LAKE SUPERIOR SOUTHERN AGAIN

Possibility That line from Madison to Huron Bay May Be Reality.

Working on Wisconsin End.  According to advices from Wisconsin, says the Marquette Mining Journal, the .'Lake Superior Southern railroad, from Madison, Wis., to Huron Bay, so long regarded in railroad circles as a dream in which there was but little of reality, may become a fact and active operations be begun during the year just opened. The contemplated line covers a distance of 200 miles, 200 of which is in Wisconsin According to a $12,000,000 mortgage.in form of construction bond, running to the Knickerbocker Trust Company, of New York, and recently tiled for record in Marquette county, the proposed railroad line will extend east of south from Huron Bay to Micbigamme, thence west of south through Iron county,' crossing the Wisconsin line and continuing on through the counties of Florence, Forest, Marinette, Oconto. Shawano, Outagamie, Brown, Winnebago, Waupaca,' Green Lake, Fond du Lac, Columbia and Dane. The company controls the roadbed of the old long defunct Iron Range & Huron 'Bay railroad and proposes to make use

of it from Champion to L'Anse and Huron Bay. The roadbed already graded, is 100 feet in width. This is commonly supposed to be a plan of the Illinois Central for the com pletion of the line from the gulf to Lake Superior.

WORK DONE IN WISCONSIN.
The Wisconsin & Northern rail road organized about a year ago, is supposed to be the Wisconsin end of toe project, and actual operation of a portion of its line has already been commenced. The road is planned to extend from Madison to
Crandon, via Oshkosh, Appleton, Shawano and other cities. The right-of-way for the entire road has been constructed from Shawano to its northern extremity. Construction work was begun late in the season of 1904 and was completed about two months ago. The first train was run about five weeks ago, making the trip from Shawano to Crandon without. a mishap. The officials of the road were on the. train making the initial trip. Construction work from Shawano
south is now in operation, although little can be done during the winter months. Information emanating from official sources is to .the effect that work will be rushed in the spring, and that in less than a year trains will be running into Appleton. It is said the -company will issue bonds for $10,000,000 for the completion of the road from Shawano, its present terminus, to Madison, although this has not been verified.

TO CONNECT WITH SOO LINE.
That the proposition is not a mere promotion scheme' is evident from the fact that the company in the name of Leander
Choate, of Oshkosh, has purchased a large amount of property near Appleton and in Outagamie, paying cash for it. The Wisconsin & Northem has completed its grade from Crandon north to the tracks of the Minneapolis, St. Paul  & Sault Ste. Marie railroad, a distance of seven miles.' As soon as the road Is In operation, it will compete for business with the North-western by arranging a combined tariff with the so-called "Soo line.". As soon as the junction is effected, work will be pushed south, from Crandon to connect with that portion of the line now under' construction and for partial operation from Shawano north at the point of contact with the Soo line, about one And one-half miles west of North Crandon, there is also a passage under the Soo, that will facilitate the extension to northern Michigan and Lake Superior. 

The following official statement 'issued by President Phillips describes the territory to be tapped by the line: "The Lake Superior Southern railway will open to development large forests of timber and bring them tributary to the great manufacturing center of eastern Wisconsin. . It will traverse vast areas in both states now unproductive capable of becoming fertile agricultural lands, and well adapted to stock raising and dairy products. "For a distance of eighty miles it will cross the great Marquette and Crystal Falls mineral districts, rich in deposits of iron, copper, slate, clays and building stone, and Beaver Dam and Columbus. It will not take in Fond du Lac, going a little west of south from Oshkosh, and bisecting the triangle formed by the lines of the Chicago, Milwaukee and St. Paul railway . connecting

with Fond du Lac and Ripon.

BARAGA COUNTY OPPORTUNITIES.
If the line ever reaches Huron bay, and the harbor there is put in proper condition, it will mean much for Baraga county, the town in which it Is located now having very little to keep it in existence. The natural shipping facilities of Huron bay will make it a comparatively easy task to establish an important harbor there, and if the plans of the Lake Superior Southern carry, L'Anse and the other towns of Baraga county may see a return of the old days, before the D. S. S. &
A: was pushed through to Duluth and the copper country, A junction with the South Shore will probably be effected at Champion, making that town the junction point for three roads and raising it to the status of an important railroad
center.

=======

L'anse Sentinel Jan 12, 1907

IC to Des Moines, IC & MSTL

DULUTH TO GULF
• MINNEAPOLIS & ST. LOUIS MAY BE ABSORBED BY THE ILLINOIS CENTRAL

DEAL SAID TO BE PENDING, RECENT BILGE IN SECURITIES ATTRIBUTED TO WALL STREET'S INSIDE KNOWLEDGE.

ENTRANCE INTO TWIN CITIES
Control of the Road Would Give the Illinois Central Access to a Rich Traffic Which It Is Not Now Able to Reach — Traffic Alliance in Case the Pending Negotiations Fail.

NEW YORK, Aug. 27. The Herald says: From" semi-official sources it Is learned that a deal Is pending in Wall street whereby the Illinois Central may get control of the Minneapolis & St. Louis
railroad. Negotiations to this end are said to have been under way for some time between the Harriman-Fish interests, representing the Illinois Central, and President Edwin R. Hawley, representing the present control of the Minneapolis & St. Louis.

No definite agreement has yet been reached, but Wall street Interests having knowledge of the situation say that in any event a traffic alliance will be effected and that a change of control will
probably be brought about. There are even rumors of the terms upon which Minneapolis & St. Louis securities may be exchanged for those of the Illinois Central.

STRATEGIC POSITION.
A glance at the maps indicating the geographical positions of the two properties shows that such a deal would be greatly to the advantage of both roads. The Illinois Central would be given access to a territory rich in traffic which it does not now touch; would get fine terminals In Minnesota's twin cities, Minneapolis and St. Paul, and would have practically a through line from Duluth to the Gulf of Mexico.

Railroad men agree that the Minneapolis & St. Louis has terminal facilities the equal of any in St. Paul and the best in Minneapolis. These terminals are now used by the Northern Pacific, the Omaha, Soo Line, St. Paul & Duluth, Wisconsin Central and Chicago Great Western roads. The Minneapolis & St. Louis derives a large net revenue from them.

The company's lines also traverse an exceptionally rich country, and at Albert Lea, Minn., furnish-the only connection to the Twin Cities and the Northwest for the Rock Island and the Burlington, Cedar Rapids & Northern systems.

BULGE IN STOCKS.
The recent strength of the Minneapolis & St. Louis securities on the stock exchange has been attributed by all to a growing appreciation of the road's strategic position, to the reduction in fixed
charges through refunding, to the increased mileage and Increased earnings brought about by expert management, to dividend prospects (it is said 4 and probably 5 per cent will be paid on the common stock) and other favorable developments. It now seems probable, however, that the bulge of the stocks has been in anticipation of what may be effected in the Illinois Central matter.

SCHEME OF EXPANSION.
President Stuyvesant Fish and E. H. Harriman, who are controlling factors in Illinois Central affairs, have been carrying out a scheme of expansion for some time past. First the Illinois Central acquired the Mississippi & Yazoo Valley lines, which parallel the company's road from Memphis, Term., to New Orleans.  Then followed the purchase of the Chesapeake, Ohio & Southwestern, running from Memphis to Louisville. The extension of the Dubuque & Sioux City road into Omaha, which will be completed this fall, was the next undertaking.

Now comes the proposition to gain an entrance into St. Paul and Minneapolis,. which, If acquired, will give the Illinois Central access to a great amount of territory that has never before contributed
to its revenues. Through lines already in operation, the system would then extend to the head of Lake Superior, thus giving on unbroken line from Duluth to New Orleans.

CONNECTING LINK.
All that would be required to form the connection between the two systems would be the construction of a few miles of road from Lyle, Minn., which is the Illinois Central's present northern terminus to Albert Lea, Minn., where the Minneapolis & St. Louis now runs.

In railroad and financial circles it is thought that the purchase or lease of the Minneapolis & St. Louis by the Illinois Central is more likely than the arrangement of a traffic alliance.

Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific railway officials are said to have become alarmed over this new extension scheme of the Illinois Central. The Rock Island formerly controlled parts of the Minneapolis & St. Louis system through ownership of mortgage bonds. These bonds were taken up by the payment of more than four millions when the road was reorganized in 1894. Since "that time there have been many reports that the Rock Island was scheming to again get control of the
property.

- St Paul Globe, St Paul MN 8/28/1899


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DE MOINES , Dec. 22. The corps of surveyors for the Des Moines , Iowa Falls & Northern road today completed a line from Des Moines to Iowa Falls , eighty miles. The road is still on paper. Stockholders have invested $20,000 In the preliminary work , having assurance of the Illinois Central backing It. They say the line will be built next spring from the 'Illinois Central main line at Iowa Falls into this city and that It Is necessitated because the Illinois Central failed to secure control of the
Minneapolis & St. Louis.

- Omaha Daily Bee, Omaha NE 12/23/1899

Illinois Central in South Dakota

DAKOTA DOINGS.
---
Madison expects the Illinois Central from Sioux Falls.

The Illinois Central, which is now projected to Sioux Falls, have a surveying party looking over a feasible route from there to Aberdeen, but whether they will build this fall cannot be definitely learned.

Judge N. B. Beed, of Woonsocket. who is now in Chicago, writes that be is informed by Illinois Central officials that ,that company will soon run a survey from Sioux Falls to Woonsocket, with a view to extend the road to that point another season.

- Griggs Courier, Cooperstown ND 4/12/1887

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Highly Elated.
The determination of the Illinois Central company to extend its road to Yankton is the most important conclusion ever reached in the interest of our city. Leading officers of that corporation have given assurance of an intention to make Yankton a prominent Missouri river point upon their system and to aid it in building for the future.  It is expected that Yankton will be made the western headquarters of the Central as New Orleans is its southern
headquarters

- Canton Advocate, Canton SD 8/11/1887

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The general superintendent and other officials of the Illinois Central were in Sioux Falls Wednesday on a tour of in­spection. A dispatch says: "It looks as if the road will be built to Aberdeen and Bismarck, although a great deal depends on the action of the coming legislature toward the railroads.

- Bismarck Weekly Tribune, Bismarck ND  6/2/1888

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Illinois Central in Dakota.
Sioux Falls, Dak., July 19.—Mitchell Vincent has returned from Chicago and reports that the Illinois Central officials say that the first railroad building that road will do in Dakota will be from Sioux Falls to Mitchell. It depends a great deal on the success of the commission to secure the opening of the reservation, as the Illinois Central intends to cross to the Black Hills immediately. Mr. Vincent is an old railroad contractor.

- The Wahpeton Times, Wahpeton ND 7/19/1888
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The president, general manager and a number of other officials of the Illinois Central railroad visited Sioux Falls Friday by special tram. It was understood that the purpose of the visit was to look over the line preparatory to an extension of the Central road northwesterly from Sioux .Falls into central
Dakota. It appears from this that the promised Central line to Yankton has been permitted to go elsewhere. There was a time when vigorous following up would have brought the Central to Yankton.

-Press and Daily Dakotaian, Yankton SD 10/08/1888

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Citizens of Mitchell, it is possible to secure the Illinois Central railroad to this city. The right effort at this time will do the business. For further particulars see the committee, which was appointed last night.
-----
The Illinois Central means cheap coal and lower freight rates. Mitchell, therefore, wants the Illinois Central.

- Mitchell Capital, Mitchell SD  8/4/1889

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CENTER AND SOUTH
Will Unite by the Extension of the Road From Sioux Falls to Aberdeen.
Special to the Globe.Sioux Falls, S. D., April Hon. P. E. Kirk, of Aberdeen, was in the city Wednesday and Thursday. 'He came as the ambassador plenipotentiary and envoy extraordinary of the board of trade of that city to look up the possibility and probability of the extension of the Illinois Central from Sioux Falls to Aberdeen. He says that the Hub city must have the road, at whatever cost, and he is trying to find out just how the matter stands and just what Sioux Falls can do for Aberdeen in regard to the extension. Capt. G. S. Nare, •of Woonsocket, also lighted down in Sioux Falls on the.
same day. He thinks the Capital Investment company is sure to have a large influence in the matter of locating the capital. Being questioned as to what chances there were to get the company to run up a banner with "Sioux Falls" inscribed thereon, he winked,and lighted a cigar.

- St. Paul Daily Globe, St Paul MN 4/20/1889

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ASSUMING TANGIBLE SHAPE.
Mr. Sheppard Arranging for the Construction of the Omaha and Yankton
—The Illinois Central.
OMAHA AND YANKTON,
The Omaha Herald of the 16th contains the following relative to one of Yankton's pet projects:
The prospects of another railway connection with Omaha are at last assuming tangible shape. For some time past the people of Yankton have been working hard to obtain an outlet to this city. In conjunction with the Omaha board trade they have at last succeeded in securing an Incorporation and Harvey Sheppard, the bead of one of Boston's largest syndicates, has taken the matter in hand. Some weeks ago Mr. Sheppard visited this section, and his observations led him to believe that the proposed route would afford one of the most profitable investment's for capital to be found in the west. Early in the coming month he will again visit Omaha for the purpose of arranging for the speedy construction of the line. Its completion will open up in a northwesterly direction for a distance of about 160 miles one of the richest grain and stock sections to be found in the Missouri valley, and will add largely to Omaha's importance as the growing commercial and shipping center of the west. Both the enterprising citizens of the Yankton section and the Omaha board of trade are entitled to much credit for the perseverance and enterprise they have displayed in consummating the  development of this scheme to asuccessful termination.

THE CENTRAL AT SIOUX FALLS.
Sioux Falls Press, 15: The progress of the negotiations for the Illinois central has been rather slow in some respects, but it has been nonetheless sure. For the past three days the rail road committee has been consulting with the officials of the road regarding the details of the agreement to be entered into between the city and the company, and finally the matter has been brought to a head. Yesterday the
negotiations were completed practically, and the Illinois Central may now be regarded as an accomplished fact. In fact it is perfectly safe to say that the 1st of August will see the work well under way, barring, of course, all accidents

While all the minor details of the agreement have not been definitely settled in its main points it is as has been heretofore stated in the Press. The Central people have asked for the ground north of Eighth street between the Omaha track and the river for the depot grounds, round house etc., and the railroad committee has agreed to give them the right of way which by the way, includes nine miles in Minnesota. The cost of this will be somewhere in the neighborhood of $25,000, possibly 880,000. On the other hand the Illinois Central agrees to make Sioux Falls division headquarters.

An agreement embodying these points has been drawn up and if it meets with the approval of the officials it will be returned to this city for signatures. In the Meantime the work will be begun
at once, or as soon as contracts can be made. Surveyor Rice went to Cherokee yesterday with Mr. Gilleas, and Mr. Knight with the specifications, and the contracts for grading will be let there as soon as possible. It is likely that the work will be begun in less than two weeks.

The grounds desired by the Company are those over which the Burlington will run its spur track to the quarries and the packing-house, and it was feared at first that this would cause some hitch in the
plans, Ah agreement has, however, been made with President Ives, to the effect that the Burlington would join with the Central in building the track to these points, the track to be used jointly by the two roads.

COMING TO YANKTON
A telegram was received Saturday evening by the board of trade which stated that the Illinois Central officials will visit Yankton on business as soon as they can leave the Cherokee neighborhood—probably in about a week. A letter came also from LeMars with information that the attention of the Illinois Central company would soon be given to its Yankton extension—that the Cherokee-Omaha and Cherokec-Sioux Falls line demanded first and immediate attention.because of
alively struggle for right of way in the Little Sioux valley and as soon as matters were in good
shape then the Yankton line would be arranged for. This information is gladly received here in Yankton where long silence on the subject had built up misgivings. It is probable that the Central officials will come to Yankton with a proposition within the next week,

-Press and Daily Dakotaian, Yankton SD 7/18/1887








 

Congress to hear consolidation plan for five railroads

The consolidation of many as five of the nation's railroads into “one strong Midwestern road” will be proposed to Congress in hearings scheduled today by the House transportation subcommittee.

John W. Ingram, president of the Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific Railroad, who said he would propose the plan, disclosed yesterday that he would seek to link the Rock Island with some sections of the Chicago, Milwaukee. St. Paul and Pacific Railroad and the Iowa and South Dakota lines of the Illinois Central Gulf Railroad.

 

As part of the plan—known as FarmRail — both the Missouri‐Kansas‐Texas Railroad and the Kansas City Southern Railway might also become part of the consolidation, he said. He said that “FarmRail will not be a Midwestern Conrail"—a remark apparently meant to convey that the proposed road would not look to the Government for support. Nevertheless, he said that the plan might be moved along more quickly through Government loans authorized under the Railroad Revitalization and Regulatory Reform Act of 1976.

 

Mr. Ingram did not mention any specific loan to be sought, although $1.6 billion in Federally guaranteed funds have been earmarked for that purpose under the act.

   

The Rock Island executive, outlining the plan in broad strokes, said FarmRail would not necessarily be a corporation on its own but added that it “eventually could be.”  It will not be an operating railroad,” he added, “it will be a consortium of railroads, operated in their joint best interest.”

 

Moreover, he maintained, no monopoly would he created because of competition from the Chicago and North Western Railway between Chicago and Omaha. He further noted that no investment would be‐required to set up the system.

 

Those taking part would use joint terminals, rail yards and equipment and share each other's tracks. The Rock Island, for example, late last year completed arrangements with the Milwaukee Road to share the same line between Kansas City, Mo. and Davenport, Iowa, a 243 mile stretch, that will cut duplicate trackage, reduce costs and eliminate safety hazards.

 

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NY Times 1/5/1978

The Pacific Short Line

Chicago - August 26

The Pacific Short Line will be offered for sale at public auction next Tuesday under foreclosure proceedings by order of the United States Circuit Court.  It is expected that there will be a sharp contest for the possession of the property, as several companies are known to have had a covetous eye on it for some time and will make the most of this opportunity to secure it.  Among the bidders, it is understood, will be the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul, Chicago & North Western, and the Illinois Central Company, besides syndicates of the original bond holders.

In railroad circles much interest has been manifested in the Pacific Short Line project from the first.  It was originally an Illinois Central scheme, but was abandoned by that company and afterward taken up by the Wyoming Improvement Company.  The intention was to build a line from Sioux City to Ogden, paralleling the Union Pacific and shortening the distance by several hundred miles from the Missouri River to the Pacific coast.  Sioux City men added $1,000,000 to the amount that was put into the enterprise be Eastern capitalists.  The whole line was surveyed and laid out, three different companies were incorporated, and 130 miles of the road, between Sioux City and O'Neill, Neb, were constructed and put into operation.

The enterprise looked promising enough, until the financial panic of last Fall, after which the outlook was changed.  Jay Gould had gobbled the Union Pacific and was understood to be hand in glove with Huntington, who controls the Central Pacific.  The latter road, which is the only outlet from Ogden to the Pacific coast, was in hostile hands and the Pacific Short Line people decided that it would be folly to complete their line under such circumstances.  The property was allowed to go into the hands of a receiver and is now to be sold by order of the court.  The Illinois Central is said to be anxious to get possession of the road and thereby gain access to the Black Hills territory.

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NY Times 8/27/1891

Illinois Central - stance on the C&NW-MILW merger

Stockholders of the Illinois Central were also contacted by their management yesterday.  In an eight-page pamphlet, the carrier outlined its objection to a planned merger of the Chicago & North Western and Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul & Pacific Railroads.

The Illinois Central said it would not oppose the merger if it was given the opportunity to purchase a 70-mile portion of the Milwaukee's tracks and right-of-way, "or alternatively to use" the line, which stretches from Lyle to Northfield, Minn.  This trackage would create a new primary rail route between Chicago and Minneapolis-St. Paul.

The Illinois Central, since 1960, has reached the Twin Cities from Chicago via the so-called Albert Lea route, whereby Illinois Central trains operate directly to Albert Lea, Minn., and jointly with the Chicago & North Western from Albert lea to the Twin Cities.

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NY Times 12/6/1966

Two Chicago roads interested in Gulf, Mobile & Ohio Line

Two Chicago railroads expressed interest yesterday in the Gulf, Mobile & Ohio Railroad, one through a study of a possible merger and the other by substantial stock purchases.

The Illinois Central and the GM&O announced jointly that they had opened a study to determine the feasibility of a merger of the two lines.

The Chicago & North Western Railway disclosed that it had acquired 135, 128 shares, or about 13.3% of the outstanding common stock of the G.M.&O because of its "high regard for the management of the G.M.&O. and  the territory it seves so well."

The two developments came as a surprise to many rail observers.

Operations of the Illinois Central, with 6,466, miles of track, and the G.M.&O. , with 2,747 miles of track, largely parallel to each other from Chicago to the Gulf of Mexico.  The G.M.&O. has it headquarters in Mobile, ALA.  The Illinois Central also has an east-west line from Chicago to Nebraska, Iowa, and South Dakota.  The Chicago & North Western operates 10,729 miles of track out of Chicago to Wisconsin, Iowa, Minnesota, South Dakota and Nebraska.

No Seats Sought- A North Western spokesman said the line was "not now" seeking representation on the G.M.&O. board.  He declined to say whether the road planned to acquire more shares or to seek outright control.

A C.&N.W. consolidation with the G.M&O. would be an end-to-end merger, whereas an Illinois Central merger with the G.M.&O. could eliminate duplicate facilities.

Many rail observers were surprised by the brief announcement concerning the Illinois Central's interest in the G.M.&O. because the Illinois Central already has a merger study pending with the Missouri Pacific Railroad.

The Illinois Central and the Missouri Pacific are also awaiting an Interstate Commerce Commission ruling on their applications to acquire control of the Chicago & Eastern Illinois Railroad.

The Chicago & North Western has had merger negotiations with the Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul and Pacific Railroad, although those talks reached an impasse early in 1961 because of a failure to agree on terms of a consolidation.

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NY Times 7/12/1962

IC northern expansion

A New Line. —lt is currently reported that the Illinois Central and Wisconsin Central Railroad Companies have coalesced to carry out a scheme which is of considerable importance to marine men.
It is to establish a line of steamers between Chicago, Green Bay and Ogdensburg. It is settled that the line will becomposed of the propellers N. L. Frost, W. J. Averill, and W. A. Haskell, which were operated by a New York railroad company last season. They are the largest and finest propellers ever built for the Welland Canal trade, but the New York Company could not bold them because there is a law in New York which prohibits railroad companies owning steam boats. Last winter the boats were sold under the hammer, and were bid on by the Detroit Dry Dock Company, and  ever since negotiations have been going on between this company and the two railroad companies mentioned for their purchase. Recently, the Wisconsin Central Railroad has purchased or has secured full control of the Green Bay, Winona and St. Paul Railway; they also have a through line from Winona to St. Paul. It is their object to make Green Bay a great distributing point for Northwestern wheat and corn, and to do this they want the steamboats mentioned.

---- The Manitowoc pilot.  April 02, 1885

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—Lake Superior News: The air is thick with rumors about the new railroad connections at Duluth,
in which the Illinois Central, the Wisconsin Central, and the Duluth and Winnipeg railroads figure
extensively. The fact is “things are a working,” but those who really know how matters stand are mum, because it is not time yet to disclose their plans. We could give any number of rumors, but facts are what people want.

----The Superior times, September 21, 1878

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ILLINOIS CENTRAL TO EXTEND
Manitowoc May be Included in New Road From Madison.
It is reported that the Illinois Central R. R. is planning to extend its line from Madison to Green Bay via the Fox river valley. In this case it is probable that Manitowoc may be included as the officials of that road visited here when the project was first entered upon about two years ago. The project is being financed by bankers of Cleveland and it is estimated that the line will cost $3,000,000.

----- The Manitowoc pilot.  October 15, 1903

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Illinois Central to Enter Manitowoc.
There is a probability that Manitowoc will have another railroad added to its present shipping facilities. Indications point to a desire on the part of the Illinois Central Railway Company to enter
there and establish a terminal. William.1. Bowles, freight and traffic manager of the road, has been in the city looking over the advantages afforded by the city. Mr. Bowles stated that he was favorably impressed with the facilities offered and that the matter would be thus reported by him to the Illinois Central officials.

-----Vernon County Censor.  April 16, 1902

More on the IC Onawa district

MAY MEAN EXTENSION.
Illinois Central Officials on Tour
of Inspection at Onawa.
Onawa, la., Aug. 4. -A special train of cars, with the officials of the Illinois Central railroad, including the general manager and the assistant general manager, spent considerable time in Onawa yesterday inspecting their properties here. Just what their particular business was no one seemed to know, and the officials did not state, but seemed to be giving a thorough look at everything around
the yards.

Their visit has revived the old talk of an extension of the road. When the Illinois Central came into Onawa it was supposed the road would be extended west at an early date, but so far, aside from rumors, there have been no indications of an extension. There has also been considerable talk of extending the road south to a connection with the Omaha and Fort Dodge line near Missouri Valley. At any rate their visit has caused considerable speculation as to the object.

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Missouri Valley Times 8-11-1904

+++++++++++++++++
The Onawa Democrat says that the rumor has again become active that the Illinois Central will extend its line from Onawa to Missouri Valley, thus connecting with its Council Bluffs line. - Mapleton Press

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Missouri Valley Times 12-7-1911

+++++++++++++++++

Quiet Move by the Illinois Central

Two weeks ago two of the engineering force of the Illinois
Central were in town and secured a livery team and drove over to Kennebec and from that place followed the Bluff road down to Little Sioux. At that place the parties secured another team and were taken to Missouri Valley.  While in Little Sioux they called for a county map of Harrison county and after taking some observations from it drove south to a point a mile east of Mondamin and from that point west into the town, but so quietly that the fact was not known at that place. From Mondamin the parties went east a mile and then south to a point a mile or two east of Modale and here too they drove into town and then went back and proceeded to Missouri Valley, but their work at the Valley was just as quiet as in any of the other towns. The driver who took them through Harrison county knew but little of the men except that they were railroad men. The indications are that early in the spring the Central will fill in the gap from the Onawa branch to Loveland which will give a line from
Omaha to Sioux Falls. Sioux City people believe that the Central will also build from the Onawa
line to that place seems to be reasonable grounds for their belief. What this will do for Onawa will depend on whether it starts south from Onawa or whether it starts from a point on the Central about a mile on this side of Kennebec. If this is done it will work an injury to Onawa and would not be a grateful thing after the town had given her the right of way and other bequests amounting to $12,000. There is a kindly feeling existing between Onawa and the Illinois Central and the feeling should be encouraged by both the town and the road.—Onawa Democrat.

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Missouri Valley Times 1-4-1900

++++++++++++++++

Illinois Central Wants It.
Sioux City Journal: An interesting rumor involving the settlement of the Sioux City and Pacific's indebtedness to the government is being repeated by railroad men who now and then brush elbows with authority. It is that if the Sioux City and Pacific is not acquired by the Illinois Central, but goes to the Chicago and Northwestern, the Illinois Central certainly will extend its branch line from Cherokee to Onawa, from Onawa to a connection with its Fort Dodge and Omaha line at Loveland, and that later on the Sioux City and Pacific from Onawa to Sioux City will be paralleled.

The report is especially interesting in that the Illinois Central has not been seriously regarded as an aspirant for the Sioux City and Pacific it has been thought that, neither the Illinois Central nor the Great Northern would attempt to take the road away from the Northwestern. Almost everyone interested in the railroad affairs of Sioux City knows that an Illinois Central surveying party last year ran two lines from Onawa to Loveland. The distance is about forty miles. The surveys are along
the Missouri river bottom and the road could be built at a very light cost. From Onawa to Sioux City it would be built almost alongside the Sioux City and Pacific

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Missouri Valley Times 2-28-1901

+++++++++++++++++

Onawa don't take any stock in the rumor that the Illinois Central will run a through train from Sioux Falls to Omaha by way of Cherokee and Onawa over the Sioux City and Pacific tracks from Onawa to Missouri Valley. When the Central runs trains from Sioux Falls to Omaha it will be when the Central builds from Onawa to Missouri Valley.—Monona Democrat.

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Missouri Valley Times 12-7-1899


 

Illinois Central's New Line - Omaha

A direct line from Chicago to Omaha will be built.

Chicago, Sept. 20. - The Tribune says: The Illinois Central will begin the construction of a direct line from Chicago to Omaha early in the spring.  Only 125 miles of the new road is required to complete the line.  The company will tap it's Sioux City line at Fort Dodge, IA., and will build thence west to Council Bluffs.  Articles of incorporation for the new road have already been filed in Dubuque, the capital stock named being $5,000,000.

It is quite probable that before long the Illinois Central will also build an extension to S St. Paul.  It has for a line time had a line to Mona, IA., within 100 miles of St. Paul.  The enormous increase the company made in its earnings last year and the prospects of its doing still better in the future encouraged the management in carrying out those long contemplated projects.

The Chicago Great Western has also made arrangements to extend it's line from Omaha next summer.  The extension will run from Hampton, IA., to Omaha.

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NY Times 9-21-1898


++++++++++++++++++++++

Illinois Central's Omaha acquisition

Omaha, Neb., Jan. 15. - The Illinois Central Railroad company has secured control of the bridge across the Missouri River, as well as all the tracks of the Omaha Bridge and Terminal Company.  The property includes terminal tracks in this city, South Omaha, and Council Bluffs, and a new bridge across the river.

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NY Times 1-16-1902

 

Wisconsin Central - strategic Position

Since the admission of J.P. Morgan that the purchase of control of the Wisconsin Central was considered by him at the time of the Northern Pacific-Burlington deal, Wall Street has given considerable attention to the strategic position of the road.  At the same time there have appeared in the market some large buying orders for Wisconsin Central stocks, these orders being understood to come from Chicago and St. Louis interests.  The talk now is of an alliance of some sort between Wisconsin Central and Illinois Central.

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NY Times April 1902

Riverside & Harlem Railway

 ILLINOIS Harlem The Riverside & Harlem Railroad Company to build a line in Cook County to connect the Illinois Central road and the Wisconsin Central giving the latter a more direct line into Chicago. capital $200,000 Incorporators John C Welling Lewis T Moore Wm C Bruen Joseph F Titus and Franklin Fairman

-Iron & Machinery World, Vol 89

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RIVERSIDE & HARLEM The Illinois Central Is seeking right of way through the property known as the Gage Farm in Cook County Illinois for the Riverside & Harlem road which it proposes to build from a connection with its present line to Waldheim to connect with the Wisconsin Central a distance of 4 1/4 miles. The Wisconsin Central uses the terminal facilities of the Illinois Central at Chicago and it is claimed the construction of the line referred to will shorten the route into the city some 8 miles.

- The Railway Age 5/17/1901

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IC into Milwaukee - Milwaukee & Southwestern

NEW railway project.
The Illinois Wants a Good Road Into the Cream City For Coal Trade.
Milwaukee, Jan. 6. —The Journal this evening said: “The Milwaukee &. Southwestern road that was recently incorporated under the laws of the state, is nothing more or less than an off-shoot from the Illinois Central,’’ said a well-informed railway man this morning. “Theroad will be built from Milwaukee to a point near Lake Geneva on the state line, and the Illinois Central will build up from Aurora to meet it. The object on the part of the Illinois Central is to get a through line into Milwaukee so that they can compete in the coal trade.”

- Wood County Reporter  1/12/1888

IC in Watertown, Wisconsin

ILLINOIS CENTRAL MAY COME TO WATERTOWN TALK OF RUNNING OVER MILWAUKEE ROAD TRACK.
Rumor is That Track Will Be Used as Far as Junction-Extend Line to City Proper-Anxious to Ex
tend Road to Northern Wisconsin-Difficulty at Capital City.

The report comes from Madison that the Illinois Central railroad company has made an arrangement with the Chicago, Milwaukee and St. Paul road by which the Illinois Central will run its trains from Madison to Watertown Junction. If the report is true, it is probably the intention of that road to build a new line from Watertown up into the northwestern part of the state. For years the Central has been trying to get through Madison, but owing to the peculiar location of the lakes there no successful move has been made to do so.

- Watertown Weekly Leader  4/13/1906

IC to Duluth? Canada?

OUTLET FOR ILLINOIS CENTRAL.
Duluth, Glencoe and St. Cloud President Outlines Probabilities.
ST. PAUL, Feb. 14.—"We will build the Duluth, Glencoe and Southwestern from Mankato to St. Cloud this sum­mer. It is more than possible that the line will become the Illinois Central's outlet to the lakes when finished. I have been negotiating with that road, and while nothing definite has been ac­complished, this object is more than a possibility." This is the answer which President A, H. Reed of Glencoe gave to the question which has puzzled many local railroad men, why a new line should be built via St. Cloud to Duluth when the field is already covered. The reply of the president of the new line throws much light on the possibilities. Further than this, President Reed said that at the annual meeting, held in De­cember, the directors amended the ar­ticles of incorporation in such a manner that the line will be permitted to build a north and south branch from St. Cloud through the Red Lake district, to the boundary, to connect there with the new Canadian east and west line, or to go further and connect with the Canadian Pacific. "If this line is built," said Mr. Reed, "the Rock Island would have a system stretching from the Gulf to the northermost boundary of the United States, and in addition, would also have an open market at Duluth.

<note that this line references both Rock Island and Illinois Central>

- Bismarck Daily Tribune 2/14/1900

WC/IC to the Copper Range

Another Hot Air Line.

It was announced in the Copper Country Saturday that the Copper Range Railroad has closed negotiations for the entrance of the Wisconsin Central into the copper country by way of North Crandon. The Wisconsin Central, according to the statement made here by Copper Range officials, will connect with the Copper Range road at Mass City, Mich. The Wisconsin Central, according to this announcement, is the real owner of the line which is being constructed from Menasha, Wis.,
to North Crandon, supposed hitherto to be a property of the Illinois Central.

The plan announced is for the running of through trains to Chicago by way of Mass City, North Crandon, Menasha, and then over the Wisconsin Central's old line into Chicago. There had been considerable mystery over the proposed road from Menasha to North Crandon, however, and it had been reported that this section, now under construction, was to be part of a branch of the Illinois Central from Madison to Huron bay, Lake Superior.

- The Diamond Drill 2/16/1907

More on the Chicago, Freeport, & St. Paul

The Chicago, Freeport & St. Paul railroad company are making things lively down the valley, in the way of working up local aid and right of way. Propositions for aid have been filed as follows:
- town of Cadiz, Green county, §5,009;
- town of Argyle, Lafayette county, §15,000;
- town of Blanchard, $5,000.
Hon.M. J. Briggs, who was in town last week, informs us that he has received no instruction as yet to file propositions with any town north of Blanchard, the route north of Blanchardville not having yet been fully decided upon. A meeting of the board of Directors of the old Lone Rock, Dodgeville and Freeport (narrow gauge) company was held at Dodgeville on Wednesday of last week, at which a resolution was passed transferring all the right of way contracts, graded road-bed, etc., of that company to the Chicago, Freeport & St. Paul company.—
Chronicle.

- Iowa County Democrat, 4/18/1884

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The Chicago, Freeport and St.Paul Railroad.
It begins to look as though business was meant by the directors of the Chicago, Freeport and St. Paul
railroad, which is proposed to be built through this county. In an official circular letter (number two,)
under date of October 2d, whichhas been sent to prominent citizens, they say: This new railroad from
Chicago to St. Paul will certainly be built upon some line, and work upon it will be pushed vigorously during the coming summer. Whether it will be built upon the proposed "interior” line or not depends entirely upon the interest manifested by the people along that line. A corps of engineers is to be sent out immediately to locate the line, and also a representative to submit definite propositions to the several towns and cities interested in the construction of the road. The company says it does not and will not ask a dollar from any town on the route until the road is completed
and the cars running into the town voting the aid. The company’s circular also says that while it is
not at liberty to state what corporation is "backing" the enterprise it will, however, say that neither
the Chicago & Northwestern, the  Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul or the Chicago, St. Paul, Minneapolis & Omaha railway companies have any interest except as rivals in the construction of this road; that it is an independent line, and will be in direct competition with the existing railroad lines every mile of the way from Chicago to St. Paul.

If this new line is built it is more than probable that the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul company
will extend the Richland Center branch north and also build from Lone Rock to Mineral Point, so as
to also have a through line from Chicago to St. Paul. Who knows but what Richland county in the
future will have two great trunk lines running directly through it, one up Pine river, and the other up Mill creek valley or both up Pine river.  In either case they would greatly aid in developing the western and northern portions of the county.
—Richland Republican.

- Iowa County Democrat, 10/17/1884

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The Evening Wisconsin says: The Chicago, Freeport & St. Paul railroad may become more than a
possibility. A preliminary survey has been made and a $10,000,000 mortgage given to secure money advanced as the work proceeds, but the enterprise has until this time been somewhat intangible. Senator Warner yesterday introduced five bills in the legislature authorizing the company to begin the work, including the building of bridges over the Kickapoo, Wisconsin, Chippewa, and Black Rivers, and Lake St.Croix. The line if built will enter Wisconsin near the southeastern part of Lafayette county, and it is expected that a spur will extend to Portage from some point in Lafayette, Green, Richland or Iowa county.

- Iowa County Democrat, 1/30/1885

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—Eau Galla (Eau Galle?), Pepin county, will issue bonds in the sum of $9,200 to secure the Chicago, Freeport & St. Paul railroad.

- Iowa County Democrat, 12/12/1884

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Considerable interest is felt in the movements of the Chicago, Freeport and St. Paul Railroad Company, which has just completed an ‘‘inland” survey on the east side of the Mississippi, abandoning the proposed route along the river banks on account of the numerous advantages offered by the former over the latter. The “interior” line runs from Chicago to Freeport in almost an air line, thence northward up the valley of the Pecatonica river, crossing the Wisconsin river near Lone Rock; then along the north bank of the Wisconsin to Mill Creek, in Richland county; thence northward through Boaz, in Richland county; Sparta, in Monroe county; Melrose, in Jackson county; Whitehall, in Trempealeau county; Durand, in Pepin county, and River Falls, in Pierce county, to a point on
Lake St. Croix, in the town Troy, in St. Croix county; thence in a direct line to St. Paul and Minneapolis. The whole line, it is said, will be forty-five miles shorter than any other route between Chicago and St. Paul.

- Wood County Reporter 10/16/1884

=====

Mr. W. O. Wright, of Freeport, Ill., was in Madison today to file with the secretary of state, for the Chicago, Freeport & St. Paul Railroad company, of which he is president, a mortgage to the American Loan and Trust company of New York, to secure an issue of $10,000,000, forty year, 6 per cent, gold bonds, to be issued on account of the construction and equipment of the road.
This mortgage covers the entire line, of 500 miles and its equipment. The main line extends by a direct route, from Chicago to Freeport, Ill., thence, by the way of Dodgeville, Sparta, Whitehall, and Durant in Wisconsin, to St. Paul and Minne apolis, a distance of about 400 miles, A branch is also to be built from a point on the main line in Green, Lafayette, Richland or Iowa counties, through Dane and Columbia counties to the city of Portage, a dis tance of about 100 miles. That part of the main line north of the Wisconsin river will be located about midway between the Chicago, St. Paul, Minneapolis & Omaha's line and the Mississippi river, about twenty five miles from each. It is also stated that a strong syndicate of New England and New York capitalists has been formed who are
to lake the bonds of the railroad company to be issued on the line be tween Freeport and St. Paul and
Minneapolis, and that it is the intention of the railroad Company to complete that portion of the road
within the coming year. The road is, according to the report, to be built as an independent enterprise
and to be the shortest line between Chicago and St. Paul. The company is a union of the former Chicago, Freeport & Northwestern Railroad company, of Illinois, the Chicago, Freeport & St.
Paul Railroad company of Wisconsin, and the St. Paul, Minneapolis & Chicago Railroad company, of Minnesota.

- Mineral Point Tribune 12/25/1884

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Articles of association have been tiled in the office of the secretary of state, at Madison, of the Freeport and St. Paul Railroad Company. The contemplated line leaves the south line of the State near the Pecatonica river, running north to some point near the city of Hudson, with a branch from
some point in the town of Moscow, Iowa county, to Portage. Columbia county. The capital stock is $50.000.000.  The incorporators are W. O. Wright, of Freeport; E. Baldwin, Cresco, Iowa; M. J. Briggs, Aldro Jenks and J. P.Murrish, of Dodgeville. Wis.; each of the above gentlemen taking one share.

- Iowa County Democrat, 10/07/1881

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John Gorgen, who was at Freeport the first part of the week, has banded us a copy of The Journal
and Republican published at that place, which contains a full report of a meeting held at Winslow, Ill., on Friday, the 21st inst., to consider the project of constructing the Chicago, Freeport and St. Paul railroad.  Hon. M. J. Briggs, of Georgetown, Colorado, and Gen. S. D. Atkins, of Freeport, Ill., addressed the meeting and considerable interest was manifested. Among other things, Mr. Briggs said that Mr. Wright had been to New York and made a contract with capitalists, that, provided the right of way was secured for seventy miles, from Freeport to Dodge Ville, and stock subscriptions were again secured amounting to 170,000, or $1,000 per mile, they would furnish the ready money and
complete the road.

- Iowa County Democrat, 3/28/1884





 

Chicago, Freeport, & St. Paul RR. - IC affiliate(?)

NEW RAILROAD LAW.CHAPTER 25.
Published March 4, 1885.
AN ACT to authorize the Chicago, Freeport & St. Paul railroad company, Its successors and assigns, to build, construct and maintaina bridge for railway purposes over and across the Wisconsin river in the counties of lowa and Sauk, in the state of Wisconsin.

The people of the state of Wisconsin, represented in senate and assembly, do enact asfollows :

Section I. The Chicago, Freeport & St. Paul Railroad company. Its successors and assigns, is
hereby authorized to build, construct and maintain a bridge for railway purposes over and across the Wisconsin river from any point in township eight, north of range three east, inthe county of lowa, state of Wisconsin, to any other point in said township in the county of Sauk, in said state; and for such purpose may erect piers, drive piles and build embankments and approaches in said river and on the banks thereof necessary for the proper or convenient construction and maintenance of such bridge, provided, that a suitable draw shall be built and maintained in the channel span of said
bridge for the passage of boats with a guide boom at each end of said channel span, constructed and maintained In such manner and of sufficient length to secure the safe passage of all rafts, lumber and water craft through  channel span, which said guide booms shall each be securely attached to some pier or other firm structure at Ihe upper end thereof; and that said bridge shall be so constructed as
not to materially interfere with the free navigation of said river, or the running of rafts, logs, timber or lumber; and provided further,that said bridge shall be constructed or modified. and such reasonable alterations therein made from time to time as may be required, and according to plans approved by the secretary of war of the United Stated, or such engineer as he shall designate, by the railroad company owning or using said bridge.

Section 2. This act shall take effect and be in force from and after its passage and publication.
Approved March 3, 1885

- Mineral Point Tribune 3/19/1885

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The town of Buena Vista, has voted $5,000 in aid of the Chicago, Freeport & St. Paul Railroad. The town of Lone Rock, Sauk County, also voted $5,000 for the road.

- Watertown Republican 11/26/1884

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Madison, Feb. 27.—Senate bills were concurred in authorizing the Chicago, Freeport & St. Paul Railroad Company to construct bridges over the Wisconsin, Kickapoo, Chippewa, Black and Eau Galle Rivers and Lake St. Croix; appropriating $4,000 for the governor’s contingent fund for the en
suing two years;

- Watertown Republican 3/4/1885

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Senator Sabin introduced a bill granting to the Chicago, Freeport & St. Paul railroad company the right to build a bridge over the St. Croix river or lake between Freeport, Wis., and Taylor's Falls, Minn.

- New Ulm Weekly Review 12/23/1885


 

The New Railroad Scheme.
The following dispatch was sent out from Freeport under date of May 21: The Freeport, Dodgeville & Northern Railroad, the articles of incorporation for which were filed yesterday at Madison, Wis., and Springfield, Ill., is another Illinois Central project. The road is to extend northwest from Freeport, up the Pecatonica River Valley through a rich country to Dodgeville, Wis., a distance of about fifty-eight miles. The incorporators of this road are Isham Randolph, of Normal Park, Chief Engineer of the Chicago, Madison & Northern Railroad, which is a part of the Illinois Central system: Bernt Moe, of Chicago, Paymaster of the Chicago, Madison & Northern; Lewis T. Moore, of Chicago, Chief Engineer of the Illinois Central; James 1. Neff, of Freeport, more than a dozen years attorney for the Illinois Central in Freeport; and Judge James Waddington, of Argyle, Wis. A preliminary survey of the line will be made very soon, but it is not certain yet that the road will be built before another
season. The supposition is that it will some time not very far in the future be extended to St. Paul. The Freeport. Dodgeville & Northern is on the line of the present paper road, surveyed more than two years ago, and known as the Chicago, Freeport A St. Paul. There is no doubt that the Illinois
Central people mean business, and will put this new line through this season or next.

- Iowa County Democrat 5/27/1887

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It is understood, at Madison, that the Freeport, Dodgeville & Northern will next year, be built to St. Paul, while the impression also obtains that the Chicago, Madison A Northern will be continued to Oshkosh, and possibly to the mining country of Northern Wisconsin and Michigan. Both roads
belong to Illinois Central people.

- Iowa County Democrat 8/19/1887

IC line from Freeport to Madison and Portage

MADISON, Wl.
Special dispatch to the Tribune,
Madison, Wl Aug. 10.—At a meeting ot the Board of Directors of the Madison & Portage Railway Company, held in this city this morning, Messrs. James Campbell, O. D. Peck, Winslow Ballon, George O. Clinton, and David Atwood resigned their positions as Directors of the Company, and Messrs. John W. Cary, Alex Mitchell, S. S. Merrill, Hans Crocker, and John C. Gault were elected Directors to fill their vacancies. The new Board elected S.S. Merrill as President of the Company. The Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Company has run the Portage Road for several years, and, by this arrangement, the management will continue under the permanent control of that company. There ore rumors on the street today that the Central have determined to construct tho Madison & Portage Road from here to Freeport, IL, thus connecting the lumber forests of Wisconsin with the prairies of
Illinois in nearly a direct line. It is also rumored here todav that the Illinois Central are seeking a connection with the Wisconsin Central at Portage, by constructing a road from Freeport, by the way of Mazomanie and Merrimac, to Portage. To corroborate this rumor it is stated that the Illinois Central folks had an engineer at Portage looking over the route.

- Chicago Daily Tribune, 8/17/1878