. Lutsey continuing the management for a couple of years, then renting for a while, Elwood Lutsey taking possession April 4th, 1879. This hotel burned January 17, 1892. Elwood Lutsey operated this Hotel until 1883, then buying the New London House, operating this Hotel until November 28, 1887, when this Hotel burned. He then moved back to the Angier Hotel, staying there until 1892, when the hotel burned. He then built the present hotel, starting April 1st, 1892, and operating same at the present time. Numerous bands of Indians were located on the banks of the Wolf river, making their living by fishing, trapping, hunting, gathering wild rice, picking berries and trading these with the settlers for pork and Crown whiskey, the latter being brought in overland and costing about a dollar a gallon. There was an Indian burying ground across the street from the Central House on Division street. A great many Indian relics were buried in this mound, such as beads, brass wristlets, arrow heads, breast plates, bows and arrows, etc. In these mounds only those of one tribe would be allowed to be buried. Today New London is a city of 4667 population and is rapidly growing.

	Appleton Post Crescent, March 14, 1927 New London’s First White Child Still Spry Dancer Special to Post-Crescent New London – Among the home talent engaged to entertain the audience attending the St. Patrick’s day celebration which is being arranged by the women of the second group of the Catholic Women’s club is George Elwood Lutsey, 76. Aside from the honors he justly claims in being the oldest terpsichorean in the city, Mr. Lutsey also is proud of being the first white child to be born in the city of New London. Mr. Lutsey, who has throughout his entire life been a graceful dancer, and is now unusually adept in the intricate steps of Scotch and Irish folk dances, will entertain with Irish jigs. Mr. Lutsey’s last public appearance was made during the program given by the New London Community hospital at the midwinter festival. AT that time he danced one of the best known of old dances, accompanied by an orchestra, before a large audience. The early history of the Lutsey family is particularly interesting, as it is able to trace its ancestry to early colonial days. Mr. Lutsey’s great-grat grandfather was John Lutsey of Germany, who served the English during the Revolutionary war. Hessian troops invaded the valley of the Deleware river, and on the stormy Christmas eve, so often described by historians, were surprised by the troops commanded by General Washington. Mr. Lutsey states that his ancestor was taken prisoner, and during the subsequent period learned the real cause of the combats between the colonists and the British. Admiring the fundamental principals of the Americans he enlisted, when released from prison, and fought with the Americans until peace was declared. Mr. Lutsey was six years of age when his father died. At the age of ten he became a cabin boy on one of the river boats playing on the Wolf river. He became master of a boat later. Engaging in the hotel business in the late seventies he has seen the many changes which have come about during the past years. The little hotel on the river front, has twice been replaced, after being burned to the ground, each time by a larger, more modern structure. The present Elwood hotel is well known throughout the state to the travelling men. Mr. Lutsey’s health is excellent, considering his age. The active management of the hotel is in charge of Mr. and Mrs. Lutsey. From the Oshkosh Northwestern, Tuesday, May 2, 1933: Funeral is held for George Elwood Lutsey New London - Funeral services were to be held this afternoon at 2 o’clock from the Cline-Learman funeral home for George Elwood Lutsey, 82, who died at the Elwood hotel Sunday. Rev. A.W. Sneesby of the Congregational church conducted the services. Burial was in Floral Hill Cemetery. Mr. Lutsey was the first white child born in this city, June 25, 1851, the son of George Lutsey and Anna Marie Dutter Lutsey. His parents came from Pennsylvania to this city, then a settlement of a few families and a sawmill. In 1853 George Lutsey established the first hotel and the very early times to the present date the name of Lutsey has been continuously identified with the hotel business in this city. After the death of George Lutsey the widow continued the business which was taken over by the son. When he was 6 years old his father died and at the age of 10 years he became a wage earner starting as a cabin boy on some of the river boats. Later he took over the hotel business in the New London hotel which burned in 1887. He moved to another location, which building also burned, then the present Elwood hotel was built in 1892 of which he was proprietor to the time of his death. In 1904 he and J.C. Hukey (?) built the Grand Opera house. He served as an alderman for several years and as mayor of this city from 1904 to 1906. He was a member of the Knights of Pythias, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Modern Woodman. He was married to Mrs. Sophia Elizabeth Belonger, Dec. 18, 1898. The survivors are the widow, a daughter, Mrs. Thomas McAdams, of Aurora, Ill.; a granddaughter, and two sisters, Mrs. Sarah Haskell of Seymour and Mrs. Henrietta Smalley of this city.