Lumberman-Businessman-Politician
Isaac Stephenson was recognized as a major force in the Development of the City of Marinette and was also a noted leader in Wisconsin‘s and Northern Michigan‘s Lumber Industry.
He was born in 1829 in the state of Maine where he began working in Lumber camps at age 12. He quickly mastered all phases of the industry and soon became in demand by many companies for his business acumen.
He moved to Milwaukee, Wisconsin in 1845, then spent time lumbering in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan and finally settling in the Marinette area in 1858. Once here Isaac started his own lumber company by taking charge of the N. Ludington Mill at Mission Point. Built the Stephenson Mill (Red Mill) on Stephenson Island (where our museum sits today). He also organized and supervised: The Boom Co. in 1867, the building of the Sturgeon Bay Canal in 1872 and the Peshtigo Lumber Company (with William Ogden)
It was after Stephensons arrival in Marinette that he started concentrating on the manufacture of Lumber. His operation grew in Marinette until he became one of the largest Manufactures of lumber in the nation. In addition, he also maintained large yards of lumber for wholesale and retail distribution.
Isaac’s Lumber operations as well as his Real Estate holdings including vast acreage in white pine lumber steadily increased throughout his years. During his time here, he was recognized as one the wealthiest lumberman in the entire Great lakes.
From the time Isaac arrived in the area until his passing at age 89 in 1918 his Contributions to the City of Marinette and the State of Wisconsin were all encompassing including the following.
- The Stephenson Public Library donated by him in 1902
- Donated the Stephenson Island property where his mill was located.
- Donated the land where the County Courthouse sits.
- Established the Stephenson National Bank (the first bank serving Menominee River region)
- Constructed Lauerman’s Store in 1904
- Constructed numerous other downtown buildings.
- Constructed the Park and Wall that runs along Riverside Avenue.
- Served as the local Justice of the Peace and was on the County Board of Directors.
- Publisher for the Milwaukee Free Press
- Served 2 terms in the Wisconsin Assembly
- Served 2 terms in the U.S. Congress and 3 terms in the U.S. Senate
The above picture shows Isaac Stephenson’s first sawmill on the Island that bears his name. In the background is Riverside av. Which at that time was called River Street. The building on the right housed the saws. The ramp shown, carried the logs to the cutting house. This information came from research done by John Burke and Henry Hansen of the Marinette County Historical Society in the 1970’s
Stephenson’s Home in 1883 was one of the most pretentious residences in Marinette. The home was located directly across from his monument on Riverside Ave. It contained 3 floors and a large tower. The home was encircled by a black steel picket fence. The Stephenson family included 6 daughters and 2 Sons. All whom served the area well. Picture supplied by Ray Larson of Marinette in 1950’s.
Marinette County Historical Society 