Eau Claire in Eau Claire County, Wisconsin — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Adin Randall
Photographed By K. Linzmeier, June 12, 2014
1. Adin Randall Marker
I am prepared to sell business and residence Lots, Farming or Pine Lands, which I offer upon the most reasonable terms, or receive in exchange labor, oxen, horses, lumber, logs, or personal property of whatever name or nature. Call and see if I don't trade with you.
February 17, 1859
Adin Randall, boundless optimist and horse-trader, added energy and "color" to Eau Claire's formative years. A Yankee carpenter from Madison County, New York, Randall brought his wife, Clamenzia, and infant son, Edgar, to Eau Claire in 1856. Thrilled by the region's vast potential for lumbering, Randall bought and platted land on the west bank of the Chippewa River, and immediately set out to become the town's biggest booster. He schemed with fellow Yankees Daniel Shaw and Jotham Clark to build a canal connecting the Chippewa River to Half Moon Lake, creating a large log holding pond. That same year, he persuaded the firm of Dole, Ingram & Kennedy to buy his portable sawmill. The Empire Lumber Company went on to become one of the most successful operations in Eau Claire. For years Ingram was vexed with Randall, who it turned out, had not "exactly" owned the land upon which the mill was built. For his part, Randall was more booster than businessman. Under the weight
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Historic Preservation Foundation - Eau Claire
Erected by the Eau Claire Landmark Commission; Eau Claire Historic Preservation Foundation. (Marker Number 4.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Man-Made Features • Settlements & Settlers • Waterways & Vessels. A significant historical month for this entry is February 1857.
Location. 44° 48.077′ N, 91° 30.642′ W. Marker is in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, in Eau Claire County. Marker is on Menomonie Street west of Fifth Avenue, on the left when traveling west. Marker is on the west bank of the Chippewa River along the Chippewa River Trail. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Eau Claire WI 54703, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Water Street (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Ottawa House (about 500 feet away); John Pinkum House (approx. 0.3 miles away); First Congregational Church Parsonage (approx. 0.3 miles away); Anishinabe Akhi
via Volume One, unknown
2. Adin Randall
More about this marker. Regarding "The Home of Old Abe" at the top of the marker – Old Abe, named in honor of President Abraham Lincoln, was an eagle mascot during the Civil War. The eagle accompanied Company C of the 8th Wisconsin Regiment from Eau Claire into every battle and skirmish in which it participated.
Also see . . .
1. Adin Randall. USGenWeb Archives website entry (Submitted on June 27, 2014.)
2. Randell Park and Adin Randell Statue. Wisconsin Historical Society website entry (Submitted on March 16, 2024, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.)
Photographed By K. Linzmeier, June 12, 2014
3. Adin Randall Marker
Photographed By K. Linzmeier, June 12, 2014
4. Marker and Chippewa River
Photographed By K. Linzmeier, June 12, 2014
5. Nearby Adin Randall House
Listed January 28, 1983
Photographed By K. Linzmeier, July 15, 2014
6. Adin Randall Statue
Who Gave This Park to the City of Eau Claire · 1857
Credits. This page was last revised on March 16, 2024. It was originally submitted on June 27, 2014, by Keith L of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin. This page has been viewed 836 times since then and 40 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on June 27, 2014, by Keith L of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin. 2. submitted on March 16, 2024, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York. 3, 4, 5. submitted on June 27, 2014, by Keith L of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin. 6. submitted on July 27, 2014, by Keith L of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin.
